"I like it when somebody tells me a story, and I actually really feel that that's becoming like a lost art in American cinema."

"All my movies are achingly personal."

"I'm not a Hollywood basher because enough good movies come out of the Hollywood system every year to justify its existence, without any apologies."

"Movies are not about the weekend that they're released, and in the grand scheme of things, that's probably the most unimportant time of a film's life."

"My parents never really lecture me."

"I don't know if it's how I speak or what it is about me that presents that sort of label, but I don't know how many times I have to be out in public with a girlfriend to stop that from being said."

"Imparting knowledge is only lighting other men's candles at our lamp without depriving ourselves of any flame."

"In complete darkness we are all the same, it is only our knowledge and wisdom that separates us, don't let your eyes deceive you."