I would love to see more women directors because they represent half of the population and gave birth to the whole world. Without them the rest [of the world] are not getting to know the whole story.
Jane CampionRead
For me, being a director is about watching, not about telling people what to do. Or maybe it's like being a mirror; if they didn't have me to look at, they wouldn't be able to put the make-up on.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A director's role is to observe and reflect the talents of actors rather than dictate their actions.
In this quote, Jane Campion expresses her belief that a director's influence lies in the ability to observe and reflect the performances of actors, rather than merely instructing them. She compares her role to that of a mirror, suggesting that without her presence to reflect their abilities, actors might struggle to present their best selves. This highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where guidance and support enhance creativity.
Themes
DirectorArtFilmCollaborationCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
In a film class, to illustrate the importance of a director's observational role.
More from Jane Campion
All quotes →Performers are so vulnerable. They're frightened of humiliation, sure their work will be crap. I try to make an environment where it's warm, where it's OK to fail - a kind of home, I suppose.
Jane CampionRead
It's a luxury to be able to tell a long form story. I love novels, and I love to have a long relationship with characters.
Jane CampionRead
To deny women directors, as I suspect is happening in the States, is to deny the feminine vision.
Jane CampionRead
What I have learned from my work up to now, is to try to be open, but also protect myself by not letting the good and the evil get too much importance.
Jane CampionRead
One of the things we learn in movies directed by men is what the 'fantasy woman' is. What we learn in movies directed by women is what real women are about. I don't think that men see things wrong and women right, just that we do see things differently.
Jane CampionRead
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