What bothered me was playing one-dimensional parts in films which were really about, 'Boy Meets Girl,' 'Will Boy Get Girl?'
Playing good girls in the '30s was difficult, when the fad was to play bad girls. Actually I think playing bad girls is a bore; I have always had more luck with good girl roles because they require more from an actress.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the challenge of portraying good characters in a time when bad characters were more popular, emphasizing the depth required for good roles.
Olivia De Havilland discusses the challenges she faced as an actress in the 1930s, a period when the trend favored the portrayal of bad girls over good ones. She highlights her preference for playing good girls, arguing that these roles are more complex and demand greater skill from the actress, thus showcasing her belief in the value of artistry over mere trends.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the evolution of female roles in cinema, one might quote Olivia De Havilland to emphasize the importance of strong character portrayal.
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I don't like to write rhetorically or get on a soapbox. I try to make the stuff multi-layered, so that it always has a life outside its social context. I don't believe that you can tell people anything; you can only draw them in.
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A successful book is not made of what is in it, but what is left out of it.
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The head of the photographer is more important than his camera
The art of our necessities is strange That can make vile things precious.