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
I think there are specific times where film noir is a natural concomitant of the mood. When there's insecurity, collapse of financial systems - that's where film noir always hits fertile ground.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Film noir reflects societal insecurities and turmoil, thriving during times of crisis.
This quote by Werner Herzog suggests that film noir, as a genre, emerges as a poignant reflection of societal moods characterized by insecurity and economic despair. During periods of uncertainty, the themes explored in film noir—such as moral ambiguity, pessimism, and the darker aspects of human nature—resonate strongly with audiences, making it a fitting artistic expression of those times.
Themes
Film NoirInsecurityEconomic CollapseArtSociety
In practice
Example use cases
During a film discussion, one might use this quote to explore how art reflects societal issues.
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.
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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.
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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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