Hollywood films have become a cesspool of formula and it's up to us to try to change it... I feel like a preacher! But it's really true. I feel personally responsible for the future of American cinema. Me personally. Alexander Payne americancesspoolchange share on social
The actors are the greatest executors of tone in a film. They're the most important cinematic component. Alexander Payne actorcinematiccomponent Change image and share on social
I guess maybe I try to make movies that are closer to real life than are many Hollywood movies. But I still try to stay within a commercial narrative, a contemporary American vernacular. Alexander Payne americanclosecommercial Change image and share on social
'Independent' means one thing to me: It means that regardless of the source of financing, the director's voice is extremely present. It's such a pretentious term, but it's auteurist cinema. Director-driven, personal, auteurist... Whatever word you want. Alexander Payne auteuristcinemadirector share on social
There is an audience out there for literate films - slower, more observant, more human films, and they deserve to be made. Alexander Payne audiencedeservefilm Change image and share on social
What is filmmaking but groping in the dark? Alexander Payne darkfilmmakegrope Change image and share on social
The kindest thing a director can do is look with open eyes at everything. Alexander Payne directoreyekind Change image and share on social
But it's just that the whole country is making generally lousy films these days and has been for quite a while. That's the big problem that we all have to think about. Alexander Payne bigcountryday Change image and share on social
I'm so not interested in producing, other than doing my own work, producing my own films. I only do it as favors, for other people to get their films made. Alexander Payne favorfilminterest Change image and share on social