Quote by Michael Haneke
People expect me to be dark and gloomy, then write that I'm a jolly chap, and after all, that is what I am. I think it's a case of an absolute romantic naivety that there should be a parallel between the work and the artist.
Summary
This quote expresses the disconnect between people's expectations of an artist's personality and their actual disposition. The speaker is aware that they are often seen as dark and gloomy due to their artistic work, yet they consider themselves to be a cheerful and optimistic person. They view the assumption that an artist's work must reflect their personality as a naive and romantic notion, highlighting the separation between an artist's creations and their true character.