Harvey Weinstein, the former movie mogul, recently reacted to Julia Stiles’ comments about feeling “slimy”while working with him on the 2000 romantic comedy Down to You. In a recent episode of the Films to be Buried podcast, Stiles expressed her discomfort with a dance sequence that was added during the film’s reshoots, which she felt detracted from her character and the overall narrative.
Stiles elaborated that, given her previous successes in films like 10 Things I Hate About You, Weinstein aimed to take advantage of the popularity of such trends. However, she argued that the inserted dance did not align with the storyline or her character’s development.
Responding to her remarks, Weinstein provided a statement to The Daily Beast on March 16, 2025. He defended the dance sequence, emphasizing his artistic vision:
“As a filmmaker, I’ve always sought ways to elevate a project, and when I see an opportunity to make a film better, I take it.”
Julia Stiles Critiques the Dance Addition
In Down to You, directed by Kris Isacsson, the love story unfolds between college students Al (Freddie Prinze Jr.) and Imogen (Julia Stiles), capturing the emotional journey of young love. While discussing the film, Stiles praised Isacsson for his intelligence and skill, describing the original script as “very good.”Unfortunately, she claimed that things changed negatively once Weinstein became involved.
“Because of the success of Save the Last Dance, or the success of 10 Things I Hate About You, with me dancing on the pool table, [Weinstein] needed to have me dancing in the film,”Stiles remarked during her interview with host Brett Goldstein.
Stiles elaborated on Weinstein’s intentions, stating that he was eager to “capitalize”on the trend. She recounted her passion for dancing, expressing that, under different circumstances, she would have relished the opportunity to engage in a dance-centered project. However, for Down to You, she felt the dance was “dumb”and “unimaginative,”insisting:
“I felt so slimy doing it the whole time,”she remarked, adding, “It was annoying. Because I was like, ‘Well, this is so cheap, and it’s not adding to the story.'”
Weinstein’s Justification and Career Reflections
In his defense, Weinstein acknowledged Stiles’ talent, calling her both “charismatic”and a skilled dancer. He believed that fans desired to see her dance, justifying it as a creative decision that would enhance the film’s appeal. Weinstein reflected:
“That same instinct led David O. Russell and me to cast Julia in Silver Linings Playbook, where she once again delivered a standout performance.”
Since 2020, Weinstein has been incarcerated following a conviction for third-degree rape and a first-degree criminal sexual act. His actions have been pivotal in the emergence of the #MeToo movement, a worldwide campaign aimed at combating sexual misconduct.
Initially sentenced to 23 years, his conviction was overturned by a New York appellate court last year. Currently, Weinstein remains at Rikers Island, awaiting a new trial set to commence on April 15, 2025.