It's misogynistic in nature to try and control a woman's sexual presentation of self. I consider this an issue that is bigger than (one) film.

If the character is true, the movie will fall into place. Or at least that's what you hope.

You have to question a cinematic culture that preaches artistic expression, and yet would support a decision that is clearly a product of a patriarchy-dominant society, which tries to control how women are depicted on screen. The MPAA is okay supporting scenes that portray women in scenarios of sexual torture and violence for entertainment purposes, but they are trying to force us to look away from a scene that shows a woman in a sexual scenario, which is both complicit and complex. It's misogynistic in nature to try and control a woman's sexual presentation of self.

If I eat a huge meal and I can get the girl to rub my belly, I think that's about as romantic as I can think of.

I’ve been lucky, so lucky, working with [...] Rachel (McAdams) on The Notebook. A big draw for me, when I do a film, is who am I going to be opposite, because there’s only so much I can do on my own.

I don't know what art is exactly, but I'm pretty sure it's not something you get paid to do. For myself this is a job. I think it's easier to get better at it if you don't lose your identity in it. You do whatever you can to try to understand the character. Because they're paying you feel like you should be doing something.

You can't make a movie for everybody. You can't go into it trying to alienate people, but you have to assume that you're going to.