Arthur Hiller Quotes

Powerful Arthur Hiller for Daily Growth

About Arthur Hiller

Arthur Hiller (February 8, 1923 – August 11, 2016) was a prolific American film director, producer, and actor, known for his diverse body of work spanning over five decades. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hiller showed an early interest in the world of entertainment, starting his career as a child actor on radio broadcasts. Hiller's professional journey took off when he began working as a script reader for MGM Studios. He then transitioned into directing television shows before making his mark in feature films. His directorial debut was with the 1967 comedy "What's New Pussycat?" which launched him onto the international stage. One of Hiller's most notable works is the romantic comedy "Love Story" (1970), a heart-wrenching tale that became a cultural phenomenon and catapulted Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neal to stardom. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Hiller continued to deliver popular films such as "The In-Laws" (1976), starring Peter Falk and Alan Arkin, and the comedy classic "Silver Streak" (1976) with George Segal. His other notable works include "The Man" (1972), "So Fine" (1981), and "Eight Is Enough" (1987). Throughout his career, Hiller was known for his ability to work comfortably within various genres and for fostering a collaborative environment on set. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Directors Guild of America in 2003, recognizing his significant contributions to cinema. Arthur Hiller's legacy continues to influence filmmakers today, leaving behind a rich body of work that reflects the spirit and mood of American culture during his active years.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The harder you work for something, the greater you'll appreciate it."

This quote suggests that the effort and dedication one invests in achieving a goal or acquiring something increases the value they place on it. The implication is that those who work hard to achieve their goals will not only be more successful, but also have a deeper appreciation and respect for what they've accomplished, making it all the more meaningful and satisfying to them.


"A successful movie is has to have three things - a good story, a good cast, and a good marketing campaign."

This quote by Arthur Hiller emphasizes that for a successful movie, three crucial elements are required: a compelling narrative (good story), talented actors who can bring the characters to life (good cast), and a well-executed marketing strategy to reach the intended audience effectively (good marketing campaign). In other words, the combination of an engaging plot, skilled performers, and strategic promotion is key to movie success.


"You can write a million bad words, but once in a while one of them will be good."

This quote emphasizes that even in the face of consistent imperfections or setbacks, there is always potential for success or excellence. It suggests that with persistent effort and practice, even in seemingly mundane tasks such as writing, one can eventually produce something of value among a vast quantity of lesser quality work.


"The best kind of humor is the kind that makes you think."

This quote by Arthur Hiller emphasizes the value of thought-provoking humor, which encourages intellectual engagement and stimulates critical thinking skills. By making us think, it can help broaden our perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and enrich our understanding of the world around us. Such humor, in essence, serves as a tool for learning and personal growth.


"When I'm working with actors, I try to make it as much fun for them as possible, because if they're having a good time, the audience will have a good time too."

This quote emphasizes that a positive, enjoyable work environment for actors contributes significantly to the quality of their performance and, in turn, to the overall enjoyment of the audience. The idea is that when performers feel relaxed and engaged, they are more likely to deliver authentic and captivating performances which in turn create an enjoyable experience for spectators.


We cut a few corners and brought the picture in under budget by $25,000, so Paramount let us go back to Boston with a small crew to shoot some additional footage.

- Arthur Hiller

Small, Boston, Some, Budget

We'd be working in our motel room through the night, and I'd come up with an idea at two in the morning, and he'd start jumping up and down, pacing across the room, or whatever.

- Arthur Hiller

Through, Idea, Jumping, Pacing

So I decided to move that scene in the doctor's office to two-thirds into the movie, after the viewers had come to know Ryan and Ali and share in their happiness.

- Arthur Hiller

Move, Ryan, Two-Thirds, Ali

Do you remember a scene with Ryan and Ali playing in the snow? Well, that was improvised.

- Arthur Hiller

Remember, Improvised, Ryan, Ali

Anyway, he and I worked on the script together, and I must say he was a joy to work with. Very enthusiastic.

- Arthur Hiller

Joy, Very, Worked, Enthusiastic

Howard Minsky had gotten the script to her agent prior to my involvement.

- Arthur Hiller

Involvement, Agent, Gotten, Prior

Originally the film opened with Ryan in the doctor's office, being told his wife is dying. Then we see him walking the streets, and the story is told in flashback.

- Arthur Hiller

Wife, Streets, Ryan, Flashback

I thought we were making a nice little movie. That's how it was regarded by everyone else, too.

- Arthur Hiller

Movie, Making, Everyone Else, Regarded

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