Sharon Stone, celebrated for her iconic performances, has voiced her dissatisfaction with director Sam Raimi's lack of loyalty during a panel discussion at the Torino Film Festival in Italy. Her remarks revisited their collaboration on the 1995 Western, The Quick and the Dead, nearly three decades after its release.
Stone began by praising Raimi's filmmaking talent but noted a stark contrast in his personal conduct compared to Martin Scorsese. “I thought he was very intelligent and funny,” Stone remarked, adding, “but he doesn't have loyalty, he doesn't have family. He didn't ever talk to me again, didn't thank me, didn't hire me again, and didn't acknowledge the relationship.”
She juxtaposed this with her ongoing rapport with Scorsese, emphasizing the depth and continuity of their professional relationship. Stone claimed she had a hand in elevating Raimi from “B” movies to Hollywood's major leagues, citing his subsequent success with films like Spider-Man.
Raimi, however, was already an established name in cult cinema, known for Evil Dead, Army of Darkness, and Darkman. Critics argue that Raimi's reputation for fostering long-term collaborations—most notably with Bruce Campbell and Lucy Lawless—contradicts Stone's claims about his lack of loyalty.
Stone's comments have sparked debates online, with some viewing them as a reflection of her frustration with Hollywood's treatment of aging actresses. At 66, Stone's career offers fewer prominent roles, a reality that many in the industry face as they grow older.
Whether Raimi and Stone will address these points directly remains uncertain, but the discussion sheds light on evolving dynamics in Hollywood and the enduring impact of relationships on creative collaborations.
My Impressions: Sharon Stone's critique is layered with personal and professional grievances, which reflect her dedication to her craft. However, her claim that she “elevated” Raimi overlooks his preexisting success in the horror genre. Raimi's consistent collaborations with longtime partners suggest that loyalty is, in fact, integral to his work ethos. While Stone's perspective highlights Hollywood's challenges for aging actors, her comments could benefit from more nuance regarding Raimi's career trajectory.
Do you believe Sharon Stone's critique of Sam Raimi is fair, or does it reflect deeper frustrations with the Hollywood system?
