I think every film I make that puts characters in jeopardy is me purging my own fears, sadly only to re-engage with them shortly after the release of the picture. I'll never make enough films to purge them all.

After a scary movie about the world almost ending, we can walk into the sunlight and say, "Wow, everything's still here. I'm OK!" We like to tease ourselves. Human beings have a need to get close to the edge, and when filmmakers or writers can take them to the edge, it feels like a dream where you're falling, but you wake up just before you hit the ground.

The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.

Science fiction really is the only genre that lets you use your imagination without limitations.

There is something that you have that no one else ever had ... When you watch Kirk's [Douglas] performance in anything, in anything he's ever done, you cannot take your eyes off of him. It's not possible to look away from him.

I missed my dad a lot growing up, even though we were together as a family. My dad was really a workaholic. And he was always working.

I just think that the qualities of leadership are unknown even to the leader until he's tested and given a challenge.