Look for the contradictions in every character, especially in your heroes and villains. No one should be what they first seem to be. Surprise the audience. — Elia Kazan Copy Share Image
The essence of the stage is concentration and penetration. Of the screen action, movement, sweep. — Elia Kazan Copy Share
I didn't have the problem of finding myself at 45 on the wrong course - I always wanted to be a film director. — Elia Kazan Copy Share
What's called a difficult decision is a difficult decision because either way you go there are penalties. — Elia Kazan Copy Share
You can't just sit there and do the lines. You have to do something revealing or unusual. — Elia Kazan Copy Share
I value peace, too, when it is not bought at the price of fundamental decencies. — Elia Kazan Copy Share
There was no doubt that there was a vast organization which was making fools of all the liberals in Hollywood and taking their money,… — Elia Kazan Copy Share
The makers of entertainment must try, in our field, to be honest and grown-up. — Elia Kazan Copy Share
I'm very pro-America, but I feel it necessary to keep in touch with Europe to maintain a perspective. — Elia Kazan Copy Share
It's difficult, if not impossible, to get away with anything false before the camera. That instrument penetrates the husk of the actor; it reveals… — Elia Kazan Copy Share
For years after I resigned, I was still faithful to their way of thinking. But not in the American Communists. — Elia Kazan Copy Share
You've got to keep fighting; you've got to risk your life every six months to stay alive. — Elia Kazan Copy Share
