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Alexander Payne Reveals Secrets Behind Classic Films and Upcoming ‘Election’ Sequel!

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Great cinema can be hard to pin down, but its essence is universally recognized. The renowned filmmaker, Alexander Payne, is one of the leading talents of our era and has produced several modern masterpieces like “Election”, “Sideways”, and his latest hit, “The Holdovers”.

The characteristics that make great cinema are subjective yet recognizable by all, and Alexander Payne is one of the prominent directors of our time, responsible for creating several contemporary classics such as “Election”, “Sideways”, and most recently, “The Holdovers.”)

In this conversation with MovieWeb, Payne delves into the period of timeless films, defining what constitutes a cinematic classic, and the aspirational goals every movie should aim for:

1. Every film is the result of an ongoing struggle between commercial and artistic aspects. At times, these elements may contaminate or neutralize each other; however, when harmony prevails, we are treated to extraordinary pieces of art that continue to captivate audiences repeatedly.

– Every movie is born from an internal conflict between industry and art. Sometimes, these elements can taint or counterbalance each other; but when they strike a balance, we are gifted with timeless masterpieces that continue to enchant us repeatedly.

3. (Simplified version) In his conversation with MovieWeb, Payne discusses the world of classic films, identifies key features that set them apart, and provides insights into what every movie should aspire to achieve:

– Every film is a product of an internal battle between business and art. Sometimes, these aspects can spoil or cancel each other out; however, when they work together, we get incredible pieces of cinema that continue to captivate us time and again.

Exceptional films offer a strikingly authentic reflection of human life to other humans. If we consider art as a mirror, then cinema might be the truest representation.

Alexander Payne and TCM Are a Match Made in Movie Heaven

Payne often stands in for Turner Classic Movies (TCM), a rare gem on our planet that preserves, manages, and honors the artistic heritage of cinema, allowing us all to enjoy its radiant influence. For film enthusiasts, subscribing to TCM is almost non-negotiable. It provides entry to an extensive collection of excellent movies, but more importantly, it offers insights from esteemed experts who present and discuss these films.

Payne is one of those who has excelled in hosting roles previously, with notable appearances at the TCM Festival. His latest assignment was presenting William Wyler’s “Ben-Hur”. As for why “Ben-Hur”, Payne explains that Wyler’s movie has stood the test of time for a reason: its lasting appeal.

The primary reason for choosing William Wyler to direct Ben-Hur instead of Cecil B. DeMille was to emphasize the human aspect and intimate storyline. Sam Zimbalist, the producer, instructed Wyler that the grand spectacle would take care of itself; what they truly desired was the moving, personal moments. This film was highly acclaimed when it was released, and continues to be compelling because of its ability to connect with viewers on a deep level. The Roman occupation of Judea at the beginning, along with the Jews fighting for their freedom, is remarkably relevant even today. It can be interpreted as the Israelis oppressing the Palestinians or vice versa. This theme transcends time and reflects issues that existed before our birth and will continue beyond our death. These are eternal struggles that are portrayed in films like Ben-Hur, and such representations are not commonly found today.

Payne underlines that a modern audience can find common ground with a film like Ben-Hur not only due to contemporary events, but also because these universal events remain everlasting, much like our emotional responses to them. When a movie resonates deeply with the human aspect of vast and diverse experiences, it transcends time and becomes a timeless classic.

To Put it Simply, for Payne, the Golden Age of Cinema encompasses approximately the first 80 years. He describes this period as a truly extraordinary demonstration of humankind to humankind through the medium. It was all about people and humanity; a powerful and expressive portrayal of the human experience.

Over time, the focus of media expanded beyond just portraying the human experience, and these additional aspects often carried more importance in the final productions. This shift has brought about new developments, possibly even caused by them, but unfortunately, it means that fewer films nowadays explore and express concepts and truths about existence.

Payne shared thoughts on a timeless film genre that he deeply cherishes – the Western. This genre has consistently played a significant role in iconic American movies.

What Makes a Great Western? Alexander Payne Recommends Classic Westerns Everyone Should See

When I express my fondness for westerns, it doesn’t mean I adore every single one. In truth, there might be just a few that I really appreciate.

From the very beginning, Westerns were a significant part of cinema. These movies were produced out west with the assistance of real cowboys, whose thrilling tales, mirroring those found in dime novels, served as excellent motivation. Over time, numerous Western films have been created, but the most remarkable ones – the timeless classics – traverse not only the vast American terrain, but also our inner selves. They delve into our very essence and embody our archetypes.

According to Payne, cinema is remarkably profound and emotionally resonant in the realm of archetypes. He explains that these stories feature characters based on timeless archetypes… these are films set in America’s past. Essentially, when creating a period piece, a film set in the future, or a science fiction movie, you’re essentially crafting a film deeply reflective of the present day.

In my opinion, modern Westerns have been struggling to convey timeless truths relevant to our current era. To put it simply, I believe we haven’t produced a truly outstanding Western since Unforgiven. There have been some decent ones, but Unforgiven remains the last great one for me. Many times, these stories lack resonance or significance, and they fail to move or inspire me.

Among the Westerns that truly embody the genre’s essence, Paul Thomas Anderson frequently mentions “The Searchers” as a standout, having showcased it at TCM festivals. There are also less frequently praised titles, such as “Ride the High Country,” directed by Sam Peckinpah. Anderson notes, “It can be tricky to declare ‘the best movie.’ It’s somewhat of a foolish thing to say, but for my personal preference, it’s [Peckinpah’s] due to his ability to oscillate between powerful and misogynistic, and elegiac – almost like an alcoholic rage. He embodies this duality in his films. I also admire ‘Junior Bonner’ and ‘The Lusty Men,’ directed by Nicholas Ray.” What makes these Westerns resonate with Anderson, you ask? Well, it’s the depth and complexity of their themes, as well as Peckinpah’s unique ability to portray complex characters and raw emotions.

According to Payne, when a film evokes that deep, muscle-aching emotion – often seen in instances of betrayal among men, fathers and their children or sons and daughters – reminiscent of ancient Greek tragedies and Shakespearean plays, it’s the perfect setting for such themes in cinema. He refers to this as the ideal arena. For now, before he takes on this genre, Payne has other exciting projects lined up.

‘Tracy Flick Can’t Win’ Can’t Come Soon Enough

In 1999, Alexander Payne directed a sharp comedy titled “Election“, which delved into the election process and high school life. The film featured a young Reese Witherspoon as the unforgettable Tracy Flick, examining the complexities of ambition, power, popularity, and our relentless competitive culture. The blend of humor and darkness in the movie remains memorable, and its themes continue to resonate today. There are discussions about a potential sequel, with key figures like Witherspoon and Payne expressing interest in revisiting this project, albeit with some significant conditions attached.

Initially, neither Jim Taylor nor I had considered writing a sequel. However, when Tom Perrotta penned the exceptional book “Tracy Flick Can’t Win,” it sparked interest from everyone involved – Reese Witherspoon, me, Jim Taylor, the producers, and the studio. The problem was that I couldn’t bring myself to revisit high school. In fact, I simply couldn’t do it. As a result, Jim and I have decided to approach the story in a fresh way, and we are currently actively working on it.

Despite the numerous unprecedented and seemingly bizarre aspects of the American electoral process this time around, it was intriguing to observe that Payne continues to view his films as depictions not of particular events, but rather of universal human experiences that recurrently manifest themselves in specific contexts.

Back then and even today, my fascination with delving into the world of elections isn’t driven by a desire to critique or satirize politics. Instead, I view it as a canvas for a human comedy unfolding within a political sphere. Consequently, politics inevitably becomes part of the narrative. What keeps a political film relevant is often the lack of interest the creators have in politics itself. They’re more intrigued by the people and their stories. However, it’s when we delve deeper that it transforms into a political satire or commentary, extending beyond modern politics to timeless themes: people enact their personal psychological dramas on the public stage. This is evident in today’s world, where you witness patterns of hyperactivity, psychologically damaged narcissism being played out publicly. Characters like Tracy Flick serve as eternal symbols of unrelenting ambition.

It’s delightful to observe that Payne is keen on chasing the same elements he believes will ensure a film’s longevity. He’s not drawn to anything else, but rather focusing on expanding the catalog of timeless films, as he wishes his contributions to reflect the very aspects he admires in cinema.

What “Makes” a Movie a Classic?

Regardless of the fluctuations or trends in the entertainment world, the potential for it to excel remains undiminished. It continues to be as relevant today as it has ever been. The human journey is complex, boundless, and dynamic, offering countless opportunities to be portrayed through various narratives, categorized within our favorite genres and conventions. These stories provide fresh perspectives on ourselves, the events shaping our era, historical occurrences, and each other. Therefore, there’s no justification for not producing more timeless movies.

In addition to captivating an audience, several key aspects contribute to a work being classified as a classic. These characteristics often stem from the way artists and artisans skillfully manipulate their medium. For Payne, adhering faithfully to the visual essence of cinema is crucial for achieving success.

…”Although my films are filled with verbal humor, my true passion lies in shaping characters and their movements within a scene. So if you revisit my movies and find yourself struggling to remember the dialogue, focus on the blocking instead. I’ve always aimed to create my films in a similar vein to the six-minute Warner Brothers cartoon shorts directed by Chuck Jones and I. Freleng. If you were to mute the sound and music, but still be able to understand the action unfolding, that’s the essence of what I strive for. In a cinematically responsible manner, can you still follow the storyline?

The challenge with traditional cinema is that it often feels outdated due to its storytelling style and pacing not aligning with modern expectations. Younger viewers may find it jarring because of the use of black and white or out-of-date conventions. However, this can be unfortunate since the photography in classic films can be stunningly beautiful. Back then, filmmakers could draw upon a broader range of references and historical knowledge for humor, as cultural norms were different in 1945, making it harder to connect with movies from that era on a superficial level.

Overcoming obstacles in these timeless films, aided by the context supplied by TCM and its hosts, increases the chances of discovering the rich artistic treasure trove that is Hollywood’s enduring legacy. Beneath their apparent disparities, most of these classic movies carry profound messages that resonate with us today. All we need is an open ear to truly listen.

According to Payne, every action taken by a filmmaker carries an inherent sense of timing, which is a characteristic shared by the most exceptional films – whether they are fresh releases or timeless classics.

When we refer to something as still relevant or current, it pertains to the present day. At its peak, this can mean it relates to every day life and has an everlasting quality. By exploring enduring themes in your creations, you’re essentially making statements about today. This doesn’t require much conscious thought because contemporary culture influences you even when you’re unaware. As a creator, your primary role is to remain open to the world around you and fearlessly channel these influences into your work. Timeless films address eternal themes, and this quality remains consistent whether they were made yesterday or many years ago. The more specific something is, the more it resonates universally and timelessly.

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2025-05-22 21:04

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