In drama, the characters should determine the story. In melodrama, the story determines the characters.

Suffice to say that the theme (the WHAT of the movie) is going to determine the style (the HOW of the movie).

There's a powerful magic about being a writer that I still marvel at.

While the goal of all movies is to entertain, the kind of film in which I believe goes one step further. It compels the spectator to examine one facet or another of his own conscience. It stimulates thought and sets the mental juices flowing.

There are no minor decisions in movie making. Each decision will either contribute to a good piece of work or bring the whole movie crashing down around my head many months later.

Good style, to me, is unseen style.

If I don't have a script I adore, I do one I like. If I don't have one I like, I do one that has an actor I like or that presents some technical challenge.