Ageism & the movies
The news that Clint Eastwood will direct part of his new supernatural-themed movie on Maui in January brings this question: why don’t many older directors, like Eastwood, get to direct films?
Answer: It’s costly. Eastwood passed a rigorous physical exam, but, usually, older directors have to have a substitute director, paid, on set to take over in case of illness or death. Take, for example, the late Robert Altman. During the shooting of what proved to be his last movie—Prairie Home Companion—director Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood) was on set, and paid, everyday of the High Def shoot. All went well, but the additional money prohibits many films from employing beloved elders. (This also applies to certain older actors as well.)
