Oscar-winning writer and filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson on Sunday (Monday in Manila) delivered an honest statement that resonates with every parent coming to terms with the concept of generational accountability.
In accepting his award for best adapted screenplay for the highly acclaimed film “One Battle After Another,” Anderson confessed that he wrote it as cinematic act of contrition to his children for the shortcomings of his generation, hoping they would do better.
“I wrote this movie for my kids to say ‘sorry’ for the housekeeping mess that we left in this world we’re handing off to them, but also with the encouragement that they will be the generation that hopefully brings us some common sense and decency,” he said.
It’s the kind of message that we hope global leaders also hear. While framed as a personal apology to his children, the ‘housekeeping mess’ reference extends far beyond—touching on the complex social, environmental, political and moral challenges of our time.
“One Battle After Another” won a total of six Oscars—including Best Director for Anderson—at the 98th Academy Awards. One has to watch the movie intently to understand where an artist like PTA is coming from—or maybe just read the news.
