If you change the right mind, then that person can perhaps change the world.

Walk through Santa Monica and try to find somebody who knows a young man or woman who's in this war. Here, war is an intellectual concept. If you lose your son or daughter, it's no longer an intellectual matter.

I try not to think of actors as I'm writing because I think you do them a disservice by writing for things they've already done.

You don't make a film because the audience is ready for it. You make a film because you have questions that are in your gut.

I just want to thank people who take big risks in their daily lives when there aren't cameras rolling. I want to dedicate this award to people who stand up for peace and against injustice and intolerance.

I don't think writers should write about answers. I think writers should write about questions.

Usually the characters are where I start. Then I continually ask myself, 'What's the worst thing that could happen to this character?'