During a press meeting held in Venice, actor George Clooney touched on American politics together with information about his forthcoming film, ‘Wolfs,’ with Brad Pitt sharing the screen. Clooney engaged with reporters, responding to questions circling in the public sphere.
In a light-hearted moment, when asked about the primary question on everyone’s mind, Clooney funnily responded, ‘That I look so good up close?’ Embodying his usual charisma, the actor showed no signs of aging at 63, donning a noteworthy tan. However, reporters were more interested in his political stance rather than his looks or his work in ‘Wolfs,’ set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
One particular subject raised was Clooney’s op-ed that was published in The New York Times Opinion section on July 10. Contrary to expectations, it didn’t revolve around his acting career or Hollywood but dealt with White House matters, suggesting that President Joseph R. Biden Jr. yield his spot as the Democratic nominee.
Clooney’s essay, then deemed a powerful representation of the frustration from Hollywood’s major contributors towards President Biden post the June debate with Donald J. Trump, raised quite a stir. At the press conference in Venice, recognition of his thought-provoking essay was met with approval from several attendees, but Clooney redirected the applause. In his words, “The person who should be applauded is the president, who did the most selfless thing that anybody’s done since George Washington.”
Clooney went on to sing praises of President Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s new torchbearer at the end of July. He believed it was a selfless act that should be remembered, rather than the political maneuvering that precipitated it.
Talking about Harris being at the forefront, Clooney expressed his deep contentment with the current global status quo, a sentiment which appeared to surprise many. He conveyed vital optimism for the imminent future, indicating everyone’s excitement.
However, politics wasn’t the only challenging round he experienced at the conference. Alongside politics, ‘Wolfs,’ a film Clooney stars in with Brad Pitt, was also a hot topic of discussion. The film follows a classic narrative arc, showcasing the actors as rival problem solvers compelled to join forces to camouflage a crime scene. Originally, The film was planned to hit theaters before making a debut on Apple TV+.
Given the disappointing performance of recent Apple TV+’s theatrical releases like ‘Argylle’ and ‘Fly Me to the Moon,’ the initial strategy for ‘Wolfs’ was recalibrated. The film is now set for a limited theatrical run in select locations for a week before it commences streaming from Sept. 27.
When prompted about his feelings on missing out on a grand theatrical release, Clooney acknowledged a hint of disappointment. Ensuring this production saw the light of day had compelled both actors to surrender a portion of their remuneration, he revealed.
A point of contention arose when Clooney refuted a claim made in a Times article stating he and Pitt received $35 million each for ‘Wolfs’. Strongly objecting to the report, Clooney clarified that their actual salaries were significantly lower than the rumored amount.
Underlining the complexities of current film distribution, Clooney also mentioned ‘The Boys in the Boat,’ his recent directorial venture originally produced for MGM but shifted to Amazon and missed out on a planned overseas release.
Brad Pitt, also present at the conference, exhibited a calm disposition towards the changes in the film’s release strategy. He acknowledged a nostalgic affinity for traditional cinema while emphasizing his appreciation for online platforms, which provided broader viewership and opportunities for showcasing more stories and talents.
A reporter raised a provocative question regarding the shifting dynamics of the film industry where even a movie featuring star-studded actors such as Clooney and Pitt couldn’t secure a wide release. In reply, Clooney humorously remarked, “Clearly we’re in decline,” but recognized the radical transformation of the industry compared to the time when he and Pitt began their careers. Clooney concluded by praising the ‘democratization’ brought about by online streaming platforms that has led to an enlargement of audience access, perceiving it as a beneficial evolution.