Veteran actor John Malkovich shared candid thoughts on the modern cinematic landscape during an appearance at the BFI London Film Festival. Speaking during a Sunday afternoon talk, the 72-year-old performer noted that the exhaustive process of awards campaigning has essentially transformed into the primary driver for getting contemporary audiences to visit movie theaters.
Malkovich, who is generating early awards buzz for his role in Martin McDonagh’s tragicomedy "Wild Horse Nine," contrasted the current environment with previous eras of his career. Having earned prior Academy Award nominations for "Places in the Heart" in 1985 and "In the Line of Fire" in 1994, he pointed out that films in past decades frequently earned box-office revenue well ahead of the Oscar ceremony itself.
Adapting to Modern Cinema and Award Circuits
Addressing the audience in London, Malkovich explained that navigating the sustained attention of an awards push does not align naturally with his character, describing the prolonged process as lasting months. Recalling his initial trip to the Academy Awards in 1985, he remembered asking his manager if he could bypass the main crowd through a side entrance, only to be told that no side doors exist at the Oscars.
Despite the demanding nature of contemporary publicity trails, Malkovich stated that he views the requirement pragmatically as an established reality of the film industry. When asked whether shifting audience habits bothered him—including whether his own daughter would choose to visit a theater—the actor remained unsentimental about the past, remarking that industries evolve and people must adapt with them.
Behind the Scenes of 'Wild Horse Nine'
"Wild Horse Nine" features Malkovich and Sam Rockwell as Chris and Lee, two longtime CIA partners stationed in Santiago, Chile. In the film, their bureau chief, portrayed by Steve Buscemi, sends the pair to Easter Island. Set against the monumental Moai statues, the plot follows their confrontation with past history alongside an encounter with two rebellious Chilean students, played by Mariana di Girolamo and Ailín Salas.
Malkovich praised McDonagh as a direct and kind writer-director, humorously recounting an acting note where McDonagh directed him to channel David Attenborough during a sequence involving the large island statues. He also lauded co-star Rockwell as a versatile colleague, playfully comparing his performance style to an animal trainer feeding fish to a shark because of Rockwell's ability to shift directions instantaneously.
Reflections on Past Roles and Unusual Projects
The festival appearance also touched on historical themes that recur across Malkovich's career, notably the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Because his character in "Wild Horse Nine" is tied to that historical event, Malkovich was questioned on his personal perspective, remarking that he knows what did not happen is the official account.
Looking back across decades in the entertainment industry, Malkovich discussed past projects including "Dangerous Liaisons," working with Clint Eastwood, and his experience on the 1999 production "Being John Malkovich." He stressed the difficulty of discovering top-tier screenplays, emphasizing that strong acting cannot salvage a movie that ultimately fails to work as a complete piece.
As the 70th BFI London Film Festival continues its run through October 18, Malkovich remains on the promotional circuit for "Wild Horse Nine." Looking further into the future, the actor also referenced his shelved project "100 Years," directed by Robert Rodriguez, which remains sealed in a vault scheduled for public release in 2115.
Related Stories
- BFI London Film Festival Marks 70th Edition With Broad Global Lineup and Major Premieres
- San Diego International Film Festival to Honor Mira Sorvino and Iliza Shlesinger
- Aaron Sorkin to Receive Maverick Award at Newport Beach Film Festival
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Post a Comment