As a gamer who has grown up with the evolution of Hollywood right at my fingertips, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe when listening to Michael Douglas discuss his illustrious career and the changes he’s witnessed over the years. The man is a living testament to the power of resilience, talent, and adaptability in an industry that’s as dynamic as it is competitive.
Michael Douglas talks about the transformations in Hollywood throughout his illustrious, Academy Award-winning acting career, marked by the emergence of digital tech and streaming services.
Douglas mentioned that the most significant transformation, both in his lifetime and career, has been digital, particularly in sound production. During a chat at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, he expressed this observation on Friday. He pointed out that back in the 1970s, filmmakers had greater control over the production process, while the studios primarily dealt with distribution.
Douglas contends that the situation has reversed, with production studios or streaming services now dominating, even leading to what he terms as ‘Silicon Valley’s takeover’ of an industry previously considered large.
“He noted that these companies – Apple, Amazon, and Netflix – are so large that they have a vast amount of resources at their disposal.”)
In the extensive chat where much of the discussion revolved around his initial successes, Douglas reminisced about the struggles he faced trying to establish himself as an actor amidst the looming reputation of his father, Kirk Douglas.
He finds it unacceptable to be labeled as a “Hollywood nepotism child,” despite the fact that he indeed fits this description, given the growing controversy surrounding celebrities who may have benefited from familial advantages in an intensely competitive show business world.
In any profession, be it plumbing, construction, or carpentry, I’ve never encountered a father who doesn’t want his son to work with him. I’m also a product of nepotism, just like many others,” Douglas said to the audience in Jeddah, explaining his perspective.
Initially hesitant to join his father’s acting career, Douglas later remembered how Kirk facilitated the production of Milos Forman’s film, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” This production eventually turned into an Academy Award-winning best picture and a significant financial success for Kirk.
In 1962, Kirk granted the rights for both Broadway stage and film adaptations of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest“. It was Michael’s task to persuade Kirk to let him produce the movie version. Douglas remembered saying, “Let me take a shot at it,” in an impulsive manner, before his father finally agreed.
In the late 1980s, Douglas re-entered the world of acting, witnessing his stardom ascend with prominent roles in films such as “Fatal Attraction” and “Wall Street.” He later took on a leading part in the 1992 drama “Basic Instinct.” Douglas confessed that achieving success as an actor and even earning an Oscar demanded him to conquer initial struggles with stage fright.
When embarking on a new project, there’s an inherent factor that can cause anxiety. However, this anxiety is simply a part of your professional journey and career path, he clarified. In the month of August 2010, it was revealed that Douglas had been diagnosed with a throat tumor, necessitating medical intervention.
After getting better, “Now, I’m truly relishing my life. I’ve no plans to retire,” Douglas emphasized. Lately, his acting ventures have led him into diverse realms such as Netflix’s “The Kominsky Method” and the “Benjamin Franklin” TV miniseries.
He watched “Ant-Man and The Wasp” to start his experience with green screen acting, which was a new venture for Douglas. “I’m also on the lookout for a horror film,” he mentioned as well.
At the Saudi Arabia festival, Douglas’ spouse, Catherine Zeta-Jones, was also present, engaging in a broad discussion similar to his own. During this conversation, she discussed her recognition from ‘Chicago’, her theater roots, and her upcoming venture into independent films. Speaking about her next project, she expressed, “I want to be involved. I want to do something intriguing.” She added, “This sentiment reflects my theatrical mindset, as I don’t feel the need to prove myself to anyone or work hard for others.
The Red Sea Film Festival continues through Dec. 14.
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2024-12-06 17:54