Michael Douglas expresses no plans to resume acting, declares American idealism as non-existent: claims individuals enter politics for financial gain.
At the recent Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Michael Douglas made a poignant appearance, presenting a newly restored print of Miloš Forman's classic film, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." However, the focus of his visit was not just on the past, but also on the current state of American politics.
Douglas, who has been outspoken about his concerns regarding democracy in the United States under the Trump administration, expressed deep worry about the direction the country has taken. Speaking at the festival, he described the current state of U.S. politics as "flirting with autocracy" and emphasised the importance of protecting democracy, stating that it is **precious and vulnerable**[1][3][5].
The actor lamented the loss of "idealism" in American politics, noting that politics has become more about profit as money has entered democracy as a "profit centre," with people entering politics to make money rather than uphold democratic ideals[1][3]. He also expressed **shame and apology for the United States** for its role in global chaos, indirectly criticizing the Trump administration’s leadership and foreign policy, which he considers responsible for a decline in American leadership on the international stage[2].
Douglas, who has not worked since 2022, and has no intention of returning to acting, except for a potential "one little independent movie," reminisced about the first time he came to the festival, which was when "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" was first screened. He expressed his gratitude for the festival's continued support and for the opportunity to present the restored print of the film[4].
In addition to his work on the "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" adaptation, Saul Zaentz is also developing a television series adaptation of the off-Broadway play "Backyard Desert," which follows U.S border agents and a dying Mexican immigrant. Zaentz is also working on a series adaptation of Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," focusing on Chief Bromden's perspective[6].
During his time at the festival, Douglas was also honoured with the Crystal Globe for outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema, alongside Saul Zaentz, Danny DeVito, Paul Zaentz, and members of Forman's family[7]. The actor, who has been cancer-free for several years after undergoing chemo and radiation treatment to avoid surgery, expressed his happiness to be focusing on maintaining his relationship with his long-time wife Catherine Zeta-Jones[8].
Douglas's comments at the festival serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting democracy and upholding democratic ideals in the face of political challenges. His warnings about the nation's drift toward autocracy highlight the need for citizens to be vigilant and to work towards preserving the democratic foundations of the United States.
- Michael Douglas, during his appearance at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, not only discussed the restoration of Miloš Forman's classic film, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," but also shared his deep concerns about the current state of American politics, likening it to a flirtation with autocracy and stressing the importance of protecting democracy, viewing it as precious and vulnerable.
- In addition to political concerns, Douglas also expressed shame and apology for the United States, critiquing the Trump administration's leadership and foreign policy, which he considers detrimental to the country's influence on the international stage and a departure from democratic ideals, turning politics into a profit center.
