I didn't grow up watching film but as a Ukrainian-American, music and stories and dance are crucial.

It's thematic in my career, if you look at most of my choices. It is some level of exploration of maternal angst and maternal heroism.

The writers could always do an about-face and change everything

My father instilled in me - of utmost importance and innate in me is the yearning to determine for myself - to define God, to define holiness for myself.

I grew up in a Christian home. The strictness comes with religion in general. Whether you grew up Jewish or Orthodox Jewish or Muslim, there are certain rules and regulations. But my parents instilled in me the importance of defining God for yourself.

I rely on my directors, a lot. I love being directed.

I have a two-year-old who just turned three, and my four-year-old just turned five. I have the same irrational feelings taking them to pre-school. It's this charged combination of stress and joy and anxiety and excitement. When they're away, you've got a sudden loss of purpose and this ever-present fear about the kid's welfare. The departure of our children from our nest is not an easy thing.