“Exactly, I repeated myself. I believe we do it all the time. We always take up certain elements again. How can it be avoided? An actor’s voice always has the same timbre and, consequently, he repeats himself. It is the same for a singer, a painter…There are always certain things that come back, for they are part of one’s personality, of one’s style. If these things didn’t come into play, a personality would be so complex that it would become impossible to identify it.It is not my intention to repeat myself, but in my work there should certainly be references to what I have done in the past. Say what you will, but The Trial is the best film I ever made…I have never been so happy as when I made this film.(talking about directing, The Trial (1962) - from Orson Welles: Interviews (book))”
Quote Analysis
In this quote, Orson Welles reflects on the idea of repetition in artistic expression, comparing it to the consistency of an actor's voice or a singer's timbre. He emphasizes that certain elements will always reappear in an artist's work, as they are a part of one's personality and style. Despite his intention not to repeat himself, Welles acknowledges that there will be references to his past work in his future projects. Specifically, he highlights "The Trial" as the best film he ever made, expressing his happiness and satisfaction with the creative process of directing that particular movie. This quote sheds light on Welles' understanding of artistic evolution and the importance of embracing elements from one's past work in shaping one's distinctive style.
Modern Relevance
In this quote, Orson Welles reflects on the inevitability of repetition in an artist's work, emphasizing the importance of certain elements that make up one's unique style and identity. He acknowledges that while he strives to avoid repeating himself, references to his past work are inevitable and essential to his artistic expression. This idea continues to hold relevance in the modern art world, where artists often draw upon their own history and unique voice to create new works that reflect their evolving identity and style. The concept of embracing one's past work while also pushing boundaries and exploring new territories remains a central theme for artists seeking to establish a cohesive and recognizable body of work.
Orson Welles on the Phenomenon of Repeating Oneself
"Exactly, I repeated myself. I believe we do it all the time. We always take up certain elements again. How can it be avoided? An actor’s voice always has the same timbre and, consequently, he repeats himself. It is the same for a singer, a painter…There are always certain things that come back, for they are part of one’s personality, of one’s style. If these things didn’t come into play, a personality would be so complex that it would become impossible to identify it.
It is not my intention to repeat myself, but in my work there should certainly be references to what I have done in the past. Say what you will, but The Trial is the best film I ever made…I have never been so happy as when I made this film." - Orson Welles
Reflection Questions
Orson Welles reflects on the inevitability of repeating oneself in creative work, acknowledging that certain elements often resurface due to one's unique style and personality. Consider the following questions:
In what ways do you see yourself repeating certain elements or themes in your own creative work? How do these repetitions contribute to or detract from your artistic identity?
How do you balance the desire to innovate and create something new with the comfort and familiarity of incorporating elements from your past work? How do you navigate this tension in your own artistic practice?
Reflect on a project or piece of work that holds a special significance for you, like Welles' fondness for The Trial. What made that particular work stand out to you? How did it impact your creative process or artistic development?
How do you approach references to your past work in your current projects? Do you intentionally incorporate elements from your previous work, or do they naturally arise as part of your artistic voice?
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