Perseverance has kept me going over the years. Things rarely happen overnight. Filmmakers should be prepared for many years of hard work. The sheer toil can be healthy and exhilarating.
Werner HerzogRead
A fairly young, intelligent-looking man with long hair asked me whether filming or being filmed could do harm, whether it could destroy a person. In my heart the answer was yes, but I said no.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the psychological impacts of being involved in filmmaking, highlighting a conflict between honesty and the desire to protect.
Werner Herzog's quote captures a moment of introspection regarding the effects of filmmaking on individuals. He acknowledges the potential for harm that comes from the exposure and scrutiny inherent in the film industry, suggesting a deeper understanding of its psychological toll. However, he chooses to provide a reassurement to the questioner, perhaps indicating a desire to shield them from the weight of such a truth or to preserve the magic of the art form.
Themes
FilmingPsychologyTruthHarmArt
In practice
Example use cases
During a film festival, this quote can be referenced in discussions about the vulnerability of filmmakers.
More from Werner Herzog
All quotes →Hold firm to your vision but don't be a tyrant on set.
Werner HerzogRead
For a moment the feeling crept over me that my work, my vision, is going to destroy me, and for a fleeting moment I let myself take a long, hard look at myself, something I would not otherwise do--out of instinct, on principle, out of self-preservation--look at myself with objective curiosity to see whether my vision has not destroyed me already. I found it comforting to note that I was still breathing.
Werner HerzogRead
Very often, footage that you have shot develops its own dynamic, it's own life, that is totally unexpected, and moves away from you're original intentions. And you have to acknowledge, yes, there is a child growing and developing and moving in a direction that isn't expected-accept it as it is and let it develop its own life.
Werner HerzogRead
Without dreams we would be cows in a field, and I don't want to live like that. I live my life or I end my life with this project.
Werner HerzogRead
Coincidences always happen if you keep your mind open, while storyboards remain the instruments of cowards who do not trust in their own imagination and who are slaves of a matrix If you get used to planning your shots based solely on aesthetics, you are never that far from kitsch.
Werner HerzogRead
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