John Cassavetes quotes

John Cassavetes was an American actor, director, and screenwriter, widely regarded as a pioneer of independent film. His innovative storytelling and improvisational style influenced generations of filmmakers. He is remembered for his powerful performances and his profound impact on American cinema. Here are 11 of his quotes:

You can defeat fear through humor, through pain, through honesty, bravery, intuition, and through love in the truest sense. (John Cassavetes)
You can fail in films because you don't have the talent, or you have too much humility, or you lack ferociousness. I'm a gangster. If I want something, I'll grab it. View quote
John Cassavetes
No matter how old you get, if you can keep the desire to be creative, you're keeping the man-child alive. View quote
John Cassavetes
You must be willing to risk everything to really express it all. View quote
John Cassavetes
As an artist, I feel that we must try many things - but above all we must dare to fail. View quote
John Cassavetes
I won't make shorthand films, because I don't want to manipulate audiences into assuming quick, manufactured truths. View quote
John Cassavetes
I'm a great believer in spontaneity because I think planning is the most destructive thing in the world. View quote
John Cassavetes
I won't call my work entertainment. It's exploring. It's asking questions of people, constantly. 'How much do you feel? How much do you know? Are you aware of this? Can you cope with this?' A good movie will ask you questions you don't already know the answers to. Why would I want to make a film about something I already understand? View quote
John Cassavetes
We only have two hours to change people's lives. View quote
John Cassavetes
The camera is the slave to the actor. View quote
John Cassavetes
Everyone who makes a film is at the major distributors' mercy. (John Cassavetes)