"My stage successes have provided me with the greatest moments outside myself, my film successes the best moments, professionally, within myself"

Laurence Olivier reflects on the distinct rewards he experienced in his stage and film careers, identifying a profound difference between the two artistic mediums. His remark highlights the unique nature of performance on stage, where the energy of the audience, the immediacy of the experience, and the communal nature of theatre enable the actor to transcend their own sense of self. Being on stage, Olivier suggests, fosters a connection that transports him "outside" himself—an almost ecstatic or transformative state, where the actor is buoyed by the live interaction with the crowd and with fellow performers. These are the moments shaped by shared experience, spontaneity, and the almost electrifying presence that only a live performance can offer.

In contrast, the medium of film invites a more internalized and nuanced approach. Acting for the camera often demands subtlety, introspection, and a keen awareness of the smallest gestures or expressions. Olivier identifies his film achievements as those that have afforded him the "best moments, professionally, within myself", suggesting that the craft of film acting is deeply personal. The absence of an immediate audience, the fragmentary nature of shooting scenes out of order, and the focus on minute details of performance all encourage the actor to look inward, to cultivate a private and meticulous artistry. The self-satisfaction and pride Olivier found through film stems from mastering this internal process, from reaching new professional heights that are measured by personal growth rather than public validation.

Olivier acknowledges the complementary nature of theatre and film, recognizing that both forms of acting fulfill different yet equally important needs within the artist. The stage offers transcendence through external engagement, while film fosters internal satisfaction through disciplined, solitary professionalism. Both shaped his identity and career, leaving him enriched by the dual experiences of collective triumph and personal achievement.