I'll be vilified if I shoot a film in Toronto for New York. And rightfully so!

'25th Hour,' like a lot of my films, takes place in New York City. I've been very fortunate to make films in the city that I live. I mean, it's great going home at night instead of being on location.

Because many advances have happened, we've lost the urgency (and that's just human nature) that we had before, when we couldn't vote, couldn't use mass transportation, or drink from the fountains.

I'm trying to keep up with what's happening in this turbulent world.

'Do the Right Thing' was like the first film where I really felt comfortable working with actors.

What's the difference between Hollywood characters and my characters? Mine are real.

Power is knowing your past.