There were certain things that I watched, and I screened a series of period films as well, not because I wanted to copy those, because I wanted to be different. “Far from the Madding Crowd” was one I looked to because I thought it looked so good. “Doctor Zhivago.” Unrequited love is always a great thing. “Tess” was something I looked at, I thought Polanski got the period right.

Relationships in general make people a bit nervous. It's about trust. Do I trust you enough to go there?

I'm more than open to hope, but I think men and women have a difficult time dealing with each other and often take the low road.

And I've got some screenplays and plays ready to dip into when I need to.

I make movies I want to see.

Sitting in an automobile was where I first remember understanding how drama works ... Hidden in the back seat of a sedan, I quickly realized how deep the chasm or intense the claustrophobia could be inside your average family car.

And with Aaron, I'd have to find a reason not to work with him.