My first film was a movie shot in 1974. I was 18 on that movie set. It was called 'Big Bad Mama.' I turned 19 on the next movie I worked on, which was a black 'Blazing Saddles.' I worked in the art department. It was called 'Darktown Strutters.'
I've had a life where things have worked out for me beyond my wildest dreams, and my brother's had just the opposite.
It's always good to have no expectations when you see a film. Then you can be pleasantly disappointed or surprised.
What's been nice is that I've been able to direct from a very idealistic place. I've never had to make my living as a director, which gave me a chance to choose material I feel passionate about. The directing allows me to not have to grab any acting role that comes along. I can pick and choose a little bit.
My father always read obituaries to me out loud, not because he was maudlin or morbid, but because they were mini biographies.
It's very liberating to be naked in front of a hundred people, but there's nothing sexual about lovemaking on a movie set.
