"You know, I find it very strange when movies that I made that were just excoriated - I mean that I was just vilified for - are now looked at as classics"
- John Milius
About this Quote
John Milius, a prominent filmmaker understood for his unique storytelling style, makes an engaging observation in this quote. He expresses confusion and possibly a hint of vindication worrying the retrospective reevaluation of his work. At first, his movies were harshly criticized, as shown by words like "excoriated" and "vilified." These terms suggest that critics and possibly audiences at the time were unforgiving in their assessments, possibly concentrating on controversial aspects or diverging from the prevalent taste and perceptiveness.
Milius's use of strong language underscores the intensity of the preliminary criticism he dealt with. Yet, what was once disparaged is now considered "classics," a term that suggests lasting value, artistic merit, and cultural impact. The shift in understanding brings forth the dynamic nature of art review and audience reception and illustrates how cultural, social, or generational changes can modify the lens through which art is evaluated.
The term "strange" reflects Milius's underlying awe, possibly highlighting a more comprehensive commentary on the unpredictable nature of creative tradition. What might have led its time, controversial, or misinterpreted at first might ultimately discover appreciation and honor as point of views evolve. Such a change recommends that true artistic effect often needs a temporal distance to be completely acknowledged.
This sentiment resonates with many creators who have actually experienced their work at first deal with severe criticism, only to see it later championed as pioneering. It underscores the obstacles creatives face: navigating modern reception while hoping their work resonates with future audiences. Milius's experience functions as a reminder that the real measure of art's worth often extends beyond immediate criticism, and its significance might just unfold with time as social and artistic paradigms shift.
Eventually, this quote is an enthusiastic acknowledgment of art's withstanding and transformative power-- a testament to the belief that misinterpreted or underappreciated developments may one day receive the recognition they are worthy of.
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