Notes

CHAPTER ONE

1. “Piece of shit” is a phrase I use comfortably in everyday conversation. In this context it’s meant to be both funny and descriptive, but not mean-spirited. It does, however, reflect a certain point of view, which I can’t deny.

2. Please forgive me for being pompous, and grant me a little fun. There’s a very thin line between delusions of grandeur and extraordinary human achievement, if only in the early stages of planning. If I succeed—wonderful! If I fail—well, at least you all were gracious enough not to spoil my good time.

CHAPTER SIX

3. Please take the paranoia reference in the spirit it’s intended: Funny, people, funny …

4. Not that I have anything against comic books. In fact, one of my goals now is to work on a film actually based on a comic book.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

5. I hold nothing against Elliott, either. The fact is, he’s a good man and a gifted actor. When we wrapped The Rules of Marriage, he presented me with a gift: a tiny mezuzah inscribed with the words, “Forever, Elliott.” That, in the end, far outweighed any discomfort I might have experienced on the set.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

6. John now claims to have sent his stunt double. He knows, or should know, that he doesn’t need a tattoo to be a permanent, deserving, and integral member of our Fellowship—for all time.