The more personal you get, the more universal a story you end up telling.

All the things that live within you find their place, in character and story, once you tap into that other space that is the creative writing space.

Life, to me, is never one color. Even in the saddest moments, you can have a chuckle. And in the happiest moments, you can shed a tear.

I think hope is key, in life and in art.

Ultimately, what audiences respond to is truth. Even as fantastical as the story can be, and out there, at its core, it's dealing with loss, madness and mortality.

Casting is very instinctual. I really like to meet people. To me, it's about their essence more than their audition.

It takes forever to make a film. It's a gargantuan thing of untold effort.

If you're gonna take people on a journey that deals with some pretty heavy themes, I think you best have a sense of humor, here and there.

The more exclusive you make yourself in thought and emotion, the more excluded from life you become.

Perhaps the surest test of an individual's integrity is his refusal to do or say anything that would damage his self-respect.

Do not make the mistake of treating your dogs like humans or they will treat you like dogs.

I love women that have an ease to the way they dress. I think Vanessa Paradis and Alexa Chung do that very well.

My mother went to Radcliffe, and rather than just trying to get rich, she wanted to be a teacher and taught for over 30 years in the public schools. She's definitely got some war stories.

I am a defensive tackle that no matter the situation, even if it is in nickel, I can go in there and rush the passer. And I can help the team out on first and second, too. I will get pressure.

I can wade Grief -- Whole Pools of it -- I'm used to that -- But the least push of Joy Breaks up my feet -- And I tip -- drunken -- Let no Pebble -- smile -- 'Twas the New Liquor -- That was all!

People who want to find a place of rest, want to find an integrated personality, sense of self, want fewer fractures in their lives.

I was constantly around all those religious images and to me, angels exist. I feel we were definitely guided and helped and I'm always referring to them in my work.

This nation has gotten away from the principles of the founding fathers under the failed leadership of Barack Obama. This country could use a president like Benjamin Franklin again.