Meaning: Taylor Hackford, a renowned film director, once said, "When I finish a film, I put it away and I never look at it again." This quote reflects the mindset of many artists and creators who pour their hearts and souls into their work, only to distance themselves from it once it is completed. Hackford's approach to his finished films speaks to the complex emotions and experiences that often accompany the creative process.

For Taylor Hackford, the act of putting a finished film away and never looking at it again may serve as a form of closure. Creating a film involves intense dedication, emotional investment, and a significant amount of time and effort. After the completion of such a project, it is understandable that a filmmaker might need to detach themselves from the work in order to move forward. By distancing himself from his finished films, Hackford may be seeking to create psychological and emotional space for new creative endeavors.

Furthermore, Hackford's quote may also reflect a desire to avoid dwelling on past work and instead focus on the present and future. For many artists, the creative process is a continuous journey marked by growth and evolution. By choosing not to revisit his completed films, Hackford may be signaling a commitment to looking ahead and embracing new opportunities for artistic expression. This approach can also help prevent the filmmaker from becoming overly critical or self-conscious about past work, allowing him to maintain a sense of creative freedom and exploration.

It is important to note that this perspective is not unique to Taylor Hackford alone. Many artists, including writers, painters, and musicians, adhere to similar principles of detachment from their completed works. This practice can be seen as a way to preserve the purity of the creative process and prevent the influence of past work from clouding future endeavors.

On the other hand, some artists may find value in revisiting their past creations as a means of reflection and self-assessment. Analyzing previous work can provide insights into one's artistic development, strengths, and areas for improvement. However, for individuals like Taylor Hackford, the decision to put a finished film away and never look at it again represents a deliberate choice to maintain a sense of separation between themselves and their art.

In conclusion, Taylor Hackford's quote, "When I finish a film, I put it away and I never look at it again," offers a glimpse into the mindset of a dedicated filmmaker and artist. This approach to handling finished work reflects the complexities of the creative process and the need for artists to navigate their relationship with their own creations. While some creators may find value in revisiting past work, others, like Hackford, choose to maintain a sense of distance in order to foster new creative endeavors and maintain a sense of artistic freedom. Ultimately, this quote serves as a reminder of the diverse approaches to creativity and the personal choices that artists make in navigating their own creative journeys.