Meaning: The quote "That picture has become a sort of yardstick for everything else I've done" by Robert Hamer, a director, reflects the significance of a particular work in an artist's career. It suggests that a specific creation has become a standard against which all subsequent endeavors are measured. In this case, the "picture" refers to a film or a specific project that has had a profound impact on the director's career and serves as a benchmark for his future work.

Robert Hamer was a British film director known for his work in the mid-20th century. He is particularly renowned for his directorial role in the classic Ealing comedy film "Kind Hearts and Coronets" (1949). This film, starring Alec Guinness, is often regarded as one of the finest British comedies of all time and holds a special place in the history of cinema.

When Hamer refers to "that picture," he is likely alluding to "Kind Hearts and Coronets" and its enduring influence on his career. The quote suggests that the success and impact of this particular film have been so significant that it has set a standard for his subsequent work. It implies that the critical and popular acclaim, as well as the personal satisfaction derived from creating "that picture," have become a measure against which he evaluates his later projects.

For many artists, a particular creation can become a defining moment in their careers. It can shape their artistic identity, set a standard for their future endeavors, and influence the way they are perceived within their industry. In the case of Robert Hamer, "Kind Hearts and Coronets" seems to have played this pivotal role.

The concept of a "yardstick" in this context is significant. A yardstick is a long, straight piece of wood or metal that is marked in units, used for measuring length. Metaphorically, it represents a standard or a measure against which other things are compared. By using this term, Hamer suggests that "that picture" has become the benchmark against which he evaluates the quality and impact of his subsequent work. It implies that he holds himself to the standard set by the success and significance of this particular film.

The quote also hints at the personal and emotional connection that artists often have with their most successful or influential works. It indicates that "that picture" holds a special place in Hamer's heart and mind, and its impact on his career has been profound. This emotional attachment to a particular creation is a common experience for artists, as they pour their creativity, passion, and vision into their work, leading to a deep sense of connection and ownership.

In conclusion, Robert Hamer's quote encapsulates the idea of a particular creation becoming a yardstick for an artist's entire body of work. It sheds light on the enduring influence and significance of "that picture" in shaping his career and setting a standard for his later endeavors. This quote offers insight into the impact of a seminal work on an artist's creative journey and the lasting impression it can leave on their artistic legacy.