On the cusp of the hotly anticipated film “mother!” Darren Aronofsky sat down to chat with legendary director and screenwriter Alejandro Jodorowsky about his newest release, “Endless Poetry.” Both filmmakers talk about all things Hollywood, even diving into answering life’s biggest questions.
Aronofsky and Jodorowsky have starkly contrasting views when it comes to Hollywood as well as the work it produces. Is the film industry working for or against art and what impact does money have on this process? Jodorowsky believes that working in Hollywood makes it impossible to do meaningful work. He remarked that the primary goal in the industry now is money and when money is the priority, the art suffers; Jodorowsky has famously self-funded his work for years. Aronofsky agreed to some extent stating that when ‘reaching’ for something or trying to do something different it becomes challenging to figure out what ‘model’ it falls into. That said, Aronofsky staunchly defended the Hollywood machine, stating that there are still beautiful films being made and while few, they are still present. He specifically mentioned “War for the Planet of the Apes,” to which Jodorowsky balked and laughed out loud, remarking that, “For Hollywood, every one of us is a monkey, the consumer [sic]….because Hollywood thinks human beings are idiots!” Ultimately both agree however, that if a filmmaker has a great relationship with a studio or production company, it does allow for some artistic freedom. These statements echo some of what was expressed by Christopher Nolan about his relationship with Warner Brothers at a recent Q&A for his film, “Dunkirk.” “Hollywood is behind you,” Jodorowsky said, to which Aronofsky replied after a brief pause, “Yes, Hollywood is behind me.”
To Jodorowsky’s point though, there was some recent news that Warner Brothers was leaning away from “auteur” director types. However we anticipate that with the success of“Dunkirk” and the positive buzz surrounding Aronofsky’s upcoming film “mother!,” that this decision won’t stick.
From God to aliens Aronofsky and Jodorowsky discuss that and everything in between, Tarot readings included. To hear more from two of the most brilliant filmmakers working today, listen below. [Photo and podcast courtesy of the Talkhouse]