When it's time to let go, I don't look back, and I start another project as soon as possible. One thing I remind myself is that I don't want to Photoshop my past.
Wong Kar-WaiRead
My films are never about what Hong Kong is like, or anything approaching a realistic portrait, but what I think about Hong Kong and what I want it to be.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Wong Kar-Wai emphasizes that his films reflect his personal vision and desires for Hong Kong rather than an objective reality.
In this quote, Wong Kar-Wai reveals his artistic approach to filmmaking, stating that his works are not meant to serve as realistic depictions of Hong Kong. Instead, they are expressions of his subjective thoughts and aspirations for the city, suggesting that art can transcend mere representation and venture into the realms of imagination and personal interpretation.
Themes
Wong Kar-WaiFilmArtistic VisionHong KongSubjective
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on film festivals, this quote can highlight the importance of personal vision in cinema.
More from Wong Kar-Wai
All quotes βTo make films, it always begins with two words: what and how. First of all, you have to find a story, or what are you going to tell? And you have to find a way to tell it visually.
Wong Kar-WaiRead
This is what the difference is between Hong Kong and Chinese cinema - Chinese cinema was made for their own communities. It was for propaganda. But Hong Kong made films to entertain, and they know how to communicate with international audiences.
Wong Kar-WaiRead
What makes international cinema so interesting is that each territory has its own sensibility. When you look at an Indian or French film, there's a certain flavor. And even though the language is different, if the film is successful, it has something very common and understandable.
Wong Kar-WaiRead
Sometimes, when you're on the streets, certain music inspires you, and then you have a vision. But, at the end of the day, it's a synthesis of visions, so you have to think, as a director, of a scene, or how to deliver a line, or how do this visually.
Wong Kar-WaiRead
Chinese martial artists consider themselves to be gardeners, and it's an honor for them to take care of this garden, to better it and hand it over to the generations that follow. I think that's a very important message in a time when personal achievement seems to be the only criteria of success.
Wong Kar-WaiRead
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