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If you've noticed that I don't use long takes, it's not because I don't like them, but because no one gives me the necessary means to treat myself to them. It's more economical to make one image, then this image and then that image, and try to control them later, in the editing studio.
Orson Welles
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Orson Welles explains his preference for shorter takes due to resource limitations in filmmaking.

In this quote, Orson Welles reflects on the constraints he faces as a filmmaker, particularly the lack of resources to execute longer takes. He implies that the economic realities of film production often dictate creative choices, pushing him towards a style that allows for more control during editing rather than capturing extensive, uninterrupted performances.

Themes

FilmmakingEditingCreative ConstraintsShort TakesOrson Welles

In practice

Example use cases

In a film discussion, you might use it to highlight the impact of budget on artistic choices.

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