Timothée Chalamet comments on ballet and opera lead to backlash from artists

Famous actor Timothée Chalamet called ballet and opera 'dying art forms'. Many artists and big opera houses like the Met Opera have responded, inviting him to see their shows.
By Newsroom | Arts and Culture, Entertainment |

INSTITUTIONS ISSUE REPLIES, ARTISTS VOICE DISAPPOINTMENT

The film Timothée Chalamet is facing considerable criticism from opera and ballet communities following remarks he made concerning the relevance of these art forms. Institutions like the Metropolitan Opera, LA Opera, and the Royal Ballet and Opera have publicly responded, with dancers, singers, and industry professionals expressing dismay and offering invitations to reconsider his stance.==

Et tutu, Timothée? Backlash mounts over Chalamet snipes at opera and ballet - 1

Chalamet, a nominee for best actor at the upcoming Academy Awards for his role in Marty Supreme, made comments suggesting that art forms like opera and ballet are akin to "dying art forms" that "no one cares about anymore." These statements, resurfaced during awards season, have ignited a significant backlash. His mother, Nicole Flender, and grandmother, Enid Flender, both had professional careers in dance, a detail that has amplified the criticism== as artists question his perceived disregard for disciplines with familial ties.

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Et tutu, Timothée? Backlash mounts over Chalamet snipes at opera and ballet - 2

Several prominent figures have weighed in. Oscar-winning actor Jamie Lee Curtis has publicly disapproved of Chalamet's statements. Broadway dancer and actor Zach McNally questioned why any artist would criticize another, especially when facing threats to art itself, such as those posed by 'artificial intelligence'. Operatic singer Isabelle Leonard expressed shock at what she termed "ineloquent and narrow minded" views from a successful artist, while mezzo-soprano Deepa Johnny called the take "disappointing." Conductor Louis Lohraseb suggested Chalamet lacks understanding of the "profound human connection" of live theater.

Et tutu, Timothée? Backlash mounts over Chalamet snipes at opera and ballet - 3

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES AND INVITES

Institutions have not remained silent. The Metropolitan Opera posted a video on Instagram showcasing the work of their craftspeople and performers, captioned "This one's for you, @tchalamet… 👀." The Royal Ballet and Opera also shared footage of their artists, seemingly in response. Both the LA Opera and the English National Opera extended invitations to Chalamet to attend performances, with the Royal Ballet and Opera noting that thousands of guests attend their shows nightly.

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Chalamet's initial remarks, made during a conversation with Matthew McConaughey for Variety and CNN, were part of a broader discussion on the importance of cinema. He contrasted popular films like 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' with what he perceived as a need to "keep this thing alive" for less popular art forms, stating, "And I don't want to be working in ballet or opera, or, you know, things where it's like, 'Hey, keep this thing alive,' even though it's like, no one cares about this anymore." He reportedly acknowledged the potential for his comments to be seen as disparaging.

BACKGROUND

Chalamet's career has seen significant acclaim, with his role in 'Marty Supreme' being a focal point of the current awards cycle. His past comments, dating back to 2019, reveal an ongoing, albeit seemingly unintentional, theme of questioning the broad appeal of certain traditional art forms compared to cinematic endeavors. Some social media users have also pointed out photos of Chalamet wearing a New York City Ballet baseball cap, adding a layer of perceived irony to the controversy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are opera and ballet institutions responding to Timothée Chalamet's comments?
Timothée Chalamet recently said that art forms like ballet and opera are 'dying' and that 'no one cares about them.' This angered many artists and leaders in these fields.
Q: What did Timothée Chalamet say about ballet and opera?
He said that ballet and opera are art forms that are 'dying' and that people 'no one cares about this anymore.' He made these comments while talking about the importance of movies.
Q: Which arts institutions have responded to Timothée Chalamet?
The Metropolitan Opera, LA Opera, and the Royal Ballet and Opera have all responded. They have shared videos of their artists and performances online.
Q: What have the arts institutions offered Timothée Chalamet?
The LA Opera and the English National Opera have invited Timothée Chalamet to attend their shows. The Royal Ballet and Opera also noted that many people attend their shows every night.
Q: Why are Timothée Chalamet's comments seen as surprising?
Some people are surprised because his mother and grandmother worked in dance. Also, other artists like Jamie Lee Curtis and singers like Isabelle Leonard have spoken out against his views.