I started writing 'Leaves Of Grass' when my professional life was falling apart somewhat. I just had a movie implode in pre-production. And so I came back licking my wounds to New York, where I live, and started to write a script about a protagonist for whom the exact same thing happened: His life was falling apart.

I wanted to get the most broad foundation for a lifelong education that I could find, and that was studying Latin and the classics. Meaning Roman and Greek history and philosophy and ancient civilizations.

I love writing about Oklahoma. I love writing Oklahoma characters; I love playing Southwestern characters.

O Brother, Where Art Thou?' was this role that utterly fell into my lap and changed my life.