Elia Kazan Direct Quotations

I didn't have the problem of finding myself at 45 on the wrong course - I always wanted to be a film director.

I owe Bankhead a gift; she made a director out of me.

I like directors who come on the set and create something that's a little dangerous, difficult or unusual.

A good director's not sure when he gets on the set what he's going to do.

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.

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

You can't just sit there and do the lines. You have to do something revealing or unusual.

Our relationship was cursed by the fact that we agreed on everything.

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

The thing about Brando was that I'd make these directions, and he'd walk away. He'd heard enough... to get the machine going.