Kenneth Tynan Quotes

A collection of quotes by Kenneth Tynan.

Kenneth Tynan (1927-1980) was a prominent British theatre critic and writer known for his sharp and insightful reviews. As the influential drama critic for The Observer and later The New Yorker, he played a significant role in shaping the theatrical landscape of the 1950s and 60s. Tynan's fierce advocacy for groundbreaking playwrights and his willingness to challenge traditional norms made him a leading figure in the British cultural scene. His controversial and pioneering style of criticism helped bring a fresh perspective to the world of theatre and greatly influenced the way performances were assessed and appreciated.

The greatest films are those which show how society shapes m

The greatest films are those which show how society shapes man. The greatest plays are those which show how man shapes society.

Film / Filmmaking / Movies

It is the nature of ambition to make men liars and cheats, t

It is the nature of ambition to make men liars and cheats, to hide the truth in their breasts, and show, like jugglers, another thing in their mouths, to cut all friendships and enmities to the measure of their own interest, and to make a good countenance without the help of good will.

Deception/lying

A critic is a man who knows the way but can't drive the car.

A critic is a man who knows the way but can't drive the car.

Art and ideology often interact on each other; but the plain

Art and ideology often interact on each other; but the plain fact is that both spring from a common source. Both draw on human experience to explain mankind to itself; both attempt, in very different ways, to assemble coherence from seemingly unrelated phenomena; both stand guard for us against chaos.