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Entertainment

Filmmaker Oliver Stone Criticizes Hollywood's Embrace of Fantasy Films

Lauren Baxter

By Lauren Baxter

Published January 22, 2024

Renowned filmmaker Oliver Stone recently shared his strong opinions about the current state of the film industry. In a 2023 interview, Stone expressed his concerns about what he perceives as the 'infantilization of Hollywood.' He criticized the trend of fantasy-driven movies and suggested that acclaimed actor Ryan Gosling should focus on more serious roles rather than participating in what he views as the industry's increasing reliance on fantasy-based content.

Opinions on Specific Films

During the interview, Stone took aim at several popular film franchises, including Greta Gerwig's movie featuring Ryan Gosling, the Fast and Furious series, and the John Wick films starring Keanu Reeves. He expressed disappointment with the direction of these films, expressing a preference for more intellectually stimulating content over what he perceives as an overabundance of fantasy and action-driven narratives.

Criticism of Fast and Furious and John Wick Franchises

Stone criticized the Fast and Furious franchise, likening its recent installments to Marvel movies and questioning the excessive focus on action sequences. Similarly, he shared his disapproval of the John Wick series, expressing a lack of engagement with the storyline and character development, describing the experience of watching one of the films as a struggle to remain interested.

Oliver Stone's Accomplishments

Although Stone is known for his critical viewpoints, his contributions to the film industry are significant. With four Oscars to his name, including accolades for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director, his impact on cinema cannot be understated. His latest work, the documentary 'Nuclear Now,' advocates for nuclear energy as a potential solution to combat climate change.