Federico Fellini

Film & Theater Italian 1920 – 1993 334 quotes

Master of surreal, dreamlike cinema

Most quoted

"Talking about dreams is like talking about movies, since the cinema uses the language of dreams; years can pass in a second and you can hop from one place to another."

— from Interview

"I don’t like the idea of ‘understanding’ a film. I don’t believe that rational understanding is an essential element in the reception of any work of art."

— from Interview, 1965

"I don't like the idea of 'understanding' a film. I don't believe that rational understanding is an essential element in the reception of any work of art."

— from Interview

All quotes by Federico Fellini (334)

I am a storyteller, and my stories are my films.

Interview

I don't believe in God, but I believe in magic.

Interview

The artist is a mirror that reflects the world.

Interview

The most important thing is to be curious.

Interview

I don't believe in realism. I believe in magic.

Interview

I like the idea of a film being a dream.

Interview

I invent everything. Nothing is true.

Interview

The only way to be a realist is to be a visionary.

Interview

I don't think there's any difference between reality and fantasy. They're both the same.

Interview

The most beautiful thing in the world is a woman in love.

Interview

The only way to escape the abyss is to look at it, measure it, sound it and then go around it.

Interview

I don't want to prove anything. I just want to make films.

Interview

The cinema is a language that speaks to the heart.

Interview

The only way to be original is to be yourself.

Interview

The most important thing is to be free.

Interview

I don't believe in God, but I believe in something.

Interview

The only way to make a film is to be a dictator.

Interview

I don't like happy endings. I like life.

Interview

The most beautiful thing about life is that it's a mystery.

Interview

The only way to be a director is to be a child.

Interview