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Samuel Fuller Quotes

Powerful Samuel Fuller for Daily Growth

About Samuel Fuller

Samuel Fuller (1911-1997) was an American filmmaker, screenwriter, and novelist, renowned for his distinctive noir visual style and unorthodox narrative techniques. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on July 9, 1911, he grew up in a working-class Jewish family with strong ties to the entertainment industry. Fuller's father was an actor and vaudevillian, and his mother ran a theater. At the age of 14, Fuller dropped out of school to work as a reporter for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. His journalistic experiences later informed his storytelling in films such as "Pickup on South Street" (1953) and "The Big Red One" (1980). In 1934, Fuller moved to New York City to pursue a career in writing and publishing, eventually making his way into Hollywood. Fuller's directorial debut came with the low-budget World War II film "I Shot Jesse James" (1949), which he wrote, produced, and directed. His subsequent works include the groundbreaking noir "Underworld U.S.A." (1961), the war drama "Fixed Bayonets!" (1951), and the neo-noir masterpiece "Shock Corridor" (1963). Known for his rebellious nature, Fuller was not afraid to tackle controversial subjects in his films. His work often reflected his political views, with themes of war, corruption, and social justice prevalent throughout his body of work. Despite facing numerous challenges within the Hollywood system, Fuller continued to push boundaries and maintain creative control over his projects. In addition to filmmaking, Fuller wrote several novels, including "The Crimson Kill" (1950) and "China Gate" (1957), which were later adapted into films by other directors. Throughout his career, Fuller's unique vision and storytelling abilities made him a significant figure in American cinema. He passed away on November 30, 1997, but his influential work continues to resonate with audiences today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I don't believe in pessimism. It's absolutely crippling. I think an optimistic but realistic outlook is essential for survival."

This quote by Samuel Fuller highlights the importance of a positive yet practical worldview for enduring life's challenges. He advocates against pessimism, arguing that it can be debilitating, instead promoting an optimistic attitude balanced with a realistic understanding of circumstances. This outlook not only fosters hope and resilience but also encourages individuals to find solutions and overcome adversity effectively.

"The world will always welcome dreamers. They may not possess much actual knowledge, but they strive with all their soul."

This quote by Samuel Fuller underscores the importance and value of dreamers in society. Dreamers are individuals who aspire to achieve great things, often beyond the realm of current reality or knowledge. They may not possess extensive practical knowledge, but they make up for it with an unrelenting passion and determination. Their dreams serve as a driving force that propels them forward, fueling innovation, creativity, and progress in various fields. In essence, Fuller suggests that while dreamers might lack traditional knowledge, their spirit and ambition are welcome additions to the world.

"A film is never really good unless the camera is an eyeful of world the writer and director wanted to create."

This quote by Samuel Fuller emphasizes that a successful film is one which faithfully conveys the vision or world that the writer and director intended. It suggests that the power of a film lies not just in its technical aspects, but in its ability to immerse viewers in the intended atmosphere or narrative created by the team behind it. In other words, the camera should serve as a window into the intended universe of the filmmakers' imagination.

"The more you hate a man, the more you know about him."

This quote suggests that strong feelings of dislike towards someone can provide insights into their character, as it reveals deep-seated emotions or aspects that one finds particularly disagreeable. It implies that understanding what we strongly dislike in others may help us understand them better, as our aversion often stems from observing behaviors or traits that deviate significantly from our own values and beliefs. However, it's important to remember that hating someone shouldn't be the goal or the primary means of understanding them, as empathy, open-mindedness, and constructive dialogue are more productive approaches in fostering a better understanding of others.

"Wake up and live!"

The quote by Samuel Fuller, "Wake up and live!", encourages people to embrace life with vigor and zest. It's a call to consciousness, urging individuals to be fully aware of their surroundings and the opportunities that life presents. In essence, it is a reminder to seize each day, explore its possibilities, and make the most out of every moment. It emphasizes living intentionally and purposefully rather than drifting through life aimlessly.

We have too many intellectuals who are afraid to use the pistol of common sense.

- Samuel Fuller

Common, Use, Too, Common Sense

You know how you smoke out a sniper? You send a guy out in the open, and you see if he gets shot. They thought that one up at West Point.

- Samuel Fuller

Thought, Smoke, Guy, Send

When you're in the battlefield, survival is all there is. Death is the only great emotion.

- Samuel Fuller

Death, Survival, Emotion, Battlefield

When you're at the end of your rope, all you have to do is make one foot move out in front of the other. Just take the next step. That's all there is to it.

- Samuel Fuller

Next, Other, Move, Next Step

Movement should be a counter, whether in action scenes or dialogue or whatever. It counters where your eye is going. This style thing, for me it's all fitted to the action, to the script, to the characters.

- Samuel Fuller

Going, Your, Counter, Fitted

Being a hooker does not mean being evil. The same with a pick-pocket, or even a thief. You do what you do out of necessity.

- Samuel Fuller

Same, Thief, Even, Evil

Surviving is the only glory in war.

- Samuel Fuller

War, Glory, Only, Surviving

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