Reassessing Ryan Gosling’s Role in the Barbie Movie
In a surprising turn of events, famed director Oliver Stone has publicly issued an apology for his previous remarks about Ryan Gosling’s involvement in the Barbie movie. Stone, a three-time Oscar winner renowned for his work on films like Born on the Fourth of July, Platoon, JFK, and Snowden, had initially expressed skepticism about Gosling’s decision to star in the film. In June 2023, Stone criticized Gosling, stating, “He’s wasting his time if he’s doing that shit for money. He should be doing more serious films. He shouldn’t be part of this infantilization of Hollywood.”
However, after viewing the film, Stone took to social media to retract his earlier statement. “I had little to no knowledge of what the Barbie movie was beyond its title when I made my comments,” Stone confessed. He went on to acknowledge, “I appreciated the film for its originality and its themes. I found the filmmakers’ approach certainly different than what I expected. I apologize for speaking ignorantly.”
A New Perspective on Greta Gerwig’s Work
Stone’s change of heart didn’t stop with the Barbie movie. He also praised director Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film Lady Bird, calling it one of his favorite films of that year. This appreciation marks a notable shift in Stone’s perspective on contemporary filmmaking, especially considering his previous views on Hollywood’s direction.
Impact on the Box Office
Interestingly, Stone also noted the positive impact of the Barbie movie on the box office. In a time when theaters are struggling to draw audiences back, Stone acknowledged the role of such films in revitalizing the industry. This observation ties into the broader conversation about the evolving landscape of cinema and the types of films that are attracting audiences in the post-pandemic era.
Critique of Current Hollywood Trends
Despite his apology, Stone’s views on the state of Hollywood remain critical. He expressed his discontent with the current trajectory of Hollywood blockbusters, lamenting the “infantilization” of the industry. His criticism extended to other popular franchises as well. “Even the Fast and Furious movies, which I used to enjoy, have become like Marvel movies. I mean, how many crashes can you see?” Stone remarked.
The Oscar Buzz Around Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling‘s portrayal of Ken in the Barbie movie earned him an Academy Award nomination, his third after Half Nelson and La La Land. This nomination signifies a broader acceptance of diverse film genres in the realm of prestigious awards and challenges the traditional notions of what constitutes ‘serious’ cinema.
Stone’s Views on Other Films
In addition to his comments on the Barbie movie and Hollywood trends, Stone shared his thoughts on other popular films. He mentioned watching John Wick on an airplane and humorously commented, “I fell asleep about 778 times during it. I kept waking up and having to face him killing more people. It’s like the world has degenerated into non-logic.”
Oliver Stone’s Current Project
Amidst his critiques of current cinema trends, Stone is focusing on his latest project, the documentary Nuclear Now. This film explores the potential of nuclear energy in addressing the existential crisis of climate change. Stone’s pivot to documentary filmmaking and tackling global issues marks another interesting chapter in his distinguished career.
Oliver Stone’s recent statements and subsequent apology highlight the evolving nature of cinema and the diverse perspectives that coexist within it. As the industry continues to adapt and change, voices like Stone’s offer valuable insight into the ongoing dialogue about the future of film and entertainment.
