Elia Kazan: A Life
A source page for quotes linked to Elia Kazan.
“Truth gets buried, that's why people write autobiographies.”
“People made suggestions, but, hell, I don't actually listen to anybody, I just go my own way.”
“TV has made us get down to the nub and new films will begin to live up to what the medium can be.”
“I owe Bankhead a gift; she made a director out of me.”
“Very often the Group actor is a critic when he's acting and an actor when he's criticizing.”
“Wonder is our need today, not information.”
“Criticism- a big bite out of someone's back.”
“The writer, when he is also an artist, is someone who admits what others don't dare reveal.”
“I spoke without fear of contradiction. I simply did not suffer self-doubt.”
“I used to spend most of my time straining to be a nice guy so people would like me.”
“Anybody who informs on other people is doing something disturbing and even disgusting.”
“A film director has to get a shot, no matter what he does. We're desperate people.”
“A good director's not sure when he gets on the set what he's going to do.”
“I knew the exuberance of playing before an admiring audience and hearing my secret voice.”
“I value peace, too, when it is not bought at the price of fundamental decencies.”
“I want to thank the Academy for its courage and generosity.”
“Hey, you must be doin' good, 'cause I never hear from you.”
“I don't remember anything anybody said in any Jack Ford picture. Nothing happens except action.”
“I joined the Communist Party late in the summer of 1934. I got out a year and a half later.”
“I said to Tennessee, this thing is becoming the Marlon Brando show.”