From The Hollywood Reporter · Mariel Turner · · 1m 20s
Chris Rock asked PTA for notes, not applause
At the Toronto premiere of Misty Green, Chris Rock explained why he handed his directorial cut to Paul Thomas Anderson.
In brief
At the Toronto premiere of Misty Green, Chris Rock explained why he handed his directorial cut to Paul Thomas Anderson. A friend who won't give you notes isn't much use to your work. Originally reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Rock let the secret out
On Sunday, Chris Rock said Paul Thomas Anderson had given feedback on Misty Green, the film Rock wrote and directed.
A Toronto premiere reveal
The disclosure came around the movie's premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday, with Rock speaking to The Hollywood Reporter.
Anderson watched it early
Anderson saw the finished film before its festival debut, wearing two hats at once: friend of the director and working critic.
Bud or critic? Both
Asked whether Anderson watched as a pal or as someone giving notes, Rock refused to pick one. His answer was a single word.
“Both”
Notes are the point
Rock framed the friendship in practical terms. A filmmaker of Anderson's caliber in your circle is a resource you'd be foolish not to use.
“But it's always for notes.”
What good is a friend who can't help
Rock's closing line doubles as a working philosophy: proximity to great collaborators only matters if you let them mark up your work.
“What's the use of having a friend like you who can't help me?”
What it means
A friend who won't give you notes isn't much use to your work.
