I did 'Animal House' in 1978, then 'Local Hero' in 1983, and then in '88, 'Crossing Delancey.' And I realized that every three to five years, you need a big role to put you into the national psyche.

When you get older, unless you're a huge star, the parts become less and the competition becomes greater. Because the guys left standing are the best.

Centralized national decision-making on education reduces the role of the parent and the local districts.

I like Guinness, and that will make anyone Irish. That and soda bread, and I'm good to go.

I got to learn from the American audience. Hearing what it is they're not getting. These are audiences, 35 to 40, an older demographic that controls seven to 10 trillion dollars. And the producers and distributors have convinced themselves this group doesn't go to the movies.

I always have a big idea. It pops up every two to three years.