He [Bernardo Bertolucci] has the kind of talent that…
![“He [Bernardo Bertolucci] has the kind of talent that breaks one's heart: where can it go, what will happen to it? In this country we encourage 'creativity' among the mediocre, but real bursting creativity appalls us. We put it down as undisciplined, as somehow 'too much.' Well, Before the…” quote by Pauline Kael](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/d42/pauline-kael-6910_art_he-bernardo-bertolucci-has-the-kind-of-t_441775.jpg)
“He [Bernardo Bertolucci] has the kind of talent that breaks one's heart: where can it go, what will happen to it? In this country we encourage 'creativity' among the mediocre, but real bursting creativity appalls us. We put it down as undisciplined, as somehow 'too much.' Well, Before the Revolution is too much and that is what is great about it. Art doesn't come in measured quantities: it's got to be too much or it's not enough.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote argues that true artistic talent is overwhelming and cannot be confined to modest expectations; society often mislabels genuine creativity as excessive or undisciplined.
In simple terms: Great art is overwhelming, not modest.
Key Takeaway
Embrace bold, unrestrained creativity.
Themes
art
creativity
society
talent
expectations
Mood
reflective
critical
inspirational
Type
analytical
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- film criticism
- creative work
- educational workshops
- artistic collaborations
Key Concepts
artistic expression
cultural critique
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we recognize and support truly groundbreaking art?
- What limits does labeling creativity as excessive impose?
A Different Perspective
Societal pressure can stifle innovation by labeling it as “too much.”