Andrei Tarkovsky Quotes

“A poet is someone who can use a single image to send a universal message.”

“Andrei, did you like the opera?""Not particularly.""Andrei, do you see what you're missing?""I don't think I do, Kira. It's all rather silly. And useless.""Can't you enjoy things that are useless, merely because they are beautiful?""No. But I enjoyed it.""The music?""No. The way you listened to it.”

“Just give me a bit, let me pretend you're still alive," Andrei said hoarsely. "Let me pretend that I don't have to give you up.""Andrei," Warm, calloused hands cupped Anrei's face. "Look at me. I'm real. I'm still with you. A part of me will always be with you. Even after I go through that doorway.”

“Comrades, this man has a nice smile, but he's got iron teeth.”

“The only condition of fighting for the right to create is faith in your own vocation, readiness to serve, and refusal to compromise.”

“Happiness will come from materialism, not from meaning.”

“The times spat at me. I spit back at the times.”

“The art of creation is older than the art of killing.”

“It is obvious that art cannot teach anyone anything, since in four thousand years humanity has learnt nothing at all.”

“The loudspeaker on the wall crackles, hisses, and suddenly announces, in astonishingly soothing tones, that a train is going to be delayed. An ocean swell of sighs ripples through the waiting room.”