Obviously I love 'The Godfather' movies. I think they're phenomenal.

The novel succeeds on terms exclusive to literature. A good film succeeds on terms exclusive to the cinema. That's why so many bad novels can become good movies like 'Jaws' or 'The Godfather.'

When I was a little kid - and even still - I loved magic tricks. When I saw how movies got made - at least had a glimpse when I went on the Universal Studios tour with my grandfather I remember feeling like this was another means by which I could do magic.

My childhood was influenced by the roles my father played in his movies. Whether Abraham Lincoln or Tom Joad in the 'Grapes of Wrath ' his characters communicated certain values which I try to carry with me to this day.

As far as writing I like watching bad movies. Nothing stops me in my tracks more than watching a great film like 'The Godfather' or 'Dog Day Afternoon' or 'The Graduate.' You watch one of those and you never want to write again. Whereas with bad movies it makes you think If that counts I certainly could write.

Going to the movies was a big event in my youth. My father would be the initiator - he'd have me put on a jacket to see a film.

I wasn't allowed to go to movies when I was kid my father was a minister. 101 Dalmatians and King of Kings that was the extent of it.

When I was a little boy I used to borrow my father's hat and make a press card to stick in the hat band. That was the way reporters were always portrayed in the movies.

I never really got nightmares from movies. In fact I recall my father saying when I was three years old that I would be scared but I never was.

When I was twelve I went hunting with my father and we shot a bird. He was laying there and something struck me. Why do we call this fun to kill this creature who was as happy as I was when I woke up this morning.