Christine Vachon of Killer Films opens up about the devastating impact of the 'Joker: Folie A Deux' actor's sudden departure from the highly anticipated Haynes project.
- Sep 25, 2024
AceShowbiz - Christine Vachon of Killer Films, a longtime collaborator of Todd Haynes, has shared her perspective on the "tragic" exit of Joaquin Phoenix from the director's latest project just days before filming was scheduled to commence.
Speaking at the San Sebastian Film Festival, Vachon expressed her deepest concern for Haynes, considering his limited time to create films. She believes that the loss of this opportunity is a significant blow to the cultural community.
"The most tragic part about it is that Todd Haynes is 62," Vachon said. "There's a finite number of films that he'll be able to do in his lifetime. I consider him one of the most extraordinary film artists of his generation, and the idea that his time was wasted and that a movie is not a result of those years of working closely with Joaquin… That is the tragedy to me. We, as a cultural community, lost an opportunity to have another movie by Todd Haynes. That is just criminal."
Vachon acknowledged that the details surrounding Phoenix's departure are still unclear, but she emphasized the financial and emotional devastation it has caused.
"If a company like Killer, a star like Joaquin, a filmmaker like Todd, if that fell at the finish line, then how do we take a risk on the first-time filmmaker or the actor who's still up and coming?" Vachon questioned.
Despite the setback, Vachon and Killer Films are moving forward with other projects. She expressed her excitement about the upcoming releases of "A Different Man" and "The Brutalist".
As for Haynes, his future remains uncertain. Vachon acknowledged that the canceled project has left a big question mark over his head. However, she also hinted at the possibility of a reunion with Kate Winslet for a series adaptation of Hernan Diaz's novel "Trust".
Vachon's words serve as a stark reminder of the challenges and uncertainties facing independent filmmakers in the current industry climate. The loss of a single project can have a ripple effect on not only those directly involved but also on the broader artistic landscape.
