"The more people involved in making a movie, the worse it is, generally"

Catherine Keener's observation reflects a perspective that values creative cohesion and intimacy in filmmaking over mass collaboration. She suggests that as the number of contributors increases, the chances of the film retaining a strong vision diminish. Filmmaking is an inherently collaborative process, but Keener points to a threshold where collaboration can tip into dilution. When a project involves too many voices, decision-making often becomes bogged down with conflicting priorities, studio interventions, or a committee approach to creativity, resulting in a product lacking distinctiveness or emotional impact.

A smaller group of collaborators tends to foster a unified artistic direction. Directors, writers, and a select group of producers can more freely exchange ideas, make bold decisions, and maintain consistency in tone and purpose without constant compromise. Too many stakeholders can lead to “design by committee,” where every bold or risky idea is sanded down in pursuit of broad appeal or the avoidance of offense. The original inspiration behind a movie may become lost as scheduling, marketing, and external interests overshadow the driving creative force.

Keener’s statement also alludes to the intimacy that often marks the most resonant films. Smaller productions can nurture trust and vulnerability among cast and crew, allowing actors to take greater risks and craft more truthful performances. There is often more room to experiment, to respond to happy accidents, and to chase unexpected moments that make a film feel alive. Budget constraints and smaller crews might limit resources, but they can paradoxically force greater inventiveness and focus on storytelling essentials.

While many big productions with large teams have succeeded, Keener’s comment emphasizes a recurring truth in the industry: too many cooks can spoil the broth. A movie’s strength can lie in the clarity of its vision, which is easier to achieve when the number of voices shaping it is thoughtfully limited.