Stanley Kubrick

Film & Theater American-British 1928 – 1999 323 quotes

Perfectionist filmmaker, 2001: A Space Odyssey

Most quoted

"The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile but that it is indifferent; but if we can come to terms with this indifference and accept the challenges of human existence, then our existence as a species can have a meaning and a purpose. However, in this vast indifference, there is no inherent meaning or purpose, only what we create for ourselves."

— from Interview

"The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile but that it is indifferent; but if we can come to terms with this indifference and accept the challenges of life within the boundaries of death – however mutable man may be – then in his brief moment on Earth every man can experience a fulfillment that will make his life for himself an enduring joy."

"The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile but that it is indifferent; but if we can come to terms with this indifference and accept the challenges of life within the boundaries of death – however long the interval and however short – then man’s existence as a species can have a meaning."

— from 2001: A Space Odyssey production notes, 1968

All quotes by Stanley Kubrick (323)

The film is a poem. It expresses feelings that words cannot convey.

The film is a song. It has a rhythm and a melody.

The film is a dance. It moves with grace and precision.

The film is a painting. It uses light and shadow to create an image.

The film is a sculpture. It has form and texture.

The film is an architecture. It has structure and design.

The film is a universe. It contains everything.

The film is a life. It has a beginning, a middle, and an end.

The film is a dream that you can remember.

The film is a dream that you can never forget.

The film is a dream that you can live.

The film is a dream that you can create.

The film is a dream that you can share.

The film is a dream that you can understand.

The film is a dream that you can feel.

The film is a dream that you can believe.

The film is a dream that you can love.

The film is a dream that you can hate.

The film is a dream that you can fear.

The film is a dream that you can laugh at.