I've found through experience that I'm only good when I'm writing something that, in essence, only I could write. The times I've written for hire, for other people, I don't think I've done very well.

You're being mean to someone who's helping you. What is that? Everyone knows who the assholes are, and I avoid them.

I recently decided that I'm not an originator. I'm a synthesist.

I think '60s are appealing to creative people, because it seemed to be a time of endless possibilities, when the boundaries of what could be considered popular culture were being expanded almost by the week. It doesn't feel like that anymore. At times, I wish it were so. Radio is a perfect example; good God, I mean, back then the most interesting songs were also hits, and that's just not true anymore. It hasn't been true in a long time.

The brief flashbacks are sun-kissed, summery and optimistic. It's the only place in the movie you will see red, yellow, orange, or any vibrant colors.

You’re supposed to expand your mind to fit the art, you’re not supposed to chop the art down to fit your mind.

Truth and facts have to trump partisanship. There has to be something that's true regardless of what your angle is on it.