136 Quotes by Elia Kazan

The Communists automatically violated the daily practices of democracy to which I was accustomed.

Wonder is our need today, not information.

I gave my life to the Group Theatre, because in it I'm building something for myself. What I build, I am.

One final thing a director needs: The ability to say 'I am wrong' or 'I was wrong.' Not as easy as it sounds. But in many situations, these 3 words, honestly spoken, will save the day.

I used to spend most of my time straining to be a nice guy so people would like me.

I said to Tennessee, this thing is becoming the Marlon Brando show.

You've got to keep fighting; you've got to risk your life every six months to stay alive.

Look for the contradictions in every character, especially in your heroes and villains. No one should be what they first seem to be. Surprise the audience.

I've come to believe that everything worth achieving is beyond one's capacity - or seems so at first. The thing is to persist, not back off, fight your fight, pay your dues, and carry on. Effort is all; continue and you may get there despite everything.