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“I wanted to work on this central problem of killing. How you go about killing. Now, in the film I had to kill my children - well, I didn't want to get that far.” quote by Ellen Burstyn
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“I wanted to work on this central problem of killing. How you go about killing. Now, in the film I had to kill my children - well, I didn't want to get that far.”

Ellen Burstyn

About This Quote

Source Interview: Discussing a film role, 1990s

The actor grapples with portraying killing, confronting moral limits when a role demands harming children.

In simple terms: Acting can force confronting uncomfortable moral dilemmas.

Key Takeaway

Set personal boundaries in art.

Themes

ethics acting morality

Mood

thoughtful intense conflicted

Type

philosophical conversational

When to use this quote

  • film production
  • role preparation
  • ethical decision making

Key Concepts

psychology artistic expression

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should an actor refuse a role?
  • How do you reconcile art and morality?
A Different Perspective

Artistic freedom can clash with personal values.

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