The thing that is most important is to feel like you're at the front of the line, to be prime or primer. I definitely never wanted to say that in the films, but that's where it comes from.

I had a really generic upbringing, I think, when it comes to viewing movies as a kid. I didn't really know what was out there or what was being tried. I was, like, 'E.T.' and 'Indiana Jones.' Those were the only things I knew existed.

I am a control freak but it's important to feel strongly about the material you're working on.

I hate even the idea of a synopsis. When stories are really working, when you're providing subtextual exploration and things that are deeply layered, you're obligated to not say things out loud.

I don't believe that narrative works when it's trying to teach a lesson or speak a factual truth.

My favorite films are the ones that I walk away from and I know I saw a story.

I don't read books on how to write screenplays just because I'm stubborn. So it's all sort of made up.