British actor Ray Winstone, known for his role in “The Departed,” attended the Sarajevo Film Festival. He was there to receive the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo award, honoring his significant contributions to cinema. During the festival, he reflected on his extensive career, noting how the industry has transformed. He expressed that it has largely become a commercial enterprise, emphasizing a growing divide between blockbuster films like those from Marvel and what he labels “cultural films.”
“The focus is on selling tickets,” he remarked. “In Hollywood, Marvel dominates… While there’s space for this type of entertainment, it detracts from the production of cultural films, which are invaluable for actors and often provide rich roles. It’s increasingly challenging to pursue these projects. Nowadays, if you’re not prominent on social media, you might be overlooked for roles because studios prefer actors who bring an established fanbase.”
Winstone also shared his experience with Marvel while filming “Black Widow,” where he portrayed the character Dreykov. He praised director Cate Shortland for their collaboration, highlighting the complexity of his character. “We received applause on set,” he recalled, calling it one of his most rewarding experiences. However, he faced unexpected challenges during reshoots that tested his resolve, feeling frustrated by the changes made to his character.
Discussing social media, he noted its growing importance for young actors, while he personally feels pressured to engage on platforms like Instagram. “I’d prefer to avoid it, but if it draws audiences to theaters and boosts job creation, I’m willing to adapt,” he stated. He longs for more cultural films to be produced, asserting that those are the pieces that define quality cinema.
Another concern for Winstone is the evolving casting process, which has shifted away from personal interactions. “Now, many auditions take place via phone, and directors often don’t meet actors face-to-face,” he lamented. He believes that the personal chemistry between actors and directors is essential to the filmmaking process and worries about the implications of losing that direct connection.
Reflecting on his career in cultural cinema, Winstone reminisced about working on independent films, particularly Gary Oldman’s “Nil by Mouth.” He described Oldman as “the best director I’ve ever worked with,” praising the film’s brave portrayal of social issues that resonate deeply with his own experiences.
Winstone also remembered his role in Jonathan Glazer’s “Sexy Beast,” comparing it to “modern-day Shakespeare.” He shared anecdotes about working with Ben Kingsley and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to portray more tender roles, diverging from his usual tough-guy image. Looking forward, he is set to appear in the next season of Guy Ritchie’s “The Gentlemen” and an upcoming biopic about Jimmy White, currently in post-production.
