Every time I make a picture the critics' estimate of American

"Every time I make a picture the critics' estimate of American public taste goes down ten percent." With these words, Cecil B. DeMille, the legendary filmmaker and master of the cinematic epic, reflects on the tension between artistic expression and public perception. DeMille’s comment reveals a fundamental truth about the relationship between the artist and the critic, and how public taste can often be at odds with the vision of the artist. In the world of cinema, as in all forms of art, the critic holds power, but so too does the audience—the masses whose tastes and preferences shape what is considered worthy of attention. DeMille’s self-awareness of this dynamic speaks to the heart of the artist’s struggle: to create without being distracted or disheartened by the opinions of others, particularly those who may fail to appreciate the visionary quality of the work.

This notion of artistic tension is not new. The ancient Greeks, for example, understood the role of the critic and the public's role in shaping the art they consumed. Aristotle, in his Poetics, presented a framework for understanding tragedy, where the audience's response was central to the success of the play. Yet, Aristotle also acknowledged that true art transcended immediate audience reactions, as the value of a work of art could often only be truly understood over time. In ancient Greek theater, playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides were sometimes criticized by contemporary critics, yet their work endured, appreciated by future generations. The conflict between public approval and artistic integrity is timeless and speaks to the very nature of creativity itself.

DeMille’s statement also hints at something deeper about the nature of artistic ambition and the sacrifices an artist makes in pursuit of their vision. Like all great creators, DeMille was not simply concerned with immediate popularity or following trends. Instead, he sought to create films that had the power to inspire and transform. His work, filled with grand, biblical epics and historical spectacles, sought to capture the human experience in a larger-than-life manner, often pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible in film. The Ten Commandments, for example, remains a monumental achievement in cinema, and its grandiosity is a testament to DeMille’s uncompromising vision, even in the face of criticism.

The ancient hero often faced a similar struggle—being torn between the demands of society and the imperatives of their personal quest. Consider Achilles in Homer’s Iliad, who, though bound by the expectations of his fellow warriors, ultimately follows his own moral code. Despite the criticism he receives for withdrawing from battle, his decision reflects a higher sense of personal honor and the unwavering belief in his own purpose. Like Achilles, DeMille’s films were often misunderstood by critics, yet they were rooted in his personal vision of what cinema could be—a transformative medium capable of elevating the human spirit and capturing grand moral truths. DeMille’s films were not just meant to entertain; they were meant to inspire awe, to transport the viewer to a world of immense scale and deep meaning.

DeMille’s remark also touches on the fragility of public taste and its fleeting nature. Public opinion is often driven by trends, emotions, and temporary values, but art—true art—is an expression of the eternal. As DeMille recognized, the public's taste is not always in alignment with the greatness of what an artist creates. This is particularly true when the artist’s vision is ahead of its time. Take, for example, Vincent van Gogh, whose paintings were largely ignored and even mocked during his lifetime. Today, his work is regarded as some of the most important in the history of art. His visionary style was not appreciated by the critics of his time, just as DeMille’s epic films may have been dismissed by his contemporaries. Yet, both van Gogh and DeMille created art that was destined to transcend the temporary opinions of their time.

The lesson in DeMille’s words is one of courage and perseverance in the face of criticism. The path of the artist is not an easy one. It requires the strength to create in the face of doubt, the vision to see beyond the immediate responses of the world, and the resolve to stay true to one’s artistic beliefs. Whether we are filmmakers, writers, painters, or creators in any field, the critics of the world will always be there—ready to dismiss, belittle, or ignore our efforts. Yet, true creators understand that art is not about pleasing others; it is about expressing what is in one’s soul, even when it does not conform to the expectations of the masses.

In practical terms, DeMille’s statement challenges us to stay committed to our creative visions, regardless of the opinions of others. The pursuit of authenticity in our work—whether in art, business, or life—requires the courage to be true to what we believe is right, even when the world seems to demand something else. Just as DeMille embraced his grand and often criticized visions, we too must be willing to take risks, to break from the conventional, and to forge our own paths. Whether or not our work receives immediate acclaim, the true value lies in our commitment to the creative process and to creating something that resonates with our deepest truths. As history shows, those who stay true to their vision are often the ones who, in the end, leave the most lasting impact.