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A good director's not sure when he gets on the set what he's going to do.
Elia Kazan
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Interpretation

What this quote means

A good director embraces uncertainty and spontaneity in the creative process.

Elia Kazan's quote emphasizes the importance of flexibility and creativity in directing. It suggests that a director's best work often emerges from being open to unexpected ideas and adapting to the dynamic conditions of film production, rather than strictly adhering to a preconceived plan.

Themes

DirectorCreativityUncertaintyArtFilm

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech at a film festival discussing creative processes.

More from Elia Kazan

You've got to keep fighting; you've got to risk your life every six months to stay alive.
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Acting... was the biggest charge I ever had. What other artist has it so good? Approval so quick?
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I've come to believe that everything worth achieving is beyond one's capacity - or seems so at first. The thing is to persist, not back off, fight your fight, pay your dues, and carry on. Effort is all; continue and you may get there despite everything.
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To be a member of the Communist Party is to have a taste of the police state. It is a diluted taste but it is bitter and unforgettable.
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I've lost many of my best friends... I'm going to satisfy myself now, not the critics, not even my friends.
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I would rather do what I did than crawl in front of a ritualistic Left and lie the way those other comrades did betray my own soul.
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Quote by Elia Kazan | QuoteProject