I've made movies that I thought were okay, but then I was very good. And sometimes you're in a movie and you think, 'I wish more people saw that' - because you're good. And it just works out that the movie gets lost. But that's show business.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the unpredictability of success in the film industry, where personal satisfaction doesn't always correlate with public recognition.
Christopher Walken's quote illustrates the inherent unpredictability and subjectivity in the film industry. While a filmmaker may create a movie that they believe holds great value and showcases their talents, circumstances in the ever-changing landscape of show business can lead to that film being overlooked. It underscores the contrast between personal fulfillment in one's artistic expression and the often harsh realities of audience reception and commercial success.
In practice
In a film industry panel discussion about the challenges artists face, this quote could be used to highlight the unpredictability of artistic success.
I have this theory about words. There's a thousand ways to say "Pass the salt". It could mean, you know, "Can I have some salt?" or it could mean, "I love you.". It could mean, "I'm very annoyed with you". Really, the list could go on and on. Words are little bombs, and they have a lot of energy inside them.
People think that my favorite roles to do are villains, but I find comedy to be the most challenging and rewarding.
Can I confess something? I tell you this as an artist, I think you'll understand. Sometimes when I'm driving on the road at night I see two headlights coming toward me. Fast. I have this sudden impulse to turn the wheel quickly, head-on into the oncoming car. I can anticipate the explosion. The sound of shattering glass. The flames rising out of the flowing gasoline.
I've made movies that I thought were good. I've made movies that I thought were okay, but then I was very good. And sometimes you're in a movie and you think, I wish more people saw that - because you're good. And it just works out that the movie gets lost. But that's show business.
I'm in a place in my life where I get offered parts that I didn't get offered before - fathers and uncles and grandfathers and so on. And it took me a long time to get to that place, but I'm glad because it opens up new territory.
I never know when I am being funny, and the other way too. I don't think you can think about that. I don't think you can try to be funny. Some people are just funny.
Scorn not the sonnet. Critic, you have frowned, Mindless of its just honours; with this key Shakespeare unlocked his heart.
Art defies defeat by its very existence, representing the celebration of life, in spite of all attempts to degrade and destroy it.
It's dialogue that gives your cast their voices, and is crucial in defining their characters.
I really had no program or any established plan. I didn't even ask myself if I should sell my paintings or not.
I think it's great when stories are dark and strange and weirdly personal.
Hollywood is like being nowhere and talking to nobody about nothing.
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