Actor Jason Bateman shared in an Esquire interview that he reads every review of his projects, valuing public and critical opinions while prioritizing personal happiness. He recalled a particularly harsh New York Times review of the Ozark pilot that compared his performance to an airline gate agent, which he found amusing. Despite the early criticism, Bateman's role earned him multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG nominations over the show's four seasons.
Interview Insights
In his recent conversation with Esquire magazine, Jason Bateman opened up about his relationship with criticism in Hollywood. The actor, known for his roles in Arrested Development and Ozark, admitted to being a 'people pleaser' who cares deeply about audience reactions. 'I read all the reviews. I am doing these projects for public consumption, so it matters to me what the public thinks about them,' Bateman said. He emphasized that while feedback is important, maintaining inner peace is paramount: 'What’s most important is that the weather inside is 72 and breezy. It takes a lot of work to stay happy, to stay clear, and to be proud of yourself.'
The Memorable Ozark Review
Bateman highlighted one negative critique that stood out for its creativity. Reviewing the pilot of Netflix's Ozark in 2017, New York Times critic Mike Hale described Bateman's portrayal of money launderer Marty Byrde as 'so boring to watch' and played 'with the aggressive blandness of an airline gate agent.' Hale added that Bateman 'isn’t really able to make a compelling character out of the blankly craven Marty.' However, the reviewer praised co-star Laura Linney's Wendy, noting her 'gift for high-comic indignation' and suggesting she could lead if the show continued.
Bateman reacted positively: 'I laughed my ass off. I appreciate those that get creative with it.'
Critical Reception vs. Awards Success
Ozark premiered on Netflix in 2017 and ran for four seasons until 2022, following a Chicago financial advisor relocating his family to the Missouri Ozarks to launder money for a drug cartel. Despite the pilot's panning, Bateman's performance garnered widespread acclaim over time. He received four Emmy nominations for outstanding lead actor in a drama series, three Golden Globe nominations, and four Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
This contrast underscores how initial reviews don't always reflect a project's enduring impact or an actor's growth. Bateman's experience highlights the resilience required in the industry, where creative risks can lead to both sharp critiques and significant recognition.