‘It Kind Of Is A Young Man’s Game’: David Fincher’s Blunt Comments On Retirement Bum Me Out As My Generation Of Filmmakers Starts Calling It Quits

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Few individuals continue working their entire lives. What’s the point? Most people enter a job or profession with the intention of giving their best for a certain period, and soon enough, they begin to envision retirement. This allows us the freedom to move to sunnier locales, enjoy leisure activities like fishing, and relax without the burdens of work. As David Fincher, director of both “The Social Network” and “Seven”, recently shared in an exclusive interview with TopMob: people generally seek retirement to pursue new interests and experiences beyond their professional lives.

As an enthusiast, I must admit that this line of work is often best suited for those who possess boundless energy. It’s a field where vitality is not just appreciated, but essential – a daily necessity, if you will. And after spending long hours on set, especially during the filming of 150-day movies, one can find themselves drained, like a car running low on fuel at the end of a journey.

In the end, it’s clear that David Fincher is among our most exceptional filmmakers. His dedication to perfection in every aspect, his firm stance on storytelling, and his remarkable talent for bringing out the best in actors are all part of a unique skillset. This combination has led to a stunning collection of films from a contemporary director, which I believe contains more than a few timeless masterpieces such as “Zodiac”, “The Social Network”, and his current promotion piece, the 1995 thriller “Seven”. Warner Bros has recently released a 4K UHD version of Fincher’s classic “Seven” for purchase.

In my conversation with David Fincher, I didn’t mention retirement as I hope he continues his filmmaking career for as long as possible. Contrarily, I wish for Fincher to keep creating movies until he’s older and grayer than he is now. During our discussion about Seven, it occurred to me that I identify with Morgan Freeman’s character Somerset who was near retirement. This veteran detective expresses confusion about the city he swore to protect, feeling that it had become too corrupt for him to comprehend.

I inquired from Fincher if perhaps he shares a similar perspective regarding the film industry today, given that it has undergone substantial transformation since he entered. Back then, when he was battling for his vision on the movie “Seven” three decades ago, he was fighting for its authenticity, as stated in an interview with TopMob.

I’m completely fine with… To put it simply, I recently wrapped up watching Love Death and Robots, and I’ve got some new scripts on the horizon. My current contract ends in a couple of years. I’m not driven by competition to earn more; instead, I often ask myself, ‘Is there a creative urge pulling me towards this opportunity? Is there an interest drawing me towards that opportunity?’ Moreover, it’s important to acknowledge that my children are now in their thirties, and as one matures, certain perspectives shift. To add to that, it feels like the entertainment industry is more suited for the young at heart.

I must admit, Fincher has a point. While Martin Scorsese and Sir Ridley Scott, both in their golden years, are remarkable exceptions, they indeed challenge the norm. What sets Scott apart is his prolific work rate, churning out multiple films annually, and his audacious ambition, as evidenced by his latest grand endeavor, Gladiator 2. For these masterful storytellers, it boils down to the material they choose to craft their stories from. As Fincher once shared with us:

Initially, the idea of creating a film based on depositions hadn’t appealed to me. However, after reading “The Social Network,” I found myself thinking, “I’m in!” The allure was in the material itself or the intrigue posed by the challenge.

It’s unfortunate that at some point, directors such as Steven Spielberg, David Fincher, James Cameron, Spike Lee, Chris Nolan, the Coen Brothers, and more will reach the end of their creative journeys. This is an unavoidable reality, a fact that Quentin Tarantino has been discussing for several years now. As Fincher puts it:

[Fincher’s quote here]

If someone tells me, “Dave, how about heading to the south of France for a bike ride and enjoying some rosé wine? That sounds tempting.” I’d consider it.

It’s not hard to understand why he might feel that way, as here is the complete discussion we had with David Fincher, exclusively for Seven, which you can now enjoy in stunning 4K UHD.

As a cinephile, I’m thrilled to help you map out your upcoming cinematic adventures! Delve into our curated lineup of 2025’s theatrical premieres, bursting at the seams with captivating options that cater to every movie enthusiast’s taste.

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2025-01-07 18:07