In a recent interview with Vulture, actress Jessica Lange criticized the Hollywood film industry for prioritizing profits over creativity. Lange expressed concern over the practice of shelving films as tax write-offs, such as Batgirl and Coyote vs. Acme by Warner Bros. Discovery. She suggested that such practices should be against the law, noting that the industry has become more corporate-driven, with the artistic impulse often overshadowed by the profit motive.
Lange highlighted that many of the best films of the past year are not from America, citing examples like Anatomy of a Fall. She emphasized the importance of artistic creativity in filmmaking and pointed out that films that leave ambiguity unresolved are rare. Despite Hollywood’s focus on big film franchises, Lange shared that she has never been asked to be in one, expressing uncertainty about how she would approach such roles if offered.
Reflecting on how technology has changed filmmaking, Lange recalled waiting for hours on set for the cinematographer to perfect lighting contrasting it with today’s fast-paced digital shooting. However, she expressed gratitude for working with filmmakers like Sydney Pollack and Costa-Gavras and cherished her experiences when she was starting out in her career while acknowledging changes in the industry are inevitable but emphasized embracing change without dwelling on past practices.