"In a way, you and David Fincher are quite alike, Steven, both of you enjoy moving between art and commerce. The difference is that David seeks a middle path that neither favours art over commerce nor commerce over art, while you keep them distinct, seeing commercial films merely as a diversion, with your true intentions always returning to art.
There's no better way to put it—everyone has their own state, everyone has their own traits, and without these characteristics, any outstanding director would start to lose direction.
Fox Searchlight's decision to abandon the script over a $50 million investment and a series of issues was definitely a mistake. With its documentary-like storyboards and multiple, interrelated storylines, I can see its value, and I believe the film would be outstanding if directed by you. This isn't flattery, Steven; some say I have an incredibly sharp eye, and while that might be an exaggeration, I do have a fair amount of confidence in my own vision."
