Xavier Dolan, born March 20, 1989, is a Canadian filmmaker, actor, and screenwriter born in Montreal, Canada. He started as a child actor but first gained international attention with his first feature film, I Killed My Mother (2009), which he wrote, directed, and starred in at age 20. The film was praised by critics at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won three awards.

Dolan’s style is marked by dynamic storytelling, emotional arcs, and arresting imagery. He was known for films like Heartbeats (2010) and Mommy (2014), which won the Jury Prize at Cannes, and It’s Only the End of the World (2016), which won the Grand Prix at Cannes.

Dolan, known for exploring complex relationships, identity, and LGBTQ+ themes, has made his mark as one of the most stand-out filmmakers working in the independent space. He is still acting directing, and shaping international films.

Xavier Dolan Quotes

“I think anything is possible to anyone who dreams, dares, works, and never gives up.”
— Xavier Dolan

“A movie that is unable to elicit emotion isn’t a movie.”
— Xavier Dolan

“I think that when you’re in love, you progressively go back to who you are.”
— Xavier Dolan

“I have the impression that every time I’m heartbroken, I leave a bit of myself behind. I am the believer. I go back and do the same mistakes over and over again and sign them proudly.”
— Xavier Dolan

“I love women in my heart but not in my undies.”
— Xavier Dolan

“Women have to define themselves in the eyes of men. They have to fight for their rights, especially in a society that will pretend that there is no fight or no battle, that it’s a cliché, that feminists are reactionary, all these things.”
— Xavier Dolan

“I don’t belong to any school or clique or ghetto. I don’t have any preconceived ideas. I’m trying to serve a story and not a genre or a style.”
— Xavier Dolan

“I’d like to do something meaningful in the smallest ways, not just words or idiotic writing.”
— Xavier Dolan

“What motivates every other decision artistically or technically is the acting. This is what motivates everything. Never can a camera move be incompatible with the emotion of the actor at that moment. The movement, the style, the atmosphere, everything is dictated by the actor.”
— Xavier Dolan

“I was a very violent kid. I think movies and writing and art have been a way of channeling this. But I have will to defend people – it can be all sorts of people.”
— Xavier Dolan

“Acting is everything to me and it’s at the core of every decision. Whatever importance costumes, details, lights, camera, dialogue and everything else have, if the acting is bad, cheap, or overdone everything else is just gone.”
— Xavier Dolan

“I’m sick of people imposing cultural references and influences on me, but I’m not sick of people talking about my age.”
— Xavier Dolan

“When I write a film, I have already made the trailer.”
— Xavier Dolan

“I always wrote. I’ve written stories since I was 9. We didn’t have a computer at home, but my aunt Magda had one. Whenever I’d go to her place, I was in the basement working on her computer, writing stories.”
— Xavier Dolan

“I’d rather be referred to as a precocious young Quebec talent, than not be referred to at all.”
— Xavier Dolan

“I don’t master my craft or my style enough to have any philosophy or dogma to which I feel I belong.”
— Xavier Dolan

“As a director, you want to have actors, not only surpassing themselves, but also going somewhere, going different places.”
— Xavier Dolan

“I’d like to be taken in charge of as an actor, not to be abandoned with asinine dialogue and meaningless actions or stereotyped characters. I’d like to feel like I’m in a character-driven story.”
— Xavier Dolan

“I’d love to perform with other actors and act with actors, true actors. I would like to be in a movie and have full room for acting.”
— Xavier Dolan

Why Xavier Dolan’s Quotes Matter?

Xavier Dolan’s quotes resonate because they stem from a profound grasp of the human condition. His words encourage us to dream grandly, harness our imagination, and pursue the challenges of existence with bravery. If you are a creator, a dreamer, or just have been looking for wisdom, you will find lessons in his savoir-faire.

How to Screen Grab Xavier Dolan Quotes?

As Inspirational: Read his quote to you at the beginning of the day and believe it as your daily affirmation.

For Social Media: Post his words to reach others who admire his artistry and vision.

For Reflection: Consider his insights and how they might enable you to see your own life experience in a new light.

Final Thoughts

Xavier Dolan’s quotes are not just quotes; they are basically a peek into the mind of a creative genius. His reflections on life, art, and identity challenge us to be true to ourselves, to put one foot in front of the other despite the odds, and to find splendor in the flawed.

What is your favorite Xavier Dolan quote? Please share it in the comments below, and let’s go over the brilliance of his artistry and wisdom.