I'm fairly competant as a director and actor, but I am Mr. Neurotic as a writer. I just don't have enough confidence in my abilities to take criticism well. I take it personally. Start with 'It's a masterpiece,' and then tell me what you think could be changed.

My philosophy is, don't take no for an answer and be willing to sacrifice your entire project for freedom.

Any time you're trying to do a movie with a happy ending, it's very difficult because it's been done before and you don't want to be manipulative.

I don't know if I ever really bought into the eternal damnation bit.

I don't view myself as a political leftie. I view myself as a storyteller who is fair to both sides.

There's the theory that nudity doesn't really make something sexy; the characters and their relationship make it sexy.

I couldn't care less about being a presenter at the Oscars.