It fills me with dismay sometimes when you look at the scripts that do come to you that are primarily focused on violence. There are so many other things to play around with.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I think a good script is a rare thing, and I think no matter who you are you have to fight for the good ones.
I don't believe in using too much graphic violence, although I've done it. It's better to be suggestive and to allow the viewer to fill in the blanks in their minds.
For me, my first hearing of the script matters. It has to excite me as an actor and as an audience.
Lots of people think the violence in the films I make is overwhelming, but they think they're seeing something that they aren't seeing.
I don't feel comfortable with violence, and I'm not sure that I film violent scenes properly, and it's something I'm reticent to do, and yet violence is sort of in all of my films.
I get very tired of violence in crime fiction. Maybe it is what life is like, but I don't want to do it in my books.
A good script is like a work of art in itself. I've read hundreds of scripts, and good ones are very rare. If the writer has something to say, and a voice, and a plot that matches character, and an emotional trajectory that works, then I'd be an idiot to fool around with it. It's just that few scripts ever are like that.
When I read a script, I try not to judge the characters. I try to have an open mind and really see what it makes me feel.
The scripts don't come pouring in; I have to fight for every part.
Theater is so precious about each word - not that it's a bad thing, but you definitely never stray from the script.