Michael Douglas Feted by Taormina as Fest Kicks Off: ‘I Am Touched Now When I Realize That Between My Father and I, We Made Over 150 Movies in the Span of 80 Years’

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On Tuesday, Michael Douglas was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Taormina Film Festival in Italy. This timeless masterpiece, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” which he produced half a century ago, will be showcased during the festival at its 6,000-seat open-air amphitheater modeled after an ancient Greek theater.

As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that the festival is once again being steered by Tiziana Rocca, a marketing maestro with strong connections in Hollywood. Eight years have passed since she had to relinquish her position due to internal political squabbles in 2017, following a successful five-year tenure. Now, she’s back at the helm!

On the first night of the festival, Douglas, aged 80, was awarded the prize by Iris Knobloch, the president of Cannes Film Festival, who was present at Taormina for a discussion about women’s empowerment within the movie industry.

Knobloch stated that Michael Douglas is not just a celebrity; he’s a crucial foundation of contemporary filmmaking. Spanning over five decades, Douglas has selected roles that beautifully capture the intricacies of human nature. His performances are indelible, rich, and always courageous,” she added.

Douglas vividly recalled his connections within the Italian film industry during a heartfelt address. He shared memories from half a century ago when he went to Rome for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” promotion, stating, “We spent an unforgettable night with many of the leading Italian directors back then: Michelangelo Antonioni, Lina Wertmüller, and Bernardo Bertolucci, to name a few.

Douglas observed that their feelings of kindness and admiration towards the film were distinct; there was no envy present. It felt much like being part of a large, close-knit family, and it was incredibly heartwarming.

Douglas too fondly recalled starting his film career at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios alongside his father Kirk, while still only sixteen years old, working on a movie together.

Douglas noted with emotion that my father and I worked together on more than 150 films spanning eight decades. He added, ‘It seems our acting legacy might carry on to the next generation, as all three of my kids are keen on pursuing their careers in acting.’

Prior to performing at the ancient Greek theater with a backdrop of Mount Etna, which was puffing smoke at the moment, Douglas had a chat with EbMaster.

You’ve worked with a broad swathe of directors over the years. Who do you feel had an effect on your career as an actor?

Indeed, Oliver Stone has left a significant mark. His collection of films featuring male leads, ranging from Jimmy Woods in “Salvador” to Tom Cruise in “Born on the 4th of July,” Kevin Costner in “JFK,” and Charlie Sheen in “Platoon,” is truly noteworthy. Working with him on “Wall Street” was an experience that I found both inspiring from an acting perspective and beneficial for our collaboration.

Working with Stephen Soderbergh was an absolute pleasure, and I wish we could’ve collaborated on more projects together. I greatly respect actors who maintain a creative bond with directors, as they often collaborate on multiple films. Working with the same director repeatedly is delightful because it fosters familiarity and comfort, eliminating the need for initial introductions. It allows for a more relaxed and comfortable working environment.

Like Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese?

Exactly.

I was thinking about “Falling Down” recently. It feels like a prescient film and after Joel Schumacher died, it was a film that came back to me as one of his most underrated films.

As a cinephile, I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. Indeed, Ebbe Roe Smith penned the script for this masterpiece, which was initially intended for television. At first glance, I found the script captivating and believe it has stood the test of time. It’s one of those films that I can’t help but adore because they offer both entertainment and intellectual stimulation. Sometimes, the cost of creating a few hours of enjoyment can make me feel a bit self-conscious. Therefore, discovering something that not only entertains but also conveys a meaningful message is always a delightful find.

What did you learn from doing “The Kominsky Method,” your first sitcom?

Once more, it underscored the significance of writing, especially in comedy, emphasizing its crucial aspect of timing. As a devotee of scripts, I’ve consistently chosen roles based on the quality of the project, rather than my screen time. The script is what truly matters. I’d rather have a minor role in a great movie over a major one in a poor one. This approach has served me well, as it has led to numerous successes, not just home runs but hits, singles, doubles, and triples too. Watching Alan Arkin and Chuck Lorre on “Kominsky” was a delight, appreciating the simplicity of their work, the Jewish humor they employed, the subtleties like a slight rise in voice tone. It was an enriching experience. Timing, indeed, is the key factor.

You’re developing a project at the moment. Can you tell me anything about it?

Unfortunately, I can’t move forward just yet, as I don’t have the script available. It’s inspired by an article from The Atlantic magazine, but I’d rather not reveal too much at this point. I’m hoping it will be a blend of drama and comedy, addressing contemporary issues. At the moment, I’m on the lookout for a screenwriter, so we’re still in the early stages of development.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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2025-06-11 01:46