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John Schlesinger Quotes

Powerful John Schlesinger for Daily Growth

About John Schlesinger

John Schlesinger, a visionary filmmaker known for his provocative and often groundbreaking work, was born on February 3, 1929, in London, England. His Jewish parents, Richard and Frances Schlesinger, were both prominent figures in the British literary scene. This cultural milieu provided an early introduction to the arts that would later influence John's career. After studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and serving as a conscientious objector during World War II, Schlesinger embarked on a career in television production. His first significant work was the 1960 BBC drama series "Seven Golden Visions." In 1962, Schlesinger made his feature film debut with "Andre's Mother," which earned him critical acclaim. However, it was his next film, "A Kind of Loving" (1964), that marked his breakthrough. This gritty depiction of working-class life in Britain won the BAFTA for Best British Film and launched Schlesinger into Hollywood. His most renowned work is arguably "Midnight Cowboy" (1969), a film about a struggling male prostitute, which became the first and only X-rated film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Other notable works include "Darling" (1965), "Far from the Madding Crowd" (1967), and "Marathon Man" (1976). Schlesinger's films often explored themes of sexuality, class, and identity, reflecting the societal changes of his time. His innovative directing style and unique narrative perspectives solidified his place as a significant figure in the British New Wave cinema movement. John Schlesinger passed away on February 24, 2003, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to be celebrated and studied today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a series of emotional convulsions which we hope will eventually be healed."

The quote by John Schlesinger suggests that life, in essence, is a sequence of intense emotional experiences or upheavals. These emotional disturbances, or "convulsions", are an inevitable part of our existence. Despite the difficulties they bring, we hope, or even strive, for healing and resolution, moving forward in life. In other words, life throws challenges at us, but we seek solace and peace as a result.

"The cinema is a dream machine."

The quote by John Schlesinger, "The cinema is a dream machine," suggests that films have the power to transport viewers into imaginary worlds, thus fulfilling their dreams or evoking emotions as if they were experiencing a dream. This highlights the unique ability of cinema to stimulate the imagination, evoke feelings, and create immersive experiences beyond the confines of reality.

"The most important thing about a movie is to have it made."

This quote by John Schlesinger emphasizes that the culmination of bringing a vision to life through the creation of a film is paramount. It's not just about the concept, script, or ideas; what truly matters is actually executing the plan and producing the movie itself. This perspective underscores the value in action, collaboration, and perseverance in realizing artistic endeavors.

"Making films is not about money, it's about love."

This quote by John Schlesinger suggests that filmmaking is more than just a financial endeavor; it's an expression of passion, creativity, and love. For filmmakers, the process involves investing time, effort, and sometimes personal resources to bring their vision to life. The "love" in this context refers not only to romantic feelings but also to a deep affection for storytelling, characters, and the art of cinema itself. It's about the dedication, determination, and emotional investment required to create meaningful and impactful films.

"Films are like dreams: they live by their own rules."

This quote by John Schlesinger highlights the subjective, artistic nature of cinema. Just as dreams are personal, internal experiences that don't follow conventional logic or reality, films are also creative works with their own unique rules and narratives. These rules can vary greatly from one film to another, reflecting the individual vision of each director, thus making every movie a unique dream-like experience for viewers.

I met a hustler at a dinner party. He had been invited because I was looking for an adviser to help me with the street scenes. So we put him on the film.

- John Schlesinger

Been, Invited, Had, Dinner Party

There are certain actors who are very good at improvising, like Dustin Hoffman and Glenda Jackson.

- John Schlesinger

Like, Very, Dustin Hoffman, Improvising

That attitude toward women as objects may have worked for the late Sixties, but it doesn't do so now.

- John Schlesinger

May, Toward, Worked, Sixties

Oh, the relationship with actors and managers and agents and things is a terrible problem sometimes.

- John Schlesinger

Problem, Sometimes, Things, Agents

Yes, but I think if you look at it with a sort of gay sensibility and want everything to be positive about gay life, it could be interpreted as antigay.

- John Schlesinger

Think, Yes, I Think, Interpreted

I'll never forget the first screening at the Berlin Film Festival. As soon as the film ended there was an outbreak of booing, which made us look at each other with some surprise.

- John Schlesinger

Surprise, Some, Which, Booing

No, United Artists was a very extraordinary organization, because once they had agreed on the director, they believed in letting him have his way. They trusted me, and that doesn't often happen.

- John Schlesinger

Happen, United, Very, His Way

I've never felt that using something with tongue in cheek has been a bad thing.

- John Schlesinger

Never, Been, Using, Bad Thing

I thought his performance was absolutely wonderful and had said so, but he seemed, as actors quite often are when they first see something, to be disappointed. I think he expected more from the film and himself.

- John Schlesinger

Thought, I Think, Had, Disappointed

Still, the film nearly didn't happen a number of times. There were great arguments with United Artists about how to reduce the cost because they were nothing if not conscious of the price of the film.

- John Schlesinger

Happen, Still, Reduce, Conscious

Symbolism perhaps is a bit in your face, and I've tried my best to control that as best I can as I've grown older and thought that one could approach something with a little more subtlety.

- John Schlesinger

Thought, Subtlety, Could, Older

We taped all this and then got it transcribed and picked the best lines or ideas or ways to take a scene. I've done that many times, and it can improve the script but also wreck a perfectly good scene.

- John Schlesinger

Best, Ideas, Perfectly, Wreck

I have a feeling he felt Jon Voight had run away with the film, which he didn't, though he was brilliant in it, in a much less easy part. I just don't know what had got into him, but something had.

- John Schlesinger

Away, Part, Had, Jon

Hollywood is an extraordinary kind of temporary place.

- John Schlesinger

Kind, Temporary, Hollywood, Extraordinary

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