Dream Quote by John Buffalo Mailer
“The thing is, to try to talk about a performance that will never be seen again, that was only lived by the people there, it's kind of like telling somebody about your dream. You know if they love you they'll listen and smile, but they can't really get it, so there is a certain infinite quality to film that is nice. You do the work and you know it's always going to be there. The flip side is if you do bad work it's always going to be there.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussing film permanence, 2005
He compares describing unseen performances to sharing dreams, noting film’s lasting presence, good or bad.
In simple terms: Film keeps work forever, like sharing a dream.
Key Takeaway
Create work that endures positively.
Themes
art
legacy
communication
impermanence
Mood
analytical
contemplative
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- film criticism
- creative process
- archival work
- public reception
Key Concepts
memory
infinite quality
Questions to Reflect On
- How does permanence affect artistic risk?
- Can bad work be redeemed?
A Different Perspective
Bad work also persists, risking reputation.
