Some of that has to do with the stars famously deliberate approach to his work.
Hes not lazy, hes just a chronic second-guesser.
Another reason for those long fallow stretches, though, is due to Beattys political activism.
Credit: Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images; Alexis DUCLOS/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
But that never stopped him from reaching across the aisle when it came to friendships.
Take his personal connection with Ronald Reagan.
It was an honor, of course.
But a slightly awkward one.
Reagan was hardly the ideal audience for it.
He was talking about the performance of it.
Recalling this, Beatty laughs.
I was quite friendly with Ronald Reagan.
I didnt agree with him, but I liked him very much.
Redsdid turn out to have a happy ending, though.
But despite its success, the film was next to impossible to get financed.
Even for one of Hollywoods biggest stars who was coming off two consecutive box-office hits.
Says Beatty, Heaven Can Waitmade a ton of money.
AndShampoohad been a big hit.
Im thinking: This is the time to make this movie that otherwise couldnt get made.
Just dont make this movie!
And I said, Im sorry, but Im going to make it.
And they stepped up to the plate.
