"The quality of one's emotional life changes over the years, doesn't it? But the basic instincts and desires, greed and hope, seem to remain constant. In the larger scope of things, there's a sense of fulfillment to living a creative life. So I guess that's what keeps me going."

"In the course of American history, great steps are taken by ordinary people, and ordinary people are not perfect."

"What appeals to me? There are things, points of view, uses of the language, habits of dress, ways of thought and believing that came to me from my grandparents and came to them from theirs. Things that are of good use in any situation, no matter what the future may hold."

"If military movies were automatically successful we'd make nothing but military movies. But seriously, patriotism is one thing that all Americans have in common."

"All my life I've had the privilege to make my living with my imagination, and the most important thing has been to see my creative life grow. I was educated to do that and have lived accordingly."

"I don't think I would describe my sense of humor. Doesn't sound like the kind of thing I'd do."