As an actor I am always waiting for my luck to run out.
The same way that I know that I'll never do a movie as good or as celebrated as 'Forrest Gump,' I know that I'll never do a movie as bad as 'Bonfire of the Vanities.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the recognition of both achievements and failures in one's career. It highlights a sense of humility and self-awareness in an artist's journey.
In this quote, Tom Hanks expresses an understanding of the highs and lows in his film career. He acknowledges that while 'Forrest Gump' stands as a pinnacle of success in terms of acclaim and achievement, he also accepts that not every project will resonate positively with audiences, as exemplified by 'Bonfire of the Vanities.' This sentiment emphasizes that success and failure are integral parts of any creative endeavor, and that one must embrace both experiences.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to aspiring filmmakers, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of accepting both successes and failures in the creative process.
More from Tom Hanks
All quotes βEven the simplest choice can make a jaw-dropping difference in our world.
My kid could get a bad X-ray and I could get a call from the doctor saying I have something growing in my bum and that would change my perspective on everything instantaneously, on what is and what is not important.
Back in World War II, we viewed the Japanese as 'yellow, slant-eyed dogs' that believed in different gods. They were out to kill us because our way of living was different. We, in turn, wanted to annihilate them because they were different. Does that sound familiar, by any chance, to what's going on today?
I think it's better to feel good than to look good.
If you look at romantic comedies as pieces of commerce, the audience is looking for wish fulfillment.
Similar quotes
No one's just going to hand you a career. I waited for years for someone to hand me one and it never happened.
I played in front of every conceivable audience you could face: an all-black audience, all-white, firemen's fairs, policemen's balls, in front of supermarkets, bar mitzvahs, weddings, drive-in theaters. I'd seen it all before I ever walked into a recording studio.
Frankly I've never really subscribed to these adjectives tagging me as an 'icon', 'superstar', etc. I've always thought of myself as an actor doing his job to the best of his ability.
Achievement is talent plus preparation
When it comes to fundraising for a social enterprise, if you are pursuing your true passion, you'll learn to become great at your craft because you'll care so much about perfecting the skills necessary to make that dream a reality.
One thing about a film production is that it must run efficiently; there is no room for dead wood. So somebody that hangs around by the coffee wagon won't get hired again, but somebody who is dedicated and works hard and really puts out will get noticed by the people that matter around there and will get asked to come back again.