George Clooney has long been celebrated for his acting talent, but his involvement in political activism has become just as notable. In a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on the upcoming US presidential election and his perspectives on Hollywood’s influence and challenges.
Political Views
A firm supporter of Hillary Clinton, Clooney expressed his belief that she is the best candidate for president. While he respects Bernie Sanders for his focus on addressing the wealth gap in the United States, Clooney acknowledged that Sanders’ narrow focus could hinder his appeal on the national stage. Clooney is notably critical of Donald Trump, referring to him as an “opportunist” and a “xenophobic fascist.” Nevertheless, Clooney holds out hope that Americans will ultimately make the right choice in the end.
Clooney is also passionate about advocating for the acceptance of refugees. He firmly rejects the idea that the U.S. will ban Muslims from entering the country, drawing attention to the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of American values of inclusivity and welcome.
Hollywood Insights
As for his career, Clooney reflected on his latest film Hail, Caesar!, where he played Baird Whitlock, a film star from Hollywood’s golden age. Despite being cast in roles that often portray his characters as “dopey” or “idiotic,” Clooney doesn’t believe these characters are truly idiots, but rather part of the larger narrative designed by filmmakers like the Coen brothers.
Clooney also opened up about the pivotal moments in his career, especially the success of O Brother, Where Art Thou? and The Perfect Storm, which dramatically changed his career trajectory. He recalled the struggles of transitioning from television to film and discussed the backlash he faced for his role as Batman in Batman & Robin.
Diversity and Industry Change
One of Clooney’s significant points of focus was the lack of diversity in Hollywood. He emphasized the importance of challenging the star system, which often dictates who gets financing for films. Clooney expressed a desire for change in the industry, particularly in terms of more diverse casting choices in upcoming projects.
Media Responsibility
As an advocate for global awareness, Clooney stressed the importance of the media in highlighting international crises. He specifically pointed out the Syrian refugee crisis, urging the press to devote more attention to such issues in order to drive greater public engagement and action.
Despite his deep involvement in Hollywood, Clooney maintains a thoughtful and critical perspective on the industry. He’s expressed admiration for journalism, particularly through his work in Good Night, and Good Luck, while also critiquing its misuse in certain contexts.
Conclusion
Clooney’s interview sheds light on his multifaceted career and activism. From his political stance to his thoughts on the evolution of Hollywood, Clooney remains an influential figure both on and off the screen. He continues to be an outspoken advocate for social change and uses his platform to challenge the status quo, inspiring many to think critically about both global issues and the entertainment industry.
