Accidents Quote by Orson Welles
“The director is simply the audience. So the terrible burden of the director is to take the place of that yawning vacuum, to be the audience and to select from what happens during the day which movement shall be a disaster and which a gala night. His job is to preside over accidents.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Orson Welles on directing, 1950s
The director must become the audience, choosing which moments become disasters or successes.
In simple terms: Directors act as the audience, deciding what works.
Key Takeaway
View each scene through the audience’s eyes.
Themes
creativity
decision making
leadership
film
theatre
risk
control
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
inspirational
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- film set
- live theatre
- rehearsals
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
Audience perspective
selection
accident management
creative risk
vision
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide which accidents become art?
- When should you intervene in a performance?
A Different Perspective
Balancing control and spontaneity is challenging.
