The Legendary Career of Jeremy Thomas
The British film producer Jeremy Thomas recently took the stage at the Edinburgh International Film Festival to reflect on his decades-long career. During a 90-minute conversation with Irish director Mark Cousins, Thomas discussed the current state of the film industry, sharing his experiences working with some of the greatest filmmakers in history, including Harvey Weinstein and Harry Cohn.
A Career Spanning Decades
Thomas, a former chairman of the British Film Institute, is known for his collaborations with acclaimed directors such as David Cronenberg, with whom he worked on films like "Crash" (1996) and "Naked Lunch" (1991). He is perhaps best known for producing Bernardo Bertolucci’s "The Last Emperor" (1987), which won nine Oscars, including Best Picture, the following year.
The Changing Landscape of Film Production
Thomas expressed his difficulty in finding work that truly satisfies him, stating, "I am still making films and will continue to make films, but the scale in which I make films – the size and lack of responsibility that was encouraged by those who gave me money … I couldn’t make ‘Naked Lunch’ today." He longs for a time when producers had complete control over their films, a freedom he now describes as a complex group effort.
The Golden Age of Cinema
Thomas reminisced about the golden age of cinema, when films made money in theaters before the advent of VHS. He acknowledged that to continue working and staying relevant, he must adapt to the changing landscape of the film industry. "I was at the end of the golden age of cinema when films in the cinema made money before VHS was even considered. I come from there," he said. "And to continue working to continue to be relevant, I have to mutate. And that’s a fact and I accept it."
Creative Freedom and Responsibility
Thomas emphasized the importance of creative freedom and responsibility, stating, "I am satisfied if I get one over everyone when I make a film and I did it, I have it, I have it. It’s mine. I am responsible for it. Nobody can tell me it [they] didn’t like that … I am responsible for it and can no longer pretend it as I want because I am an old man." He acknowledged that he can no longer find investors willing to give him $40 million to make a film, and therefore must find ways to work with others and compromise on his creative vision.
Reflections on Harvey Weinstein
During the conversation, Thomas also spoke about his dislike for Harvey Weinstein, stating, "I have a terrible hostility to Harvey. I would turn back to him in public and in public [say] ‘Don’t talk to me.’ I took [it to] a shocking level of rudeness. I couldn’t stand it, but I didn’t know why. But now we know why I didn’t like him," referring to Weinstein’s charges of sexual abuse.
Pushing Boundaries in Film
Thomas reflected on his experience working on David Cronenberg’s film "Crash," which was widely criticized for its graphic content. He revealed that he was heavily attacked for the film, but stated that it didn’t insult his morality. Instead, he believed in pushing boundaries and exposing people to new and challenging content.
A Passion for Film
In conclusion, Thomas expressed his passion for film and his commitment to continuing to make movies that challenge and inspire audiences. He emphasized the importance of a diverse and vibrant film industry, stating, "I don’t like a cultural dominance of things. I like a big mix, somehow from the outside, and the counter-culture from the outside … I continue to do economically for myself, but I still believe in the importance of this craft and art." The Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 runs from August 14th to 20th.
