" My grandmother, when she looked at American movies, she said, ‘They’re all the same. In the first scene somebody shoots somebody and then everybody makes phone calls.’ "
- Marina Abramovic

In her observation of American movies, Marina Abramovic's grandmother noticed a repetitive pattern: violence often initiates the plot, followed by characters engaging in numerous phone calls. This simplistic view highlights how certain narratives can feel formulaic and predictable.

Beyond the surface-level critique, this quote touches on broader themes within cinema and storytelling. The initial act of violence sets a tone that suggests conflict is central to these stories, while constant communication via telephone underscores the disconnected nature of relationships despite technological advancements. It also hints at the passive role many characters take in resolving their conflicts through intermediaries rather than direct confrontation or dialogue. This observation invites reflection on how media can shape perceptions and perpetuate certain narrative structures that might oversimplify human interaction and conflict resolution.

Marina Abramovic is a renowned performance artist known for her pioneering work that often explores themes of endurance, ritual, and the relationship between performer and audience. Her insights into cultural narratives and personal experience offer profound commentary on societal norms and artistic expression, making her reflections on media consumption particularly insightful and relevant.