Cinema Quote by François Truffaut
““We must not make exaggerated demand on critics, and particularly we must not expect that criticism can function as an exact science. Art is not scientific; why should criticism be? The main complaint against some critics--and a certain type of criticism--is that too seldom do they speak about cinema as such. The scenario of a film is the film; all films are not psychological . Every critic should take to heart Jean Renoir's remark, "All great art is abstract." He should learn to be aware of form, and to understand that certain artists, for example Dreyer or Von Sternberg, never sought to make a picture that resembled reality.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Cahiers du Cinéma, 1955
Criticism should focus on a’s form and abstraction rather than treating it as a precise science; art resists exact analysis.
In simple terms: Criticism must respect art’s abstract nature, not demand scientific precision.
Key Takeaway
Critique art’s form, not its realism.
Themes
art criticism
form
abstraction
film theory
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- film reviews
- academic writing
- art education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
aesthetics
critical theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of film form are most compelling to you?
- How can criticism balance abstraction with concrete insight?
A Different Perspective
Risk of dismissing valuable analytical approaches.
