Cusack: Hollywood's not what it used to be

John Cusack preferred Hollywood when it was run by the “big ego guys”.

The star is well known for his big budget film choices, such as Con Air and 2012. He’s been a regular in front of the camera since the early ‘80s, and finds himself longing for days-gone-by in the movie industry.

“There’d be guys and it’d be their studio, their company,” John explained to British magazine ShortList on how Hollywood used to be run. “Like, you had Joe Roth at Disney and he’d make these huge tent-pole movies – like Con Air, which I did – but then he’d have six or seven slots on his portfolio which he’d give to artists he liked.

“So, I got to make High Fidelity and Grosse Pointe Blank, Spike Lee got to make Summer Of Sam, Wes Anderson got to make Rushmore. These were studio movies, but we didn’t get f**ked with at all. Those guys aren’t there anymore. It was better when it was those big ego guys.”

Despite his affection for the past, 48-year-old John continues to be a bankable name when it comes to box office films.

His latest role in satirical flick Maps to the Stars sees him star opposite Robert Pattinson and Julianne Moore.

Telling the story of a Hollywood family and their need for fame, the film involves dramatic stories of murder, incest and suicide. John doesn’t think the subjects covered in the fictional movie are too far removed from real life though.

“The satire and absurdity is a logical extension of current truth and trends. Maybe [the film] is a look into the future. There’s nothing less obscene or crazy than the stuff you see every day,” he explained.