Meaning: This quote by John Badham, a renowned director, provides an interesting insight into the creative process of storytelling and the suspension of disbelief in film. Badham is discussing the internal logic of a story and how, within the context of that logic, certain fantastical or unrealistic elements can be accepted and understood by the audience.

The quote uses the analogy of a quadriplegic who is capable of moving his head and shoulders, but not his arms or legs, to illustrate the concept of internal logic within a narrative. In this hypothetical scenario, the character's inability to move his arms is accepted within the established logic of the story, but there is also the suggestion that if the character were to somehow "turn on" the power to his legs and arms, he would be able to walk.

This analogy serves as a metaphor for the way in which storytellers and filmmakers can establish a set of rules or parameters within their narratives, allowing for the inclusion of extraordinary or impossible events while still maintaining a sense of coherence and believability. It highlights the importance of establishing and adhering to internal logic within a story, even when that logic may involve elements that defy reality.

In the context of filmmaking, this quote speaks to the creative process of constructing a narrative world that is both captivating and internally consistent. It suggests that audiences are willing to suspend their disbelief and accept fantastical elements as long as those elements adhere to the established rules of the story. This concept is particularly relevant in genres such as science fiction, fantasy, and superhero films, where extraordinary abilities and events are commonplace.

Furthermore, Badham's quote also touches on the notion of potential and the idea that characters within a story may possess untapped abilities or potential that, if realized, could fundamentally alter their circumstances. This theme of unrealized potential and the possibility of transcending limitations is a common motif in storytelling, serving as a source of inspiration and aspiration for audiences.

Overall, this quote from John Badham offers a thought-provoking perspective on the construction of narrative logic within storytelling and the ways in which filmmakers can create compelling and immersive worlds for their audiences. It underscores the importance of establishing and maintaining internal coherence within a story, even when that story may involve elements that defy conventional reality. By doing so, storytellers can invite their audiences to embrace the extraordinary and engage with the imaginative possibilities presented to them.