"I think it's easy for directors to stay fresh more than actors, especially once an actor becomes a star. It's hard for Russell Crowe to walk down a street or take a subway. I can fly coach"

Michael Mann is suggesting that it is easier for directors to remain fresh than actors, especially when a star has ended up being a star. He uses Russell Crowe as an example, keeping in mind that it is challenging for him to do daily activities like strolling down the street or taking the subway. Mann implies that he, as a director, has more freedom to do these things, as he can fly coach. This suggests that directors have more liberty to check out and experiment with their work, as they are not as limited by their popularity. Mann's quote suggests that directors have more creative flexibility than actors, and that this freedom enables them to stay fresh and imaginative.