Why Kindness Matters More Than Accomplishment in Filmmaking (and Life)
- Daniel Hamby
- Mar 22
- 3 min read
In the world of filmmaking, success is often measured by achievements—box office numbers, critical acclaim, and artistic legacy or "views." However, director David Lowery (The Green Knight) offers a refreshing perspective: What matters more than your work is the kindness, respect, and integrity with which you live your life.
Hearing this from a filmmaker is rare. More often, we glorify figures like Stanley Kubrick—legendary for his masterpieces but also infamous for his grueling, sometimes harsh, treatment of actors. The prevailing notion in creative industries is that greatness requires sacrifice, sometimes at the expense of the people involved. But does it have to be that way?
Does Greatness Require Suffering?
There's a long-standing myth that suffering and genius go hand in hand. We're conditioned to believe that pushing people to their limits is the price of artistic excellence. Kubrick's perfectionism led to cinematic brilliance, but it also created notorious on-set horror stories.
Yet, what if that level of intensity isn't what makes a great film? What if Kubrick was exceptional in spite of his methods, not because of them?
David Lowery challenges this idea by reminding himself—and all of us—that success isn't just about the work we create. It's about the way we treat others.
For a deeper insight into Lowery's approach to filmmaking, you can watch his breakdown of a pivotal scene from The Green Knight in this Vanity Fair feature.
In this episode of "Notes on a Scene," 'The Green Knight' writer-director David Lowery breaks down the scene where Sir Gawain (Dev Patel) meets the Green Knight for the first time. He explains his vision for the summoning of the Green Knight while King Arthur addresses his court and how he created a looming atmosphere that draws on both historical references and his own inspiration.
The Illusion of Accomplishment as the Ultimate Goal
In the chase for creative success, it's easy to lose sight of why we create in the first place. If accomplishment is the only thing that matters, what happens when you get there? If you've burned bridges, mistreated collaborators, and lost yourself in the process, what's left?
It's a sobering thought: What does it say about us if we value accomplishment over kindness?
When accomplishment is placed on a pedestal as the ultimate prize, it loses its meaning. What is achievement if not a tool to spread kindness and goodness into the world? Too often, we chase it as if it’s the reward itself. But no—accomplishment is just a hammer, not the house we’re meant to build. The real goal is something far greater: a more compassionate, insightful, and empathetic human experience and expression.
Redefining Success in the Creative World
True success isn't just measured in accolades—it's reflected in the relationships we build, the impact we have on others, and the integrity with which we work. A kinder industry doesn't mean a weaker one; it means one where creativity thrives in a healthier, more sustainable way.
David Lowery's perspective is a reminder that filmmaking (and life) isn't just about what we achieve but about who we are while achieving it.
For more about David Lowery's work and career, you can visit his IMDb profile:
Final Thoughts
The best artists, directors, and creatives aren't just those who make great work. They're the ones who make others want to work with them. Kindness and excellence aren't opposing forces—they can, and should, coexist.
So, next time you feel the pressure to sacrifice everything for success, ask yourself: Is it really worth it?
You can find the original tiktok link discussing this topic here: TIKTOK: Accomplishment is Way Overrated!
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