In an exclusive interview with Vulture, Jessica Lange criticized the Hollywood film industry for prioritizing profits over creativity. She expressed her disapproval of Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to shelve films like Batgirl and Coyote vs. Acme for tax write-offs. Lange argued that there should be laws against such practices, as they undermine the artistic process in the industry.
Lange emphasized that many films are now driven by a profit motive rather than an artistic impulse. She praised foreign films like Anatomy of a Fall, which explore ambiguity in storytelling. Lange lamented the prevalence of big franchises in Hollywood and noted that despite her respect for the craft, she has not been approached to star in any of them, as she wouldn’t know what to do with such roles.
Lange reminisced about the days when filmmaking involved meticulous attention to detail and waiting for hours on set to get the lighting just right. She contrasted this slower, more deliberate process with the fast-paced digital age, where cinematographers no longer have the time to craft each shot. Despite her concerns about the changing landscape of the industry, Lange expressed gratitude for having had opportunities to work with renowned filmmakers early in her career.
Overall, Lange reflected on how profit-driven strategies have impacted the creative process in Hollywood and urged filmmakers to prioritize creativity over profits if they want to produce truly great works of art.
