Quote

I was not what you'd call a first-class actor, but I did all right.

Elia Kazan

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Elia Kazan
Age: 94 †
Born: 1909
Born: September 7
Died: 2003
Died: September 28
Actor
Director
Film Actor
Film Director
Film Producer
Producer
Screenwriter
Theatrical Director
Writer
Istanbul
Elias Kazantzoglou
Right
Actor
Class
Call
Actors
Firsts
First

More quotes by Elia Kazan

Image
The thing with films is that you have to make something that will get people out of their houses, away from the TV set. You must touch people, say something. Otherwise, they'll stay at home.
Elia Kazan
Image
I value peace, too, when it is not bought at the price of fundamental decencies.
Elia Kazan
Image
Criticism- a big bite out of someone's back.
Elia Kazan
Image
Very often the Group actor is a critic when he's acting and an actor when he's criticizing.
Elia Kazan
Image
I truly believe that all power corrupts. Such is probably the thinking behind every political film ever made in Hollywood.
Elia Kazan
Image
Some directors, like Stevens [George Stevens], shoot full circle, 360 degrees, and that's what's right for them. I generally shoot at about a seven to one ratio. But part of that is because I've worked on every screenplay, so I'm further along in the visual concept.
Elia Kazan
Image
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.
Elia Kazan
Image
I may be getting old, but not foolish.
Elia Kazan
Image
I knew the exuberance of playing before an admiring audience and hearing my secret voice.
Elia Kazan
Image
The world was like a huge red carpet out ahead of me to be walked on. And it stretched on and on, no end.
Elia Kazan
Image
The essence of the stage is concentration and penetration. Of the screen action, movement, sweep.
Elia Kazan
Image
I question the value of stars. I think they're overrated. They get too much money, too much praise.
Elia Kazan
Image
I was an outsider... but I was also sympathetic with people that were struggling to get up, because I struggled to get up.
Elia Kazan
Image
People made suggestions, but, hell, I don't actually listen to anybody, I just go my own way.
Elia Kazan
Image
A good director's not sure when he gets on the set what he's going to do.
Elia Kazan
Image
Anybody who informs on other people is doing something disturbing and even disgusting.
Elia Kazan
Image
Acting, I found, was the biggest charge I ever had. What other artist has it so good? Approval so quick?
Elia Kazan
Image
I said to Tennessee, this thing is becoming the Marlon Brando show.
Elia Kazan
Image
I was born in Turkey in an extremely oppressive climate at the time of pogroms, massacres, really. An immigrant appreciates the freedom more.
Elia Kazan
Image
A film director has to get a shot, no matter what he does. We're desperate people.
Elia Kazan