Irving Thalberg Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Art is not a pastime, it's a passion. And if you don't catch it young, you never will."

This quote emphasizes that art is not just a casual hobby or diversion; rather, it's a profound and compelling interest that grips one deeply. Thalberg suggests that to truly experience this passion for art, it must be cultivated at an early age. If art remains unacknowledged or undeveloped during the formative years, it may never ignite in one's life. In essence, he underscores the importance of nurturing and recognizing creative potential in young individuals to foster a lifelong passion for the arts.

"Cinema, like all the arts, is a spiritual medium. The more spiritual an artist, the greater his or her contribution to the world of the cinema."

This quote by Irving Thalberg suggests that filmmaking, like other forms of art, has a profound spiritual dimension. According to Thalberg, the most spiritually-attuned artists have the capacity to create the greatest contributions to cinema. In essence, he's implying that great films are born from an elevated perspective and deep understanding of life, emotions, and human experience. These spiritual qualities, when expressed through film, can enrich and transform our collective consciousness.

"The most important thing we have to remember is this: it's not a job, it's an adventure."

This quote by Irving Thalberg suggests that work or profession should not be viewed merely as a means to earn a living, but rather as an exciting journey of exploration and discovery. It encourages individuals to embrace their careers with enthusiasm, curiosity, and passion, treating each day as a new adventure filled with learning, growth, and fulfillment.

"I believe that a motion picture has no true value unless its theme is universal, and that the test of a good picture is the test of time."

Irving Thalberg's quote emphasizes the importance of creating films with themes that resonate universally across cultures and generations. In other words, a good movie should contain a message or idea that transcends its immediate context to touch upon universal human experiences, emotions, or truths. Moreover, he suggests that the quality of a film can be gauged by its ability to endure over time, demonstrating its relevance and impact beyond the confines of its initial release.

"There are two kinds of pictures: those that entertain the public and those that entertain the investors."

This quote by Irving Thalberg emphasizes the dual nature of films or movies. On one hand, they serve to entertain the general public, providing them with a source of enjoyment and escape from everyday life. On the other hand, the production of these films also has an economic aspect; they must be financially viable for investors (producers, studios, etc.) who put money into their creation. Hence, it suggests that while art and entertainment are essential, there is also a strong focus on financial success in the movie industry.