Jason Bateman says he is u201cenormously gratefulu201d that heu2019s still working in Hollywood. The 57-year-old first found fame as a child, appearing in TV shows like Little House on the Prairie and The Hogan Family. In a recent talk on Varietyu2019s Awards Circuit Podcast, Bateman reflected on his long career and the unpredictable nature of the entertainment business.
u201cIu2019ve gained a lot of experience in this business, and one of the things thatu2019s really clear to me is that the best people are not guaranteed employment,u201d he said. His own career has evolved in unexpected ways, moving from acting in front of the camera to directing behind it.
Bateman has always been drawn to directing. u201cActing at an early age became so comfortable for me that I was able to really observe all the incredible work going around me,u201d he explained. u201cAll the technical work of the camera and sound and lighting and what might be happening with editing later. So Iu2019ve always thought about all of that u2014 what a team it takes.u201d
His latest project is a dark comedy for Netflix called The Cackling of the Dodos. Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson brought the script to Bateman and asked him to direct. He didnu2019t need to read it. u201cWhen you get that kind of call from those two guys,u201d he said, u201cI didnu2019t even really need to read it.u201d
The film follows two farmers who find a dead body in their grain bin. They try to get rid of it, but end up creating more dead bodies along the way. Bateman calls it u201ckind of like an old Coen Brothers-type of film.u201d
Despite his success, Bateman remains humble. His favourite piece of advice? u201cDoing unto others as you would want them to do to you.u201d He acknowledged it sounds earnest and clichu00e9, but said itu2019s true and essential for anyone in a position of leadership.
