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. Elia Kazan More Quotes by Elia Kazan More Quotes From Elia Kazan What's called a difficult decision is a difficult decision because either way you go there are penalties. Elia Kazan decision business way The real challenge is not simply to survive. Hell, anyone can do that. It’s to survive as yourself, undiminished. Elia Kazan hell real challenges 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. Elia Kazan effort fighting believe 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. Elia Kazan hero character looks Wonder is our need today, not information. Elia Kazan information today needs Take it from a director: if you get an actor that Sandy Meisner has trained, you've been blessed. Elia Kazan actors blessed directors 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. Elia Kazan finals sound directors You've got to keep fighting; you've got to risk your life every six months to stay alive. Elia Kazan risk fighting inspirational I value peace, too, when it is not bought at the price of fundamental decencies. Elia Kazan decency values fundamentals I said to Tennessee, this thing is becoming the Marlon Brando show. Elia Kazan becoming tennessee said I used to spend most of my time straining to be a nice guy so people would like me. Elia Kazan guy nice people 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 turkeys climate appreciate 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 outsiders struggle people I gave my life to the Group Theatre, because in it I'm building something for myself. What I build, I am. Elia Kazan building-something groups theatre 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. Elia Kazan giving-up hate believe Whatever hysteria exists is inflamed by mystery, suspicion and secrecy. Hard and exact facts will cool it. Elia Kazan hysteria mystery facts Anybody who informs on other people is doing something disturbing and even disgusting. Elia Kazan disgusting disturbing people Hey, you must be doin' good, 'cause I never hear from you. Elia Kazan hey-you hey causes I was not a collective person or a bohemian; I was an elitist. Elia Kazan bohemian-rhapsody elitist collectives Acting, I found, was the biggest charge I ever had. What other artist has it so good? Approval so quick? Elia Kazan appreciate acting artist
