‘I love provocative stories’: producer Christine Vachon on fighting for her ‘offensive’ movies
The maker of indie classics Kids, Swoon and Poison on daring to have a temper in the 90s, what some producer credits mean – and what happened between her and Joaquin Phoenix
TL;DR
- Christine Vachon has produced independent American films for over 35 years, including hits like 'Materialists' and 'Zola,' and controversial early works such as 'Poison,' 'Happiness,' and 'Kids.'
- Her production company, Killer Films, co-founded with Pamela Koffler, has a history of supporting idiosyncratic and provocative stories, often leading to cultural impact and audience offense.
- Vachon notes a shift in the industry, with Killer Films moving from being an outsider to achieving mainstream recognition, evidenced by the Oscar nomination for Celine Song's 'Past Lives.'
- The latest Killer Films production, 'Pretty Babies,' directed by newcomer Tyler-Marie Evans, follows two teenage aspiring actors who fall into sex work, fitting the company's pattern of encouraging personal and provocative narratives.
- Vachon discusses the challenges of being a female producer in the 1990s, facing criticism for having a temper while also dealing with sexism that allowed men to be seen as tough.
- She recounts the significant financial setback and complexities surrounding the production of Todd Haynes' film 'De Noche' when lead actor Joaquin Phoenix withdrew shortly before shooting.
- Vachon addresses past criticisms of her temper and asserts that she was often the one being "terrorized" on set, particularly by older crews, and that her assertiveness was a necessary tool for a female producer.
- The producer highlights the contentious nature of film credits, explaining that they are often given in exchange for financial risk, especially for projects with unproven directors and provocative subjects.