So with 'There Will Be Blood,' I didn't even really feel like I was adapting a book. I was just desperate to find stuff to write.

How do I respond to criticism? Critically. I listen to all criticism critically.

Film school is a complete con, because the information is there if you want it.

My older sister was at the cusp of new wave, and I had older brothers from my father's first marriage who were rock 'n' roll guys, so I was exposed to a lot of popular culture.

I remember being taught in school that you would underline things that you liked. I remember just underlining everything as a kid, thinking, 'This has all gotta be important!' I would just underline the whole thing!

There’s a lot for screenwriters to steal from songwriters, in terms of getting to the point.

Of course, I'm no dummy.