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Filmmaking is exploring. Why would I want to make a film about something I already understand?
John Cassavetes
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Filmmaking is about discovery and understanding the unknown, rather than reiterating what is already known.

In this quote, John Cassavetes expresses the idea that filmmaking should be a journey of exploration and innovation. He suggests that true creativity arises from delving into topics and themes that challenge us or provide new insights, rather than merely replicating experiences that are already familiar. This perspective emphasizes the importance of curiosity and the pursuit of deeper understanding in the creative process.

Themes

FilmmakingExplorationCreativityUnderstandingInnovation

In practice

Example use cases

During a film festival, this quote can be used to spark discussions about the importance of exploring new themes in cinema.

More from John Cassavetes

I have a one-track mind. That's all that I'm interested in - love. And the lack of it. When it stops.
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I like to act in films, I like to shoot 'em, I like to direct 'em, I like to be around 'em. I like the feel of it and it's something I respect. It doesn't make any difference whether it's a crappy film or a good film. Anyone who can make a film, I already love. But I feel sorry if they don't put any thought in it because then they missed the boat.
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There is no reason why a serious film, one about life, can't be enjoyable, maybe even fun. Emotions can be very entertaining, you know. I try to use them generously in my films.
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My parents allowed their two sons to be individuals. My family was a wild and wonderful place, with lots of friends and neighbors visiting and talking loud and eating loud and nobody telling the children to be quiet or putting them down.
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There's a difference between ad-libbing and improvising. And there's a difference between not knowing what to do and just saying something. Or making choices as an actor. As a writer also, as a person who's making a film, as a cameraman, everything is a choice. And it seems to me I don't really have to direct anyone or write down that somebody's getting drunk; all I have to do is say that there's a bottle there and put a bottle there and then they're going to get drunk.
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As an artist, I feel that we must try many things - but above all we must dare to fail.
John CassavetesRead

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Quote by John Cassavetes | QuoteProject