Factually! with Adam Conover How Capitalism Killed the Movie Star
Mar 28, 2025
Discover the drastic shift in Hollywood as iconic movie stars fade away in favor of intellectual property and franchises. Dive into the nostalgia for 1990s star power, while contrasting it with today's actors struggling for recognition. The impact of streaming services is dissected, revealing how algorithms overshadow authentic storytelling. Despite these challenges, there’s a glimmer of hope with Gen Z’s renewed interest in genuine cinema. Explore how capitalism has reshaped the movie landscape and why reviving authentic art is more important than ever!
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Decline of Star Power
- Modern movie stars lack the widespread recognition of past icons.
- This is evident in the Oscars' reliance on 90s stars and the public's unfamiliarity with newer actors.
Stars as Risk Mitigation
- Creating movie stars was crucial for studios to mitigate the financial risks of filmmaking.
- Stars ensured audience draw, justifying high production costs and potential losses.
The Twilight Shift
- The Twilight series presented a new model: using unknown actors and focusing on the intellectual property (IP).
- This shift reduced reliance on established stars and prioritized adaptable source material.