Art Quote by Martin Scorsese
“Sam Fuller and 'Shock Corridor' can only be conjured as a mantra. 'Shock Corridor' is a classic work of art - it's unique. It comes from the unique experience of being Sam Fuller and yes, there's always that element of 'Shock Corridor' hovering around the picture, but never specifically. In fact, I didn't even screen it because it's in us. It's in me anyway. It's in me. It was a way of conjuring up support just by saying the name, 'Shock Corridor,' as I was going to shoot. Poor Sam [Fuller]...”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Conversation with Martin Scorsese, 1995
The quote reflects how a filmmaker’s iconic work can become a personal, almost ritualistic source of inspiration and confidence during new projects.
In simple terms: Iconic art can serve as a personal mantra for creators.
Key Takeaway
Use powerful references to boost confidence.
Themes
creativity
inspiration
film
identity
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- directing
- writing
- producing
- teaching
- public speaking
Key Concepts
cinema
personal myth
ritual
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance homage with innovation?
- What personal symbols inspire you?
A Different Perspective
Relying on past works may limit original thinking.
![“It was a unique experience in several ways, because I don't think Sam [Fuller] had ever collaborated with another writer over his whole career.” quote by Curtis Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/360/curtis-hanson-9380_careers_it-was-a-unique-experience-in-several-wa_2671981.jpg)
![“His [Sam Fuller] self-discipline was amazing. No matter what happened, he'd always go out to his Royal Upright typewriter and just keep working on his stories, his "yarns" as he called them.” quote by Curtis Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f42/curtis-hanson-9380_discipline_his-sam-fuller-self-discipline-was-amazi_2727140.jpg)
![“Of course, Sam [Fuller] was like, "No problem," because he treated it like a newspaper deadline. We worked long hours, often very late into the night, in his garage, which had been converted into an office. It was freezing cold outside and there was no heat in the garage, so he had a little space…” quote by Curtis Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/505/curtis-hanson-9380_blanket_of-course-sam-fuller-was-like-no-problem_2114139.jpg)
![“Initially, it connected with me when I was a kid, seeing a lot of movies while growing up in Los Angeles. And Sam's [Fuller] pictures are an expression of such a distinct voice that he was one of those filmmakers who made me aware that there was, in fact, a real presence behind the camera that was…” quote by Curtis Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/440/curtis-hanson-9380_actors_initially-it-connected-with-me-when-i-wa_1948748.jpg)
![“I had the great fortune to actually become friends with Sam [Fuller] and ultimately collaborate with him on White Dog, which we wrote together.” quote by Curtis Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2c6/curtis-hanson-9380_dog_i-had-the-great-fortune-to-actually-beco_491286.jpg)
