As soon as someone I don’t respect tells me I can’t do something, it just makes me want to do it even more.
Interpretation
Disrespect can ignite a fire to prove oneself capable.
This quote by Kenneth Branagh emphasizes that negative reinforcement, particularly from those we do not respect, can serve as a powerful motivator to achieve our goals. It suggests that instead of being discouraged by criticism, one can use it as fuel to strive harder for success and self-affirmation.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles.
Variety is very, very good. Going from medium to medium, if you get the chance to do it, from theater to television to film, which are all distinctly different, keeps me sharp. What works in one doesn't work in the other, and you have to be looking for the truth of the performance, whatever way that medium might demand.
Music and language are a vital element. We, as actors and directors, offer it to people who want to experience it. Sometimes the actual meaning is less important than the words themselves.
I think what you're always looking for as artists is to be honest and to continue to be honestly driven by that which you are passionately engaged with. It should need not be forced.
I suppose, at 50, you value things in a different way. So you value connections, you value your friendships, you value your health, and you are much more aware of time passing.
I started being interested in acting when I heard the voices of Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir John Gielgud and Sir Alec Guinness. Ive had the great privilege of working with Sir Derek Jacobi and Sir Anthony Hopkins. These are people who inspire the work that I do.
The only side effect of too much training is that you get into better shape. There is nothing wrong with that.
Go on failing. Go on. Only next time, try to fail better.
Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.
I keep a hotel room in my town, although I have a large house. And I go there at about 5:30 in the morning, and I start working. And I don't allow anybody to come in that room. I work on yellow pads and with ballpoint pens. I keep a Bible, a thesaurus, a dictionary, and a bottle of sherry. I stay there until midday.
Every achiever that I have ever met says, 'My life turned around when I began to believe in me'.
When I quit my internship and started doing standup to pursue my dreams and do that full time - I feel like that's when I 'Americaned.'
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