Lina Wertmuller Quotes

Powerful Lina Wertmuller for Daily Growth

About Lina Wertmuller

Lina Wertmüller (born August 24, 1928) is an acclaimed Italian filmmaker, screenwriter, and actress, who has made significant contributions to the world of cinema with her unique blend of comedy, drama, and political satire. Born in Rome, Italy, Wertmüller grew up in a Jewish family that survived World War II by hiding under false identities. This harrowing experience profoundly influenced her life and work, instilling within her a deep sense of social justice and a critical eye towards society's ills. After studying at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome, Wertmüller worked as a scriptwriter before making her directorial debut in 1965 with "Tre passi nel delirio" (Three Steps in Delirium). However, it was her subsequent film, "The Seduction of Mimi" (1972), that brought her international acclaim. The film, a biting comedy about the clash between traditional and modern values in post-war Italy, earned Wertmüller the prestigious Golden Globe Award for Best Director. Wertmüller's subsequent works, such as "Swept Away" (1974) and "Love and Anarchy" (1973), continued to explore political themes and relationships between men and women. Her films were known for their visually striking imagery, biting wit, and unapologetic portrayal of female sexuality. In 1976, Wertmüller became the first woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director for her film "Seven Beauties." Despite facing criticism from some quarters for her provocative content, Wertmüller's impact on Italian and international cinema is undeniable. Her bold, innovative storytelling continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers, while her fearless examination of societal issues remains as relevant today as it was in the 1970s.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a great sensual shout, and the more you laugh, the more you love, the more you're alive."

Lina Wertmüller's quote suggests that life should be embraced as an intense, vibrant, and sensory experience. It encourages living boldly, with passion, laughter, and love, as these emotions signify a heightened awareness of being alive. The more we immerse ourselves in the joys of life, such as laughing and loving, the more vivid our existence becomes.


"The only thing that counts in life is being awake at the moment of change."

This quote emphasizes the importance of being aware, alert, and mindful during moments of transformation or change in one's life. It encourages individuals to seize opportunities for growth by maintaining a heightened sense of presence and openness, rather than letting changes pass them by without active engagement or reflection. In other words, it suggests that being awake at the moment of change equips us with the ability to adapt, learn, and make meaningful decisions that can positively impact our lives.


"I make films to touch hearts and open eyes."

This quote suggests that Lina Wertmüller, a renowned Italian filmmaker, creates her movies with two primary intentions. Firstly, she aims to evoke emotions in her audience by touching their hearts, which implies a desire to connect on an emotional level. Secondly, she wishes to enlighten people by opening their eyes, meaning she strives to present new perspectives or shed light on important issues through her films. Essentially, Wertmüller's films are a means of fostering empathy and encouraging intellectual growth among viewers.


"Love is an endless cycle of suffering, set into motion by a whim. I go on seeking it because I'm a glutton for unnecessary suffering."

This quote by Lina Wertmüller suggests that love, while often perceived as beautiful and fulfilling, can also be a source of immense pain and suffering. She describes this cycle as unending and self-perpetuating, triggered by a whimsical or spontaneous emotion. The speaker's continued pursuit of love is likened to an excessive appetite for unnecessary hardship, emphasizing the potential torment that love may bring. It's a poignant reflection on the complexities and contradictions inherent in human emotions, particularly in the realm of romantic love.


"The cinema speaks a language that unites us all, a language of feelings, emotions, and dreams."

Lina Wertmuller's quote emphasizes the universal nature of cinema as an art form. Regardless of cultural or linguistic boundaries, films can convey powerful emotions, shared experiences, and collective dreams to audiences worldwide. This universal language transcends individual differences, enabling empathy, understanding, and a sense of global connection through storytelling. Cinema thus serves as a unifying force in our diverse world.


I've always been an angel. Sometimes I transform into a witch only because the filmmaking demands it.

- Lina Wertmuller

Sometimes, Always, Been, Witch

For years, the feminists thought of me as an army sergeant. I was too macho for them.

- Lina Wertmuller

Thought, Army, Feminists, Sergeant

When I was young, I ran to see Astaire and Rogers, Huston, Lubitsch - they were formative for me. I also read 'Flash Gordon' when I was 6, but if I were still reading it when I was 16, I'd have been an imbecile.

- Lina Wertmuller

Been, Still, Read, Flash

When I was a girl, we all wanted to have fun. That's all we thought about. It didn't occur to us to get married and have babies.

- Lina Wertmuller

Have Fun, Thought, Occur, Get Married

Prizes are like butterflies, colorful butterflies that fly away. I don't believe in prizes much.

- Lina Wertmuller

Fly, Butterflies, Away, Colorful

Some feminists have this party-line attitude, and they can be very extremist. The most enlightened characters in my film are women.

- Lina Wertmuller

Some, Film, Very, Extremist

Even American artists are terrorized by market forces. If one can't see the films, my wings are clipped. I am no longer concerned about this, because I'm focused on making films. Perhaps one day someone who discovers sunken treasures will reexamine my 35 or 36 films - I hope it will be 40 or 50 before I die.

- Lina Wertmuller

Die, Concerned, Before, Market Forces

I love life. I love my friends. I love to eat. Too many things, I love. I am very much an anti-historical character. I am attracted to happy people. Happy people with very grave problems.

- Lina Wertmuller

Love, Grave, Very, Love Life

I adore the work of Lucas and Spielberg. I'm certainly not trying to minimize their talents, but I'd love to see what they could do when they aren't leading us from reality.

- Lina Wertmuller

Love, Minimize, Certainly, Talents

Film is my big problem. I am involved too much. I love too much. I've been trying to resolve it for 35 years now, but for now, I have to keep making them.

- Lina Wertmuller

Love, Big, Been, Big Problem

My first customer is myself. When I tell a story I like, I can sleep easy. I'm sorry when audiences don't like it, but I have no choice.

- Lina Wertmuller

Myself, Tell, Like, Customer

I know they call me a crazy lady, but I'm only interested in making movies and having people see them.

- Lina Wertmuller

Making, Them, Having, Making Movies

Ah, in work, love and the movies, everything is a fight.

- Lina Wertmuller

Love, Work, Movies, Ah

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