‘A Complete Unknown’ Director James Mangold Says There’s Hostility to Movies That ‘Wear Their Heart on Their Sleeve’: We ‘Shouldn’t Be Embarrassed to Feel S—’

by

James Mangold laments the time when movies didn’t hesitate to evoke emotions in viewers. This director, known for creating the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” and the comic book adaptation “Logan”, expresses concern over a growing trend of antipathy towards films that openly display their emotional investment, or put another way, wear their hearts on their sleeves.

Many individuals from my age group, my contemporaries, have largely taken a liking to irony and detachment in films. I’ve never fully identified with this style as I found these movies to be stylish and intelligent, but not necessarily emotional,” the recently awarded Oscar nominee expressed at Sundance’s annual ball on Friday evening, where he received the Trailblazer Award (the first was given to Christopher Nolan in 2024). “Films that openly express their emotions, which we often label as melodramatic, or overacting, or too much, tend to diminish the bravery [of directors].

Reflecting on my roots, I found myself once again stepping into the vibrant world of Sundance – a place that ignited my cinematic journey back in 1994 when I attended the Sundance Lab to craft the script for “Cop Land.” The very next year saw me debut with my first feature, “Heavy,” which was honored with the directing prize. Since then, I’ve traversed diverse genres and styles, weaving unsettling dramas like “Girl, Interrupted,” action-packed sequels such as “Logan” and “The Wolverine,” high-octane blockbusters including “Ford v Ferrari” and the upcoming “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” and portrayals of legendary musicians in films like “Walk the Line” and “A Complete Unknown.” My latest work has garnered me nominations for the prestigious Academy Awards, recognizing me in the categories of Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture.

During his acceptance speech at the yearly charity event held at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City, he stated that filmmakers are not involved in creating anesthesia. Instead, they focus on producing works that stimulate thought and engagement, rather than mere entertainment.

At that moment during his speech, someone from the back called out, “That’s precisely what TikTok is used for!” or “That’s exactly the kind of thing you’d find on TikTok!

In a state of confusion, Mangold questioned whether the critic was in agreement with him. “Did you disapprove or appreciate it?” he inquired, to which the daring spectator responded enthusiastically: “I adored it!

Reflecting on his ideas, Mangold stated, “In these days of irony, sarcasm, and online terrors, what’s essential is genuine emotion and sincerity. This doesn’t imply that every movie should teach history or be sad or tear-jerking. It simply suggests that we shouldn’t shy away from feeling deeply and expressing it.”

Or, if you want to keep the original tone:

Gathering his thoughts, Mangold affirmed, “In this era of irony, snark, and internet horrors, what we truly need is honesty and heart. That doesn’t mean every film should be a history lecture or gloomy or tear-inducing. It merely means we should not be ashamed to feel deeply and express it.

The significance of art within our culture was frequently emphasized during the evening’s events. Glenn Close, in her introduction of Michelle Satter, Sundance Institute’s founding director, stated, “Artists’ voices have never been more crucial in history – to express truth and maintain our connection to our shared humanity.” In a heartfelt speech, Satter, who received a standing ovation, revealed that her Palisades home had been destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires. Satter concluded by saying, “Guiding with love and fostering community is our primary path forward,” adding that she was one of Sundance’s founder, Robert Redford’s first hires.

At this event, attendees followed the “mountain chic” dress code and were joined by celebrities such as Jon Hamm, Joel Edgerton, Olivia Colman, Marielle Heller (director of “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”), Boots Riley (filmmaker of “Sorry to Bother You”), Mark Burnett (producer of “Survivor”), and the latest appointee of President Donald Trump as special envoy to the United Kingdom. To conclude the night, Sara Bareilles performed a two-song set. First, she sang a ballad specifically written for the upcoming Sundance film “Come See Me in the Good Light,” followed by “She Used to Be Mine” from her successful Broadway production “Waitress.

Tonight, Colman bestowed the Visionary Award upon Cynthia Erivo, a three-time Oscar nominee this year, for her portrayal of Elphaba in “Wicked.” Colman, adorned with a tiara reminiscent of “Wicked,” shared her initial impression of Erivo on screen, which was during Steve McQueen’s 2018 heist thriller “Widows.

Colman had assumed, seeing her as a vibrant, rising star from America,” he later found out, “that Erivo, in fact, hails from England and possesses a British accent.

As she received the trophy, Erivo took hold of the glittering crown that Colman had left on the stage and gently placed it upon her own head, explaining, “It’s meant to be worn; that’s what it’s all about.

As a dedicated cinephile, I couldn’t help but feel awe when I learned that Erivo, on the brink of achieving the coveted EGOT status (having already claimed a Grammy and Emmy for her extraordinary portrayal of Celie in the Broadway revival of “The Color Purple”), found herself at a loss upon discovering she’d be bestowed with this honor. I too had to pause and ponder the meaning of ‘visionary’ to truly grasp its fittingness for such an exceptional talent.

She said, “Yes, I understand its definition. However, I’m wondering, what does being a ‘visionary’ entail? To be honest, I’ve never seen myself as someone who can foresee the future. Instead, I’ve been walking along a path that I believe is mine, one step at a time. I just keep moving forward and making progress until I reach my destination.

Read More

2025-01-25 22:18