I'm a huge fan of the films of the '70s and even into the '80s, Sidney Lumet, all those films that used what was going on in people's lives as drama. And not only are you entertained, but hopefully have a greater understanding of your world coming out of it.

I think my films kind of walk this line that I'm proud of, that they feel sort of like films of my youth, which were far more commercial.

When I'm writing a movie, it's usually pretty close to what the movie is going to be, which is just a luxury of being a writer-director.

When I have people around, I'm a chatterbox. But when I'm alone, I never speak. I don't talk to myself; it's just not my schtick.

Life is God's novel. Let him write it.

The recent blind faith some Republicans have shown toward free trade actually represents more of an aberration than a hallmark of true American conservatism. It's an anomaly that may well demand re-examination.

Faith is building on what you know is here, so you can reach what you know is there.

I tremble for my country when I hear of confidence expressed in me. I know too well my weakness, that our only hope is in God.