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Julia Stiles Reflects on ‘Down to You’ and Weinstein’s Impact

The 1990s were a notable era in film, showcasing a range of memorable genres including innovative horror, iconic action, and a wave of heartfelt romantic comedies. Among the stars who emerged from this vibrant decade were Julia Stiles and Freddie Prinze Jr., who collaborated on the 2000 film Down to You. Stiles has since expressed her concerns about the film’s production, particularly citing the influence of disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein.

During an appearance on the Brett Goldstein’s Films to Be Buried With podcast, Stiles recounted her experiences on the set of Down to You. In the film, directed by Kris Isacsson, Stiles and Prinze Jr. portray college students navigating the challenges of budding romance. Although she found the original script commendable, Stiles noted a significant shift when Weinstein became involved.

She elaborated on how Weinstein insisted on adding a dance scene, drawing from her success in films like Save the Last Dance and 10 Things I Hate About You. “When we had reshoots, I was told that [Harvey] felt pressured to showcase me dancing again. It felt so cheap,” Stiles remarked. “I was uncomfortable throughout the process as it detracted from the overall narrative.”

Unfortunately, the scene made it into the final cut, featuring her character, Imogen, dancing to Al Green’s classic Let’s Stay Together. Stiles’ discomfort was palpable, and the moment came off as awkward, with both her and Prinze Jr. seeming eager for it to end.

‘Down to You’ Draws Negative Reviews

Debuted on January 21, 2000, Down to You grossed approximately $24 million against a modest budget of $11 million. Despite its financial return, it faced harsh criticism, holding a mere 3% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics like Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly compared it unfavorably to classic films, lamenting its lack of depth: “It’s like watching the dreckiest of teen puppy courtships trying to pass itself off as Annie Hall,” he remarked. Similarly, Robert Dominguez from New York Daily News stated it “relies too much on gimmicky flashbacks” to compensate for uninspiring lead performances.

Despite boasting a solid supporting cast including Selma Blair, Ashton Kutcher, Rosario Dawson, and Henry Winkler, the film failed to resonate with audiences or critics. For those interested, Down to You is currently available for streaming on Paramount+. In her recent discussions, Stiles also shared insights about her directorial debut, Wish You Were Here, and fond memories of working with her late co-star Heath Ledger.

Source: Films to Be Buried With

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movieweb.com