Mike Newell Quotes

Powerful Mike Newell for Daily Growth

About Mike Newell

Mike Newell, born on November 17, 1943, in Northampton, England, is a renowned film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his versatile work spanning various genres. Raised in a theatrical family, his interest in arts was nurtured from an early age. He began his career as an actor on stage before transitioning behind the camera. Newell's journey into filmmaking started with the BBC drama series "Pardon the Expression" in 1967, followed by directing episodes for popular TV shows like "The Onedin Line" and "Upstairs, Downstairs." His feature film debut came with the romantic comedy "Malice in Wonderland" (1979). In 1984, Newell directed the critically acclaimed film "The Awakening," which was a significant turning point in his career. However, it was his adaptation of the bestseller "Howards End" (1992) that earned him international recognition, winning the BAFTA Award for Best Direction and an Academy Award nomination. Newell's repertoire includes adaptations of classic literature such as "Pride and Prejudice" (2005) and "Great Expectations" (1998), proving his knack for bringing timeless stories to life on the big screen. His versatility is further demonstrated in his work on fantasy films like "Enchanted" (2007) and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (2005). Throughout his career, Mike Newell has been influenced by a wide range of artists, including John Schlesinger, David Lean, and Akira Kurosawa. His work reflects a deep understanding of human emotions and relationships, making him one of the most respected filmmakers in contemporary British cinema.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The secret of a good movie is in the cutting room."

Mike Newell's quote, "The secret of a good movie is in the cutting room," emphasizes the importance of editing in filmmaking. It suggests that the true essence of a film is not solely reliant on what is filmed during production, but rather how those elements are skillfully pieced together to tell a compelling story in post-production. The art of editing, from sequencing scenes to managing pacing and rhythm, plays a crucial role in the final impact and success of a movie.


"A good story will tell you what it is about at the end, and the best stories do it at the beginning."

This quote by Mike Newell suggests that a well-crafted story should provide clarity regarding its theme or central idea by the end of it, but the best stories do more than just reveal the meaning after unfolding events; they already hint at their core message from the start. A clever beginning not only hooks the audience but also sets up expectations and establishes a foundation for understanding and interpreting the story as it progresses.


"Movies are like dreams - they live through us as we dream them."

This quote by Mike Newell suggests that movies, much like our dreams, exist as a product of human imagination and creativity. Just as we conjure up dreams in our sleep, filmmakers craft stories, characters, and worlds that become real for audiences when they watch a movie. It implies a deep connection between the audience and the film, as both are actively engaged in bringing the dream to life. The quote highlights the transformative power of movies, which transport us to new places and experiences, temporarily making them our reality.


"I don't know if there's a difference between drama and comedy as long as you feel something when you watch it."

Mike Newell suggests that, in his perspective, the division between drama and comedy may not be significant if a piece of work can evoke an emotional response from its audience. Emotion, whether it's laughter or tears, signifies engagement with the material, which is at the heart of both dramatic and comedic performances. The focus should be on creating impactful art that moves people, rather than strictly adhering to genre distinctions.


"If you can make the audience feel, you've done your job."

Mike Newell suggests that a successful piece of art, be it film, literature, or music, achieves its purpose when it stirs an emotional response in its audience. By making the audience feel something, the artist has successfully created a connection, engaged their emotions, and thus fulfilled their role as a storyteller or creator.


If you are going to do a film about the South Pole, the chances are that you will film it in Hawaii! Whatever is most difficult, you will get to do it.

- Mike Newell

Will, Going, South, Chances

I have a particular love of an actor that I did work with, oddly, in 'Donnie Brasco,' who has since become a wonderful talent: Paul Giamatti. I would love to do a whole movie with Paul Giamatti.

- Mike Newell

Love, Work, Movie, Oddly

I am not Jewish, but I think that America invented nothing so fine as deli food.

- Mike Newell

Think, Nothing, I Think, Deli

I'm not particularly a football fan, but I live in north London, and I can hear when Arsenal score, and it's fantastically exciting. Down the road you can hear the roar.

- Mike Newell

London, Particularly, North, Down The Road

I don't like the term 'chick flick.' I think it denigrates a movie. It has overtones of talking down to women, like they are second best.

- Mike Newell

Think, Movie, I Think, Chick

Romantic comedies are backbreaking to write because they have to be fresh.

- Mike Newell

Because, Romantic Comedies, Fresh

I always wanted to work on films, and when I was starting in television in this country, in Great Britain, there really wasn't any film to be made.

- Mike Newell

Country, Always, Films, Great Britain

What most people do is they make terrific films, one in three if you're very lucky, maybe one in five. So you just have to keep on, you have to get through the bad bits.

- Mike Newell

Lucky, Through, Films, Terrific

It's my view that children are violent, dirty, corrupt anarchists. Just adults-in-waiting, basically.

- Mike Newell

View, Dirty, Violent, Anarchist

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.