I feel, personally, as an entrepreneur or as an investor or as a businessman, if there isn't passion, then why are you doing it? For me, it's very important to have a personal emotional connect with what I'm doing.

You got to jump in both feet into the deep end and figure out how to swim because the minute you know that there is that one option, you're always going to take that option when it gets really tough. No matter how much willpower you have, how determined you are, it's just human instinct. When you don't have that safety net, you're just going to have to make it work—and that's the way I've always approached my work. I've never given up despite any roadblocks or obstacles or setbacks, and that's it man.

I think brutal honesty coupled with unconditional love and support—I think [those] are some of the most important pillars of a healthy marriage, plus communication.

I don't believe in these things as underrated; I think they're just being sweet. If you're really that good, then they'll recognize you for what you are, and that's it. Your movies do as well as you can do and we should take a bit more responsibility for our work.