My creative partner is a writer, and he’s got an executive producing credit on this film. We’ve made three films together and I would never underestimate the impact of a writer.
Well I don’t think I’ve scored my life exclusively to Ray Charles.
We all get paid very, very well, and we have responsibilities.
An actor has to embody a role.
It was the era of Tab Hunter and Rock Hudson; they all had a certain look.
It isn’t glamorous until after the film is finished, and you are at the premiere and getting your picture on the cover of magazines.
It’s very clearly stated in the film: You make your own choices, and what you’re always fighting is ego.
Look at Walter Huston in The Devil and Daniel Webster: It’s an incredible performance.
I really believe you can predict when someone has a great attitude, a real well of talent.
Music has always been an important thing to me in my life and understand I’ve worked in the music business.
But the process of making a film is not glamorous. Certainly not my films.
Ray Charles, in his own way, it’s like at the beginning, Ray Charles changed American music, not once but twice.
But, unfortunately, sometimes that affirmation creates a sense that you deserve special treatment and recognition in areas where you’re not so talented.
This devil loves mankind because men are going to always make the choice that will send him into ascendancy. He’s been winning the game for a long time.
I also know what looks good before the camera, how to move the camera, and how to get a story on the screen.
The SAS is the most elite of the special forces in the world. They are not people who go out and advertise; they keep it inside. They don’t want anybody to know about them.
The director’s job should give you a sense of music without drawing attention to itself.
Show business is one of those things that people can use to get themselves out of the lower rung of society.
Russell Crowe is very difficult, but it’s worth it. He’s the real thing. I can tell you this. Russell Crowe was just as difficult before he was an international star as he was afterwards.
The whole concept of the devil is a metaphor on one level.