67 Quotes by John Cassavetes

You can fail in films because you don’t have the talent, or you have too much humility, or you lack ferociousness. I’m a gangster. If I want something, I’ll grab it.

We only have two hours to change people’s lives.

As an artist, I feel that we must try many things – but above all we must dare to fail.

An artist can accomplish anything provided he doesn’t accept facts or defeat for more than a few minutes.

No matter how old you get, if you can keep the desire to be creative, you’re keeping the man-child alive.

When I started making films, I wanted to make Frank Capra pictures. But I’ve never been able to make anything but these crazy, tough pictures. You are what you are.

I’m not good at comparing and contrasting. I take what’s in front of me for what it is, although I guess there’s something about Paul’s realistic writing that is like Cassavetes.

We don’t take the time to be vulnerable with each other.

I won’t make shorthand films, because I don’t want to manipulate audiences into assuming quick, manufactured truths.