The ear disapproves but tolerates certain musical pieces; transfer them into the domain of our nose, and we will be forced to flee.
Jean CocteauRead
Art is not a pastime but a priesthood.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Art is a serious vocation rather than a mere hobby.
Jean Cocteau suggests that art should be viewed with reverence and commitment, similar to the dedication seen in a priesthood. This quote emphasizes the importance of artistic expression as a vital, sacred duty, rather than a trivial or casual activity.
Themes
ArtPriesthoodDedicationVocationExpression
In practice
Example use cases
In conversations about the significance of creative careers during a seminar on art education.
More from Jean Cocteau
All quotes →One must be a living man and a posthumous artist.
Jean CocteauRead
All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it.
Jean CocteauRead
Nothing ever gets anywhere. The earth keeps turning round and gets nowhere. The moment is the only thing that counts.
Jean CocteauRead
Listen carefully to first criticisms made of your work. Note just what it is about your work that critics don't like - then cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual and worth keeping.
Jean CocteauRead
Watch yourself all your life in a mirror and you'll see Death at work like bees in a glass hive.
Jean CocteauRead
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It's wonderful when music is intellectually stimulating. But ultimately it has to be a visceral experience.
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You never know what you do that could be totally out of left field, which actually might work and give something fresh to the whole scene, to the character, whatever. If you have that with a director who then knows how to shape it, either in the direction, in the moment, or in the editing, then that's good.
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Everything a director does must help the story and the performances. Otherwise, it is useless.
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