Emilio Estevez was definitely my first love.
I can tell you it makes a big difference to have a director who is collaborative. What motivates a character in my mind could be completely different from what the director's thinking. You have to have those conversations ahead of time and throughout the process. It affects the performance.
What goes on between the actor and director is sacred.
A lot of actors aren't particularly good directors. And they're not particularly good with other actors. That's kind of a fallacy.
The director I had most involvement with was Alex Rockwell. He gave me a lot of responsibility as an actor.
'Do the Right Thing' was like the first film where I really felt comfortable working with actors.
Having a director who is also an actor makes for that very relaxed way of working and it's empowering.
When I meet a good actor, I would like to be a director. When I meet a good director, I would like to be an actor. When there is a good script, I would like to be both a director and an actor. The switch is very natural, not intentional.
I have to say from an actor's perspective, to work with a director who has been an actor through most of their career is a pleasure. They generally have a very deep understanding of the process of what you're doing, of how you are building and exploring the character.
I think what's great about that relationship between an actor and a Director is you have to really blow away all your thing, the safety things that you put up.
Filmmaking is a creative process so there is a lot of collaboration that happens on set between an actor and director, but at the end of the day, we're there to actualize the director's vision and things happen organically.
I've always wanted to work with Warren Beatty.
I have the most respect for Rick. You're always going to see a Shameik Moore and Rick Famuyiwa film.
Dennis Hopper is one of the great American lives.
Kevin Costner. I love Kevin Costner. That's all I have to say. I love Kevin Costner.
I like working with Kenneth Branagh.
I love working with actors. I do.
Campbell [Scott] also directed me in a film with Hope Davis called Final. That was the first thing we did together, but I've known him for years.
Filmmaking is not a one man show. It is not like I'm thinking something and they are expressing it. I try to pull the actor in and together we try to get the expression. It is not my thinking alone, it is our thinking. The actor also becomes a part of the thought process.
Jeff Bridges is one of my favorite actors in the history of ever.
If I would have planned it, I would have had what Gosling has, that kind of art-house career.
I think that the actors that I work with feel safer with me. Because they know I understand what they go through and I don't see them as chess pieces.
I love Jason Bateman. He's so funny.
It's natural for any actor that segues into directing to be an actor's director. You know how to relate to the actors.
Albert Brooks is definitely one of my biggest influences, for sure.
