All alone Quote by Martin Scorsese
“Always get to the set or the location early, so that you can be all alone and draw your inspiration for the blocking and the setups in private and quiet. In one sense, it's about protecting yourself; in another sense, it's about always being open to surprise, even from the set, because there may be some detail that you hadn't noticed. I think this is crucial. There are many pictures that seem good in so many ways except one: They lack a sense of surprise, they've never left the page.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Art of Filmmaking, 2015
The advice emphasizes arriving early to work alone for inspiration, while staying open to unexpected discoveries that can enrich the final product.
In simple terms: Work alone early, stay open to surprise.
Balance solitude with receptivity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- pre‑production planning
- solo brainstorming
- on‑set improvisation
- creative writing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you integrate surprise into structured work?
- When is solitude most beneficial?
Too much isolation can limit collaborative input.