By Here’s an interesting bit of news. One of Hollywood’s biggest young stars has decided that he’s had enough of being jerked around by the system and that he wants out. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Shia LaBeouf spoke his mind and expressed his feelings in regards to big budget studio films like Transformers and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. “There’s no room for being a visionary in the studio system. It literally cannot exist,” and he goes on to say that the studios “give you the money, then get on a plane and come to the set and stick a finger up your ass and chase you around for five months.” I’m hoping he’s speaking figuratively.
In response to all the fingering and chasing it looks like LaBeouf has decided to call it quits, at least for big studio films. He’s had his fill of it and plans to stick to smaller independent productions from now on. He was an integral force in getting his new film Lawless made (which premiered at Cannes in May) and will also be staring in Lars Von Trier’s Nymphomaniac, which is set to begin shooting soon. When asked about the sexual explicitness of Von Trier’s upcoming film and why he wanted to be involved, LaBeouf responded “Because he’s dangerous. He scares me. And I’m only going to work now when I’m terrified.”
So it looks Shia has transitioned from big budget (but usually not very good) movie star to independent auteur, and I don’t think anyone is really going to complain about it. Well, except for maybe Michael Bay. Hopefully this decision will let LaBeouf really come into his own, because it’s easy to see the kid has talent and he needs to spread his wings a bit. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a return to big Hollywood at some time in the future. I’m sure LaBeouf really is tired of dealing with the studios, but he’s still filthy rich because of them. Big money, son.
[via The Hollywood Reporter]