Usually, when special effects get in the way, it's because the story isn't strong enough. If you don't start with a strong screenplay, it's easy to fall back on special effects, thinking it's going to carry you. But it never works. It's just tiresome.
I think moviemakers are dramatists.
I don't ever blink, honestly.
It's everything and I always make decisions about the cast.
The whole process of making movies and writing screenplays is visceral and intuitive.
If I have to, I'll go and direct theater and talk till the cows come home.