Stanley Donen Quotes

Powerful Stanley Donen for Daily Growth

About Stanley Donen

Stanley Donen (April 13, 1924 – February 21, 2019) was an acclaimed American film director, choreographer, and producer, renowned for his contributions to the golden age of Hollywood musicals. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, he moved with his family to New York City during his childhood, where he developed a passion for dance and theatre. Donen's interest in show business led him to drop out of high school at age 16 to pursue a career in entertainment. Donen's first significant break came when he was hired as a choreographer by MGM Studios in 1943, where he worked alongside legendary director Vincente Minnelli. Their collaboration resulted in several successful films, including "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944) and "An American in Paris" (1951), for which Donen also served as co-director with Minnelli. The latter film won the Academy Award for Best Picture. In 1955, Donen ventured into directing solo with the classic musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," which was nominated for four Academy Awards. Over the next few decades, he directed numerous films that continue to be beloved today, including "Funny Face" (1957), starring Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire; "Royal Wedding" (1951) also starring Fred Astaire; "Indiscreet" (1958) with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman; and the iconic "Singin' in the Rain" (1952), co-directed with Gene Kelly. Donen's work was known for its vibrant energy, inventive choreography, and witty dialogue. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2013 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Directors Guild of America in 2015. Stanley Donen's legacy endures as a pivotal figure in the history of American cinema, with his films continuing to delight audiences worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Dance first. Think later."

This quote emphasizes the importance of action and spontaneity over planning or caution, particularly in creative endeavors such as dance. It suggests that often, the best ideas or creations come from uninhibited movement and expression rather than careful deliberation. The underlying message is to not be afraid to act on one's instincts and let creativity flow freely, before worrying about perfection or consequences.

"The secret of success is to be original, not to imitate."

This quote suggests that true success comes from being authentic and unique rather than copying others. It implies that by developing your own ideas, skills, and perspectives, you can achieve greater accomplishments and make a more significant impact in life and work. Imitating others may lead to temporary gains but originality fosters long-term success, innovation, and growth.

"Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and goals which they portray."

This quote by Stanley Donen highlights the impact movies have on shaping the minds and values of younger generations. The "ideals and goals" mentioned are those depicted in films, implying that they can inspire, influence, or even set moral standards for young viewers. In essence, movies serve as a powerful tool for cultural education and reflection.

"To make a great film you have to be a revolutionary."

The quote "To make a great film you have to be a revolutionary" by Stanley Donen suggests that creating exceptional cinema involves breaking away from traditional or conventional methods, challenging established norms, and innovating in the field of filmmaking. In essence, this quote implies that true artists push boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and strive for originality to produce groundbreaking works of art.

"I think the dance number is the only part of the film that's really alive."

The quote suggests that for director Stanley Donen, dance numbers in films are the most vibrant and lively elements. In essence, he believes these sequences possess a unique life force within the cinematic experience, setting them apart from other scenes due to their energy, dynamism, and ability to captivate audiences.

People always say to me, 'You have such a clearly defined sense of style,' and when I hear it, I get crazed, because what I hear - and I know they mean it as a compliment - is that I have such a narrow vision that I can't get out of it.

- Stanley Donen

Say, Sense, Always, Narrow

What I got, unconsciously, from admiring Fred Astaire was that he didn't want what he was doing to look difficult. What was difficult, in my opinion, was making it look so genuine, so effortless. I equally have tried to remain unseen on the screen.

- Stanley Donen

Doing, Screen, In My Opinion, Admiring

It was very hard to make 'Funny Face' in Paris because making movies is difficult and making a movie in a city that was glorious, that was unique and surprising, to get it, to put it on film you have to make choices and reject a lot of things so you're always wondering: 'Am I doing it right?'

- Stanley Donen

Doing, Movie, Very, Wondering

The funniest thing is not who influenced me positively, but who influenced me negatively. I had such an aversion to what Busby Berkeley did; in my early formative years, I thought it was terrible. Now, I think it's wonderful. But then, I wanted to do anything but what Busby Berkeley did.

- Stanley Donen

Thought, Influenced, I Think, Berkeley

I started dancing when I saw Fred Astaire in 'Flying Down to Rio,' at approximately nine years old. Fred Astaire influenced me, more than anything, to be in 'show business.'

- Stanley Donen

Business, Dancing, Nine, Rio

There was never any point in my life when I wasn't called Mr. Donen. I'm told my first words were, 'Call me Mr. Donen.' But I suspect that's apocryphal. My mother, Mrs. Donen, tended to exaggerate.

- Stanley Donen

Life, My Life, Point, Exaggerate

When Fred Astaire danced, everything in this world was perfect.

- Stanley Donen

World, Perfect, Fred Astaire, Astaire

There's no more film. Film is gone. We photograph digitally and electronically. We don't really use film the same way anymore - it's disappearing little by little. Things change. We have to change with them. There's no point in liking or not liking it. It is what it is.

- Stanley Donen

Little Things, More, Use, No Point

You know, sound was still a fairly new thing when I came into movies. And the reason musicals happened is because of sound. They could put music in the picture! That's how it all began.

- Stanley Donen

Reason, Sound, Put, Musicals

You see, it took me so long, it was such a struggle, to move myself out of musicals - because I had had a success, nobody wanted to allow me to direct a non-musical picture. It was so hard. And the only way I could get it going was to become a producer myself.

- Stanley Donen

Allow, Had, Direct, Musicals

Jean-Luc Godard said that cinema is the truth 24 frames a second. I think cinema is lies 24 frames a second.

- Stanley Donen

Truth, Think, I Think, Cinema

My childhood wasn't very happy. It's a long, grim story about being a Jew in a small southern town.

- Stanley Donen

Small, Southern, Very, Jew

What we think about Paris is a part of how we feel about it. Our idea of Paris is our idea and we don't know that that's not necessarily the way it really is. It feels so real.

- Stanley Donen

Think, Idea, Feels, Paris

I don't have too many friends. I have only a few people who I really love.

- Stanley Donen

Love, Only, Too, Few People

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