David Lean Quotes

A collection of quotes by David Lean.

David Lean (1908-1991) was an iconic British film director and cinematographer. Born on March 25, 1908, in Croydon, England, Lean developed a passion for filmmaking from a young age. He began his career in the film industry as a clapperboard boy and quickly worked his way up the ranks, becoming an editor in the 1930s.

His directorial breakthrough came in 1942 with the critically acclaimed film "In Which We Serve," which he co-directed with Noël Coward. Lean's meticulous attention to detail and expert storytelling soon gained him recognition as one of the greatest directors of his time. He went on to direct a series of successful films including "Brief Encounter" (1945) and "Great Expectations" (1946), both of which garnered him widespread acclaim.

However, it was Lean's grand-scale epics that solidified his legacy. In the 1950s and 1960s, he directed a string of epic films, including "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957), which won him the Academy Award for Best Director, and "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962), which earned him another Best Director Oscar.

Lean's unique storytelling style, combined with his ability to capture vast landscapes and create striking visuals, made him a master of his craft. He continued his successful career with movies like "Dr. Zhivago" (1965) and "A Passage to India" (1984). David Lean left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, and his films remain timeless classics to this day. He passed away on April 16, 1991, in London, England, leaving behind a remarkable cinematic legacy.