As an actor I am always waiting for my luck to run out.
The same way that I know that I'll never do a movie as good or as celebrated as 'Forrest Gump,' I know that I'll never do a movie as bad as 'Bonfire of the Vanities.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the recognition of both achievements and failures in one's career. It highlights a sense of humility and self-awareness in an artist's journey.
In this quote, Tom Hanks expresses an understanding of the highs and lows in his film career. He acknowledges that while 'Forrest Gump' stands as a pinnacle of success in terms of acclaim and achievement, he also accepts that not every project will resonate positively with audiences, as exemplified by 'Bonfire of the Vanities.' This sentiment emphasizes that success and failure are integral parts of any creative endeavor, and that one must embrace both experiences.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to aspiring filmmakers, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of accepting both successes and failures in the creative process.
More from Tom Hanks
All quotes βEven the simplest choice can make a jaw-dropping difference in our world.
My kid could get a bad X-ray and I could get a call from the doctor saying I have something growing in my bum and that would change my perspective on everything instantaneously, on what is and what is not important.
Back in World War II, we viewed the Japanese as 'yellow, slant-eyed dogs' that believed in different gods. They were out to kill us because our way of living was different. We, in turn, wanted to annihilate them because they were different. Does that sound familiar, by any chance, to what's going on today?
I think it's better to feel good than to look good.
If you look at romantic comedies as pieces of commerce, the audience is looking for wish fulfillment.
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I wasn't ready for the majors when I joined the Pirates in 1955. I was too young and didn't know my way around.
I wanted to highlight that whole dreadful process in book publishing that 'nothing succeeds like success.'
I hope so. God, I've practiced so much that I you don't want to be worse five years later. I feel I have a great game today. I know how hard it is to pull off those great shots, and I know how easy it is to miss, so I'm more aware of these things. But I'm so happy I'm at the age I am right now because I had such a great run and I know there's still more possible.
Remember, talent doesn't win championships, talent doesn't win games.
I don't want to be the next Mark Spitz; I want to be the first Michael Phelps