Joel Siegel Quotes

Powerful Joel Siegel for Daily Growth

About Joel Siegel

Joel Siegel (August 19, 1944 – December 18, 2007) was a renowned American film critic, journalist, and television personality known for his vibrant personality and infectious enthusiasm for cinema. Born in New York City to Jewish immigrants, he grew up in the Bronx, fostering an early love for movies. This passion led him to study Film at Columbia University. Siegel's career took off when he joined ABC News in 1972 as a general assignment reporter. However, his true calling came in 1976 when he was assigned to cover the Academy Awards, leading to a long-term position as a film critic for ABC. His charismatic style and deep knowledge of films made him a beloved figure on television. Siegel's major works include serving as the chief movie critic for both Good Morning America and ABC News at Large. He also hosted several specials, including 'Joel Siegel's Movie Magic' and 'The joel mama show.' His reviews were widely read in The New York Daily News and his syndicated newspaper column 'Joel Siegel Says.' Throughout his career, Siegel interviewed countless Hollywood stars and attended numerous premieres. He was the first American film critic to interview Steven Spielberg on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. His influence extended beyond criticism, as he helped bring attention to independent films and documentaries. Despite battling cancer for many years, Siegel continued to work until his death in 2007. His legacy lives on through the Joel Siegel Award for Excellence in the Arts, established by Good Morning America in his memory. The award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment and the arts.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"There's no business like show business, but there are cheaper ways of having a nervous breakdown."

This quote by Joel Siegel humorously highlights the stressful and intense nature of the entertainment industry, often referred to as "show business." The phrase "there's no business like show business" is an allusion to the classic song from the Broadway musical "Easter Parade," emphasizing the glamour and excitement associated with it. However, Siegel adds a touch of realism by suggesting that the pressures of this industry can lead to mental health issues, and that perhaps there are less expensive ways to experience such distress. In essence, he is pointing out both the allure and the potential perils of show business.


"The movies I love have a heart. They touch your soul and make you feel something."

This quote highlights that the most impactful movies are those which deeply resonate with us emotionally, evoking feelings beyond mere entertainment. They possess an authentic core or "heart," connecting with viewers on a personal level, and ultimately leave a lasting impression by touching our innermost feelings and stirring our emotions.


"When you watch a film, it takes you to another world for a little while. That's the beauty of cinema."

This quote beautifully captures the transformative power of cinema. It suggests that when we engage with films, they temporarily transport us to different realms or stories, providing an escape from our daily lives. The magic of cinema lies in its ability to create immersive experiences that allow us to explore diverse worlds, emotions, and perspectives, thereby enriching our own understanding and empathy.


"A great movie is three things: It has a beginning, a middle, and an end – and everything in between makes sense."

This quote by Joel Siegel emphasizes the importance of structure and coherence in storytelling. A great movie, according to Siegel, is one where every element, from the initial setup to the climax, is connected logically and serves a purpose. It suggests that a well-crafted narrative should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with a consistent flow of events that reinforce the story's theme or message, thereby creating a satisfying viewing experience for the audience.


"The best movies are not just entertainment; they touch your heart and make you think."

This quote by Joel Siegel emphasizes that great films offer more than mere amusement or diversion. They have the power to evoke deep emotions within us, connecting on a personal level. Moreover, they stimulate our minds, encouraging introspection and thoughtfulness about life, humanity, and society. These films create an unforgettable impact by leaving audiences with something meaningful to reflect upon long after the credits roll.


You can't believe Russell Crowe is the same actor who won an Oscar one year ago for Gladiator.

- Joel Siegel

Believe, Year, Oscar, Gladiator

Maybe by his second year in Hogwarts, Harry Potter will learn the trick to making a movie this good, but don't bet on it. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is one of the best films of the year.

- Joel Siegel

Year, Movie, Maybe, Potter

Television news was expanding to an hour, and producers did not know how to fill the space and time.

- Joel Siegel

News, Television, Expanding, Space And Time

Samuel L. Jackson is one of the best actors there is.

- Joel Siegel

Best, Jackson, Samuel

There are scenes here and effects here that would make George S. Patton wince.

- Joel Siegel

Here, Effects, Would, Wince

What I learned from this movie, 40 Days and 40 Nights: Abstinence can be a very good thing. Especially from box offices where this film is playing.

- Joel Siegel

Movie, Very, Learned, Abstinence

Real movie producers aren't this nice.

- Joel Siegel

Nice, Real, Movie, Producers

I started crying 20 seconds into the movie and didn't stop till it was over.

- Joel Siegel

Over, Seconds, Till, Crying

I have no idea why one of our most original filmmakers would want to spend two years of his life translating someone else's movie from Spanish into English. And it wasn't such a good film in Spanish, either.

- Joel Siegel

Movie, Idea, Translating, Filmmakers

The studio should not have released this film.

- Joel Siegel

Film, Should, Studio, Released

I do my best not to have any expectations when I go into a movie because it's not fair.

- Joel Siegel

Best, Go, Movie, Not Fair

If you fight back and get hit, it hurts a little while; if you don't fight back it hurts forever.

- Joel Siegel

Back, Get, Hurts, Hit

When all the performances are excellent, critics understand it's the direction.

- Joel Siegel

Understand, Excellent, Critics

They are words you don't easily forget: I don't have good news.

- Joel Siegel

Words, Forget, News, Good News

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