VENICE – George Clooney is at the Venice Film Festival not only to receive a lifetime achievement award but also to share insights on pressing issues in the film industry and beyond. At a news conference on Wednesday, the 65-year-old actor and director engaged in discussions that transcended nostalgia, addressing topics such as the rise of artificial intelligence in Hollywood, the recent merger between Paramount and Warner Bros., and the state of journalism in America.
Clooney expressed concern about the current political climate, referring to it as a “kakistocracy,” a term for a government run by the least qualified individuals. “I think maybe we have a kakistocracy right now. But we’ll get through it,” he stated, reflecting on the challenges facing society today.
On the impact of artificial intelligence, Clooney emphasized the need for the film industry to adapt. He humorously remarked that he would prefer not to find himself starring in a commercial long after his death. He also criticized the concentration of media ownership, mentioning that some of the world’s wealthiest individuals own major newspapers like The Washington Post and social platforms like X. Regarding the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, he admitted uncertainty about its implications, saying, “I don’t know how this works out.”
Current Events Take Center Stage
This year’s Venice Film Festival, running for 11 days, features a lineup of stars, including Robert Pattinson and members of Oasis, but the spotlight seems to be on global issues rather than just Hollywood glamour. The festival showcases documentaries addressing significant geopolitical matters, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza with the film “NAZA,” a profile of Elon Musk, and the experiences of independent Russian journalists covering the war in Ukraine in “My Undesirable Friends — Part II: Exile.”
Jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal commented on the heavy focus on contemporary issues in this year’s films. “Look, we could say how are we possibly here talking about movies right now when the world is in a state of emergency,” she said, highlighting the role of empathy in storytelling. When asked if films should engage with politics, she affirmed that they are “fundamentally, unavoidably political.”
Festival director Alberto Barbera echoed this sentiment, noting that many films selected for the festival grapple with modern-day challenges. “We didn’t really have a choice,” he remarked, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to providing a space for open discussion and understanding of current global issues.
Lack of Female Directors is a Systemic Issue
Gyllenhaal also addressed the noticeable lack of female directors in the competition lineup, which drew attention when it was announced that only one film directed by a woman was included. The documentary “NAZA,” which was recently added, was co-directed by a woman. Gyllenhaal highlighted the systemic barriers that female directors face, such as funding challenges and stereotypes about the art of filmmaking.
Barbera acknowledged the issue, calling it “a big problem” and recognizing the need for greater representation of women in cinema. He noted that while many interesting films by female directors were viewed during the selection process, they didn’t find ones strong enough for the main competition.
Danny Boyle’s ‘Ink’ Draws Oscars Talk
The Venice Film Festival is also a notable platform for launching potential Oscar contenders. One film generating buzz is “Ink,” directed by Danny Boyle and starring Guy Pearce as Rupert Murdoch and Jack O’Connell as editor Larry Lamb. This adaptation of James Graham’s acclaimed play explores Murdoch’s acquisition of the British tabloid “The Sun” in 1969 and how Lamb revitalized the struggling paper.
Boyle described the making of “Ink” as reminiscent of his earlier work on “Trainspotting,” focusing on a dedicated cast and a compelling concept. “In ‘Trainspotting,’ that was Ewan McGregor. In ‘Ink,’ it’s O’Connell,” he shared, suggesting that the film could be a strong contender this awards season.
The Venice Film Festival will continue until September 12, offering a rich selection of films and discussions that reflect the complexities of our contemporary world.
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