In an online conversation with NY Times Op-Ed columnist Frank Bruni, directors Greta Gerwig and Aaron Sorkin had an opportunity to talk about their films Lady Bird and Molly’s Game, a diversifying industry, and what to do with the works of Kevin Spacey, Woody Allen, and other men with histories of assault.
When asked, “Should we care about, reward or punish what artists do beyond the parameters of their art? Should it affect their opportunities? Their reception?”, Gerwig spoke about working with Allen in the 2012 romantic comedy film To Rome with Love, a fact that has been brought up a lot recently in light of “Time’s Up” supporters getting called out for their support of the director. The Lady Bird director previously had given a non-answer about working with Allen, saying only that “I haven’t had an opportunity to have an in-depth discussion, where I come down on one side or the other, but it’s something I’ve definitely taken to heart.” Gerwig gave a much stronger reply this time, saying:
“I would like to speak specifically to the Woody Allen question, which I have been asked about a couple of times recently, as I worked for him on a film that came out in 2012. It is something that I take very seriously and have been thinking deeply about, and it has taken me time to gather my thoughts and say what I mean to say. I can only speak for myself and what I’ve come to is this: If I had known then what I know now, I would not have acted in the film. I have not worked for him again, and I will not work for him again. Dylan Farrow’s two different pieces made me realize that I increased another woman’s pain, and I was heartbroken by that realization. I grew up on his movies, and they have informed me as an artist, and I cannot change that fact now, but I can make different decisions moving forward.”
(Note: Sorkin’s response was “Personally, I don’t think Kevin’s going to be able to find his way back, but I’m still rooting for a miraculous transformation.”)
Dylan Farrow responded to the statement on Twitter, writing:
Greta, thank you for your voice. Thank you for your words. Please know they are deeply felt and appreciated. https://t.co/q7dV2yAFwH
— Dylan Farrow (@realdylanfarrow) January 10, 2018
Actor David Krumholtz similarly expressed his regret in working with Allen on Wonder Wheel recently. A difficult aspect of the Time’s Up and #MeToo movement in Hollywood is the fact that many who support it have been complicit in their own ways, whether it’s through supporting predators in their work or staying silent. (See: Kate Winslet praising Woody Allen in every possible interview and not being able to read the room.)
No one is necessarily perfect, but an important part of trying to make true change is to really reckon with that damaging past. If we don’t do that, well, the pins don’t really mean anything.
(via New York Times, image: Sony Pictures Classics)
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