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When I am shooting a film I never think of how I want to shoot something; I simply shoot it.
Michelangelo Antonioni
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of spontaneity and instinct in the creative process.

Michelangelo Antonioni highlights the essence of artistic expression, where the act of creation should flow naturally rather than being overshadowed by preconceived notions or deliberate planning. By stating that he does not overthink how to shoot a film, he expresses a belief in the instinctive and organic nature of creativity, suggesting that true art emerges when one is fully present in the moment.

Themes

CreativityArtInstinctSpontaneityFilm

In practice

Example use cases

An artist explaining their approach during a workshop.

More from Michelangelo Antonioni

I don't want what I am saying to sound like a prophecy or anything like an analysis of modern society... these are only feelings I have, and I am the least speculative man on earth.
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All the characters in my films are fighting these problems, needing freedom, trying to find a way to cut themselves loose, but failing to rid themselves of conscience, a sense of sin, the whole bag of tricks.
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We live in a society that compels us to go on using these concepts, and we no longer know what they mean.
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I began taking liberties a long time ago; now it is standard practice for most directors to ignore the rules.
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I am neither a sociologist nor a politician. All I can do is imagine for myself what the future will be like.
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Till now I have never shot a scene without taking account of what stands behind the actors because the relationship between people and their surroundings is of prime importance.
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