Winona Ryder’s passion for cinema and the generational gap
A cinephile’s lament
Winona Ryder, a name synonymous with iconic roles and a deep love for cinema, has recently expressed her concerns about the younger generation’s dwindling interest in movies. Promoting her role in Tim Burton’s upcoming sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Ryder shared her thoughts on the changing landscape of film appreciation.
From the youngest to the oldest on set
Reflecting on her journey, Ryder noted the shift from being the youngest person on set to now often being the oldest. This transition has given her a unique perspective on the evolving attitudes towards cinema among her younger co-stars. Whether working with the cast of Stranger Things or Jenna Ortega in the Beetlejuice sequel, Ryder has observed a noticeable difference in their enthusiasm for movies.
The generational divide
In a recent interview, Ryder expressed her frustration with the lack of curiosity among some of her junior colleagues. She reminisced about her Stranger Things co-star Finn Wolfhard’s obsession with Elliott Gould, contrasting it with others who seem less interested in exploring the rich history of film. “I don’t mean to sound so hopeless,” she said, “but there are a few that are just not interested in movies. Like, the first thing they say is, ‘How long is it?’”
The impact of social media
Ryder attributes part of this shift to the pervasive influence of social media. She acknowledges that she might sound old-fashioned, but she believes that the digital age has altered how younger generations engage with art and culture. “I just think that social media has changed everything,” she remarked. “There was such an abundance: the history of film, the history of photography, it’s so rich, and there’s so much there.”
A call for deeper engagement
While Ryder did not single out any of her younger co-stars, Stranger Things actor Millie Bobby Brown has previously mentioned her disinterest in watching movies. In a viral interview, Brown admitted, “People come up to me and say, ‘You should definitely watch this movie, it would change your life.’ I’m like, ‘How long do I have to sit there for?’ Because my brain and I don’t even like sitting for my own movies.”
The enduring legacy of Stranger Things
When not promoting Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Ryder has been busy filming the final season of Stranger Things in Atlanta. Reflecting on the decade-long journey with the series, she shared, “Ten years! I never thought. [At first] I was like, ‘I don’t want to be doing this when I’m in my fifties!’ It’s nuts, and it’s extra nuts to be my age. But I love the boys and I love [the actors] Sadie [Sink] and Maya [Hawke]. It’s been really wonderful.”
A hopeful outlook
Despite her concerns, Ryder remains hopeful that the younger generation will eventually develop a deeper appreciation for the rich history of cinema. Her passion for film is evident, and she continues to inspire both her peers and fans with her dedication to the craft.
Fans of Ryder can look forward to seeing her in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice when it hits theaters on September 6, courtesy of Warner Bros.