Interesting article from the LA Times. They talked to various cast and crew about reaction to the film and Rob’s comments are highlighted below. The article goes on to mention that Maps to the Stars is expected to screen again at a festival, likely Toronto, before opening in the US.
LA Times:
“Maps” has already become something of a social-media sensation, trending immediately on Twitter after its media screening Sunday night and generating chatter among industry insiders here over the moments that do and don’t resonate.
The Los Angeles-based trades Variety and the Hollywood Reporter, meanwhile, have given it tepid reviews, in part citing it as being “severely negative,” while the foreign press has been more kind. The film’s producer, Bruce Katz, says this is not a coincidence, wondering if it hit a little too close to home for Hollywood-oriented publications.
Pattinson, who after the “Twilight” series has been on his share of big Hollywood sets, said he was surprised at some of the naysayers.
“Are people saying it’s mean?” he asked when told of some early reactions, adding, “The child actor part felt very real. Almost every set I’ve been on has had someone like that.”
Asked about his experiences with some of the more narcissistic portrayals, he said, “Well, Hollywood attracts crazy people, and then you add a lot of money, so…” his voice trailing off.
Cronenberg pitched the movie to numerous studio executives dating 10 years. He received numerous rejections, with executives telling him, as he recalls, “I wouldn’t do that to the business I love.” (The film cobbled its budget together independently.) He did not ask those executives if they felt the script was off-base or too accurate.
The actors, at least, said they saw their own experiences in the film.
“Maps” will screen again at a festival, likely in Toronto, before opening in the U.S. in the fall via the Canadian-based independent distributor eOne.
Hollywood’s reaction just wets my appetite further.