Disney had such a hold on the mind of America-they were Adolf Hitler. The whole country thought Disney was some sort of god and that animation was some sort of pure thing for children.

Animation is tremendously resilient. Animation will recover, as art always recovers. There's always cycles of good art.

The rise of anime had to happen. If the Japanese could tell better American stories, it would go through the roof. They still tell stories which are very much oriental. I take my hat off to them.

Every character in each of my movies is a different side of myself.

Lord of the Rings made me realize that I'm not interested in doing anyone else's work.

Too many of Disney animators, and a lot try to emulate Disney, are trying to hit what they call quality levels. They're boring mannerisms.

I'm from the East Coast. I love the city. I love the characters. I love the kind of people we are, the kind other people look at in amazement.