Newlyweds shooting budget: 5k for actors, 2k insurance, 2k food and drink. 9k in the can. We only shot 12 days. That's how to make an independent film.

That's my advice for indie filmmakers: Marry a supermodel.

It's an enormous wall that's built between you and your dreams. And if every day, you just chip away... It may take ten years, but eventually you just might see some light.

I feel Irish-Americans are the forgotten minority group. Nobody else is making films about them.

I suffer from Irish-Catholic guilt. Guilt is a good reality check. It keeps that ‘do what makes you happy’ thing in check.

I am a big fan of the old Howard Hawks films from the 30s and 40s, I was a big Hepburn and Tracey fan for a while and Woody Allen films that are a very different kind of romantic comedy.

But at a certain point, you have to take your influence and find your own voice if you want to become a relevant artist.

I'm always aware of who my core audiences are and I serve that niche.

I try not to be too plot-heavy and to balance the dramatic with the comedic.

Brothers McMullen' would not be picked up for theatrical distribution now.

Trust your actors. That's why I work with the same actors time and time again. I encourage them to change the dialogue to achieve one thing: keep the characters honest.

I sing about life. I am happy, but life is sad.

Knowing who you are is more valuable than having ten 'friends' who don't even know who they are, but who judge you anyway.

When you let it go with love, but without expectations, it is forever yours.

I really lack the words to compliment myself today.

Stop seeing the obstacles you face as reasons why you can't do something. See them as a reason why you can. And celebrate your accomplishments on a daily basis.

I believe we can incentivize more affordable health care in general by better regulating insurance and creating meaningful competition for health care services.

There is no excuse for this administration shielding information about Iraq and the fact that we have great difficulties there from the American people.

A tragedy need not have blood and death; it's enough that it all be filled with that majestic sadness that is the pleasure of tragedy.

I never suffered from the absence of a father. On the contrary, as a child I was more inclined to see men as a disturbing factor. It made things difficult for me when I started working as a director.

And children, if your parents haven't been teaching you what it means to be an American, let 'em know and nail 'em on it. That would be a very American thing to do.