I interviewed survivors, I went to Poland, saw the cities and spent time with the people and spoke to the Jews who had come back to Poland after the war and talked about why they had come back.

I don't make unconventional stories; I don't make non-linear stories. I like linear storytelling a lot.

The only thing that gets me back to directing is good scripts.

I think in terms of chapters. Every time I finish a movie, it's a chapter. When one of my kids graduates from school, that's a chapter.

I simply adore 'The Simpsons.' I go to bed in a 'Simpsons' T-shirt.

Whatever affect any of my films have on audiences, I just kind of stop at the door. I make them and I just don't go outside after they're over.

'The Color Purple' is the kind of character piece that a director like Sidney Lumet could do brilliantly with one hand tied behind his back.