Brad William Henke and Sam Rockwell in colonial garb and on their commute in a scene from CHOKE

Can you tell us one of your favorite experiences while making a film?

"There have been many. I have shopped for groceries in drag in a working supermarket while shooting 'The Adventures of Sebastian Cole,' made combat landings in Vietnam-era Hueys during 'We Were Soldiers,' and watched Harrison Ford stalk the paralyzed Michelle Pfeiffer on the set of my first script, 'What Lies Beneath.' I loved blowing stuff up and chasing bad guys with Robert Downey and Gwyneth Paltrow in 'Iron Man.' But I don't think I've ever enjoyed anything more than the few days I spent directing 'Choke' in puffy shirt and knickers in my costume as the Lord High Charlie."

Can you tell us one of your favorite movie-going experiences?

"I will never forget when I was about fourteen and my friend, Dave Ludington's mom took us to see 'One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest' at the Varsity theater in Chapel Hill, N.C. I was blown away, by the movie, by Louise Fletcher, Brad Dourif and the ensemble of patients and above all by the astonishing humanity of Nicholson's performance. In retrospect, I think that's when I first started to dream of being part of this world."

NEXT PAGE: On Those In the Movie Industry Who Inspire Him