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Just another Day on the Job – Why Directors Soderbergh and Tarantino Make Movies #atozchallenge #IndieFilm
Friday, April 11, 2014 at 10:10PM 
As I seek out my place in the madness that is filmmaking, it’s been interesting to notice vast differences in how more well-known, successful directors view their career choice. Steven Soderbergh – the man behind movies such as “Contagion,” “Ocean’s Eleven” (the one with George Clooney) and “Traffic” seems to approach this path like he would any other job. On the other hand, Quentin Tarantino – the man who brought us “Pulp Fiction,” “Kill Bill” and “Django Unchained,” operates from another end of the spectrum where he’s made film his life.
“It’s a real privilege to make a living doing this job. It’s a great job — the best I can think of, actually. You walk into a room and say, ‘I’m imagining this,’ and they give you millions of dollars to go out and make it real. That’s a pretty good gig. I have certain standards — sometimes I hit them and sometimes I don’t.
I don’t think being precious is really good for any art form. So I believe in being really prepared, working hard, doing everything I can think of to improve it, but staying on budget, staying on schedule, and when it’s over, it’s over and I’m onto the next thing. I’m really dispassionate about it, in that regard. I haven’t seen a great benefit in my own work in agonizing over things. I’ve seen more of a benefit in my work, for moving quickly. It’s harder to be pretentious when you’re moving really fast.” – Steven Soderbergh
- VS. -
“I’m lucky enough to be in the position where I don’t make movies to pay for my pool. When I make a movie, I want it to be everything to me; like I would die for it….When you gotta go out and make a movie to pay for the kid’s private school and for the three ex-wives, don’t talk to me about your artistry. It’s their job. It’s not my job. It’s my calling.” – Quentin Tarantino
I used to view film as my end-all be-all because it was – and still is at times -- everything to me, before embarking on this exploration of what really matters in the grand scheme of things. Now, I find Soderbergh’s position to be more relatable in the sense that making movies shouldn’t consume us too much, for too long. It’s probably healthier to do what you can and move on when the time has come for putting your energy and focus toward new (or even different) work.
Have YOU found your calling?
What are YOUR most favorite jobs (or gigs) that you ever had, to date?
Reader Comments (5)
I've totally found my calling. The fact it took me so long to find it makes it even sweeter.I like Tarantino, but I love Soderbergh. Now that I know his philosophy about his work, I love him even more.
Great question, Nicole. I think it relates to the "would you still write if you knew you'd never be published" question - and yes! I would. I must write :-)
I make my living from writing, and it's a job I love, but there comes a point where it is a job, and I have to treat it like one if I'm not going to burn out with it.
I used to think it was acting on stage. That was 20 years and three children ago. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something...because two nearby cities (ok, small cities but big enough by country standards) have opened theatres recently (or have stated plans). Hmm....:O)
LuAnn Braley
AJ's Hooligans @AtoZChallenge
Back Porchervations
My writing is my calling but I don't make enough with it to take care of the basics, like being able to feed my kid. So my life is a mash up of doing what I need by having a day gig I feel little for and pouring my artistic energy into what I love. Maybe, one day, if my writing can support my lifestyle, I will feel something different.