Cinema Quote by Robert Altman
“People have asked me throughout the years which directors have influenced me. I don't know their names, because I was mostly influenced when I'd see a film and think, "Man, I want to be sure to never do anything like that." So I never learned their names. It wasn't a matter of copying or emulating somebody I admired. It was getting rid of a lot of stuff.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Directors Talk, 2005
He learned by watching films and avoiding mistakes rather than copying styles, focusing on eliminating bad habits.
In simple terms: Learning by observation, not imitation.
Key Takeaway
Observe, critique, and discard harmful techniques.
Themes
learning
creativity
self-improvement
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- directing
- film criticism
- career development
Key Concepts
film analysis
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- What habits have you discarded after watching others?
- How does avoiding imitation shape your own style?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding imitation can limit exposure to diverse influences.
![“[Akiro] Kurosawa, no doubt, was a big influence. Movies sometimes more than directors have influenced me: The Grapes of Wrath, by John Ford, was an extraordinary discovery. Sergei Eisenstein, of course. Later on, [Ingmar] Bergman.” quote by Costa-Gavras](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dff/costa-gavras-22487_bergman_akiro-kurosawa-no-doubt-was-a-big-influe_213833.jpg)
