Top 16 Quotes & Sayings by D. W. Griffith

Explore popular quotes and sayings by an American director D. W. Griffith.

Last updated on December 19, 2024.

David Wark Griffith was an American film director. Considered one of the most influential figures in the history of the motion picture, he pioneered many aspects of film editing and expanded the art of the narrative film.

American - Director | January 22, 1875 - July 23, 1948

Source: Wikipedia

Actors should never be important. Only directors should have power and place.

D. W. Griffith

It takes two years on the stage for an actor or an actress to learn how to speak correctly and to manage his voice properly, and it takes about ten years to master the subtle art of being able to hold one's audience.

D. W. Griffith

I pick out young people and teach them in less time than it would take me to alter the methods of people from the boards, and I get actors who look the parts they have to fill.

D. W. Griffith

Now supposing I had the part of a young woman to give out, one that wanted some excellent acting. If I were to go to the stage for my actress I would have to take a matured woman, one who would act splendidly, but who would look too old for the requirements.

D. W. Griffith

Movies are written in sand: applauded today, forgotten tomorrow.

D. W. Griffith

When I work for someone else, I always make money for them. When I back my own ideas, I am bound to lose.

D. W. Griffith

I am fond of depicting the lives of young folks for one thing, and if you have parts for girls or young men, you must absolutely have young people to fill them - that is generally acknowledged now.

D. W. Griffith

There will never be talking pictures.

D. W. Griffith

Well, I certainly did not think that I could do worse.

D. W. Griffith

Remember how small the world was before I came along? I brought it all to life: I moved the whole world onto a 20-foot screen.

D. W. Griffith

Viewed as drama, World War I is somewhat disappointing.

D. W. Griffith

The task I'm trying to achieve, above all, is to make you see.

D. W. Griffith

Being a film director involves, above all, a lot of hard work and resolve and determination. The glamour doesn't come until the premiere and the thing is all long done.

D. W. Griffith

Everything went downhill after Lillian [Gish] left me.

D. W. Griffith

Viewed as a drama, the war is somewhat disappointing.

D. W. Griffith