Quotes from Brit Marling

I get uncomfortable when people give me presents and watch me open them. I don't have birthday parties, because the idea of a group of people singing and looking at me while I'm blowing out candles gives me hives.

You know, I can't imagine 9 to 5 writing. That takes some stamina.

As an actor, you have an accumulated knowledge base. But there's also something about it that every time you really feel like you're doing it for the first time; you have no idea whether you're capable of it.

I wasn't actually very naturally good at economics. My brain doesn't work very well, in terms of mathematics.

My brain doesn't work very well, in terms of mathematics. I'm not one of those people who can just spout off numbers for things, if numbers are thrown at me.

There are so many filmmakers who are so talented, and actors and writers who work so hard, and it's really hard to let your work enter the world.

So writing became a way to get to act in things that I thought were meaningful, and hopefully write stronger roles for other women.

When I was a kid and going to the movies I was overwhelmed by the way women were always second-class citizens in the film.

Then in college, besides economics, I also majored in studio art and got involved in photography and making short films and acting. But I didn't know you could make a living that way.

When I'm sitting writing, I know that something works if I've made myself cry, or laugh, or have a visceral emotion.

Writing so that I can act became a way of having not more control over my future but not having to wait for permission. You can choose yourself. Hmm, who should play this part? I nominate me!

I think there is a general unrest or curiosity about what a human future is going to be like, and whether the way we're living is even sustainable.