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Alexander Payne

109quotes

Alexander Payne: A Masterful Storyteller


Full Name and Common Aliases


Alexander Payne is the full name of this renowned American film director, screenwriter, and producer.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on February 10, 1961, in Omaha, Nebraska, Payne is still active in his career. As a result, there is no death date to report.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Payne holds American nationality and is known professionally as a film director, screenwriter, and producer.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Alexander Payne developed a passion for storytelling at an early age. His interest in filmmaking was fostered through his high school days, where he made short films with friends. This initial spark eventually led him to study English literature and philosophy at Stanford University. However, it was during his time at Stanford that Payne found himself drawn more towards film studies. He went on to earn a Master's degree in film from the American Film Institute.

Major Accomplishments


Payne's career is marked by numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for _Sideways_ (2004) and two nominations for Best Director for the same film. His critically acclaimed directorial work includes films such as _Election_ (1999), _About Schmidt_ (2002), _Sideways_ (2004), _The Descendants_ (2011), _Nebraska_ (2013), and _Downsizing_ (2017). Payne has also received recognition for his work in television, including an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.

Notable Works or Actions


Payne's commitment to authentic storytelling is evident throughout his body of work. He often focuses on themes that resonate deeply with audiences, such as the human condition, family dynamics, and personal growth. His films frequently feature characters from middle America, offering a nuanced portrayal of this often-overlooked demographic. Payne has been praised for his ability to balance humor and pathos in his storytelling.

Impact and Legacy


Alexander Payne's influence on contemporary cinema is substantial. He has paved the way for other filmmakers by showcasing complex, character-driven stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. His dedication to authentic storytelling has inspired a new generation of writers and directors to explore the human condition through their work. Payne's contributions to American film have solidified his place as one of the most respected voices in the industry.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Alexander Payne is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful, poignant storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. His unique voice has left an indelible mark on contemporary cinema, making him a figure to be reckoned with in the world of filmmaking.

Quotes by Alexander Payne

Alexander Payne's insights on:

My flag is always flying. My shingle is always out. I'm always looking for movie ideas.
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My flag is always flying. My shingle is always out. I'm always looking for movie ideas.
AP
I don't think so much about verbal comedy. I always think about visual comedy. I was raised watching silents, and I'm always thinking about how to make cinema, not good talking - although I want good talking. I'm much more interested in framing, composition, and orchestration of bodies in space, and so forth.
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I don't think so much about verbal comedy. I always think about visual comedy. I was raised watching silents, and I'm always thinking about how to make cinema, not good talking - although I want good talking. I'm much more interested in framing, composition, and orchestration of bodies in space, and so forth.
AP
If you were falling in love and you could go back in time and relive a day and see the banal things you did that you'd forgotten about, you'd weep, looking at that day.
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If you were falling in love and you could go back in time and relive a day and see the banal things you did that you'd forgotten about, you'd weep, looking at that day.
AP
Life mixes tones all the time.
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Life mixes tones all the time.
AP
I don’t want all of American cinema to be big cartoons that are just made to be digested by the entire world.
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I don’t want all of American cinema to be big cartoons that are just made to be digested by the entire world.
AP
That’s how I like to do it with actors, have them really go for it and I’ll tell them when it’s too much. It’s always easier to bring it back then to push it further.
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That’s how I like to do it with actors, have them really go for it and I’ll tell them when it’s too much. It’s always easier to bring it back then to push it further.
AP
I think if you watch most of my films with the sound off, you could still tell what’s going on.
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I think if you watch most of my films with the sound off, you could still tell what’s going on.
AP
Marketing has supplanted story as the primary force behind the worthiness of making a film, and that’s a very sad thing. It’s film only as a function of consumerism rather than as an important component of our culture, and that’s everywhere around the world.
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Marketing has supplanted story as the primary force behind the worthiness of making a film, and that’s a very sad thing. It’s film only as a function of consumerism rather than as an important component of our culture, and that’s everywhere around the world.
AP
When you’re a houseguest and you leave, it’s nice to straighten something up or send your hosts a useful gift. And when you leave the planet, it’s nice to have made a positive contribution.
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When you’re a houseguest and you leave, it’s nice to straighten something up or send your hosts a useful gift. And when you leave the planet, it’s nice to have made a positive contribution.
AP
I spend a long time casting, but once I’ve cast a film there’s a reason why I selected those people. So I’m hands-on in selecting the cast, hands-off to see what they do with their characters, and hands-on again to offer suggestions.
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I spend a long time casting, but once I’ve cast a film there’s a reason why I selected those people. So I’m hands-on in selecting the cast, hands-off to see what they do with their characters, and hands-on again to offer suggestions.
AP
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