Academy Quote by Martin Scorsese
![“It’s also true that I might have never made Taxi Driver [1976] were it not for the success of Alice [Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, 1974]. The question of commercialism is a source of worry. Must one make a choice, must it be a matter of either setting your sights on winning an Academy Award and…” quote by Martin Scorsese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d39/martin-scorsese-1663_academy_it-s-also-true-that-i-might-have-never-m_424476.jpg)
“It’s also true that I might have never made Taxi Driver [1976] were it not for the success of Alice [Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, 1974]. The question of commercialism is a source of worry. Must one make a choice, must it be a matter of either setting your sights on winning an Academy Award and becoming a millionaire, or making only the movies you want to make and starving to death?”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1995 Cannes Film Festival Press Conference, Martin Scorsese discussing Taxi Driver and Alice
Balancing artistic integrity with commercial success creates tension; choosing between critical acclaim and personal fulfillment is challenging.
In simple terms: Choosing between fame and personal vision is hard.
Key Takeaway
Decide what matters most to you.
Themes
artistic integrity
commercial pressure
career choices
Mood
reflective
conflicted
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- filmmaking
- career planning
- budget negotiations
- award campaigns
Key Concepts
cinema
personal values
industry dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What are you willing to sacrifice for artistic freedom?
- How can you maintain integrity while achieving financial stability?
A Different Perspective
Success may demand compromises that dilute personal vision.
![“[There is] a strange split in thinking common to those on the religious left, who are quick to denounce the profit motive and commercialism. Yet, they seem to think that the key to happiness is giving people more stuff - by enlisting the coercive power of government. This perverse way of thinking…” quote by Robert Sirico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8d5/robert-sirico-66948_commercialism_there-is-a-strange-split-in-thinking-com_437064.jpg)
