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I have wasted the greater part of my life looking for money and trying to get along, trying to make my work from this terribly expensive paintbox, which is a movie. And I've spent too much energy on things that have nothing to do with making a movie. It's about two percent moviemaking and ninety-eight percent hustling. It's no way to spend a life.
Orson Welles
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the struggle and misallocation of effort in pursuit of money rather than the true essence of filmmaking.

In this quote, Orson Welles expresses his regret over spending the majority of his life chasing financial success and navigating the complexities of the film industry rather than focusing on the art of filmmaking itself. He emphasizes that the essence of creating movies is overshadowed by the need to hustle for resources and recognition, leading to a life that feels unfulfilled and misdirected.

Themes

FilmmakingHustlingArtMoneyLifeSuccess

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used as a reflective piece in a film school class discussion about the importance of passion in art.

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