Paul W. S. Anderson: 'People see my films, and they cheer and they clap, and they are the kind of movies I like to see myself.'

People see my films, and they cheer and they clap, and they are the kind of movies I like to see myself.

Paul W. S. Anderson, the renowned filmmaker behind movies like "Resident Evil" and "Mortal Kombat," once said, "People see my films, and they cheer and they clap, and they are the kind of movies I like to see myself." At first glance, this quote may seem like a simple reflection of Anderson's satisfaction in creating movies that he personally enjoys. However, upon further exploration, a hidden philosophical concept emerges - the interplay between personal artistic fulfillment and the audience's response. This concept raises intriguing questions about the nature of art, its purpose, and the relationship between artist and viewer.Anderson's quote highlights the gratification he feels when his films resonate with the audience. It emphasizes his desire to create movies that are not only appealing to his personal tastes but also bring joy and entertainment to viewers. From a straightforward perspective, the quote serves as a testament to Anderson's understanding of the audience's role in validating and appreciating his work. It exemplifies his belief that the applause and cheer from moviegoers signify the success of his creative endeavors.However, diving deeper into this quote, a thought-provoking philosophical concept emerges. What is the role of an artist, and how does it intersect with the expectations and desires of the audience? While Anderson's quote suggests that his primary goal is to create films he enjoys seeing himself, it raises the question of whether an artist's satisfaction should solely rely on the audience's reaction.On one hand, some may argue that an artist's fulfillment lies in creating work that aligns with their personal vision. They may argue that art is a form of self-expression, and true artistic integrity would entail staying true to one's creative instincts, even if it means risking the disapproval of the audience. This perspective suggests that artists should prioritize their own creative process and rely on their internal compass to guide their work, rather than solely seeking affirmation from the audience.On the other hand, there is a compelling argument for the importance of the audience's response in determining the success of a piece of art. Art, at its core, is a form of communication - a means for artists to convey their ideas, emotions, and messages to an audience. From this standpoint, an artist finds fulfillment not just in the act of creation but in the impact and resonance their work has on others. Therefore, it could be argued that an artist should consider the wants and needs of the audience to ensure their work effectively communicates and generates a response.In the case of Paul W. S. Anderson, he seems to strike a delicate balance between creating films he enjoys watching himself and catering to the expectations and desires of the audience. The fact that his films garner cheering and applause implies that his personal taste aligns with a significant portion of the moviegoing audience. Anderson's ability to simultaneously satisfy his own creative preferences and resonate with viewers demonstrates his skill in finding the sweet spot where his artistry and audience expectations converge.In conclusion, Paul W. S. Anderson's quote sheds light on the complex interplay between an artist's personal satisfaction and the audience's response. It touches upon fundamental questions about the purpose of art, the role of the artist, and the delicate equilibrium between personal artistic fulfillment and meeting the expectations of the audience. Anderson's ability to strike this balance showcases his talent as a filmmaker and highlights the significance of creating work that not only resonates with the artist but also brings joy and entertainment to the audience. Ultimately, the quote invites us to ponder the intricacies of the artist-viewer relationship and the multifaceted nature of artistic fulfillment.