Roland Emmerich Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I like disaster movies because they're a metaphor for our lives: we create something and then we destroy it."

This quote suggests that disaster movies, which often depict catastrophic events causing destruction of human-made structures or societies, serve as symbolic representations of our lives. Much like characters in these films construct and build civilizations, we humans create our own worlds, relationships, dreams, and ambitions. However, just as these disasters can lead to the collapse of what was built, our lives may also experience challenges, failures, or downfalls that bring about change or destruction. The quote encourages us to recognize the parallels between these films and our lives, acknowledging that while we strive to create and build, we must also be prepared for the potential consequences and learn from our experiences of destruction in order to grow and move forward.

"Disasters are always big spectacles - you want to see what happens next."

This quote by Roland Emmerich suggests that people are naturally drawn towards catastrophic events or disasters, not because they take pleasure in the misfortune, but due to a human curiosity that drives us to understand and witness the unfolding consequences of such events. It's a reflection of our collective fascination with the unexpected and the unknown, which is often exploited in films like Emmerich's own disaster movie genre.

"The best thing about 2012 is, it's the end of the world. So I can do whatever I want."

This quote by Roland Emmerich suggests a playful, rebellious spirit. It implies that when the world is supposedly ending (as in his movie "2012"), there are no longer any constraints or boundaries, allowing for an anything-goes approach to actions and decisions. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for creative freedom, as the apocalyptic scenario presents a blank slate where traditional rules no longer apply.

"I am a very visual director. The first idea comes from images in my head."

This quote indicates that director Roland Emmerich primarily relies on visual imagery for his creative inspiration. He starts his filmmaking process with mental pictures rather than initial ideas stemming from abstract concepts or scripts. His approach emphasizes the power of vivid, sensory storytelling through a strong emphasis on visuals in his work.

"When you grow up with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, you cannot do small movies."

This quote highlights Roland Emmerich's formative influence from the iconic bands, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, which instilled in him a desire to create grandiose, impactful, and groundbreaking cinema, rather than smaller, less notable productions. The larger-than-life personas of these musicians may have fueled his ambition to produce epic films that resonate with a global audience, much like the enduring legacies of the bands themselves.