Xavier Dolan is an oft-debated filmmaker. There are those that believe he’s still one of the best young directors working today, consistently creating interesting films, especially in a world that needs more LGBTQ+ voices. However, there are others that believe Dolan received too much acclaim too soon and has yet to live up to the lofty expectations that winning a Cannes award at 25 brings. But either way, both sides are always interested in what he has coming up on his slate.
When pressed for an answer to that question of what’s next, in a new interview (via Vice), Dolan didn’t disappoint, talking about what might be the three most disparate projects you could imagine.
READ MORE: MUBI To Release Xavier Dolan’s ‘Matthias & Maxime’ In August On Its Streaming Platform
“A mini-series, a horror film set in the late 1800s and a social drama!” he said. “But for now, what’s coming next is this: waiting for the world to feel better in order to be allowed to shoot films like we should; hand in hand.”
And speaking about the pandemic and the future of the industry, Dolan is a bit concerned, as you might expect. He believes that the theatrical experience might forever be altered due to the shutdown of cinemas combined with the rise of streaming.
“Looking around, and looking even at myself, I see our desire for togetherness has been waning consistently, and our proclivity to confined entertainment increasing,” Dolan explained. “But now… if we don’t even have a choice anymore… I’m afraid theatres will disappear. Or stay, but become the exclusive venue of major studio films — with all indies and films in-between being relegated to online services. And that is sad. Because no one, deep down, shoots for iPads.”
While there are plenty of people (owners of theaters, especially) that would scoff at the idea of multiplexes being forever altered by this pandemic, there are plenty of filmmakers that worry the shutdown of cinemas for the past several months will accelerate a drastic change, as is described by Dolan above, where the big screen experience is relegated to Christopher Nolan features and Marvel movies. This would drown out any hope for mid-budget dramas, indies, or anything remotely considered “art house” from showing up at your local AMC (where, let’s be honest, these movies struggle to be seen anyway).
As uncertainty looms over the entire industry, let’s just hope everyone is just being a tad bit pessimistic. Dolan’s newest film, “Mattias & Maxime,” is set to debut on MUBI on August 28.