Meaning: The quote you provided is from John Schlesinger, the director of the film "Midnight Cowboy." The statement refers to the challenges and obstacles faced during the production of the film. "Midnight Cowboy" is a 1969 American drama film based on the 1965 novel of the same name by James Leo Herlihy. The film follows the story of Joe Buck, a naive male hustler from Texas, and Ratso Rizzo, a sickly con artist, who form an unlikely friendship while struggling to survive on the streets of New York City.

John Schlesinger's quote sheds light on the difficulties encountered in bringing the film to fruition. The phrase "the film nearly didn't happen a number of times" suggests that there were numerous setbacks and hurdles that jeopardized the production. This could include financial challenges, creative differences, or other obstacles that threatened to derail the project. The reference to "great arguments with United Artists about how to reduce the cost" indicates that financial constraints and budgetary concerns were significant issues that needed to be addressed in order to move forward with the film.

The involvement of United Artists, a prominent film studio, underscores the commercial and financial considerations at play in the production of "Midnight Cowboy." The studio's insistence on reducing costs reflects the industry's awareness of the economic realities of filmmaking and the need to manage expenses in order to achieve profitability. This aspect of the quote highlights the tension between artistic vision and financial pragmatism that often characterizes the filmmaking process.

The challenges faced by the production team of "Midnight Cowboy" are not uncommon in the film industry. Many films encounter obstacles and setbacks during development, ranging from financial difficulties to creative disagreements. In the case of "Midnight Cowboy," the perseverance and determination of the filmmakers ultimately led to the realization of the project, resulting in a film that would go on to achieve critical acclaim and commercial success.

"Midnight Cowboy" was released at a time of significant cultural and social change in the United States, and its depiction of urban alienation and loneliness resonated with audiences. The film received widespread recognition, winning three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for John Schlesinger, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Waldo Salt. It also became the first and only X-rated film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, a testament to its impact and influence.

The quote by John Schlesinger provides valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes challenges and negotiations that shaped the production of "Midnight Cowboy." It serves as a reminder of the dedication and perseverance required to bring a film from conception to completion, as well as the complex interplay of artistic vision and commercial considerations in the filmmaking process.

In conclusion, John Schlesinger's quote captures the resilience and determination of the filmmakers behind "Midnight Cowboy" in overcoming the obstacles and challenges that nearly derailed the production. Through their perseverance, the film ultimately came to fruition and left an indelible mark on the history of cinema. The quote serves as a testament to the tenacity and creative spirit that drive the filmmaking process, and the enduring legacy of "Midnight Cowboy" as a landmark achievement in American cinema.