On February 24th, Variety released a “conversation” between the great Matthew McConaughey and Timotheé Chalamet, a duo the world was first blessed with in 2014 for Interstellar, where they portray father and son. Twelve years later, they sat down and discussed a series of topics regarding their careers – and art. 

A series of inspirational and insightful questions and answers was interrupted by a quick, yet to some straight up hurtful remark on the artforms of ballet and opera.

“I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore,’” he said. 

Chalamet seems to have immediately regretted the statement, and predicted the reaction he has faced; “All respect to all the ballet and opera people out there”. That said, it was too late, and the criticism poured in from all corners of the internet.

Many creators and celebrities spoke out about their opinion on the matter – a majority against him. In contrast to Chalamet’s statement, it was  heartwarming news. Seeing that artists in all genres are willing to stand up for the lesser appreciated art forms, is wonderful.  It is what is needed for people to start caring again. Director and Academy Award winner, Steven Spielberg, subtly commented on the matter. In a discussion about keeping the cinema alive, and the connection between audiences and artists, he reminded the audience that “it happens in ballet and opera, by the way”, and the room broke out in laughter. 

Several ballet and opera companies also posted in the media responding to the statement with the argument that the industries are very much alive. LA Music Centre announced  that show goers could get a full 20% off with the code CHALAMET – a clear reference to Timothée. 

Arguments can be made that he lost his Oscar due to such a disrespectful proclamation. Marty Supreme unexpectedly lost in all nine categories for which it was nominated, even though predictions were in the film’s favor. The Academy is, while a film based institution, an organization promoting art, and diversity within it. Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising if his chances fell after saying what he did. 

Now, is he somewhat correct? Yes. And that is the sad truth. Saying that “no one cares” is of course a hyperbolic statement that disregards the existence of avid supporters and love for opera and ballet alike. Ballet and opera, while classical forms of art, are suffocating under modern film and music. The new generation is not nearly as interested in these arts as the ones of the past, likely, at least partially, a result of declining attention spans. The majority of opera house audiences are 50 years, or older. There is a decline in its popularity, yet that doesn’t make Chalamet’s utterance more justifiable. 

The problematic nature of his remark isn’t in what was said, it is the fact that he said it. As an artist, he should be aiming to preserve all the artforms as a collective medium of expression and beauty. It also diminishes the dedication, discipline and extreme physical and mental work dancers and opera performers endure to excel in their field, placing his own artistry on a reigning pedestal. All artisans and art are equal and collective, and it is wrong to push down another.

Now, can anything be done to bring back the old admiration for opera and ballet? That is the question asked, and the answer is impossible to give – at least I don’t know it. But an effort should be made to conserve and renew the attention to the “traditional” forms of artistic expression – such as the ballet and opera, to ensure the diversity of global art. It is crucial to transfer the knowledge and beauty all art forms can share – a universal language of emotion. Still, there is no way to convince someone to love something they don’t, so that path is one of great struggle.

In the society we are living in, sometimes art feels as if it is diminishing, as things become automatised, and personality fades with conforming behaviours. We, who are the contemporary patriots of the arts, are holding on to the beauty that lies in every form of expression, even those that are less popular. This is necessary to keep every part of the world of art alive and growing, a globally shared medium of expression and hope. If you consider yourself someone who cares for art, try out an evening at an opera house or ballet theatre – its wonders will surprise you!