"Though I am still very vulnerable to audiences - and it happens all the time - where for some reason the energy doesn't connect and, since the film is very personal, obviously I am made to feel very vulnerable by that"

Atom Egoyan, a distinguished filmmaker, expresses a deeply individual and reflective belief in this quote, revealing the dual nature of creative creation and public reception. At its core, his statement highlights the intrinsic vulnerability artists feel when providing their work to an audience.

Egoyan starts by acknowledging his vulnerability to audience responses, suggesting that despite his experience and success, he is not immune to the emotional effect of popular opinion. This highlights an axiom for artists: the act of creation invariably involves exposing a part of oneself. The phrase "and it occurs all the time" recommends a repeating experience where the expected connection with the audience is not accomplished. This indicates that regardless of an artist's intent or effort, there are moments when the work does not resonate with the audience as anticipated, leaving the creator in a state of vulnerability.

By mentioning "the energy doesn't link", Egoyan alludes to the intangible bond in between the storyteller and the listener-- a vibrant exchange that confirms the emotional labor poured into the production. This energy is an essential element in filmmaking, specifically for works that are "really individual", as discussed by Egoyan. Individual movies, rooted in specific experiences or emotions, carry an included weight of intimacy for the creator. When audiences stop working to connect with such movies, the artist may feel exposed or misinterpreted, magnifying their vulnerability.

Egoyan's reflection acts as a poignant pointer of the bravery needed in art-making. Artists willingly open themselves to possible criticism and indifference, yet this vulnerability is also where the power and credibility of art live. Thus, through Egoyan's words, we get insight into the delicate balance between artistic expression and audience reception, and the nerve needed to continue the face of potential disconnection.