The film director and fashion designer Tom Ford has told Sky News that Donald Trump's candidature in the upcoming election is proof America has "dumbed down".

"I do have to say the simple fact that Donald Trump has got as far as he has is proof of the fact that our culture has dumbed down... the man often can't even use English correctly, and lies, and says things that are so shocking," he said.

"There was a time when any of the things he says would have killed a politician's chances. It's absurd. What we're going to do about it I don't know - but it is a wake up call, and it's very upsetting."

:: US election polling

Image: Ford says Mr Trump 'can't even use English correctly'

Ford is releasing his second film, Nocturnal Animals, after his successful debut with A Single Man. The subject matter seems somewhat timely in turning the spotlight on capitalism and materialism stateside.


The fashion designer turned film director made his name designing for Gucci, then left to set up his own label.

Decadence is all too familiar to him and the irony is not lost on Ford, who in his new film attacks some of the principles that have made him a huge success.

Nocturnal Animals stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams, who plays a woman haunted by her decision to pursue money and success and the sacrifices she's made for it.

Ford said: "I wrote the screenplay and as Jake's character says in the film 'nobody really writes about anyone but themselves'.

"So there are bits and pieces of Amy's character (that reflect how I feel). I would say certainly on the surface this is a woman who has everything, material things, yet is struggling with the material world and wanting something more spiritual, and ultimately is unhappy.

Image: Amy Adams stars in Ford's new movie Nocturnal Animals

"I'm not unhappy in my life but I certainly understand that struggle and I've had those challenges before."

Adams agrees that the pursuit of money and success is a definitely a risk in the film industry.

"A lot of what's happened with social media and a lot of the way that celebrity is pursued, celebrity over substance, I think that it's easy to get caught up in these ideas of wealth and privilege," she told Sky.

Nocturnal Animals is a highly stylised thriller which is both profound and asks audiences to question their own values at a time of global change and uncertainty.