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I'll tell you something, and this is true: I've never been able to write a film which I didn't respect. I just can't do it. I'm very happy about all the films I haven't done.
Harold Pinter
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote expresses the importance of respecting one's work and creative process.

In this quote, Harold Pinter conveys a strong belief in the integrity of the artistic process, asserting that he cannot write a film unless he truly respects the work. This notion highlights the value of authenticity and self-respect in creativity, implying that the films he has chosen not to create hold equal importance to those he has, as they reflect his standards and personal values.

Themes

RespectArtIntegrityCreativityFilm

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech at a film festival about the importance of artistic integrity.

More from Harold Pinter

All that happens is that the destruction of human beings - unless they're Americans - is called collateral damage.
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I do tend to think that I've written a great deal out of my unconscious because half the time I don't know what a given character is going to say next.
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I never think of myself as wise. I think of myself as possessing a critical intelligence which I intend to allow to operate.
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It's so easy for propaganda to work, and dissent to be mocked.
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There are places in my heart...where no living soul...has...or can ever...trespass.
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The speech we hear is an indication of that which we don't hear. It is a necessary avoidance, a violent, sly, and anguished or mocking smoke screen which keeps the other in its true place. When true silence falls we are left with echo but are nearer nakedness. One way of looking at speech is to say that it is a constant stratagem to cover nakedness.
Harold PinterRead

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