[Alan Berg's] memory haunts many people, even those who never heard him on the radio, because his death could be read as a message: Be cautious, be prudent, be bland, never push anybody, never say what you really think, offer yourself as a hostage to the weirdos even before they make the first move. These days, a lot of people are opposed to the newfound popularity of 'trash television,' and no doubt they are right, and the hosts of these shows are shameless controversy-mongers. But at least they are not intimidated. Of what use is freedom of speech to those who fear to offend?

No movie featuring either Harry Dean Stanton or M. Emmet Walsh in a supporting role can be altogether bad.

There are two things you can't argue in film: comedy and eroticism. If something doesn't make you laugh, no one can tell you why it's funny, and it's difficult to reason someone out of an erection.

When I am writing my problems become invisible and I am the same person I always was. All is well. I am as I should be.

Skateboarding is forever, and things like college and girls only ruin an endlessly savored adolescence.

Nobody looks perfect. We have to find peace with the way we look and get on with life.

I lost faith in the Oscars the first year I was a movie critic - the year that Bonnie and Clyde didn't win.