I think it's important to have had at least a few years of obscurity, where people treat you like everybody else.
Robert De NiroIt's a very stressful thing, directing a movie. You have the budget, you have the schedule, you are in certain confines, and you have everybody giving you advice about what to do.
Robert De NiroAs I get older, I think that things have been pre-determined for me, whether I liked it or wanted it, wished for it, whatever, way before in some way. And with others, you do have a choice that you can change. And that choice that you make is still part of this grand scheme.
Robert De NiroYou draw on whateverโs relevant to the part youโre playing; it makes it more personal.
Robert De Niro