Knowing What You Want – March 9, 2008
I hear it often and every time I do it makes me cringe. It’s funny
because the words are usually offered as some sort of high praise, but
to me they are nothing if not damning. But really, how often do you hear
someone praised because they know exactly what they want?
Dead-enders still enamored with George W. Bush hold up his stubbornness
and steadfast resolve as some kind of badge of honor, and his incessant
need to remain true to his vision as some sort of virtue. But it’s
not only politicians and world leaders, it’s artists as well. I’ve
seen second rate musicians forever praised as knowing exactly what sound
they want the moment they step into the studio. And I’ve seen photographers
and filmmakers lauded by cast and crew alike for knowing exactly what
they want before the first frame is shot.
I don’t get it. What’s the virtue in knowing exactly what
you want? Don’t misunderstand, I’m not saying you shouldn’t
have any kind of idea or vision in your head, but what’s wrong with
adapting and changing that vision. Why is there a need to know exactly
what you want before you even start? What’s wrong with being unsure?
What’s wrong with being wrong?
I think the artist that is willing to morph and experiment and warp his ideas
as he moves forward is the real artist. Knowing exactly what you want
before you start is nothing but bravado and arrogance. Stepping onto a
set and being cocksure of your intentions may inspire the confidence of
others, but what if that confidence is misplaced? What if that self-importance
is ultimately nothing but overconfidence?
Every time I hear an artist say they know exactly what they want, I see
an artist unwilling to change, unwilling to adapt and to make things better.
And somehow in their mind remaining committed to that vision is actually
more important that the final result itself. To me humility is a virtue.
Let me be unsure enough to allow me to think and to explore. Let my ideas
change and morph in order to produce the best result even though I may
have cast the original vision aside. After all, knowing exactly what I
want is not nearly as important as discovering exactly what I need.
|
