# 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.
- Title: Chris Rock asked PTA for notes, not applause | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: chris rock, paul thomas anderson, misty green, tiff, filmmaking, Chris, Rock, asked, PTA, notes, applause, The Hollywood Reporter
- Source: The Hollywood Reporter — https://hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/chris-rock-paul-thomas-anderson-gave-notes-misty-green-1236700084
- Author: Mariel Turner
- Published: 2026-09-13T23:28:27+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chris rock, paul thomas anderson, misty green, tiff, filmmaking
## 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?
## Key takeaway

A friend who won't give you notes isn't much use to your work.