James Dean

Racing is the only time I feel whole.

James Dean

Studying cows, pigs and chickens can help an actor develop his character. There are a lot of things I learned from animals. One was that they couldn’t hiss or boo me.

James Dean

There is no way to be truly great in this world. We are all impaled on the crook of conditioning. A fish that is in the water has no choice that he is. Genius would have it that we swim in sand. We are fish and we drown.

James Dean

To grasp the full significance of life is the actor’s duty; to interpret it his problem; and to express it his dedication.

James Dean

Trust and belief are two prime considerations. You must not allow yourself to be opinionated.

James Dean

At times there seems to be a million ideas worth painting. However, there are days when it’s a challenge to pull any idea together. On these days I go to my studio, leaf through an art history book, and tell myself that I am part of this great tradition.

James Dean

How can you measure acting in inches?!?

James Dean

I’m a serious-minded and intense little devil, terribly gauche and so tense I don’t see how people stay in the same room with me. I know I wouldn’t tolerate myself.

James Dean

The cinema is a very truthful medium because the camera doesn’t let you get away with anything. On stage, you can even loaf a little, if you’re so inclined.

James Dean

The only way to make a scene realistic is to do it the way you know it would really happen.

James Dean