Michael Douglas Blames Silicon Valley for “Dumbing Down” Hollywood

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As a lifelong fan of Michael Douglas, I have to admit that his insights into the ever-evolving world of Hollywood are nothing short of fascinating. With over five decades in the business, he’s seen it all – from the golden age of 35mm films to the digital revolution that has transformed the industry beyond recognition.

Michael Douglas, who has spent over half a century in the film industry, has witnessed its transformation firsthand. However, he’s become increasingly critical about where the industry might be headed, even going as far as to point a finger at a specific area: California’s Silicon Valley. Interestingly, Douglas began his acting journey in 1966, playing the role of ‘Jeep Driver’ in his father’s film, titled “Cast a Giant Shadow.” This title holds significance when you consider that he was often overshadowed by Kirk Douglas during his early years, being referred to as a “nepo baby” who lived in his father’s shadow.

At present, Douglas is involved in the production of the upcoming drama, Blood Knot. Recently, he attended an informal discussion at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (as reported by The Hollywood Reporter). During this chat, he reflected on the transformations in Hollywood throughout the years. Although 35mm is still prevalent in several productions, Douglas noted that “the most significant shift in my career and lifetime has been the advent of digital technology.

Additionally, he’d point out that compared to the 1970s, the movie industry has experienced a drop due to Silicon Valley’s push for more than just distribution, like major studios did previously. Nowadays, powerhouses such as Netflix and Amazon have entered the scene, often influencing every facet of a production. However, despite his involvement in streaming projects like “Ratched” and the 2024 biographical drama “Franklin”, Douglas isn’t overly fond of this encroachment.

In a surprising turn of events, traditional studios or streaming platforms, as in this case, have found themselves outmaneuvered. Now, this new phase appears to be the encroachment of Silicon Valley giants into what was once perceived as a vast and independent industry. Companies such as Apple, Amazon, and Netflix, due to their immense size, have the financial muscle to invest significantly.

Michael Douglas Embraces His Nepo Baby Status

Despite the occasional grumblings of an old man towards the sky, Douglas has successfully created a unique identity for himself over the years, though it’s undeniable that his family name provided a boost at the start. He might not be fond of being labeled a “nepotism child,” but he accepts this tag as he explains: who wouldn’t a father be proud to support their son on his path to success?

“I can’t think of any father in any profession, whether they’re plumbers, contractors, or carpenters, who doesn’t want their son to work with them. In my case, I also benefited from family connections, just like many others.

Apart from the earlier mentioned “Blood Knot”, it’s been revealed that Douglas will appear next in another streaming production. He’ll play Ronald Reagan in the upcoming series titled “Reagan & Gorbachev“. Interestingly, Christopher Walken is cast as the leader of the former Soviet Union in this project. Since development has been ongoing for some time, there’s no news about its potential release date yet.

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2024-12-06 22:03