There seems to be an expectation of personal access to our favorite filmmakers nowadays. Fans fully expect to be able to congratulate, thank, and yell at filmmakers at all times. To be fair, some writers and directors invite that sort of interaction and thrive on it. Others, like David Fincher, want no part of it.
In a weird exchange shared on Instagram, filmmaker Mark Romanek was asked by a fan, named Phillip, to talk to David Fincher, and implore the notoriously private director to create social media accounts. Romanek, being the type of filmmaker that doesn’t mind fan interaction, actually posted a screenshot of an email reply, from Fincher, simply saying, “Dear Phillip, NO.”
This Instagram post has gained a bit of attention because of how Fincher’s reply was so succinct and dismissive. However, this brings up an issue that many fans, in 2018, don’t realize – filmmakers, and celebrities as a whole, don’t owe you anything.
Think about 20 years ago, before social media infected our lives. This sort of social media interaction would have been impossible, and frankly, no one would have cared. Now, since filmmakers like Kevin Smith, Ava DuVernay, Mark Romanek, and countless others give you access to their personal lives, we expect the same from ALL our favorites.
Clearly, Fincher has no desire to interact with people on social media, and if you’ve read anything about him, or seen an interview, you probably already know this. You don’t need any explanation. In fact, why would you want Fincher to be on social media? Obviously, he wouldn’t be the best at it, and that’s perfectly fine.
Do we just expect an outlet to hit Fincher with our hot takes about his films? Do we need to constantly ask him questions, and see what he’s up to? Do we honestly care what he ate for breakfast? If you answered yes to any of those questions, that says more about you, and less about Fincher’s reluctance.
Social media is a powerful tool. However, it’s also something that can be daunting and stressful if you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy that sort of thing. Don’t worry about filmmakers like Fincher, who don’t want to use it.
He already knows you love “Fight Club.” You don’t have to tell him via Twitter with a string of emojis.
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