Darren Aronofsky Says Movies Aren’t Made for "an Audience of One," They’re Made for Millions
Darren Aronofsky isn’t the kind of filmmaker who plays it safe. Over the years, he’s carved out a place for himself with emotionally intense, visually arresting films like Black Swan, The Wrestler, and Mother!.
Each project is distinct, yet often polarizing, and none of them feel like they’re chasing mainstream approval. That’s why it might surprise some to hear that Aronofsky does think about his audience, he just doesn’t pander to them.
The filmmaker, who’s gearing up to release his new crime caper Caught Stealing starring Austin Butler, reflected on the delicate balance between artistic vision and audience connection.
“(Filmmaker) Stuart Rosenberg, my mentor, used to have a sign on his desk ‘Where is my audience now?’ I think that it’s super important for a filmmaker to constantly be making a film for your audience.
“That’s our artform, it’s not for a vacuum, it’s not for an audience of one, it’s for an audience of hopefully millions, if not bigger than that. It’s so expensive to make movies.”
It’s a grounded take from a director whose work often flirts with the surreal, and while he’s never shied away from big swings like Mother!, famously earned a rare F CinemaScore, Aronofsky isn’t opposed to reaching a broader audience. In fact, he’s aiming for it.
Coming off the recent Black Swan IMAX re-release, Aronofsky’s clearly aware of the enduring power of theatrical experiences. But if you’re trying to draw a common thread through all his work, don’t expect him to hand you a roadmap.
“I’ve always tried to challenge myself with new things whenever I can. I guess Madonna is a big influence where you just try to reinvent yourself every time and be truthful to the story that you have to tell and try to figure out a new kind of film grammar and try to surprise people.
“I have noticed over the years, people kind of connect them and see themes that go through them, but there’s no conscious overlord thinking through this. It’s more like, ‘Oh, that’s a cool story.’ I think that sounds like a lot of fun. Let’s go for it.”
With Caught Stealing, Aronofsky dives into the gritty chaos of 1990s New York City, adapting Charlie Huston’s 2004 novel. The story follows a former high school baseball star turned bartender who gets swept into a wild underworld of crime, corrupt cops, and a massive stash of stolen cash.
Between embracing reinvention and honoring the cinematic experience for audiences everywhere, Aronofsky continues to push boundaries without losing sight of the people he's making movies for.
Source: Deadline