Jørgen Leth

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When I make films, I'm very conscious about leaving space for an uncertainty, and for some unexpected things.
- Jørgen Leth
Collection: Space
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I like to apply storytelling methods and techniques to try to frame the story in an interesting way, but you can never control what's happening.
- Jørgen Leth
Collection: Interesting
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I like the idea of chance coming into filmmaking, in shooting, in editing, and I do make space in my rules of game for chance.
- Jørgen Leth
Collection: Editing
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Every time I go to Haiti after a season of busy work in Europe, I feel like I'm submerging into a certain state of mind, which is very productive.
- Jørgen Leth
Collection: Europe
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I hate films with a clear message, ones that have their answers already when they start.
- Jørgen Leth
Collection: Hate
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I've done films about games. What I like with games is that there is this uncertain outcome and the element of chance.
- Jørgen Leth
Collection: Games
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When I have something to work against, it liberates my imagination. I believe very much in authentic inspiration. I'm not about calculation.
- Jørgen Leth
Collection: Believe
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Haiti is the best cure against melancholy; it is also the most creative place for me to be. My productivity has increased enormously since I moved to Haiti. That's where I write my stories, develop my ideas and write nonstop, so it's a productive time, not a sleepy time.
- Jørgen Leth
Collection: Writing
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For me, poetry has a strong link to my filmmaking. My films learn from my poetry. In poetry, you're free. You start in the corner and you don't know where it leads you. I have no message, I have nothing I want to tell, I just start and I see where it leads, and it's a big surprise and relief if it's good. That's the ideal state for filmmaking.
- Jørgen Leth
Collection: Strong
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I'm a man who struggles with melancholy and depression, but I am a very productive filmmaker and I work constantly, with no pause. Even in the worst of crises, I manage to produce work. And that's keeping me alive.
- Jørgen Leth
Collection: Struggle