Actress Julia Stiles has opened up about her experiences working on the 2000 romantic comedy film "Down to You," revealing her dissatisfaction with producer Harvey Weinstein's involvement. The film, produced by Weinstein's Miramax, featured Stiles in one of her early roles and was directed by Kris Isacsson. Stiles expressed that the movie underwent significant changes from its original concept to its final release, largely due to Weinstein's interference.
Stiles described the original script of "Down to You" as "really mature," suggesting that it had a darker tone before Weinstein's influence altered its trajectory. She noted her disappointment with the changes, explaining that the movie was transformed from its intended narrative into a more commercial and upbeat romantic comedy.
"The movie changed a lot from the development process to the finished product," – Julia Stiles
Weinstein, who was known for his excessive involvement in films, took a particular interest in the editing of "Down to You." Stiles criticized these edits as being superficial and not contributing meaningfully to the story.
"It was annoying. Because I was like, 'Well, this is so cheap, and it's not adding to the story.'" – Julia Stiles
The film was released in January 2000, featuring a soundtrack with songs from renowned artists such as David Bowie, Yo La Tengo, and Everything But the Girl. Despite the strong musical backdrop and a talented supporting cast including Rosario Dawson, Selma Blair, and Henry Winkler, "Down to You" failed to meet Stiles' expectations.
Stiles has candidly spoken about her discomfort during certain scenes in the movie, particularly criticizing Weinstein's influence on those parts.
"I felt so slimy doing it the whole time," – Julia Stiles
In hindsight, Stiles considers "Down to You" one of her less favorable projects. Reflecting on the production process, she acknowledged the challenges faced by Kris Isacsson, who was a first-time director at the time. Stiles praised Isacsson's original script as intelligent and capable, but lamented that Weinstein's involvement overshadowed the director's vision.
"It was a time when teen romcoms were really popular, and the director wrote the script. He was a first-time director and he was a very, very intelligent, capable guy. The script was very good," – Julia Stiles
The film's transition from its initial darker script to a lighthearted romantic comedy exemplifies how studio involvement can significantly alter a film's direction. Stiles' reflections highlight her belief that Weinstein and Miramax's production decisions prioritized commercial appeal over artistic depth.
Weinstein's reputation for meddling with productions is well-documented. In 2020, he was found guilty of rape and is currently held at Rikers Island jail complex. Stiles' recent comments add to the chorus of voices discussing Weinstein's overreach in Hollywood.
