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Robert Altman Quotes

Powerful Robert Altman for Daily Growth

About Robert Altman

Robert Altman (February 20, 1925 – November 20, 2006) was an American filmmaker, noted for his innovative storytelling techniques and pioneering work in the New Hollywood era. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Altman grew up in a musical family, which likely influenced his later career in films. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II before studying radio and television at Kansas City's University of Missouri. Altman started his career in television, directing episodes for shows like "Combat!" and "Bonanza." His first significant film was the 1967 comedy "Countdown," but it was his next work, "M*A*S*H" (1970), that truly established him as a major talent. The anti-war satire, an adaptation of Richard Hooker's novel, earned Altman his first Academy Award nomination for Best Director and launched his reputation as a master of ensemble casts and nonlinear narrative structures. Other notable works by Altman include "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" (1971), a Western featuring Warren Beatty and Julie Christie; "The Long Goodbye" (1973), an adaptation of Raymond Chandler's detective novel; "Nashville" (1975), a musical drama chronicling the lives of various characters in the country music scene; "Three Women" (1977), a complex exploration of female relationships and identity; and "Gosford Park" (2001), a period mystery film that won him his second Best Director nomination. Altman's directorial style was characterized by his use of overlapping dialogue, long takes, and extensive improvisation, allowing his actors to contribute to the development of their characters. Despite receiving critical acclaim throughout his career, Altman's unconventional approach often led to box office failures. However, he remained a significant figure in American cinema until his death from leukemia in 2006.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I'm a director. I make it up as I go along."

This quote highlights Robert Altman's approach to directing films. He suggests that he doesn't strictly adhere to preconceived plans or scripts, instead, he improvises and finds solutions in the moment during the filmmaking process. It reflects a creative mindset that allows for flexibility, spontaneity, and an emphasis on the organic development of a project.

"The most important thing about a movie is that it gets made."

This quote emphasizes the practicality and importance of completion in filmmaking, above all else. For Robert Altman, the ultimate goal is to bring a cinematic vision to life on screen. The process of creating a movie, with its numerous challenges and obstacles, carries significant value, as it results in the realization of an artistic idea.

"I don't believe in auteur theory; I think it's a lot of crap. I think that a movie is like a shark, it has to keep moving forward or it dies."

This quote by Robert Altman expresses his rejection of the "auteur theory," a filmmaking concept that suggests a film reflects the personal creative vision of its director. Instead, Altman sees a movie as an organic entity, like a shark, always in motion and unable to stand still without perishing. He emphasizes the importance of continuous progression and movement in the filmmaking process, rather than focusing solely on individual directors' styles or visions.

"If you want a simple answer to a complex question, you go to an idiot."

This quote by Robert Altman suggests that simple solutions or answers to complex problems are not likely to be found from individuals who lack depth of understanding or intellectual complexity. In other words, if you're seeking a comprehensive solution to a challenging problem, it would be more beneficial to consult someone with a sophisticated mindset rather than someone who simplifies complex issues.

"I guess I've always been interested in the human comedy and the human tragedy. That's all filmmaking is – watching people."

Robert Altman's quote suggests that he views filmmaking as a medium to explore both the humor and struggles inherent in human experiences. Essentially, he believes that cinema serves as a window into the complexities of human behavior, allowing us to observe and empathize with others as they navigate through life's comedies (happy moments) and tragedies (difficult times). In essence, Altman captures the essence of storytelling in film by focusing on the relatable and universal aspects of being human.

If you don't have a leg to stand on, you can't put your foot down.

- Robert Altman

Stand, Down, Your, Leg

Filmmaking is a chance to live many lifetimes.

- Robert Altman

Chance, Movies, Filmmaking, Lifetimes

What's a cult? It just means not enough people to make a minority.

- Robert Altman

Enough, Cult, Means, Enough People

If George W. Bush is elected president, I'm leaving for France.

- Robert Altman

Elected, George W. Bush, George W

Maybe there's a chance to get back to grown-up films. Anything that uses humor and dramatic values to deal with human emotions and gets down to what people are to people.

- Robert Altman

Chance, Deal, Films, Uses

Men make clothes for the women they'd like to be with or in most cases the women they'd like to be.

- Robert Altman

Men, Like, Most, Cases

It's all just one film to me. Just different chapters.

- Robert Altman

Me, Film, Chapters, Just One

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