I wanted to do a political film that is as nonpartisan as can be, because I wanted to do a story that was American. I wanted to tell an American tragedy.

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.

You have to be careful of the advice you take.

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.

I really wanted to make a nonpolitical political film. I wanted something that folks in red states and blue states could look at and not ask if this is the right thing to do to be in this war, but what this war is doing to the fabric of our society.

I've lived in America for many years. I mean, I love being a Canadian, but I truly identify with America. I love America so much.

If there's magic in boxing, it's the magic of fighting battles beyond endurance, beyond cracked ribs, ruptured kidneys and detached retinas. It's the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you.