--- title: "John Malkovich Discusses Film Industry Changes at BFI London Festival" url: https://noti.group/john-malkovich-discusses-film-industry-changes-at-bfi-london-festival/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Entertainment" published: 2026-10-11T13:55:51.000Z updated: 2026-10-11T19:35:29.658Z id: 18abfad2-407f-4dd1-bdbf-5c41f92e1175 source: "The Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/john-malkovich-oscars-campaign-wild-horse-nine-film-movie-1236727173/" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/john-malkovich-discusses-film-industry-changes-at-bfi-london-festival/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # John Malkovich Discusses Film Industry Changes at BFI London Festival Actor John Malkovich has been generating significant buzz with his latest film Wild Horse Nine, but is skeptical about awards consideration. John Malkovich's latest film, Wild Horse Nine, has been generating significant buzz at the festival circuit, with his performance in the tragicomedy being widely praised. The actor, who has a history of receiving Academy Award nominations, including nods for Places in the Heart and In the Line of Fire, is well aware of the current attention surrounding him. However, he seems somewhat skeptical about the extent of the focus on awards consideration. In a recent talk at the BFI London Film Festival, Malkovich acknowledged that the awards campaign has become an integral part of the film industry, particularly in today's market. He noted that the movie business has undergone significant changes since his early days as an actor. Malkovich reflected on the shift from a time when films like Chinatown and The Godfather held a prominent place in popular culture to the present day, where awards consideration often drives box office success. He expressed his opinion that this emphasis on awards is undeserved, implying that it has become more about generating buzz than celebrating exceptional filmmaking. The actor's candid remarks offer insight into his perspective on the current state of the film industry and its reliance on awards campaigns to draw audiences to theaters. The actor's nomination for Places in the Heart led him to attend his first and only Oscars ceremony in 1985. He recalled being driven to the event and asking his manager if he could enter through a side door, but was firmly told there was no such option. The request sparked laughter from other attendees, highlighting Malkovich's humorous approach to the situation. His early films were successful even before the Oscars night, making their money through word of mouth and anticipation. However, Malkovich now believes that winning an Oscar has become a crucial factor in drawing audiences to theaters. This shift has led him to consider embarking on another awards campaign for his upcoming film Wild Horse Nine. The change in audience behavior has also made Malkovich ponder the future of cinema. He shared concerns about his own daughter's interest in visiting the theater, but downplayed its impact on him, attributing it to age and the natural evolution of society. The surreal setting of Easter Island provides a unique backdrop for the plot of Wild Horse Nine, where CIA agents Chris and Lee navigate their complicated past amidst the island's iconic Moai statues. At the BFI London Film Festival premiere, John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, and director Martin McDonagh made a notable appearance on the red carpet. The event marked a significant milestone for the film, which has been generating buzz with its complex storyline and star-studded cast. Malkovich's character in Wild Horse Nine is shrouded in mystery, particularly regarding his alleged involvement in the Kennedy assassination. When questioned about his personal views on this sensitive topic, Malkovich diplomatically stated that he knows what didn't happen according to official accounts. The actor praised McDonagh as a talented writer and director who brings a unique approach to storytelling. He recalled an instance where McDonagh offered insightful feedback on one of the film's scenes, suggesting that Malkovich aim for a more David Attenborough-esque tone, an observation that left a lasting impression on the actor. Malkovich's admiration for McDonagh is evident in his appreciation for the director's ability to craft compelling narratives and his willingness to offer constructive criticism. This collaboration has undoubtedly contributed to the film's captivating storyline, which continues to intrigue audiences worldwide. John Malkovich's co-star Rockwell has a unique on-screen presence that is both captivating and unsettling. Malkovich likened Rockwell to "a trainer at SeaWorld feeding fish to a shark," suggesting that even after multiple viewings, it's still difficult to fully grasp the depth of his performance. The audience's confusion was evident in their chuckles, but Malkovich explained that this is precisely what makes Rockwell such an exceptional actor. Malkovich clarified that he is not typically drawn to politics, yet Wild Horse Nine delves into profound themes of grief and mortality with a level of existentialism that resonates deeply. This aspect of the film sets it apart from other works in Malkovich's extensive career. In a session covering his impressive body of work, Malkovich reflected on milestones such as starring alongside Clint Eastwood and performing in the West End. He also reminisced about working on Being John Malkovich, where he admitted to having a momentary lapse of temper on set due to the sweltering heat. Malkovich's perspective on reading exceptional screenplays is that it's an extremely rare occurrence, with even the most dedicated performances being rendered meaningless by a subpar film. He emphasized that only when all elements come together can a truly memorable cinematic experience be achieved. As the conversation turned to his upcoming film projects, John Malkovich was asked about "100 Years", a movie currently in storage and set for release in the year 2115. The film is being directed by Robert Rodriguez, but it won't be seen by audiences for over a century. Malkovich joked that he has already purchased tickets to the opening night, although he doubts he'll be attending due to his own mortality - and likely that of his grandchildren as well. --- Source: [The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/john-malkovich-oscars-campaign-wild-horse-nine-film-movie-1236727173/) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/john-malkovich-discusses-film-industry-changes-at-bfi-london-festival/