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With a good script, a good director can produce a masterpiece. With the same script, a mediocre director can produce a passable film. But with a bad script even a good director can't possibly make a good film. For truly cinematic expression, the camera and the microphone must be able to cross both fire and water. The script must be something that has the power to do this.

Akira Kurosawa#3

DirectionFilmmakingStorytelling

About this quote

What does it mean?
He emphasizes that a strong script is the essential backbone of any successful film, regardless of directing talent.
In plain terms
A strong script is essential for a successful film.
What can you take from it?
Technical tools like cameras and mics serve the story, not the other way around.

Where it applies

  • film production
  • writing
  • directing

Putting it to work

  • prioritize script
  • evaluate storytelling
  • study writing

Questions to consider

  • Is the script the most important part of film?
  • Can a director save a bad script?

Another view

Great direction can sometimes elevate a weak script significantly.

More from Akira Kurosawa

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  2. It is quite enough if a human being has but one thing where he is strong. If a human being were strong in everything it wouldn't be nice for other people, woul…

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  3. In a mad world, only the mad are sane.

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