I always viewed life as material for a movie.

I feel a real connection to Brooklyn, certainly, because I spent 20 years of my life there, but I don't think of myself as a Brooklyn artist any more than I think of myself as a male artist.

I'm good with a grill. I like to make cheeseburgers - I once read in a David Goodis crime novel that you're only supposed to flip a burger once.

I try to write 'and it's all very funny' after each scene description so that the reader can imagine the movie in their head.

I do think it's a very good way to describe what a great actor does. You're both acknowledging the authority of the director and the necessity of the actor to push back and find their own voice.

Defining yourself by your taste is easier than defining yourself by any genuine stance on something.

I think all my movies are about transitions to some degree.