"I don't believe in elitism. I don't think the audience is this dumb person lower than me. I am the audience"
- Quentin Tarantino
About this Quote
Quentin Tarantino's quote uses a glance into his viewpoint about filmmaking and his relationship with his audience. By specifying, "I don't believe in elitism," he ranges himself from the conventional hierarchical structure frequently discovered in the art world, where creators and intellectuals are seen as remarkable to consumers. Tarantino challenges the concept that filmmakers or artists inhabit a higher intellectual aircraft than their audience. This rejection of elitism recommends his belief in a more democratic and inclusive technique to art.
When Tarantino says, "I don't believe the audience is this dumb person lower than me," he emphasizes his respect for the intelligence and elegance of the average spectator. Rather than perceiving the audience as passive consumers who require to be spoon-fed narratives and meanings, he sees them as active participants capable of engaging deeply with his movies. This mindset shows his self-confidence in the capacity of his audiences to value and analyze complex storytelling, layered characters, and rich dialogues.
The declaration, "I am the audience," is particularly powerful. This identification with the audience suggests that Tarantino sees himself as part of the community he develops for, blurring the line in between developer and customer. It suggests that he makes films that he would want to enjoy, films that thrill him, challenge him, and entertain him. By viewing himself as part of the audience, Tarantino highlights his belief in the shared human experience and typical tastes that transcend the borders often built by cultural gatekeepers.
Overall, this quote reflects Tarantino's egalitarian technique and highlights his dedication to producing art that resonates with a broad audience, grounded in the understanding that both he and the viewers are on an equivalent intellectual footing.
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