Orson Welles Quotes

“A film is never really good unless the camera is an eye in the head of a poet.”

“A good artist should be isolated. If he isn't isolated, something is wrong.”

“Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what’s for lunch.”

“I can think of nothing that an audience won't understand. The only problem is to interest them; once they are interested, they understand anything in the world.”

“I don't pray really, because I don't want to bore God.”

“I don't say we all ought to misbehave, but we ought to look as if we could.”

“I much prefer people who rock the boat to people who jump out.”

“I passionately hate the idea of being with it, I think an artist has always to be out of step with his time.”

“If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girlfriends.”

“If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.”

“In my opinion, there are two things that can absolutely not be carried to the screen: the realistic presentation of the sexual act and praying to God.”

“Many would never speak with a full mouth, but do it with an empty head.”

“My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other people.”

“Old age is the only disease you don't want to be cured of.”

“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.”

“The absence of limitations is the enemy of art.”

“There are three intolerable things in life - cold coffee, lukewarm champagne, and overexcited women...”

“We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone.”

“When you are down and out, something always turns up - usually the noses of your friends.”