I had already done a lot of research for Rough Riders, keeping notebooks and old photographs. Some of the books were antiques for that time period, with the covers falling off.
I feel more comfortable doing films with groups of guys. It's a lot easier for me. There's a difference with women: you can't take them to dinner every night and go crazy.
I got to talking to an old actor, and he had a bunch of stories about the Rough Riders.
I don't think a director should have any kids. I don't even think it's good for your physical health. Even guys in their 30s look exhausted because directors never get enough sleep. What I do is stressful enough.
I don't care about being a star. I can do a supporting role; I don't have to be a lead.
I didn't know how to go about preparing for the part of someone who can't remember who he is. The frustration angle is written in, but there's also this incredible passive state.
I came in on the tail end of the old school of Hollywood.
I guess if I weren't an actor, I'd be a history professor.
I have family obligations and all that stuff. I get my kids six weeks in the summer, which is a real intense period of time. I'm with them every minute of the day.
Most of what gets made now, you laugh your way through, go home and forget you've seen it.
I'm probably satisfied with my career 80 percent of the time.
I wrote a script. I actually enjoyed writing it more than acting. It's about the Irish rebellion of 1920, which is a fascinating period and place for me.
I was so exhausted after fighting for the project for five years, shooting it was like the Bataan Death March.
I was kind of confused. I thought, Well, if I get drafted, I'll go. Everybody was very concerned with it. I had friends who went. Some that came back and some that didn't.
I like playing flawed characters, people who aren't perfect.