I have, in some ways, saved characters that have been marginalized by society by playing them - and having them still have dignity and still survive, still get through it.
Jodie FosterRead
If I make two movies my entire life, and they're two movies that - whether they make a lot of money or two people go to see them - they speak of me, then I consider them incredibly successful. I don't need to be Steven Spielberg.
Interpretation
Success is defined not by external validation but by personal expression and authenticity in one's work.
In this quote, Jodie Foster emphasizes that true success lies in creating works that genuinely reflect oneself, regardless of their commercial success or popularity. She highlights the value of personal fulfillment and self-representation over the pursuit of fame or wealth, suggesting that even a small body of work can be profoundly meaningful if it resonates with the creator's identity.
In practice
In a graduation speech to inspire students about following their passions.
I have, in some ways, saved characters that have been marginalized by society by playing them - and having them still have dignity and still survive, still get through it.
I'm not interested in being perfect when im older. Im interested in having a narrative. It's the narrative that's really the most beautiful thing about women.
I'm an atheist. But I absolutely love religions and the rituals. Even though I don't believe in God. We celebrate pretty much every religion in our family with the kids. They love it, and when they say, 'Are we Jewish?' or 'Are we Catholic?' I say, 'Well, I'm not, but you can choose when you're 18. But isn't this fun that we do seders and the Advent calendar?'
With 'Taxi Driver,' I had this eureka moment. I realized that acting could be much more than what I had been doing. I had to build a character that wasn't me.
The best reason to make a film is that you feel passionately about it.
I prefer to commit 100 per cent to a movie and make fewer films, because it takes over your life.
Things worthwhile generally don’t just happen. Luck is a fact, but should not be a factor. Good luck is what is left over after intelligence and effort have combined at their best. Negligence or indifference are usually reviewed from an unlucky seat. The law of cause and effect and causality both work the same with inexorable exactitudes. Luck is the residue of design.
Screen credit is valuable only when it's given you. If you're in a position to give yourself credit, you don't need it.
The market does not beat them. They beat themselves, because though they have brains they cannot sit tight.
You have to have talent to some extent - I certainly hope I have talent - but you have to have luck as well. Once you get that first shot, that will get you noticed for the rest of your books and that will give the rest of your books a better chance.
Nothing of value comes without being earned.
Maybe it's a generational thing, but I never wanted to be the best black dancer in the world. I just wanted to be the best.
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