"As I was coming up on the stage, there was one source that could make or break you, the New York Times. Inevitably there would be one actor singled out for a better review, or worse, than somebody else. The effect of that was cancerous, divisive."

"I do struggle with how much and in which way, as an artist or celebrity, that you voice your political views."

"I like directing. It takes a lot out of you, but I'd like to do it again - I just have to find a story I want to tell."

"Critics can be your most important friend. I don't read criticism of my stuff only because when it's bad, it's rough-and when it's good, it's not good enough."

"What influenced me was Tori Amos, who was unapologetic about expressing anger through music, and Sinead O'Connor. Those two in particular were really moving for me, and very inspiring, before I wrote 'Jagged Little Pill.'"

"Anger is a good motivator."

"I'm shy, paranoid, whatever word you want to use. I hate fame. I've done everything I can to avoid it."

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage."