Oliver Stone condemns Hollywood’s trend of producing films like Barbie, John Wick, Fast & Furious, and MCU, calling it the ‘infantilization of Hollywood

Oliver Stone, an esteemed filmmaker known for directing cinematic classics such as Born on the Fourth of July, Platoon, and Scarface, has once again expressed his reservations regarding the current landscape of box office blockbusters. In a recent interview, Stone took aim at several popular films, including Barbie, John Wick, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), characterizing them as part of the overarching ‘infantilization of Hollywood.’

While Stone is currently promoting his latest documentary, Nuclear Now, which delves into the subject of nuclear energy, the discussion veered towards mainstream cinema. The seasoned director, much like his industry peer Martin Scorsese, did not hold back in delivering a scathing critique of numerous blockbuster productions, expressing disdain for what he perceives as a decline in the artistic and narrative quality of contemporary films.

During the interview, Stone specifically singled out Ryan Gosling’s involvement in Barbie, dismissing it as a misuse of the actor’s talents. Stone went on to remark that Gosling might be ‘wasting his time’ on such projects, emphasizing that the actor should channel his efforts into more substantial and serious film endeavors. Stone’s comments underscore a broader concern about the industry’s prioritization of commercially-driven, franchise-oriented projects over those that are artistically and thematically substantial.

Stone’s critique extended beyond the realm of individual actors and films, delving into the industry’s broader shift towards what he labeled as an excess of fantasy content. He lamented the prevalence of fantasy elements in genres ranging from war pictures to action blockbusters, citing examples like the Fast and Furious franchise, which he suggested had evolved into a mirror image of the fantastical elements found in Marvel movies. Stone expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of logic in these films, lamenting that even once-enjoyable franchises, like Fast and Furious, had succumbed to the stylistic and narrative trends set by the MCU.

Furthermore, Stone offered a critical analysis of John Wick, a popular action film known for its stylized violence. He described the viewing experience as a three-hour ordeal filled with non-logical violence, expressing his frustration with what he perceives as a degeneration of storytelling coherence in modern cinema.

These opinions from Stone come at a time when the film industry is grappling with significant challenges, notably highlighted by the strikes initiated by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA in 2023. These strikes brought to the forefront issues unique to the modern Hollywood landscape, including the rise of artificial intelligence and the dominance of streaming services, both of which have contributed to a decline in traditional theater attendance.

Stone’s critical stance aligns with broader concerns within the industry about the quality and impact of contemporary blockbusters. As Hollywood faces challenges such as escalating production costs and disrupted project schedules due to strikes, the debate about the artistic and commercial direction of mainstream cinema continues, with seasoned filmmakers like Stone offering thought-provoking insights into the evolving dynamics of the film industry.

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