In a recent interview with Vulture, actress Jessica Lange criticized the Hollywood film industry for prioritizing profits over creativity. Lange expressed concern about the practice of shelving films as tax write-offs like Batgirl and Coyote vs. Acme by Warner Bros. Discovery, noting that such practices should be against the law.
Lange argued that the industry has become more corporate-driven, with the artistic impulse often overshadowed by the profit motive. She pointed out that many of the best films of the past year are not from America, citing examples like Anatomy of a Fall. Lange highlighted the importance of artistic creativity in filmmaking and emphasized how films that leave ambiguity unresolved are rare but valuable.
Despite Hollywood’s focus on big film franchises, Lange revealed that she has never been asked to be in one, expressing uncertainty about how she would approach such roles if offered. Reflecting on how technology has changed the film industry, Lange recalled waiting for hours on set for lighting perfect shots, contrasting it with today’s fast-paced digital shooting process.
While acknowledging changes in the industry, Lange emphasized embracing change while not dwelling on past practices. She cherishes her experiences working with filmmakers like Sydney Pollack and Costa-Gavras when she was starting out in her career.
In conclusion, Jessica Lange is a vocal critic of Hollywood’s prioritization of profits over creativity and its tendency to shelve films as tax write-offs. She believes that such practices should be illegal and encourages artists to embrace change while holding onto their artistic impulses.
Furthermore, Lange’s critique is not limited to just profits but also extends to big franchise movies which have become more popular than individual films in recent years. Despite this shift in popular culture, Lange highlights important points about ambiguity being a crucial aspect of storytelling and how technological advancements have impacted traditional filmmaking techniques.
Overall, Jessica Lange’s interview provides an insightful commentary on Hollywood’s changing landscape and offers valuable insights into what it means to be an artist in today’s industry.
