I love insane, stupid comedy, but I can only make it work if it's a character I can give some history to and make real. Like the guy I played in 'Little Miss Sunshine.' He's a maniac, but to me he was absolutely believable. Alan Arkin absolutelybelievablecharacter share on social
Education does not mean jamming information into somebody's head. Rather, it's that ancient idea that all knowledge is within us; to teach is to help somebody pull it out of themselves. Alan Arkin ancienteducationhead Change image and share on social
For everybody, the tide comes in, the tide goes out - if you're an actor, particularly. Alan Arkin actortide Change image and share on social
I get a little upset, yeah, if a year goes by and I don't get a script. Thank God I have other interests that keep me from becoming a nervous wreck. Alan Arkin godinterestnervous Change image and share on social
The years I spent paying my dues are in the background, and so are my concerns about whether my performance is good or bad. Alan Arkin backgroundbadconcern Change image and share on social
Things have got to add up to 100 points. The script is part of it, the character is part of it, the people I'm working with is the third part of it - and any combination of the three has got to add up to 100 points. Alan Arkin addcharactercombination share on social
If you're playing a negative character, sooner or later it rubs off on you. Some people don't mind living in that state, but I don't want to be there anymore. I don't want to live in a state of depression. Alan Arkin anymorecharacterdepression share on social
I don't like improvising on camera, particularly, but very often, a scene will not be working, and you rehearse it once or twice, and you realize something's missing. So I'll play with it until it makes sense. Alan Arkin cameraimprovisemake share on social
A director without a vision is a catastrophe. Alan Arkin catastrophedirectorvision Change image and share on social
I gotta keep busy. I'm not happy unless I'm working on two, three things. Alan Arkin busygottahappy Change image and share on social
