Key Takeaways:
– Director Eli Roth slams ageism in Hollywood and champions senior talent in the film industry.
– Roth casts senior actors in lead roles for his movie ‘Borderlands,' defying age biases.
– The director strongly supports the casting of the ‘best actors in the world,' regardless of age.
Famed filmmaker Eli Roth, with his conviction to defy ageism in Hollywood, has reignited talks about the industry's treatment of older actors. He aims to create a seismic shift towards the broader acceptance of senior talent in leading roles, proving that talent knows no age.
Standing Against Age Discrimination
Prominent for his contributions to the horror genre with masterpieces like Cabin Fever and Hostel, Roth has recently transitioned into the realm of science fiction with his latest endeavour, ‘Borderlands.' During a conversation with ScreenTime, the ‘Borderlands' director voiced his stand against ageism in the industry while discussing the movie casting process.
Roth believes that age shouldn't be a factor when casting roles. Throughout his career, his primary focus has been on recruiting the ‘best actors in the world' who fit his vision for the characters, debunking the traditional age-related stereotypes in casting.
Highlighting Ageism in the Industry
Acknowledging ageism as a persistent issue, Roth observes Hollywood's disregard for senior actors. The filmmaker agrees that age often becomes a limiting factor in an actor's career trajectory. However, he conceives the idea of casting based on talent, not age.
Roth values the excellence and expertise of seasoned actors such as Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Gina Gershon. By casting these actors in ‘Borderlands,' the director appreciates their abilities, giving them the recognition they deserve in the industry.
Breaking the Age Barriers with ‘Borderlands'
The 2024 adaptation of the game, ‘Borderlands,' made a groundbreaking move by casting senior actors in lead roles. By doing so, the film illustrates the importance of age diversity while offering the much-needed respect to the seasoned actors who have honed their craft over the years.
Roth has always hailed Cate Blanchett as one of the ‘best actors in the world,' and he approached her first for a part in ‘Borderlands.' Continuing his trend of casting senior talents, the director later signed Gina Gershon and Jamie Lee Curtis for two lead roles and lauded their performance.
Appreciating the Senior Talents
Describing his decision to cast Gershon in the movie, he said, “I wanted Gina Gershon to play Moxie. I thought she was brilliant at it. So for me, it's always about getting the best actors in the world and watching them on screen.”
Roth managed to assemble a cast comprising legendary actresses in their 60s. Independent of ‘Borderlands' box office performance, his act of recruiting senior talents contradicts the industry's usual dismissal of older actors and is commendable.
Set to premiere on August 9, ‘Borderlands' does not just promise an exciting cinematic experience but also sparks crucial conversations around ageism in Hollywood.
In conclusion, it is high time that talent triumphs over age, and Hollywood must break free from its prejudices. Directors like Eli Roth can light the way for embracing diversity in age when casting, lifting the spotlight back on many seasoned actors. The talent and skill they bring to the table should be celebrated, not overlooked. Hopefully, ‘Borderlands' represents the first of many steps in this direction.
