There's a powerful magic about being a writer that I still marvel at.
I only said 'Titanic' is unwatchable because one can not watch it.
All great work is preparing yourself for the accident to happen.
It's art. It's commerce. It's heartbreaking and it's fun. It's a great way to live.
The varying physical characteristics of the actors may also necessitate changes. Sean Connery is six feet four. Dustin Hoffman isn't.
Over-length is one of the things that most often results in the destruction of the movie in the cutting room.