The first prerogative of an artist in any medium is to make a fool of himself.

Meaning of the quote

The quote means that the most important thing for an artist, whether they work in painting, music, writing, or another creative field, is to not be afraid to take risks and try new things, even if it means looking a little silly or strange at first. The artist's job is to be brave and experiment, not to play it safe.

About Pauline Kael

Pauline Kael was an influential American film critic who wrote for The New Yorker from 1968 to 1991. Known for her witty, opinionated, and sharply focused reviews, she had a significant impact on the art of film in the United States. Her unique and personal approach to critiquing movies left a lasting impression on the industry.

More about the author

More quotes from Pauline Kael

I see little of more importance to the future of our country and of civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist. If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.

Pauline Kael

American film critic (1919-2001)

The first prerogative of an artist in any medium is to make a fool of himself.

Pauline Kael

American film critic (1919-2001)

It seems likely that many of the young who don’t wait for others to call them artists, but simply announce that they are, don’t have the patience to make art.

Pauline Kael

American film critic (1919-2001)

Kevin Costner has feathers in his hair and feathers in his head. The Indians should have called him ‘Plays with Camera.’

Pauline Kael

American film critic (1919-2001)

Citizen Kane is perhaps the one American talking picture that seems as fresh now as the day it opened. It may seem even fresher.

Pauline Kael

American film critic (1919-2001)

This movie is a toupee made up to look like honest baldness.

Pauline Kael

American film critic (1919-2001)

A mistake in judgment isn’t fatal, but too much anxiety about judgment is.

Pauline Kael

American film critic (1919-2001)

In the arts, the critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising.

Pauline Kael

American film critic (1919-2001)

Trash has given us an appetite for art.

Pauline Kael

American film critic (1919-2001)

One of the surest signs of the Philistine is his reverence for the superior tastes of those who put him down.

Pauline Kael

American film critic (1919-2001)

The critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising.

Pauline Kael

American film critic (1919-2001)

Where there is a will, there is a way. If there is a chance in a million that you can do something, anything, to keep what you want from ending, do it. Pry the door open or, if need be, wedge your foot in that door and keep it open.

Pauline Kael

American film critic (1919-2001)

A book might be written on the injustice of the just.

Pauline Kael

American film critic (1919-2001)

Movies are so rarely great art that if we cannot appreciate great trash we have very little reason to be interested in them.

Pauline Kael

American film critic (1919-2001)