Psycho. #32

Hacks.

I have seen you refer to Luca G as a ‘hack’. Now I also do not like his films tbh. I detested Challengers, what was everyone smoking in their praise for that film?! But what makes someone a ‘hack’? The fact that he is so prolific lately — is that because he is a true ‘hack’ and has perfected his method? Or is that actually admirable and a sign of some talent — the ability to fund, direct and release films so frequently. Also, has anyone ever moved from the category of ‘hack’ to ‘genius’ in your opinion?

Hey there — I’ve actually written about Luca Guadagnino once before in this column, but I’m happy to take one more swing! I call him a hack as a kind of shorthand, I suppose. The word ‘hack’ always makes me think of London journalists who take pride in calling themselves that: scribblers in the lobby of Westminster, who in exchange for the dubious honour of having ‘made it’ this far, are content to play their part in the confected circus of political goings-on, taking drinks with politicians in their subsidised bars, reporting various ‘exclusives’ from secretive sources. These people, to me, are barely fulfilling their job description, being so close to their subject and too uncritical of a mini industry that upholds the whole broken system.