Elia Kazan Quotes

I have no spy stories to tell, because I saw no spies. Nor did I understand, at that time, any opposition between American and Russian national interest.

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.

I gave my life to the Group Theatre, because in it I'm building something for myself. What I build, I am.

I don't remember anything anybody said in any Jack Ford picture. Nothing happens except action.

I didn't have that much confidence. Maybe it looks that way. I'm glad it does.

Hey, you must be doin' good, 'cause I never hear from you.

For years after I resigned, I was still faithful to their way of thinking. But not in the American Communists.

Every picture that is successful has one little miracle in it.

Acting... was the biggest charge I ever had. What other artist has it so good? Approval so quick?

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

A film director has to get a shot, no matter what he does. We're desperate people.

To be a member of the Communist Party is to have a taste of the police state. It is a diluted taste but is bitter and unforgettable.

The writer, when he is also an artist, is someone who admits what others don't dare reveal.

I would rather do what I did than crawl in front of a ritualistic Left and lie the way those other comrades did betray my own soul.

I was taken in by what might be called the Hard Times version of the Communists' advertising or recruiting technique.

I value peace when it is not bought at the price of fundamental decencies.

I knew the exuberance of playing before an admiring audience and hearing my secret voice.

Anybody who informs on other people is doing something disturbing and even disgusting.

I was an outsider... but I was also sympathetic with people that were struggling to get up, because I struggled to get up.

I used to spend most of my time straining to be a nice guy so people would like me.

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

I may be getting old, but not foolish.

I spoke without fear of contradiction. I simply did not suffer self-doubt.

What's called a difficult decision is a difficult decision because either way you go there are penalties.

Every fighter has one fight that makes or breaks him.