Otto Preminger Quotes

Powerful Otto Preminger for Daily Growth

About Otto Preminger

Otto Preminger (December 2, 1905 – April 23, 1986) was an influential Austrian-American film director, producer, and actor known for his bold storytelling and unconventional approaches to Hollywood's traditional norms. Born in Vienna, Austria, Preminger initially pursued law but later found a passion for theater, working as a stage manager before immigrating to the United States in 1935. In Hollywood, he started his career in the film industry as an agent and eventually transitioned into directing. His directorial debut was 'Laura' (1944), a critically acclaimed noir mystery that set the stage for Preminger's distinctive style. Throughout his career, he directed numerous films, including 'Fallen Angel' (1945), 'Forever Amber' (1947), and 'Anatomy of a Murder' (1959). Preminger was known for tackling controversial subjects, such as sexuality, politics, and mental illness. His film 'The Moon is Blue' (1953) caused controversy due to its use of the word "virgin," resulting in the creation of the Production Code Administration. In addition to directing, Preminger produced several successful films, including 'Exodus' (1960), a drama about the founding of Israel, and 'Porgy and Bess' (1959), an adaptation of the George Gershwin opera. He was also an actor in his early career, appearing in small roles in films like 'The Shopworn Doll' (1932) and 'Murder at the Vanities' (1934). Preminger's influence extends beyond his filmography. His directing style, characterized by meticulous planning, precision, and attention to detail, was revolutionary in Hollywood during the mid-20th century. He was also a pioneer in terms of gender equality, often casting women in strong roles and giving them equal billing with their male counterparts.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Either you run the day, or the day runs you."

This quote by Otto Preminger emphasizes the importance of taking control over one's own life and daily activities. It suggests that passively allowing each day to unfold without direction or purpose can lead to a sense of being dominated or overwhelmed by events, rather than actively shaping the day according to personal goals, priorities, and values. Essentially, it encourages proactivity and self-direction in navigating life's challenges.

"The secret of a good acting performance is sincerity. If you can fake that, you've got it made."

This quote suggests that the essence of a convincing acting performance lies in authenticity or sincerity. In other words, if an actor can convincingly portray emotions genuinely, they will excel in their craft. The implication is that mastering the art of appearing sincere is crucial for success as an actor.

"I don't believe in 'taking chances.' I believe in making chances."

This quote from Otto Preminger suggests a proactive approach to life, where one doesn't simply wait for opportunities to come their way, but instead, creates them by taking deliberate actions. In other words, it implies that one should not rely on luck or random events (taking chances), but rather, they should actively seek out and seize opportunities to make something happen (making chances). This perspective emphasizes the importance of self-determination, initiative, and persistence in achieving one's goals.

"You can't make pictures just to shock people; the audience has to be involved emotionally as well."

This quote by Otto Preminger emphasizes the importance of emotional engagement in filmmaking, suggesting that creating art solely for the purpose of shocking or provoking an audience is insufficient. He implies that a successful movie should not only challenge viewers but also connect with them on an emotional level to create a more impactful and meaningful experience.

"Everyone wants to be entertained at the movies, but nobody wants to be preached to."

This quote by Otto Preminger suggests that while audiences enjoy watching films for entertainment, they don't appreciate being lectured or having explicit moral messages forced upon them. In essence, it implies a balance between engaging storytelling and subtle messaging is crucial in making successful movies that resonate with the audience without alienating them through didactic preaching.

I never seek controversy or foresee it for my pictures. I take a personal stand, and perhaps because my films are on contemporary subjects, people do not share my point of view.

- Otto Preminger

Point Of View, Films, Foresee

When I was a young actor in Vienna, already my hair was falling out at a rapid rate. I went to a doctor, who said hair was like grass: if you mow it, then it grows back stronger. So I went to Brittany, where nobody knew me, and I shaved my head. When it grew back - only the fringes!

- Otto Preminger

Young, Back, Rapid, Young Actor

I stopped acting when I was 19. The only time I acted again was during the war, when there were no other Nazis available.

- Otto Preminger

Other, Again, Stopped, Only Time

Directing Marilyn Monroe was like directing Lassie. You needed fourteen takes to get each one of them right.

- Otto Preminger

Like, Needed, Each One, None

What counts isn't the frame, it's what you put in it.

- Otto Preminger

You, Counts, Put, Frame

I can't talk about every single film I made. It's not my way to go back into the past and to look at my old pictures and to discuss them.

- Otto Preminger

Past, Old, Made, Discuss

Directing her was like directing Lassie. You need 14 takes to get each one of them right.

- Otto Preminger

Need, Like, Each One, Directing

I do not welcome advice from actors; they are here to act.

- Otto Preminger

Advice, Here, Act, Welcome

When I finish a film, I want to forget it. I never like to repeat myself. Maybe, when I am dead, they will find certain consistencies in the style of my films, but I never want one film to look like another.

- Otto Preminger

Like, Maybe, Films, Repeat

I live in the present. When I finish a film, it is behind me. My reward is in my work, not in a lot of old memories.

- Otto Preminger

Work, Reward, Behind, Finish

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