David Chase Says Hollywood Returning to ‘Greed and Fear’ in Trump Era
8 reported
David Chase, creator of "The Sopranos," spoke at the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic on Tuesday, drawing a large crowd. During a keynote appearance moderated by Deadline Hollywood's Zac Ntim, Chase discussed the state of Hollywood, his new HBO limited series "Project: MKUltra," and the impact of anti-hero characters on American politics. He quoted writer Christopher McQuarrie, saying Hollywood is run by "greed and fear" and that the industry is "going back to greed and fear." Chase also recalled pitching "The Sopranos" to former CBS boss Leslie Moonves, who objected to Tony Soprano seeing a therapist and taking Prozac, calling it "the worst" thing to pitch. Chase shared that a project he wanted to do at HBO "fell apart on money," and that his film "The Many Saints of Newark" was positioned by HBO as a prequel, though he did not view it that way.
What’s reported
David Chase spoke at the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
He quoted Christopher McQuarrie, saying Hollywood is run by "greed and fear" and is "going back to greed and fear."
Chase said he does not believe "The Sopranos" was meant to say it is "okay, it's cool if you're corrupt."
He recalled pitching "The Sopranos" to Leslie Moonves, who objected to Tony Soprano seeing a therapist and taking Prozac.
Chase said a project he wanted to do at HBO "fell apart on money."
He described "The Many Saints of Newark" as not a prequel, but a crime B-movie he wanted to make.
Chase is working on a new HBO limited series, "Project: MKUltra," based on John Lisle's book.
He said he took LSD eight to ten times and believes it changed his life.
Key figures
David Chase, creator of "The Sopranos"
Zac Ntim, moderator from Deadline Hollywood
Christopher McQuarrie, writer of "The Usual Suspects"
Leslie Moonves, former CBS boss
John Lisle, author of "Project Mind Control: Sidney Gottlieb, the CIA and the Tragedy of MKULTRA"
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter
