166 Quotes by Terry Gilliam

I wasn’t creative or theatrical. I was just doing everything. I was head cheerleader, valedictorian – it was ridiculous!

I want this on my tombstone: Here lies Terry Gilliam – RIP – ‘He giggled in awe.

All films are learning processes. I am still trying to work out how you make a movie. I didn’t study at film school or any of those things. I didn’t bother with film theory.

There are moments when television systems are young and haven’t formed properly, and there’s room for lots of original stuff. Then things become more and more top-heavy with executives who are trying to guarantee the success of things.

I do want to say things in these films. I want audiences to come out with shards stuck in them. I don’t care if people love my films or walk out, as long as they have a strong response.

I think it’s worse for actors, though, because people have to choose you. As a director, I get to choose the actors, but most of the time, actors have to be chosen in order to work.

I’ve always sworn that not having enough money has saved me from mediocrity.

My problem is I’m like a junkie. I want a good movie fix, and I never get that fix.

There’s something about living in the country that I think makes you inventive, because nature is full of miracles and wonder and surprises, and if you don’t have much money, you have to make things if you want things.