"The story is king."
Michael Cimino's quote, "The story is king," emphasizes that the narrative or plot of a work of art, be it film, literature, or any other medium, holds paramount importance. In essence, he highlights that a powerful, compelling, and well-crafted story is the heart and soul of artistic expression. The focus should be on the development and telling of a captivating narrative, above all else. This notion underlines the significance of good storytelling in evoking emotions, sparking thought, and connecting with audiences on a profound level.
"I'm an artist, not a technician."
Michael Cimino's statement indicates that he identifies himself primarily as an artist rather than a technical craftsman. This suggests that his focus lies more on the creative aspects of filmmaking – storytelling, characters, emotions, and themes – rather than the technical details such as camera angles, lighting, or editing techniques. He values artistry and creativity above mechanical precision, prioritizing the emotional impact and aesthetic beauty in his work.
"The cinema I love is the cinema of emotion and the cinema of poetry, where the images are more important than the words."
This quote by Michael Cimino reflects a profound appreciation for cinematic storytelling that emphasizes emotional resonance over literal exposition. In other words, Cimino values films that evoke deep feelings within the audience through powerful imagery, rather than those heavily reliant on dialogue or narrative structure to convey their message. This poetic approach to filmmaking allows for a more immersive and intuitive viewing experience, where visuals can speak directly to the heart and soul of the viewer, bypassing the need for explicit explanations.
"When you start out to make a film, you have to be in love with it or else you're going to die in the desert."
This quote emphasizes the passion and dedication required when undertaking a creative project like filmmaking. The "desert" symbolizes the numerous challenges, obstacles, and hardships that are inevitable during this process. To successfully navigate these difficulties, one must have an intense love for their work, which provides the fuel to keep going despite the struggles, ensuring they don't "die in the desert." In essence, the quote underscores the importance of unwavering passion and commitment when pursuing artistic endeavors.
"I think the best films should be like dreams, they're not logical but they leave an indelible impression on your psyche."
The quote by Michael Cimino suggests that great movies should mirror the enigmatic yet profound nature of dreams. They shouldn't adhere to strict logic or linearity but instead, they should create deep, lasting impressions in viewers' minds, impacting their psychological makeup in a unique and unforgettable way. In essence, Cimino believes that powerful films can leave an indelible mark on our psyche, much like dreams do.
Every great movie is about the people, even if it's a great popular success like 'Gone With the Wind.' It's really not about the Civil War. It's about Scarlett and Rhett. That's who you go to see. You're not going to root for the North or pull for the South, or, you know, it's the people you remember.
- Michael Cimino
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