Tyler Perry is one of the most successful producers in the TV and movie business, but his commercial acumen has not always been matched by the same level of critical acclaim.
Perry’s latest Netflix title, The Six Triple Eight, has received good notices (read Deadline’s review here) but, the Mabel “Madea” Simmons franchise creator told The Times of London that he has not read a critic’s review of any of his work since he was “probably 34” – 20 years ago, and explained why at least 25 of his titles had been held back from review:
“I’m very clear and intentional on the stories that I’m telling. I’m not spending the money for you to tear it apart. You don’t get it. It’s not written for you. The audience gets it. So let’s look at what they say.”
He also explained why he writes all his material solo, and demands a no-edits arrangement from commissioners – he currently has deals with Amazon Studios, Paramount and Netflix:
“If you’ve hired me to speak to my audience, then you have to let me do that.”
The Times of London interview was done prior to the tragic news that came down last night of the death of Tyler Perry President Steve Mensch.