Brad Pitt Says Retirement Still a Long Way Off

Actor Brad Pitt poses on the red carpet before the screening of "Bullet Train" in Berlin, Germany, July 19, 2022. (Reuters)
Actor Brad Pitt poses on the red carpet before the screening of "Bullet Train" in Berlin, Germany, July 19, 2022. (Reuters)
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Brad Pitt Says Retirement Still a Long Way Off

Actor Brad Pitt poses on the red carpet before the screening of "Bullet Train" in Berlin, Germany, July 19, 2022. (Reuters)
Actor Brad Pitt poses on the red carpet before the screening of "Bullet Train" in Berlin, Germany, July 19, 2022. (Reuters)

Brad Pitt scotched talk of imminent retirement as he traveled to Paris for the premiere of his Jackie Chan-inspired action caper "Bullet Train".

The 58-year-old had worried fans that his acting days may be numbered after a GQ interview last month in which he said he was in the "last semester" of his career.

But Pitt told AFP: "I'm not getting out by any means.

"It seems that might have been taken as a statement of retirement. That's not what I was saying," he said.

"I'm over that hump of middle age and so I'm looking at that last leg... how do I want to spend that time? At my age, you've made enough mistakes... now there's a comfort in applying that kind of wisdom."

"Bullet Train", which is being released around the world over the next two weeks, sees Pitt trying something new in an action comedy from the director of "John Wick", David Leitch.

Pitt plays a reluctant hit-man fighting off rivals on a Japanese train.

"It's much more fun than the regular punch-up. It's infused with humor and character," he said.

"I can't say enough about Jackie Chan and what he's done, and to be in that arena, even close to that, is something I hadn't done before."

Pitt will next be seen in "Babylon" about Hollywood's golden age, directed by Damien Chazelle ("La La Land").

That will partner him again with Margot Robbie -- the pair starred in Quentin Tarantino's "Once upon a Time in Hollywood", which won Pitt an Oscar in 2020.

But Pitt said he takes particular enjoyment from production duties with his company Plan B.

The company has three best picture Oscar winners to its name -- "The Departed", "Twelve Years a Slave" and "Moonlight" -- and will soon release the hotly tipped "Blonde" about Marilyn Monroe.

"I really like what we've been able to do on the producing end. You get to be part of stories, foster new talent," he said.

Unlike other major movie stars such as Tom Cruise, Pitt is not as wedded to the nostalgia of movie theaters.

"I like the dichotomy, the streamer as well as the theater experience, because films were getting so expensive to do and to market that it was either big tent-pole movies or very small intimate movies and there was no room for anythings in-between. Streamers have opened it up for more voices," he said.

Nonetheless, Pitt said he had recently loved going to watch "Elvis" in a cinema.

"I'm a big fan of Austin Butler, I think he's going to do great work," said Pitt of the film's star.

"It was so much fun to be there again. There's a place for both."



Korean Film Week Kicks Off in Riyadh as Film Commission Launches Art Cinema Initiative

Korean Film Week Kicks Off in Riyadh as Film Commission Launches Art Cinema Initiative
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Korean Film Week Kicks Off in Riyadh as Film Commission Launches Art Cinema Initiative

Korean Film Week Kicks Off in Riyadh as Film Commission Launches Art Cinema Initiative

The Saudi Film Commission launched an initiative aimed at empowering art cinema, emphasizing its significant role in promoting culture and developing creators’ skills. The initiative includes a series of local and international workshops and cinematic events designed to foster creative expression and convey profound cultural messages, extending beyond the scope of traditional commercial films.

Domestically, 27 trainees benefited from ten diverse workshops organized by the Film Commission, in collaboration with 11 entities in Jeddah. Additionally, the commission conducted workshops in Berlin, where 11 trainees engaged with various cinema organizations, gaining insights into the latest cinematic trends. The workshops are part of efforts to ensure the sustainability of art cinema by creating a platform to support local talents and foster collaboration among filmmakers.

As part of this initiative, Korean Film Week debuted in Riyadh, running from January 19 to 23 at Cinehouse. Supported by the Film Commission, the event offers a unique cinematic experience, showcasing the richness of Korean culture and boosting cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and South Korea.

Audiences can enjoy screenings of acclaimed Korean films such as “Cobweb” and “Parasite”. Additionally, engaging dialogue sessions will focus on topics such as "The Global Appeal of Korean Cinema" and the impact of Korean culture on cinema. Seminars featuring film directors and international experts will further promote understanding, interaction, and cultural communication.

These initiatives reflect the Film Commission's commitment to broadening the scope of Saudi cinema and creating new opportunities for creators and filmmakers to showcase their work. By doing so, the commission aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for cinematic excellence and cultural collaboration.