"I started writing movie scripts. They excited me a lot, but I didn't like them when they were finished because they were simple copies of the films I saw in childhood"

Manuel Puig describes a personal journey in the creative process, revealing the tension between inspiration and originality. His excitement in writing movie scripts speaks to the allure of cinema and the potent memories forged during youth. Films often embed themselves deeply in our minds, shaping not only our tastes but also our creative impulses. Puig acknowledges the compelling force of these childhood experiences; they become the catalyst for his desire to write.

However, this same excitement turns to disappointment when confronted with the finished product. Puig’s dissatisfaction lies in recognizing that his scripts are not fresh creations but rather echoes, mere imitations, of the films that left a mark on him as a child. There is an implicit criticism here of how formative influences can limit creativity, leading one to reproduce rather than reimagine. Puig’s honesty is striking; he admits to falling into the trap of imitation, a common struggle for many artists at the beginning of their career.

The statement reflects a broader existential inquiry into the nature of originality. It points to the internal conflict artists face: the desire to pay homage to what inspires them versus the urge to express something uniquely their own. Puig’s awareness of his tendency to mirror rather than innovate highlights the challenging path toward finding an authentic voice. His journey is a process of self-discovery, realization, and eventually, growth, the move from being a passive consumer of art to an active creator.

Through this confession, Puig touches on essential principles of creativity. Past influences inevitably shape us, but maturity in art comes from transforming those influences, not replicating them. Creative fulfillment is only achieved when one moves beyond mere imitation, pushing through disappointment to develop work that is genuinely personal and new. Puig’s reflection chronicles an artist’s quest to transcend nostalgia and find true creative independence.