William Goldman’s Benediction for Creatives
And to all that [young film school] talent let me say, where the hell have you been and I wish you joy…
… and may you ignore the critics when they attack you, and pay no attention to their praise…
… and may you please remember when your scenes are sludge, that screenplays are structure…
… and may you have peers as willing to improve your project as you must be; treat them kindly, for they will save your ass many times over…
… and may you always remember “it’s only a movie” but never forget there are lots of worse things than movies—like politicians…
… and may you be lucky enough and skilled enough to make some glorious moments for all those people out there sitting in the dark, as earlier craftsmen created such moments for you…
… and finally and most of all, may all your scars be little ones.
