All of us every single year, we're a different person. I don't think we're the same person all our lives.

It [Lincoln movie] had nothing to do with politics. It had nothing to do with holding a mirror up to the way we conduct our business on Capitol Hill. This was meant to be a story, a Lincoln portrait if you will. I think any time is the right time for a very compelling story, any time.

My father had many, many veterans over to the house, and the older I got the more I appreciated their sacrifice.

The essence of what it is to be American is the deep moral urge to be free, to freely express yourself and have the right to do so, and to look at all people as equals.

I compose the frame literally with the camera. Unless it makes a story point.

Movies principally require the best of everybody, all at the same time, being the best they can be. Not just like five people being the best they've ever been, and 10 people not being the best they could be. It's like if everybody is either doing their greatest work, or the whole house of cards falls apart.

It all starts with the script: it's not worth taking myself away from my family if I don't have something I'm really passionate about.