Before the star power of Kevin Spacey was significantly diminished by sexual misconduct allegations, he was immersed in creating history—specifically, working on a biopic about iconic writer Gore Vidal for Netflix. Yet, this project faced an unexpected detour when the streaming giant decided to shelve the film, leaving a celebrated story in limbo for nearly a decade.
Now, almost ten years later, Spacey is back in the spotlight, launching a heartfelt appeal to Netflix to finally release the movie that he feels deserves to be seen. He isn’t just asking for a film to be released; he is pushing for artistic freedom and the recognition of a powerful cinematic achievement.
Spacey shared his perspective on the project during a recent podcast appearance, revealing more about the creation process behind Dear Mr. Vidal. He explained that the film was shot in Italy back in 2017, and he confirmed that it is fully realized and ready to go.
“I played Gore Vidal in a movie that we shot in 2017 in Italy,” Spacey noted. “It’s a movie called Dear Mr. Vidal, and Netflix has shelved it.”
Despite the delay, Spacey made it clear that there was nothing unfinished about the production. He argued that shelving such a project was a profound missed opportunity for everyone involved, including the talented director and screenwriter Michael Stuhlbarg, whose performance might easily have secured an Academy Award.
The actor expressed frustration that the focus shifted away from the art itself. He hoped that Netflix would recognize the merit of the work, asserting that the film is one of his most celebrated efforts: “I think it’s one of the best films I’ve ever done. I would love for that movie to finally get seen.”
When producers sought to advocate for its release, they faced a refusal rooted in corporate decisions. One producer argued passionately that the audience should have the final say over what they watch. He pointed out that Netflix’s justification for dismissing the request—a tax write-off—was easily resolvable and did not justify burying such an entertaining and powerful exploration of themes surrounding sex, power, and creativity.
Ultimately, Spacey’s plea is a reminder that behind every corporate decision lies a choice about artistic expression. He is advocating for the freedom to let audiences decide if they want to see a potent cinematic narrative, rather than allowing bureaucratic hurdles to overshadow true creative value.
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Credit: JoBlo
