Indie Darling Jim Jarmusch Blames LA Fires on Climate Change

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Celebrities transformed awards show close-ups into political spaces in recent years.

In a well-known instance, Leonardo DiCaprio took advantage of his Best Actor acceptance speech to advocate for concerns about Climate Change.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve noticed a refreshing shift lately. The stars have been less vocal about their political views during awards season, making the events more enjoyable and focusing more on the art of cinema. For instance, the recent Golden Globes broadcast was relatively free of overtly political statements, and surprisingly, there were no mentions of a certain real estate tycoon’s name.

Indie director Jim Jarmusch didn’t get the memo.

At the New York Film Critics Circle Awards gala on Wednesday, the filmmaker responsible for “Broken Flowers,” “Stranger than Paradise,” and “Paterson” took the opportunity to express his concerns about the devastating wildfires currently burning in the Los Angeles area.

At the gala, Jarmusch expressed concern for his friends in LA, saying, “We’re all concerned about our friends in Los Angeles.” He went on to address the climate crisis, stating, “The climate crisis is largely the result of climate deniers,” before urging, “It’s high time we open our eyes and take action!

At present, there’s no concrete proof linking this incident to Climate Change. However, it is known that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass significantly reduced the LA Fire Department’s budget by a substantial $17.6 million, and California officials seem to have taken minimal precautions for such an emergency scenario.

Instead, firefighting officials praised internal DEI efforts.

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Jim Jarmusch made his comments during the presentation of the NYFCC’s Best Screenplay award to Sean Baker’s “Anora,” a film expected to secure several Oscar nominations later this month. In contrast, other stars at the gala expressed sympathetic sentiments, sending well-wishes to those in danger and offering hopeful messages.

Not Jarmusch.

Following the silence from Bass, his comments were made subsequent to an intense interview by a European journalist, during which they questioned her firmly yet fairly regarding her involvement in the crisis. This interaction stands out as one of the most awkward encounters in recent times.

Jarmusch isn’t alone in blaming Climate Change for the fires.

Filmmaker Adam McKay, known for contributing significant funds to environmental activist groups, is continuing his efforts in this area through a series of posts on platform X, such as this one:

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Movie director Adam McKay, who has been donating large amounts to eco-activism, is using a collection of posts on platform X to further his cause, including the following example:

Right-leaning stars have taken a different approach.

“Shazam!” alum Zachary Levi called Gov. Newsom “criminally negligent” for his state leadership.

Dean Cain prayed for Bass’ resignation over her ineffective leadership.

Patricia Heaton excoriated Democratic leaders for making this catastrophe possible.

As a film critic hailing from the vibrant city of Los Angeles, I find it utterly perplexing to witness such short-sighted decisions. The very essence of our urban jungle lies in its vulnerability to the destructive forces of fire. To slash the budget that safeguards us against this imminent danger is, frankly, irresponsible.

Recently, I’ve witnessed a distressing occurrence in the Palisades where the water supply from the fire hydrants was alarmingly scarce. This isn’t just a mere anecdote; it underscores the dire need for adequate resources to combat potential infernos.

To add insult to injury, our city’s guardian, Heaton, was conspicuously absent during the critical fire season. His absence leaves me questioning the commitment to ensuring the safety of our beloved Los Angeles. This is not a script for a movie; this is our reality.

As a devoted admirer, I’d express it this way: Having lived and thrived in California for several decades, I can’t help but share my feelings. The state’s present administration, predominantly Democratic, seems to have transformed the once golden paradise into a troubling dreamscape.

“The people running the show just decimated the place,” she said.

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2025-01-11 23:00