If you can get past those awful idiot faces on the…
““If you can get past those awful idiot faces on the bleachers outside the theater without a sense of the collapse of human intelligence, and if you can go out into the night and see half the police force of Los Angeles gathered to protect the golden ones from the mob in the free seats, but not from the awful moaning sound they give out, like destiny whistling through a hollow shell; if you can do these things and still feel the next morning that the picture business is worth the attention of one single, intelligent, artistic mind, then in the picture business you certainly belong because this sort of vulgarity, the very vulgarity from which the Oscars are made, is the inevitable price that Hollywood exacts from each of its serfs.””
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 critiques the absurdity and vulgarity of Hollywood, suggesting that enduring its flaws shows true artistic commitment.
In simple terms: Enduring Hollywood’s absurdity proves artistic dedication.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the chaos, stay true to your art.
Themes
artistic integrity
Hollywood criticism
vulgarity
dedication
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- film criticism
- artistic perseverance
- career reflection
- industry navigation
Key Concepts
cynicism
industry exploitation
creative resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think all artists must endure such vulgarity?
- How can one maintain integrity amid industry pressure?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overgeneralize Hollywood and ignore positive aspects.