- Paul Mescal has spoken out about fans branding his films as ‘content’
- The actor said the term was ‘a filthy word’
- Mescal’s words divided fans online
He’s one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars.
But Paul Mescal is getting fed up with the way people talk about his movies.
In an interview this week, the Irish actor, 28, said he was sick of people labeling films as “content” – and even went as far as to brand the term as a “filthy” word.
“Over the last few years people have been talking about films as content,” Mescal explained. “That’s a filthy word. It’s not ‘content’, it’s f***ing work. I’m not being snobby, but there are two concurrent industries. One that works with a lack of care, artistic integrity. Go nuts, make stuff with Instagram followers as a factor, whatever.
“But the other is what has always been there – the craft of film – making, directing, lighting and production design. That keeps artists alive.”
‘Film is an art form, not just content’
Mescal’s comments divided opinion on social media.
“I’m with Paul on this. When you use the word content to refer to films, you lump them in with Instagrammers and TikTokers. It’s insulting to real filmmakers,” wrote one fan on Twitter/X. Another added, “He has a point actually.”
“Paul Mescal nails it! Film is an art form, not just content. The craft and integrity should always come first,” wrote someone else. “Completely agree with Paul Mescal. There’s a huge difference between creating meaningful cinema and just churning out ‘content’. True film is an art form – one that deserves respect for the craftsmanship and dedication behind it.”
Someone else advised Mescal to ignore what other people say.
“Who cares what the people think, they wouldn’t be capable of doing half of what he’s done,” they said.
However, others disagreed with Mescal’s comments.
“I actually think that some of these Instagram/YouTube guys are coming from an artist perspective as well,” wrote one follower. “I kind of feel like that sort of thing will happen, especially if it’s a channel where it’s a 2-3 person shop so they aren’t worried about profit.”
“I respect his passion, but there’s ways to showcase movies’ unique level of artistry without tearing down other forms of entertainment,” another concurred. “This tirade just reinforces perceptions people have of the film industry being insecure and condescending.”
Someone else said, “I don’t disagree. But also, don’t take what you do so seriously. You pretend for a living. I wish I did as well.”
In another interview, Mescal said that he’ll be “profoundly depressed” if the sequel makes him wildly famous.
“I’ll have an answer next year, but if [the film] impacts my life in that way, I’ll be in a bad spot. I’d have to move on and do an obtuse play nobody wants to see,” he said at the time.
