"As a writer, it's fun to create. And once you get into a long-running show with very established characters and a very established tone and format, after a while it's a really great job, but that's what it is - a job."
About Alan Ball
Alan Ball — Life and Legacy
Alan Ball is a prominent screenwriter and director celebrated for his ability to weave complex narratives that delve into the intricacies of identity and human experience. His notable works, including 'Six Feet Under' and 'American Beauty', challenge conventional norms and provoke thought about the nature of self and societal roles. Ball's quote, 'The truth is, I think we all want to be seen', encapsulates his exploration of authenticity, revealing a deep understanding of the human desire for recognition. Through his characters, he often illustrates the tension between societal expectations and personal truth, prompting audiences to reflect on their own identities. Ball's unique perspective continues to resonate, as his narratives encourage viewers to confront the often uncomfortable realities of life, making his insights profoundly relevant in today's world.
Quote collection
Alan Ball quotes (page 1 of 4)
71 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once and it's too much. My heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst."
"I felt pride, wonderful pride, when I was captain. It was an honour to take over from Labby. Anybody who has ever captained a big club, which Everton are, will tell you it's a great honour."
"Directing is physically exciting because there's a ticking clock, you're working with people, it's very social, it's very enjoyable."
"And as I stumbled onto Eastern philosophy and Buddhism, it was the first time I had ever read any sort of philosophy that really made a tremendous amount of sense. What I liked that was missing from my experience of Christianity growing up was a sort of acceptance, a sort of being OK with being imperfect and not focusing on the sin."
"Once Everton has touched you, nothing will be the same."
"I was conveniently bisexual for a long time, and then I went, 'Come on, who am I kidding?' And I have to say, it was the single biggest step I took toward emotional well-being, to stop feeling like I had to hide who I am."
"We live in a time where there's an alienation factor. There's a certain disconnection. We don't have any real sense of community anymore."
"I would say try to tell stories that you care about as opposed to stories that you think will sell."
"It's a great thing when you realize you still have the ability to surprise yourself. Makes you wonder what else you can do that you've forgotten about."
"I believe forgiveness is possible for everybody, for everything, but I'm a Buddhist."
"I'm a Buddhist, so one of my biggest beliefs is, 'Everything changes, don't take it personally.'"
"Never underestimate the power of denial."
"You have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm sure."
"It’s hard to stay mad, when there’s so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I’m seeing it all at once, and it’s too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that’s about to burst... And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain and I can’t feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life..."
"In my own life, I think legends of supernatural, mythic things are really just a manifestation of the collective unconscious. So I don't really get freaked out. I mean certainly, you read about things people did to each other in the pursuit of some mystical or occult goal, and it's horrifying. But that's just human nature."
"I certainly believe that what we perceive as humans is just the tip of the iceberg. I don't necessarily believe in vampires or werewolves or that kind of thing, but I believe there is definitely a realm we don't necessarily have access to."
"I'm from the South, so while I personally find it impossible to live there, I still have a fondness for it as a geographical region."
"That's the day I realized that there was this entire life behind things, and this incredibly benevolent force that wanted me to know there was no reason to be afraid, ever... Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world, I feel like I can't take it, and my heart is going to cave in."
"If a scene is longer than three pages, it better be for a good reason."