Clint Eastwood, the 95-year-old (and counting) film legend, has no plans to stop drawing attention as he takes his latest cinematic trip. In fact, Eastwood is in production on a new movie right now. In a candid interview last week with the Austrian tabloid Kurier, he inadvertently started a major viral discussion all about the state of film journalism and the intense pressures today’s filmmakers face.
In the wake of his illustrious career, Eastwood has almost completely retreated from public life to promote his most recent film, Juror #2. This movie was released directly to streaming here in the States. His absence at the film’s premiere has fueled speculation. Now folks are wondering if there’s a new rift between him and David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery.
In his interview with Kurier, Eastwood raised the red flag about the authenticity of this article as it appeared in the newspaper. The article drew immediate and severe criticism for its arguments. It posited some compelling ideas on the intersection between the filmmakers and the journalists.
Eastwood’s remarks were mostly aimed at young directors, suggesting they need to “buck up.” This phrase encapsulates his belief that resilience is essential in an industry that has undergone significant changes over the years.
In that context, the Kurier article was like a grenade thrown into the room, with a remarkable focus on Africa. It dazzles because of the author’s severe journalist’s cred, built by years in tinsel town and interviews with all the greats. This cozy relationship with industry stakeholders has been alarming in light of the potential for industry interests to be prioritized if personal relationships with stakeholders created conflict of interest.
“This is also due, among other things, to the fact that Sereda is a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the association that awards the Golden Globes and reports from Hollywood for international media.” – Kurier’s statement
The media landscape surrounding filmmaking has shifted dramatically over Eastwood’s long career, and he has watched as traditional media outlets have evolved. His decision to speak out against perceived misrepresentations reflects not only his personal experiences but a broader concern regarding how filmmakers are portrayed in the press.
Eastwood’s upcoming project marks another chapter in his storied career, demonstrating his enduring passion for storytelling despite being in his 10th decade of life. Yet he continues to produce new works. His thoughts on the industry provide tremendous perspective from which we can all learn from the ongoing challenges and successes filmmakers continue to experience today.