If you have only 95 minutes of material, make an only 95-minute movie. Amazing how often that’s forgotten.

Stephen Hunter

 

The Quote in Other Words

It is often overlooked how important it is to create a movie that is only as long as the amount of material available, such as 95 minutes.

 

Explanation of the Quote

This quote emphasizes the importance of brevity in filmmaking. It suggests that filmmakers should not try to stretch their material beyond its natural length, but instead should create a movie that is exactly as long as it needs to be. This approach can help to ensure that the movie is engaging and impactful, without any unnecessary filler or padding.

By focusing on quality over quantity, filmmakers can create a more memorable and effective movie. This requires careful planning and editing, as well as a willingness to let go of any material that does not serve the story. Ultimately, the goal is to create a movie that is both entertaining and meaningful, without wasting the audience’s time or attention.

Overall, this quote reminds us that less can often be more in filmmaking. By staying true to the material and avoiding the temptation to pad out the runtime, filmmakers can create a more focused and impactful movie that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll.