Do not misconstrue

In the 1980's, Mel Brooks produced The Elephant Man, based on the tragic story of Joseph "John" Merrick, tapping avante garde filmmaker David Lynch to direct.

After seeing a cut of the film, nervous studio execs requested that some of Lynch's more abstract scenes be removed.

Brooks responded by saying:

"We are involved in a business venture. Do not misconstrue this as our soliciting the input of raging primitives."

Lynch's material stayed in the movie, which was nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Director and Best Picture.

Rest in power, sir.