“The cinema is an old whore, like circus and variety, who knows how to give many kinds of pleasure.”

What this quote means

Fellini, with his usual provocation, defends cinema as a popular art, unashamed of its allure. By comparing it to an old prostitute, he highlights its ability to seduce, entertain, and offer varied pleasures, far from elitism. This vision resonates with any creator wondering if their work should be 'noble' or accessible. It celebrates the generosity of art that gives itself without restraint and reminds us that a work's true value lies in its power to move and reach a wide audience.