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Michael Douglas Hints at Retirement, Expresses Concerns Over US Democracy at Karlovy Vary Film Festival
Michael Douglas, the acclaimed actor and producer, made a significant appearance at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, presenting a newly restored print of Miloš Forman’s timeless classic, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." However, the festival wasn't just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it also provided a platform for Douglas to voice his concerns about the current political climate in the United States.
During a press conference, Douglas didn't hold back when discussing the state of politics in his home country. He stated that the U.S. is currently “flirting with autocracy,” a sentiment that reflects a growing unease among many about the direction of American democracy.
“I look at it generally as the fact of how precious democracy is, of how vulnerable it is and how it always has to be protected,” Douglas emphasized. “I hope that what we’re struggling with right now is a reminder of all the hard work the Czechs did in gaining their freedom and independence. Politics now seem to be for profit. Money has entered democracy as a profit centre. People are going into politics now to make money. We maintained an ideal, an idealism in the U.S., which does not exist now.”
Here are some key takeaways from Douglas’s commentary on US politics:
- Democracy is Precious and Vulnerable: Douglas stressed the importance of protecting democratic values.
- Politics for Profit: He criticized the increasing influence of money in politics.
- Personal Worry: Douglas expressed personal concern and urged collective responsibility.
The festival also served as a celebration of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," a film deeply connected to both Karlovy Vary and director Miloš Forman's homeland. Douglas reminisced about the early days of the festival and Forman's dedication to it. He was joined by producer Paul Zaentz (nephew of Saul Zaentz) and members of Forman’s family, highlighting the enduring legacy of the film and its creators.
Reflecting on the legendary 1976 Oscars, Douglas questioned whether the quality of films in recent years has matched that of classics like "Dog Day Afternoon," "Jaws," "Barry Lyndon," and "Nashville," all nominated alongside "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."
Adding to the conversation, Paul Zaentz revealed exciting projects in the works:
- "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" TV Series: A series adaptation from the perspective of Chief Bromden is in development.
- "Backyard Desert": An adaptation of an off-Broadway play about U.S. border agents and a Mexican immigrant.
- "The English Patient" TV Adaptation: A series based on elements from the book that were not included in the original film.
Beyond politics and film history, Douglas opened up about his personal journey, including his battle with stage 4 throat cancer. He revealed that he has "no real intentions of going back" to acting full-time. He stated that "I have not worked since 2022 purposefully because I realized I had to stop," acknowledging the need to prioritize his health and well-being after nearly six decades of dedicated work.
However, he hinted at a potential return for a “little independent movie” if the script is compelling enough. For now, he humorously added, he's content to "play the wife" to his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, in the spirit of maintaining a good marriage.
Michael Douglas's appearance at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival was a multifaceted event, blending cinematic celebration with poignant reflections on democracy and personal health. His words served as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, the power of cinema, and the enduring value of personal well-being. It was a reminder that even legends need to take a step back and appreciate the present.
Tags: Michael Douglas, US Politics, Trump, Autocracy, Democracy, Film Festival, One Flew Over, Miloš Forman, Actor, Politics
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/global/michael-douglas-politics-to-make-money-1236447752/
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