Hollywood heavyweights Brad Pitt and George Clooney are teaming up on screen once again, with their latest film Wolves taking a fascinating look at how aging male actors are challenging traditional ideals in the industry. Wolves, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, not only showcases the star power of these two icons, but also serves as a commentary on the evolving notions of masculinity in cinema. Wolves, directed by Jon Watts, differs from the typical crime thriller by embedding a reflective commentary on the disintegration of aging, identity and toxic masculinity. The film, which follows the story of two rival fixers embroiled in a high-profile crime cover-up, uses its genre elements—car chases, shootouts and high-stakes drama—to address deeper themes. A modern take on classic masculinity, Pitt and Clooney’s collaboration in Wolves marks a significant shift from their previous on-screen pairings, most notably their iconic roles in Ocean’s Eleven. Now both in their sixties, the actors portray characters who struggle with their advancing age, moving forward in a world that is both familiar and changed. This self-aware portrayal of aging male characters provides a refreshing contrast to the often unrealistic portrayals of men in the action and crime genres.
The film’s narrative challenges stereotypes of hyper-masculine heroes, embracing the reality of aging with humor and nuance. Rather than sticking to their previous personas, Pitt and Clooney’s characters are portrayed with a mix of vulnerability and resilience. This approach not only reflects their personal growth, but also signals a broader change in the treatment of older male actors in Hollywood.
Venice Film Festival Spotlight
The Venice Film Festival, a key event of the film industry’s awards season, provided the perfect stage for Wolfs to make its debut. The film received a warm reception from audiences, receiving a four-minute standing ovation after its premiere. However, despite the positive response, Clooney expressed disappointment with the film’s limited cinematic release.
“We had hoped for a wider release,” Clooney commented during a press conference. “But despite the setbacks, we’re glad that many people will still have a chance to see the film.” The film’s eventual release on Apple TV+ and in a limited number of theaters reflects the changing landscape of film distribution, where streaming services play an increasingly important role.
Behind the scenes: Salaries and industry changes
At the press conference, Clooney and Pitt addressed reports about their salaries, which were widely reported as inflated. Clooney clarified that their actual earnings were significantly lower than the reported figures, expressing concern about how such figures affect perceptions of the industry. Clooney said, “It’s important to correct these misperceptions, as they set unrealistic standards for salaries in our industry.”
Early in the film’s production both stars took pay cuts to complete it, further demonstrating their commitment to the project despite financial constraints. This gesture reflects a wider trend where actors are increasingly involved in decisions affecting the creative and logistical aspects of filmmaking.
Critic reactions: Mixed reviews and audience responses
Critics have offered a variety of opinions on Wolves. Xan Brooks of The Guardian described it as a “silly, self-satisfied crime tale”, while Robbie Collin of The Telegraph and Kevin Maher of The Times gave more critical reviews, citing the film’s derivative nature and lack of originality. Despite these mixed reviews, Damon Wise of Deadline praised the film for its humour and genuine camaraderie between the main characters.
The varied critical reactions underscore the challenges of balancing star power with innovative storytelling. However, the film’s exploration of aging and masculinity has been seen as a significant achievement, contributing to ongoing discussions about representation and Hollywood’s evolving landscape.
Redefining Aging: A Feminist Approach
One of the most striking aspects of Wolves is its approach to gender and aging. The film’s portrayal of female characters, played by Amy Ryan and Poorna Jagannathan, stands in contrast to traditional portrayals of women in the action and crime genres. The characters are complex, age-appropriate, and are portrayed with a degree of realism that is often lacking in Hollywood. Ryan’s character, in particular, pursues her own sexuality with a refreshing honesty, challenging the industry’s tendency to sideline older female actors. This age-positive and sex-positive representation aligns with a broader trend at this year’s Venice Film Festival, where films have highlighted the experiences of older women in subtle and empowering ways. The future of Hollywood masculinity As Hollywood evolves, Wolfe is exploring the changing dynamics of masculinity and aging in cinema.
