The novel succeeds on terms exclusive to literature. A good film succeeds on terms exclusive to the cinema. That's why so many bad novels can become good movies, like 'Jaws' or 'The Godfather.' Alexander Payne badcinemaexclusive Change image and share on social
When you're a houseguest and you leave, it's nice to straighten something up or send your hosts a useful gift. And when you leave the planet, it's nice to have made a positive contribution. Alexander Payne contributiongifthost Change image and share on social
I like voice-over in films, and most of my films have been voice-over films. Alexander Payne filmvoice Change image and share on social
I mean, look, I love movies, not just the ones I make... In fact, I don't like the movies I make very much. Alexander Payne factlovemake Change image and share on social
When I'm shooting, I don't care who the star is. I have an actor playing a part, and I'm serving the script, not serving anyone's career. Alexander Payne actorcarecareer Change image and share on social
I think that Peter Jennings is the only decent one of the big three. Alexander Payne bigdecentjennings 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
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
There's a bizarre insistence on how a story should be. 'The protagonist must be sympathetic!' they say. Whatever that means. I never engage in that discussion. I never use that word, 'sympathetic.' I just know 'interesting.' Alexander Payne bizarrediscussionengage share on social
