15 Kelly Reichardt Quotes to INSPIRE Writers and Filmmakers

Kelly Reichardt almost always works as a writer, director AND editor on her films. As a result, few people in American cinema understand storytelling as intimately as Kelly Reichardt. She’s a doggedly independent filmmaker who has carved out a unique place in modern American cinema. So for this reason, we take a look at 15 Kelly Reichardt quotes to see what this distinctive and unique voice has to say on her life, career, and the filmmaking process.

Fiercely Independent Spirit

An indie-film icon, Reichardt has been making films since 1994, beginning at Sundance with River of Grass. However, it took a while for her next film to be produced, an issue she credits to sexism in the industry. When Old Joy was finally released in 2006, it garnered widespread acclaim.

Reichardt was invited to teach at Bard College following the film’s debut, a long-time dream of hers. She still works there, a position she holds alongside her filmmaking projects.

Going from strength to strength, Reichardt’s films have attracted wider audiences as time has passed. However, she’s never sacrificed her unique and independent vision. Her films are slow, atmospheric, and methodical, plunging the audience into the minds of quiet but memorable characters.

Despite hailing from Miami, Reichardt’s films have become synonymous with the autumnal colors and earthy tones of Oregon. Writing partner Jon Raymond is somewhat to thank for this; his original texts (which led to Old Joy and First Cow) are based in the North West state.

Actor Michelle Williams is Reichardt’s other most frequent collaborator. “I know the answer is yes”, she said, whenever Reichardt has a new script for her to read. Reichardt’s artistry is so impressive that she does draw lots of A-list talent despite the small scale of her films. She’s worked, for example, with Jesse Eisenberg, Laura Dern, Toby Jones, and Kristen Stewart in recent years.

In their ambition and subtlety, her films, such as Meek’s Cutoff, Night Moves, First Cow, and Showing Up have left an unmistakable mark on what American independent cinema can achieve.

So how does Kelly Reichardt approach her work? What insight might she offer for independent filmmaking? What lessons are there in studying Reichardt’s unique voice? Let’s look at 15 of Kelly Reichardt’s most inspirational, interesting, and insightful quotes.