Summary Paul Schrader interview: Cancel culture, hating Saltburn, and the death of cinema – ‘Why wouldn’t I cast Kevin Spacey?’ | The Independent www.independent.co.uk
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One Line
Paul Schrader defends his casting of Kevin Spacey while lamenting the decline of communal cinema and criticizing cancel culture.
Slides
Slide Presentation (8 slides)
Key Points
- Paul Schrader is a filmmaker known for his exploration of male angst and existential anguish.
- He has written and directed films such as "American Gigolo," "Cat People," and "Affliction."
- Schrader wrote the screenplay for Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver" and has collaborated with him on several other films.
- Schrader remains focused on masculinity in his recent film "Master Gardener," which features a character with a white supremacist past.
- Schrader has faced health issues, including long Covid and bronchial pneumonia.
- He recently finished another film called "Oh, Canada" with Jacob Elordi, Uma Thurman, and Richard Gere.
- Schrader would still cast Kevin Spacey despite the controversy surrounding him.
- He is set to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Laceno d'Oro film festival.
Summaries
20 word summary
Paul Schrader criticizes cancel culture and mourns the decline of communal cinema, while defending his decision to cast Kevin Spacey.
65 word summary
Renowned filmmaker Paul Schrader discussed cancel culture, his disdain for Saltburn, and the decline of cinema. He believes cancel culture stifles creativity and resents holding artists accountable for their personal lives. Despite controversy, he cast Kevin Spacey in his latest film, believing in second chances. Schrader mourns the loss of communal cinema due to streaming platforms and expresses concerns about the future of independent cinema.
138 word summary
Filmmaker Paul Schrader, renowned for his work on films like "Taxi Driver" and "American Gigolo," recently discussed cancel culture, his disdain for Saltburn, and his views on the decline of cinema. Schrader, uninterested in political correctness, believes cancel culture stifles creativity and resents the idea of holding artists accountable for their personal lives. Despite controversy, he cast Kevin Spacey in his latest film, "The Card Counter," believing in second chances for talented actors. Schrader found Saltburn dull and charmless during filming but acknowledges his negative experience could be influenced by personal issues. He mourns the loss of the communal cinema experience due to streaming platforms and the decline of traditional theaters, expressing concerns about the future of independent cinema. Nevertheless, Schrader remains a dedicated filmmaker unafraid to tackle controversial subjects and explore the depths of the human experience.
342 word summary
Filmmaker Paul Schrader, known for his work on films like "Taxi Driver" and "American Gigolo," recently discussed cancel culture, his disdain for the town of Saltburn, and his thoughts on the death of cinema. Schrader has always been uninterested in being politically correct, and his films often explore themes of male angst and existential anguish. Even at 77 years old and battling health issues, Schrader remains dedicated to his craft. His most recent film, "The Card Counter," stars Oscar Isaac and Tiffany Haddish and explores the dark side of masculinity.
Schrader reflects on his career and the impact of cancel culture. He believes that cancel culture is boring and stifles creativity. He resents the idea that artists should be held accountable for their personal lives and believes that art should be judged on its own merits. Schrader also discusses his decision to cast Kevin Spacey in "The Card Counter." Despite Spacey's controversial past, Schrader believes in giving talented actors a chance at redemption.
Schrader also expresses his dislike for the town of Saltburn, which he visited while filming "The Card Counter." He found the town to be dull and uninteresting, lacking the charm he expected. However, he acknowledges that his negative experience in Saltburn was likely influenced by his own personal issues and negative mindset.
In addition to discussing cancel culture and Saltburn, Schrader reflects on the state of cinema. He believes that cinema is dying due to the rise of streaming platforms and the decline of traditional movie theaters. He laments the loss of the communal experience of watching films in a theater and worries about the future of independent cinema. Despite these concerns, Schrader remains dedicated to making films and exploring complex themes in his work.
Overall, Paul Schrader's interview touches on various topics including cancel culture, his dislike of Saltburn, and his thoughts on the state of cinema. Despite his age and health issues, Schrader continues to be a passionate filmmaker who is unafraid to tackle controversial subjects and explore the depths of the human experience in his movies.