Michael Douglas Declares He Won’t Return to Acting: Why He Believes U.S. Idealism is Dead and Politics is About Profit

Michael Douglas attended the Karlovy Vary Film Festival to showcase a restored version of the iconic film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” During a press conference, he expressed serious concerns for U.S. democracy under the Trump administration, saying the country is “flirting with autocracy.”

Douglas reflected on how precious democracy is and noted it feels more vulnerable these days. He worries that political motives have shifted toward profit. “People seem to enter politics to make money,” he said, contrasting this with an idealism that used to be more common in the U.S. He emphasized the ongoing struggle as a reminder of the Czechs’ hard-won freedom.

The festival focused on celebrating the film’s legacy and its connection to Forman’s homeland. Douglas reminisced about attending early festivals in Karlovy Vary, highlighting its charm. He pointed out that it’s rare to honor a film that’s over 50 years old, describing the experience as a treat.

As for the film landscape today, Douglas questioned whether any modern films match the quality of the 1976 Oscar nominees, which also included classics like “Jaws” and “Nashville.”

Saul Zaentz, who produced “Cuckoo,” shared plans for a series adaptation based on Ken Kesey’s book, focusing on the character Chief Bromden. Zaentz summed up their approach by stating they would explore what happens to Chief after the original story, rather than simply remake the famous film.

In addition, Zaentz is developing a project titled “Backyard Desert,” which aims to humanize the experiences of immigrants crossing the U.S. border. “These are real people escaping terrible situations,” he shared. He hopes to start filming this October.

While discussing his career, Douglas also touched on his battle with Stage 4 throat cancer. He shared how he chose treatment that allowed him to keep speaking, which is vital for his acting. Douglas revealed he hasn’t worked since 2022, stating he wanted to take a step back for his health and not be one of those who passes away on set. He is open to future projects but prefers to support his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, for now.

The insights shared at the festival not only reflect the challenges facing democracy today but also a nostalgic look at the art that shaped an era. Both Douglas and Zaentz’s projects emphasize the importance of storytelling that resonates with present social issues, making connections between past and present.



Source link

Karlovy Vary Film Festival,Michael Douglas