Paul Mescal hates when films are called ‘content’: ‘That’s a filthy word’

Actor Paul Mescal, Oscar-nominated star of “Aftersun” and the forthcoming “Gladiator II,” is an artist. He takes his work seriously, and he doesn’t like it being described using the word that reduces it to a soulless economic widget: “content.” 

“Over the last few years people have been talking about films as content,” Mescal said in an interview with The Times UK. “That’s a filthy word. It’s not ‘content’, it’s f—ing work. I’m not being snobby, but there are two concurrent industries. One that works with a lack of care, artistic integrity. Go nuts, make stuff with Instagram followers as a factor, whatever … But the other is what has always been there — the craft of film — making, directing, lighting and production design. That keeps artists alive.”

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The Times points out that even the indie darling’s blockbuster play — the sequel to a Best Picture winner directed by respected director Ridley Scott — is a more artistically oriented choice than if he’d joined a superhero franchise. He wants to make real cinema. 

Mescal says that if “Gladiator II” makes him too famous and the industry pushes him toward artistically unfulfilling work, he’ll have to rebel. “If the film impacts my life in that way I’ll be in a bad spot,” he said of potential negative consequences of “Gladiator II.” “I’d have to move on and do an obtuse play nobody wants to see.”

Even amidst his ascent, Mescal is choosing products that align with his artistic values. He’s starring in the musical epic “Merrily We Roll Along,” which ambitious director Richard Linklater is filming every two years for the next 20 years to tell the story of a friendship over the course of decades. “At least I’ll be employed for the next 20 years,” Mescal said. 

“Gladiator II” opens in American theaters on Nov. 15. It’s considered a likely contender in many Oscars categories, including Best Picture.

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