There's a belonging problem in Hollywood. Who dictates who belongs? The very body who dictates that looks all one way.
Ava DuvernayRead
I like silence. Aesthetically, I feel strangled by the fast cutting and a wall of sound. And I think showing black people thinking onscreen is radical.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a preference for silence in film and highlights the importance of representation in portraying thoughtful black characters.
Ava Duvernay's quote reflects her belief in the power of silence as an artistic choice in film, contrasting it with the overwhelming nature of fast editing and loud sounds that can dominate the viewer's experience. She also emphasizes the radical idea of showing black individuals engaged in deep thought on screen, which challenges stereotypical portrayals and fosters a richer representation of black lives in media.
Themes
SilenceRepresentationArtThinkingBlack PeopleMedia
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a film class discussion about the impact of sound design and representation in cinema.
More from Ava Duvernay
All quotes βI just don't think there's a lot of support for the woman's voice in cinema, and it becomes really difficult to raise that money and start again every time.
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I didn't go to film school. I got my education on the set as a niche publicist in the film industry.
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I think for female filmmakers a big issue is making their second and third films.
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When we say there's a dearth of women directors, it's not that there's a lack of women who direct: it's a lack of opportunities and access for women to direct and be supported in that.
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I intend to be making films until I'm an old lady. So, if God willing I get there, I need to create a paradigm for myself where I can make it regardless of whether or not they still like what I'm making.
Ava DuvernayRead
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