Michael Douglas Breaks Down His Career, From "Wall Street" to "Ant-Man" | Vanity Fair

Michael Douglas discusses his remarkable career, including One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Romancing the Stone, Fatal Attraction, Wall Street, Basic Instinct, Behind the Candelabra, and Ant-Man. Ant-Man and the Wasp comes out in theaters on July 6th.
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Michael Douglas Breaks Down His Career, From "Wall Street" to "Ant-Man" | Vanity Fair

[@The_RedVIII]

I can't believe of all the movies you skip over Falling Down. Hands down his best performance.

[@moeshickenyay]

RedVIII great movie for up and coming psychopaths, Trump and his political base.

[@chomskyhonk9034]

moeshickenyay drumpf DESTROYED!!

[@eljefescientist5726]

agreed. Falling Down & Wall St. are some of the films on this list that have aged really well - in part, to his performance & capture of the character.

[@RealRavi]

RedVIII better than “The Game”?

[@BrandonPrive1432]

i was just typing the same thing, not only an amazing movie i would have loved to hear him talk more about it!!!! "I don't want lunch, I want breakfast"

[@UmbrellaGent]

Skipping "The Game" and "Falling Down". Not cool.

[@spookerredmenace3950]

those were my 2 of favourite movies of his...

[@BrokenGodEnt]

The Game is my favorite movie of his. Beautiful, and insane story. Falling Down is underrated, and underappreciated too. But I still think The Game is more underrated.

[@UmbrellaGent]

Micheal Douglas is a sour businessman past his 40's, on his birthday his brother offers him to participate in "The Game" (Certain people pretty much turn your life into a film scenario for some time). Michael agrees and I don't want to spoil the rest ofcourse but not everything goes as planned... or DOES it?!

[@007Julie]

Most people don't remember The Game but it's one of my favorite movies not only of his but ever! It's such a thriller and superbly acted, have watch it at least 20 times.

[@TheNerdMan2]

Basically his best movies and performances outside Wall Street

[@reprobatic5485]

You can tell that you're dealing with an old school industry professional if they use the word "picture" instead of "movie" or "film".

[@LeviBoldock]

Always hated the word "movie" myself.

[@JuanHernandez-vz2mq]

I'm pretty sure film is an old word too. In American English movie is use more often in British English films is the prefer word

[@DoubleMonoLR]

At least we stopped calling them talkies(once sound was introduced) ;) Movie/moving picture is pretty antiquated when you think about it though. At least 'film' was current(what they were using to record on) until relatively recently(in general).

[@a19vega]

I like it better, to be honest

[@spenser9908]

Kurt Russell always says "picture".

[@TheReal7Bit]

Alright. Whose idea was it to skip over "Falling Down"? In my opinion, his single best movie, and a movie almost more relevant than ever.

[@nopejoeandangie]

If they did Falling Down they wouldn't have time to talk about his HBO movie where he played Liberace, what a daring do that was

[@monolithgeometry3221]

Romancing was his best movie hands down

[@user-em4wh5ji3w]

I’m glad Douglas’s career is aging well. A lot of prestige actors like himself seem averse to blockbuster roles but he seems to be having a lot of fun with Ant Man

[@alienboy1322]

I love him in Falling down and behind the candlelabra.

[@mandalorian_guy]

I think he spent enough time behind the camera to tell a bad movie, or at least a low brow movie, when he sees one.

[@PittsburghSonido]

His role in Antman is awesome! He plays a great Hank Pym.

[@RahulGairola]

We need a Micheal Douglas Master Class, could listen to him for hours

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

*Michael

[@aribmw001]

Just watch the kominsky method

[@wayne123master6]

You skipped Falling Down and Game..wtf?????

[@spenser9908]

Scandalous.

[@JuanHernandez-vz2mq]

He just wanted some breakfast lol

[@lovescent46]

They skipped Game?!! *stops watching*

[@keyserxx]

thanks, didn't even bother to watch any of it

[@TheMichaelCardoza]

Wayne123 master stopped watching after I read this comment.

[@MikeMJPMUNCH]

Where is Falling Down that is Michael Douglas' best performance. For god sake with this series you always skip over the person's best movies.

[@OgawaBurukkuART]

MikeMJPMUNCH I have mixed thoughts on that film. I think it was one of his few bombs, but it showed he had more versatility than most of his films up to that point let on. They also skipped Black Rain, which I love but is a pretty "typical" Michael Douglas character flick.

[@deekdeegler5059]

Amen. I thought I was the only one to notice lol

[@TheEyesInTheDark]

I was just thinking the same thing.

[@gleenfales]

OH MY GOD. MY FAVORITE MOVIE HE'S IN. CLASSIC.ROBERT DUVALL IS GREAT TOO

[@jaybizzle1995]

‘I’m the bad guy ?’

[@CinematicV]

His on-screen presence is so strong. Truly a legend.

[@doesitreallymatter23]

Support Film Art His father’s onscreen presence always mesmerized me.

[@ali-13392]

I agree with you 50000%. His charisma, elegance & presence on screen is truly unmatched, he is absolutely fantastic!!

[@bluemcclure]

Douglas is Micha

[@Bob27Fat]

Bruh they skipped China Syndrome, Chorus Line, Falling Down, The Game, Traffic, and Wonder Boys

[@patr70]

Gabriel, you are one of the only people in the comment section that even mentioned the film Traffic. I just watched it again the other night.

[@ameen2947]

Gabriel Lewis what about The War of The Roses?

[@SairajRKamath]

And Black Rain.

[@batgurrl]

Gabriel Lewis traffic can be ignored imho lol but wonder boys should have been mentioned

[@Sunshine-zm1fx]

He was horrible in Chorus Line. Absolutely horrific.

[@CoinOpTV]

Gonna have to watch the GQ version of this for ‘The Game’

[@marijunealejo1780]

"Grind away. You get better." Thanks, Mr. Douglas :)

[@ScarlettJ1221]

It's crazy because I watched every single movie Michael Douglas was in, what an Icon

[@westworlds]

American President? That is my fav.

[@jimcameron1234]

ScarlettP a much better actor than his daddy

[@benashworth2278]

The China Syndrome ?

[@nickg2644]

ScarlettP Same here. Grew up watching these movies and ones like Romancing the Stone, War of the Roses, Wall Street, and Falling Down will always be some of my favorites.

[@joemckim1183]

Falling Down, he's so good in that movie. Obviously he was great in Wall Street also really liked him in Traffic.

[@theavengersofficiall]

Out of all his movies, "The Game" was my favourite but also the most mind blowing truth of how the movie came out to be

[@bazza5699]

Falling down, hands down one of my favourites.. having said that what an incredible career Michael Douglas has had.

[@zixiyhhh7222]

Holy crap I just realized that Michael Douglas was involved in so many iconic movies

[@midnighttornado22]

It's a testament to his success that so many comments on here are "why'd you skip over [insert one of his movies here]". The man has done so many great films, it's ridiculous.

[@shahbanomalik7802]

The way he talks about his father really shows that he admire and respect him very much. His father is a real life hero in his life and he cares about his father's opinions about his movies the most.

[@TheCaptainSlappy]

**My dad is 102 and tells me how bad I am at (insert phrase).** Trust me...I know the feeling, Michael Douglas.

[@SenseiDonGraham]

Suprised 1989's Black Rain was not included in the timeline, it's one of my favorites!

[@jennifersman7990]

Still one of the coolest guys around! He told the best story about how Kirk regarded his son’s career; when he was a teenager, Michael took a summer job at the Mobil gas station and did such a good job he was named Mobil Man of the Month. When he won the Oscar for Wall Street, Kirk said he was proud of him but he’d never beat that Mobil Man of the Month honor

[@themadafaka6839]

i wish he would've talked bout Falling Down and Solitary Man...those're two of his best performances....

[@mpdalyful1]

falling down is the best performance of his career. especially the scene in the burger restaurant. where he is cracking up

[@SaintMartins]

00:10 Cast A Giant Shadow (1966) background performer/driver 00:56 Hail, Hero ! (1969) 01:52 The Streets Of San Francisco (1972-1977) TV Series 02:38 One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (1975) producer 04:15 Romancing The Stone (1984) 05:18 Fatal Attraction (1987) 06:16 Wall Street (1987) 07:54 Basic Instinct (1992) 08:33 The American President (1995) 09:27 Behind The Candelabra (2013) 10:24 Ant-Man (2015) Ant-Man And The Wasp (2018)

[@D33Lux]

To me The Game and Basic Instinct were 10/10 masterpieces.

[@enriquesinghjr]

Wish they had given him more time to speak about The Game, Falling Down, A Perfect Murder and War Of The Roses.

[@mikekillagreen9432]

Yes!!

[@mproviser]

No kidding! Those were some of my favorites.

[@bluemcclure]

I have grown up watching Michael Douglas. One of my favorite actors. He is captivating in any role he plays. I respect his acting ability.

[@michaeldouglas2534]

Thanks for your love and support beautiful

[@bluemcclure]

@@michaeldouglas2534 Thanks for reading my comment & responding. I look forward to your next film

[@Penguinz4LOLZ]

A bit freaky to think about the fact that his dad is still alive at 102...

[@jamielunn815]

He's gone now but still 102!!! What a great run

[@peachesj4748]

@@jamielunn815 He even made it to 103. WOW.

[@petirgarda1005]

11:19 "Grind Away, you Get Better", VERY, very true advice, don't hear what others say about you, keep grinding and eventually you'll get better at what you do.

[@bonineto9638]

So many seasoned actors would spit on super hero movies and here we have Michael Douglas, talking about how it brings people together and rescues the magic of movie making. Brilliant actor.

[@genesisradiobrds]

I always looked up to this guy. He was an extremely talented actor and one of the greatest. Grew up watching him as a kid, much respect.

[@caesar.5252]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJbCmaehocesrtE

[@TheRonster9319]

He skipped The Ghost and The Darkness. Super underrated movie

[@jackofclubz]

I am the devil.

[@villehytonen7279]

Another fan right here.

[@davezdavezdavez]

LOVED IT!!

Agreed

[@antoniomorgan731]

Agreed! One of his best and my favorite as well as Disclosure and A Perfect Murder.

[@chrisklecker]

This video should be twice as long. I really want to hear his comments on Falling Down, Jewel of the Nile, The Game, and Traffic

[@lukekuykendall6366]

Really wish they had stopped on Falling Down, I would've loved to hear Douglas' take on that film. It's really a hidden gem that is often overshadowed by his bigger films like Wall Street, Basic Instinct, etc.

[@markharrison2544]

It's a racist anti-white film.

[@nicolasfernandezcastanon9655]

I love the way he praised his father in afunny and respectful way :)

[@mitchpap9753]

Ugh you skipped The Game, one of my favorite movies

[@Theomite]

Yeah, seriously.

[@horsepower523]

Mitch Pap The Game is absolutely brilliant movie. I've watched it hundreds of times and every time is like the first time.

[@madeincanada2373]

90s is my favorite Douglas era - basic instinct, falling down, the ghost and the darkness, the game - SO good

[@lisaharrington6488]

Great actor. Haven't seen all of his movies but enjoyed Romancing the Stone, Jewel of the Nile, Wall Street, Shining Through, The American President, Falling Down & Disclosure. He has such a wide range.

[@lesternewlife]

I love his accent so much that I can listen to him talking all day.

[@johnnyskinwalker4095]

You can see by Streets of San Fransico that he was a different man on screen. The classic Michael swagger and confidence is formed.

[@mtnstrand2819]

What an actor, what a man! Talented, intelligent and respectful, truly my favorite actor and one of the best ever. Of all of Michael Douglas' brilliant performances, I still treasure his role in Disclosure as the one I love best.

[@D33Lux]

Definitely top 5 of all time.

[@fidelitycreate]

That was nicely informative. Falling Down is one of my favourite films and arguably Michael's best performance... Little disappointed he didn't talk about that but it is quite dark

[@tatongt]

Wow! This is an amazing video. I love Michael . I watched almost all of his movies.

[@andersenkalle]

Falling Down is great movie. Douglas really played a maniac phenomenally.

[@VultureClone]

This is great but they skipped over my two favourite MD movies: 'Falling Down' and 'The Game'.

[@GreatestAndGreatest]

What a powerful words at the end!

[@thejanusproject32]

I love how he introduced Basic Instinct hahahahahaha

[@LukesVintageRC]

My favorite actor folks! I wish he talked about War of the Roses that was hilarious and crazy. All the Romance and Stones movies loved too!

[@luvisacigarette8]

You skipped Falling Down?!? One of his best movies!

[@moeshickenyay]

luvisacigarette8 Movie sucked, we see it every week with the school shooting of the week.

[@alozor13]

moeshickenyay you again?

[@jaybizzle1995]

‘The F*** of the Century!’ 😂😂😂

[@kimberleegobel2439]

Love Micheal Douglas brilliant talent thank you for years of amazing movies ❤️❤️❤️❤️!!!

[@CoolMisterB]

How could you skip The Game !?!?!??!?!!?!??!?!

[@TripppleNegative]

one of my first movies ever was his movie "dont say a word", my brother and I would watch that as kids and we loved it

[@timmy13duffy]

I've enjoyed watching you for decades Mr. Douglas - Thank you!!

[@standarddef8769]

I hadn't realized how much his speaking voice had changed since his cancer battle. One of my all-time favorites, and a legendary career.

[@Mia7189]

I was in 8th grade when I first became aware of Michael Douglas when he starred on 'Streets of San Francisco'. Me and my friends thought he was so cute. What a career he has had.

[@williammoore3044]

There was a number of great films that they missed. But I was surprised he didn't talk about Wonder Boys, a film which he said was his favorite performance.

[@MrBricameron]

Great encouragement at the end, because I really suck at acting right now. Thanks Michael.

[@dajosee]

"The Game" hands down his best film. A wonderful actor.

[@fluxmuldar]

Where's War of the Roses?

[@rockabye274]

Such a great movie! My other favorite Michael Douglas movie is Disclosure.

[@dassadec]

That’s what I was here for. That show is amazing

[@izzojoseph2]

Woof.

[@D33Lux]

Everyone in society always talks about great actors of all time, but to me Michael Douglas is the top. He was in some masterpiece movies. I cannot believe they didn't mention The Game. I think that is his best movie with Basic Instinct being a close second. Truly a magnificent actor.

[@SunnyBear]

Those closing words though, "grind it away, you'll get better"

[@blitzcreak2728]

down to earth, he remembered all those who help him in the past, knowing he couldnt do it without them

[@emilynelson5985]

Glad to hear Kirk is still kicking!

[@ConnorEllisMusic]

?

[@lesantoso]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirk_Douglas

[@RollingOrmond]

102 this December! After a stroke and helicopter crash! Tough man!

[@uncreativelynamedchannel5887]

+Rolling Ormond Let’s hope he can make it to December. I don’t want to jinx it, but it’s that time of the year where all the legends pass away.

[@melvinsawh2448]

He did Make it to december

[@OnlyThe1Son]

I want is to see the uncut version!! Blackrain..falling down...the game!!!

[@ashleydixon6122]

HOW could they skip A Chorus Line?!?!?! One of my all time favorite Michael Douglas movies! I would be really interested in hearing his take on his character!

[@peterfoster3996]

Wonderboys. His performance in Wonderboys is criminally underrated.

[@Davidsworldtravels]

All they're doing is skipping classic movies!

[@spookerredmenace3950]

Michael Douglas looks good still for being 73. and a bout of Cancer... he sounds like he as a speech issues.. some words he is slurring, amazing his dad is still alive and 102 years old lol

[@markharrison2544]

He's had loads of plastic surgery.

[@peachesj4748]

@@markharrison2544 Go away. You really are pitiful.

[@petergabriel8448]

They should have focused on Falling Down as well, such an intense and wonderful performance. Also, The Star Chamber and Coma are great.

[@darkclaw82]

Romancing the stone was my first Mike Douglas movie. What a humble and down to earth guy.

[@leyenda6149]

What a great movie. One of the best action comedies

[@Jason-gb7tt]

He is a brilliant and very good actor , desperately want Hank Pym and Tony stark to share screen

[@isaacdissonance3967]

Jason wait to infinity war part 2

[@OgawaBurukkuART]

I looove Michael Douglas but I knew next to nothing about him personally. I can't believe I never knew his father was Spartacus!! But he chooses excellent movies and now I know that's part of his producer instincts. Loved his message at the end.

[@kevyp30]

Ogawa Burukku c'mon you didn't know who his father was 🙄

[@andreasm.heitmann7263]

I am a huge Fan of the Douglas-Boys starting with Kirk Douglas who was my very first Movie hero with "20.000 Meilen unter dem Meer" and Michael Douglas in the TV Show "The Streets of San Francisco". It is so good to hear that Mr. Kirk Douglas is still alive at 102 Years old. My very best wishes to him and to Michael Douglas being the great person that he is. Thank you! :-) ...

[@Daewonnni]

This is great! Good job Vanity Fair!

[@flybeep1661]

Some of the movies they decided to focus on are really dumb choices skipping over better ones.

[@CinematicV]

Always that "my opinion is a fact" comment...... 😒😒

[@spenser9908]

Yeah, how could they skip Falling Down? That may be his best.

[@Theomite]

They do that on this series. A lot.

[@spenser9908]

Well I dislike it, therefore I want the channel erased.

[@flybeep1661]

Support Film Art like yours? Get off your high horse dipshit. Nobody asked you.

[@PRCTA]

Awesome career, love both actors! They did wonderful movies, the whole world knows how big they are! God bless them for bring us the best they can!

[@magicknight13]

This was 3 hours too short! I could have listened to him all day!

[@bhoqeem1975]

"Grind the way, to get better." Even an extremely accomplished actor in the world says so. My respect to you, Sir!

[@barrivia]

I can’t believe they skipped over Falling Down!

[@kyleroberts8823]

My favorite actor. He's incredible.

[@Haepax]

Thanks for the advice man, I needed that.

[@jennifernapoli8172]

Love Michael Douglas❤️Brilliant talent and Very handsome guy. Love all his movies❤️

[@michaelkirkdouglas1640]

Thank you so much for being a fan, I really appreciate if you wish to message me on Hangouts here's my private Gmail below [e-mail] Please stay safe

[@Suedeash]

Falling Down?

[@moeshickenyay]

Suedeash Living examples of it every day in America, particularly at mass shootings.

[@mikekillagreen9432]

@@moeshickenyay Shut up

[@yournamehere6002]

The China Syndrome was a major film of its time, as well as Falling Down. And what about The War of the Roses and Wonder Boys?

[@nathanwebber8556]

Really wanted to hear him talk about Falling Down.

[@edmondlee7149]

I wish he spoke about The Game, directed by David Fincher, one of my fave M Douglas movies, he was great in it.

[@SandeepRao84]

Surprised they didn't talk about black rain & the game

[@lamster70]

Where is Black Rain, Falling Down, and The Game?

[@AkinduDasanayake]

Love that last line.

[@HewanYitagesu]

Oh I love Michael Douglas! His movies are the best ways I can think of to spend my time.

[@KhemistrySet]

Great career... A great example that if you have the right parents you can make your dreams come true. So inspiring!

[@milvache]

Romancing the Stone is the best Michael Douglas movie

[@PCGamerBrad]

Great video

[@Myoddwill]

Heroes of film... father, son... thank you for making us laugh and cry, and giving young ones safe action. Mostly though, your are a part of cinematic history, I doubt there will be another force in this universe as your family is. Thank you.

[@RoodeMenon]

Why did they skip "The Game" that was a great movie.

[@Rabant777]

It's really frustrating to see the best films & the most interesting stories get skipped over. Falling Down & The Game - 2 sensational films. Michael Douglas, as much screen icon as his father.

[@guileniam]

Let's not go that far. His dad was part of the golden age legends.

[@mattj7283]

How could you skip the game. Some of the greatest twists ever

[@KChris08]

Hollywood Royalty at it's finest. Michael Douglas... What a National Treasure. Thank you sir. For your voice. Your presence. Your commitments. And all of your many accomplishments through Life, and inadvertently, helping others with theirs. You'll forever hold a place in my heart.

[@markharrison2544]

He has a horrid chain smoker's voice.

[@peachesj4748]

@@markharrison2544 Troll.

[@Pfeifferd99]

I can't believe you skipped the "The In-Laws" JK

[@michaeldouglas6467]

Just going through my fan page then I came across your profile and decided to say a big thank you for your love and supports I'm glad to have you as a fan😘

[@rainerdietwerner5048]

Skipping Falling Down? BIG MISTAKE...

[@johnsmith-so5do]

Coo coo's nest is one of my favs, definitely in my top 5.

[@HappiKarafuru]

Grind away and get better - Micheal Douglas A motivation word