On Directing Film

“The shot is the basic unit of the film.”

Movies work best when they show one simple action after another. The camera should just record what is happening. Don't try to make it art with fancy angles.

“The actor’s job is to be physically capable of doing the task.”

Actors don't need to feel the emotion for us to see it. If the character is trying to get a drink, they should just focus on that. The audience will do the rest of the work.

“The story is the only thing that matters.”

Every single shot needs to answer a clear question. If it doesn't move the story forward, it shouldn't be there. Cutting is where the actual storytelling happens.

“Film is a succession of images juxtaposed so that the contrast between these images moves the story forward.”

Putting two unrelated shots together creates a third idea in the viewer's mind. It's like a dream. Our brains are wired to find the connection automatically.