Producer Paul Zaentz Bashes Trump as “Malignant Narcissist, Wannabe Dictator”: Karlovy Vary

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At the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, held in the Czech Republic over the weekend, film producer Paul Zaentz, who is Saul Zaentz’s nephew and co-produced the Oscar-winning movie “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” with Michael Douglas, strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump during his appearance at the event.

Prior to the screening of a freshly restored 1975 masterpiece, one that secured victories in all five primary Academy Award categories – best picture (Douglas and Zaentz), best director (Forman), best actor (Jack Nicholson), best actress (Louise Fletcher), and best adapted screenplay (Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman) – Saul Zaentz labeled One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest as a film about defiance, and criticized Trump administration’s financial aid for the underprivileged and other related policies.

As a devoted admirer, it’s quite ironic to witness One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest being celebrated on its 50th anniversary, only to fear that Ken Kesey’s masterful novel could potentially face a ban in our very own country, USA. This was expressed just moments before Douglas graced the stage to an enormous applause.

Zaentz stated: “Yesterday, on July 4th, the self-centered tyrant residing in the White House signed a law, backed by his insensitive, ruthless supporters, which enriches the wealthy while stripping essential food and healthcare from those who desperately need it. This Fourth of July was a deeply sad one for America.” The comment echoed through the bustling auditorium at the Czech festival, garnering widespread approval.

The producer ended by appealing to people beyond the U.S. for understanding. “Please don’t lose faith in America,” Zaentz stated. “We will conquer this utterly corrupt, morally bankrupt, traitorous, wicked entity and its followers. I am confident that Miloš would share my view that Trump is a blemish on my nation, and his presidency will be seen as the most significant moral shortcoming in the annals of U.S. history.

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2025-07-05 16:54