This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
At the 76th Venice Film Festival on August 29, 2019, Brad Pitt's new movie Ad Astra was making waves with its thought-provoking storyline. The film, set to release on September 20, follows an astronaut on a mission to save the world, while also searching for his long-lost father, who is also an astronaut.
According to Pitt, the movie is not just a space adventure, but also a commentary on masculinity. In a recent press conference, Pitt explained that the film's director, James Gray, and he were exploring the definition of masculinity, which they felt was outdated and restrictive.
"In retrospect, what [the movie's director] James Gray and I were digging at was that definition of masculinity," Pitt said. "We’ve both grown up in an era where we were asked to be strong…and there is a value in that, but [also a] barrier because you’re hiding some of those things you feel ashamed of. We all hide and carry individual pain and wounds."
Pitt continued, "We were asking the questions—is there a better definition [of masculinity] for us…a better relationship with loved ones, with your kids and with ourselves?"
Ad Astra stars Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, and Liv Tyler, and is set to hit theaters on September 20.
