Actors Quote by Owen Wilson
![“I remember hearing a good story about Jack Nicholson working with Stanley Kubrick on The Shining [1980]. Nicholson was saying that, as an actor, you always want to try to make things real. And believable. When he was working with Kubrick, he finished a take and said, "I feel like that was real."…” quote by Owen Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e3b/owen-wilson-10973_actors_i-remember-hearing-a-good-story-about-ja_3067132.jpg)
“I remember hearing a good story about Jack Nicholson working with Stanley Kubrick on The Shining [1980]. Nicholson was saying that, as an actor, you always want to try to make things real. And believable. When he was working with Kubrick, he finished a take and said, "I feel like that was real." And Kubrick said, "Yes, it's real, but it's not interesting".”
About This Quote
Source Film: The Shining (1980), interview with Owen Wilson
Actors seek authenticity, but directors may prioritize intrigue over realism
In simple terms: Actors want real feeling; directors may value interest more
Key Takeaway
Balance realism with compelling storytelling
Themes
acting
authenticity
directorial vision
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- film set
- post‑production
- director‑actor discussions
Key Concepts
method acting
creative tension
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you keep performance genuine without losing audience interest?
- When should a director intervene to shape a scene?
A Different Perspective
Directors may reject realism if it dulls narrative tension
![“And James L. Brooks then sort of became our mentor, brought us out to Los Angeles and worked on the script for a year with us. We learned so much working with him - just being able to spend time with him, the quality of his mind, the things he comes up with and says. I think Wes [Anderson] and I…” quote by Owen Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/980/owen-wilson-10973_able_and-james-l-brooks-then-sort-of-became-o_365849.jpg)
