It Chapter Two, starring Bill Hader, Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, and other eminent Hollywood talents, was the 2019 follow-up to Andrés Muschietti’s 2017 cinematic endeavor, titled It, that marked the on-screen adaptation of Stephen King’s 1986 horror novel of the same name. While the sequel, as per critics’ claims, could not stand up to the narrative excellence of its predecessor, it did manage to do well at the box office.
Several talents associated with the two-part horror film series are making remarkable strides in their careers. Most had exciting film and television ventures lined up for themselves after the sequel’s release. Such ventures performed well amongst the audiences and have allowed the stars to relish their success. However, one name attached to the 2019 project has not fared as well and is reportedly stepping down from filmmaking after experiencing several disappointments.
James McAvoy’s It Chapter Two Co-star Xavier Dolan Quits Filmmaking
In It Chapter Two, we saw a wonderful cast featuring famed Hollywood personalities such as James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, Jay Ryan, Bill Skarsgård, etc. These talents dedicated themselves to the film in a way that truly honored the essence of Andrés Muschietti’s pursuit. Besides the main group of characters that the narrative was woven around, we also saw some minor roles that helped push the story forward.
Despite having to work within screen time constraints, these roles were pivotal and major to the overarching plot. One such role belonged to Canadian actor and filmmaker Xavier Dolan, who embodied Adrian Mellon in the sequel. While the character portrayed by Dolan was not referenced or present in the 1990 It miniseries, he was a minor yet important part of both the original 1986 book and the 2019 James McAvoy starrer.
Xavier Dolan’s acting in the film served the purpose of the character’s involvement in the narrative, effectively moving the story forward. While many may have come to know about the talent through his participation in the project, Dolan is also particularly renowned for his own filmmaking initiatives. The actor has directed and even starred in films such as I Killed My Mother (2009), Tom at the Farm (2013), Matthias & Maxime (2019), etc.
While critics have praised the auteur’s distinctive style and his films have received acclaim at major international film festivals and award shows, the actor recently revealed that his commitment to the art does not feel rewarding anymore.
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Xavier Dolan Claims Art Is Useless
In 2022, Dolan expressed his initial desire of wanting to retire from the industry, claiming, “I don’t really want to do this job anymore. I’m tired.” The Canadian star no longer felt compelled to tell the audiences his stories.
Recently, the actor and filmmaker reiterated his thoughts on the matter. Speaking to Spanish news outlet El País, the filmmaker stated his current mindset on the art of filmmaking. Dolan, who asserts that he no longer harbors the strength or passion to continue, thinks that he has “too many disappointments” to his name.
Following was the actor’s statement:
“I don’t feel like committing two years to a project that barely anyone sees. I put too much passion into it to have these disappointments. It makes me wonder if my filmmaking is bad, and I know it’s not.”
We can deduce from this the filmmaker’s hesitation to continue with his storytelling endeavors. The talent’s last few artistic pursuits have failed to strike a chord with critics as well as audiences. This has made Dolan question his own style and approach to creating films.
In the same interview, Dolan followed up on his earlier statement by saying:
“I don’t understand what is the point of telling stories when everything around us is falling apart. Art is useless and dedicating oneself to the cinema, a waste of time…”
Therefore, the 34-year-old auteur has officially deemed cinema to be a waste of time. Considering Dolan’s current detachment from art and filmmaking, it is currently unthinkable to envisage the celebrated director releasing another movie anytime soon.
Film enthusiasts around the world, especially the ones closely acquainted with Xavier Dolan’s filmography, mourn the talent’s parting from his decade-long passion for the craft. Only time will tell whether or not the auteur decides to come back and pursue the art with a reinvigorated strength.
Source: El País
