Elia Kazan Quotes

The real challenge is not simply to survive. Hell, anyone can do that. It’s to survive as yourself, undiminished.

What's called a difficult decision is a difficult decision because either way you go there are penalties.

I've come to believe that everything worth achieving is beyond one's capacity - or seems so at first. The thing is to persist, not back off, fight your fight, pay your dues, and carry on. Effort is all; continue and you may get there despite everything.

Look for the contradictions in every character, especially in your heroes and villains. No one should be what they first seem to be. Surprise the audience.

Wonder is our need today, not information.

One final thing a director needs: The ability to say 'I am wrong' or 'I was wrong.' Not as easy as it sounds. But in many situations, these 3 words, honestly spoken, will save the day.

The camera is more than a recorder, it's a microscope. It penetrates, it goes into people and you see their most private and concealed thoughts.

Never underestimate the narcissism of a writer.

Take it from a director: if you get an actor that Sandy Meisner has trained, you've been blessed.

The writer, when he is also an artist, is someone who admits what others don't dare reveal.

You've got to keep fighting; you've got to risk your life every six months to stay alive.

To be a member of the Communist Party is to have a taste of the police state. It is a diluted taste but it is bitter and unforgettable.

I value peace, too, when it is not bought at the price of fundamental decencies.

I was born in Turkey in an extremely oppressive climate at the time of pogroms, massacres, really. An immigrant appreciates the freedom more.

I used to spend most of my time straining to be a nice guy so people would like me.

I was always a self-conscious person.

I'm small, but I'm neither compliant nor agreeable.

I gave my life to the Group Theatre, because in it I'm building something for myself. What I build, I am.

I hate the Communists and have for many years and don't feel right about giving up my career to defend them. I will give up my film career if it is in the interests of defending something I believe in, but not this.

I said to Tennessee, this thing is becoming the Marlon Brando show.

I was very intense. I think it's a privilege to be an actor.

The only guy who was at all helpful as a producer was Sam Spiegel with On the Waterfront. He's one of the few who even knows what he's doing.

The first thing you should do with an actor is not sign a contract with him. Take him to dinner. And take him for a walk afterwards.

I was an outsider... but I was also sympathetic with people that were struggling to get up, because I struggled to get up.

Anybody who informs on other people is doing something disturbing and even disgusting.