Julia Leigh Quotes

My last film as director, the National Award winning 'Zakhm,' barely managed to break even. So why should I listen to so-called sensibilities of a handful of critics?

My responsibility is to make a film and find my dramatic language; I don't have any political or social responsibility.

I think Van Sant is the most important American director we have. He takes the most risks. He's just pure to me.

To make great movies, there is an element of risk. You have to say, 'Well, I am going to make this film, and it is not really a sure thing.'

The independent-minded movies - it's always an uphill battle to get them made and seen. You do what you can, and go out there after and try to tell people about it, but at the end of the day, that's all you can do.

We have gotten some terrible reviews at times but if we depended on the judgment of the studios or critics, we never would have made more than one movie.

I wanted to make a film as an artist, and it's going to have to find an audience, you know. I don't know how big the audience will be.

We all do films believing in them completely, but sometimes, the audiences like what we like, and other times, they don't.

I'm just going to write my books and do my work and release it. Let the world decide what it is, and if it's any good or not.

Anyone who thinks Peter Jackson would fall for market forces around him rather than artistic integrity doesn't know the guy or the body of his work.

You can't plan for people to like your movies. I knew that people were not going to run in droves to the theater for the 'In the Valley of Elah.' I knew they might not want to see it, but I still had to the movie; I felt very strongly about it. Wanting to keep telling a good story is what you want to do, a compelling story.

The one thing I'm proud of as a filmmaker is that people are entitled not to like my films - that's the privilege of the public - but I think I have my own imprint.

You don't go make 'Schizopolis' if you're trying to protect some idea of yourself as a filmmaker.

Three of the top six documentaries of all time, grossing, are made by me.

I admire actresses who are willing to jettison the easy route toward exposure and commercial success as an actor in favor or a slow burn, choosing projects carefully, and building an artistic practice over time that feels specific to who they are as artists.

I am glad that we can make bold films, different films within the commercial market and still do well.

The reach of big-budget films is bigger, but I have always loved doing films that I believe in.

I'm deeply appreciative that many people have enjoyed my films, films that I made in my own style. The successes have helped me learn how to make films free of expectations and focus solely on the pure filmmaking aspect, without worrying about how much money it'll make.

As an actor, I can't be constantly worrying about the commercial returns of my film.

Sometimes critics disagree with the audience, and that's fine. I make movies for the audience. I guess I hope that the critics like it, but on the other hand, I just really want the audience to like it.

As films are a mass medium, if more people love your work, it is better.

I'm not someone who has to make a film at any cost. I have to find the right way to make it or not at all.

I don't make films for critics, and I'm not particularly interested in what they have to say, and they don't have a bearing on my audiences.

The prime motivation in making almost any film is success, because film is the art form of the 20th century.

I make films, and I hope that people come to see them. If they don't, I pay a big price. But I can't make decisions where I would change my own standards or my own taste in order to court the public in some way.