King Vidor Quotes

Powerful King Vidor for Daily Growth

About King Vidor

King Vidor (1894-1982) was an American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his groundbreaking contributions to the development of cinema as an art form. Born in Brooklyn, New York on February 8, 1894, Vidor grew up in a theatrical family that instilled in him a love for storytelling and performance from an early age. After briefly studying engineering at Cornell University, Vidor's passion for film led him to join Thomas Edison's motion picture company in 1913, where he worked as a cameraman and director of short films. Over the next few years, he worked with various studios before landing a job at Paramount Pictures, where he directed his first feature film, 'The Crowd' (1928), which showcased his ability to capture the essence of human emotion on screen. In the 1930s and 1940s, Vidor made some of his most notable works, including 'Hallelujah' (1929), a groundbreaking silent film set in the African-American community; 'The Big Parade' (1925), a landmark World War I drama that helped popularize the epic war genre; and 'Street Scene' (1931), an adaptation of a Broadway play that showcased his keen eye for capturing the vibrancy of urban life. Vidor continued to work in film throughout the 1950s and 1960s, directing notable films such as 'War and Peace' (1956) and 'Island in the Sun' (1957). In his later years, he was recognized for his contributions to cinema with an Academy Honorary Award in 1963. King Vidor's influence on filmmaking extends beyond his body of work. His innovative use of sound, camera movement, and a deep understanding of human emotion helped shape the future of cinema as an art form. He died on January 2, 1982, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I believe in the here and now."

King Vidor's quote, "I believe in the here and now," suggests a focus on the present moment and an avoidance of dwelling excessively on the past or worrying about the future. It implies a mindset that values living fully in the present, appreciating and engaging with current experiences rather than constantly seeking or longing for something more or different. This perspective promotes mindfulness, enjoyment of life as it is unfolding, and resilience in the face of challenges because one's focus is on what can be accomplished and experienced right now.


"The camera is much more than a recording apparatus, it's a medium via which messages reach us from another world."

King Vidor's quote suggests that a camera is not just a device for capturing images, but rather a conduit for communication from another world - the world of stories, emotions, and experiences that are often hidden or difficult to express in words alone. Through the lens of a camera, we can access these untold narratives, gain insights into other people's lives, and connect on a deeper level with the human condition. Essentially, the quote emphasizes the profound role cameras play in documenting and interpreting the world around us, as well as helping to bridge the gap between our individual realities and shared humanity.


"The cinema is not a thing of today or yesterday, it is a thing of the future."

King Vidor's quote, "The cinema is not a thing of today or yesterday, it is a thing of the future," highlights his visionary perspective on the medium of film. He perceived cinema as an ever-evolving art form that transcends time, continually pushing boundaries and adapting to technological advancements and cultural shifts. In essence, he foresaw a limitless potential for the future of cinema, suggesting that it would continue to play a significant role in shaping societies and human experiences well into the future.


"I like to take an ordinary subject and make it a little extraordinary."

King Vidor's quote signifies his creative approach towards art, particularly in filmmaking. By saying "I like to take an ordinary subject and make it a little extraordinary," he conveys that he transforms everyday or commonplace themes into something unique and memorable. This transformation process not only captivates audiences but also imbues the work with a fresh perspective, making them more impactful and meaningful.


"I don't think that I was ever really serious about acting, but I guess you can't help what's in your blood."

King Vidor suggests that his passion for acting may have not been consciously deliberate or calculated, but rather an inherent, unavoidable trait within him due to his genetic makeup or upbringing. He implies that one cannot choose their creative instincts; they are a part of who they are by nature.


A simple story filmed with limited sets can often be more effective than a costly extravaganza. provided it had depth and allows the audience to identify with the character.

- King Vidor

Audience, Sets, Identify, Depth

The Screen Directors Guild was organized solely by and for the motion picture director... We are not anti-anything: The Guild being formed for the purpose of assisting and improving the director's work in the form of a collective body, rather than as an individual, as was necessary in the past.

- King Vidor

Purpose, Rather, Directors, Formed

There is the story in every man's heart of human progress. I believe every one of us knows that his major job on Earth is to make some contributions, no matter how small, to this inexorable movement of human progress.

- King Vidor

Small, Believe, Some, Inexorable

In Hollywood, the cameraman lights the star. In Europe, he lights the set.

- King Vidor

Star, Hollywood, Set, Lights

In my opinion, the motion picture is the greatest medium of expression ever invented. It embraces all the other arts. The films that have the greatest unity, the greatest overall strength, and give the most satisfaction to the viewer, have been those in which a guiding hand was imposed in every section of the film's many divisions.

- King Vidor

Other, Been, Viewer, Invented

The director is the channel through which a motion picture reaches the screen.

- King Vidor

Director, Through, Which, Motion

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