I’ve really had good luck working with younger actors. Every younger actor that I have worked with has always been really on top of their game and fascinating to watch.
I like to work with young people because young people haven’t had their dreams kicked out of them yet. They’re full of confidence and imagination and vision and when they score, that all get’s empowered.
The biggest problem for me was feeling that as I became more balanced and a better man that I wouldn’t have the fire to create from.
If you’re really special, meaning you’re doing something unique and original, it could scare people.
I’ve always maintained that I see myself as a student. There’s always something to learn and be challenged by and hopefully grow from.
I wasn’t any good at romnace. I was a total nerd. My thing is, I was just too romantic. I was the romantic goofball. I wasn’t cynical enough or harsh enough. I cared too much, so I always made a fool out of myself.
My definition of a father is someone who empowers their children.
I always say, “Well if you think it’s over the top, then tell me where the top is first. I don’t think anyone can, but if you can tell me where the top is, then I’ll tell you whether or not I’m over it.”
I think I jump around more when I’m alone.
If you have people that totally support you and have your back, I feel like you have all the confidence in the world, and you believe that you can do things that most people can’t achieve. I feel that’s really important.
Acting is like any other art form, in that you have the option to go very big or go very small.
I really think it’s important that my beliefs don’t impinge upon what you get from the movie. It’s your opinion that matters and it’s far more interesting than mine.
I definitely went through my magic phase. I think all little boys do at some point or another – they get fascinated by magic tricks.
I do enjoy animated movies.
The best characters are the ones that somehow manage to be both attractive and repulsive at the same time. If you do that, you’re at the center of the universe – if you can find characters who are more ambiguous and can raise more questions than answers.
I got into film acting because I wanted to be James Dean. We lost him at a very young age – he was only 24 – but I’m in my fifthies, so there’s only so many times you can act like James Dean. I had to find new ways of expressing myself that kept me fascinated with film performance.
When I won the Oscar, I made a point of actively going against that and doing adventure films like ‘Con Air’ and ‘Gone in 60 Seconds,’ not what would be expected.
I went to New Orleans for the first time for Wild at Heart, and I kept going back to make more movies there. I’ve become very close to the city and part of me does feel like a New Orleanian.
People are losing jobs, people need to be entertained, and I want to make movies that parents and children can look forward to seeing, that can become a kind of family ritual.
First of all the criteria that I have that goes into any career decision is whether or not I have the life experience, emotional resources to play the part truthfully or the imagination. Second, would be the director.