Creator Reveals One Misconception True Detective Fans Have About Matthew McConaughey’s Rusty

Summary

Creator Nic Pizzolatto explains that Rust Cohle from True Detective does not actually believe in the nihilistic viewpoints he espouses.

Pizzolatto argues that Cohle's observations and moral compass demonstrate his connection to the world and his concern for ethical choices, challenging the misconception of him being a nihilist.

Pizzolatto expresses disappointment over viewers' misinterpretation of Cohle, as they mistakenly believed his perspectives held profound insight, while in reality, they were no more profound than the thoughts of a typical college freshman.

True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto sheds light on a common misconception about Matthew McConaughey's character, Rust Cohle. Despite their undeniable chemistry, Pizzolatto clarifies that viewers often misinterpret Cohle's nihilistic beliefs. Speaking at the Austin Film Festival, Pizzolatto emphasizes that Cohle doesn't truly embrace these viewpoints, as he perceives the world to be rich with significance. In fact, Pizzolatto compares Cohle's musings to those of an average college student. Read the following quote from Pizzolatto:

I believe Cohle's lack of belief in his own words becomes evident when you watch the show. Whenever someone referred to Cohle as a nihilist, I found myself questioning their understanding of the term. Far from finding no meaning in anything, Cohle seemed to be burdened with an overwhelming amount of meaning in the world. Despite being labeled as a nihilist, he demonstrated a strong sense of commitment towards doing what is right and serving justice. Who does Cohle think he is addressing when he complains to the sky? These contradictions always intrigued me. It was disheartening to see a certain faction of people who believed Cohle was merely speaking the truth, when in reality, similar sentiments can often be heard in freshman dorm rooms.

Pizzolatto's True Detective Clarification Fits A Trend

Cohle's worldview in True Detective season 1 sparked discussions and spawned a dedicated following. However, it was evident that the show intended to challenge the perception of Cohle as purely nihilistic. This becomes apparent in the final episode and even in the closing moments of the season. Despite his injuries, Cohle exhibits vulnerability and shares his optimism with Marty, highlighting that "the light is winning."

The reclamation from Pizzolatto is not the first of its kind. Another instance is in The Boys, where the cast and crew have consistently made it clear that Homelander is not the hero of the story. The fact that Homelander's first major action involves destroying a civilian plane with innocent passengers should make this evident, but some have chosen to ignore the obvious signs and instead support the villain, adopting his reprehensible worldview without irony.

David Fincher is another example, as he recently dismissed far-right interpretations of his movie Fight Club. It should be understood that depicting heinous acts and problematic perspectives in art does not equate to endorsing them. Audiences should be able to appreciate art and pop culture while forming their own conclusions. Nevertheless, authors also have the right to clarify their intentions, as Nic Pizzolatto does in True Detective.

Source: /Film