Gabriel Sherman, the screenwriter behind the Trump biopic 'The Apprentice,' discusses the hurdles he faced from Trump’s legal threats that left studios hesitant to distribute the film. Joined by Adam McKay, famed for 'The Big Short,' they explore Hollywood’s shift from artists to corporate interests. The duo dives into the film’s nuanced portrayal of Trump and the chilling effect his influence has on politically charged storytelling in today's cinema landscape, highlighting the challenges of producing bold narratives.
The struggle to distribute the film 'The Apprentice' highlights Trump's chilling effect on Hollywood's willingness to finance politically critical narratives.
Corporate consolidation and media deregulation have shifted control from creative filmmakers to financial interests, diminishing the space for political storytelling.
Deep dives
Hollywood's Fear of Trump
The release of a new movie about Donald Trump has sparked concern within Hollywood, as studios are wary of potential legal threats from Trump. After the film, 'The Apprentice,' premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to positive reviews, studios hesitated to distribute it in the U.S. due to Trump's history of retaliatory action against those who criticize him. This apprehension not only reflects Trump's powerful influence but also raises questions about artistic freedom and the willingness of the entertainment industry to confront political figures.
Deregulation and the Media Landscape
The podcast highlights how deregulation and corporate consolidation have transformed the media landscape, impacting both Hollywood and journalism. Starting from the late 20th century, policies that favored large corporations have led to finance-driven ownership models, making media outlets more cautious and less inclined to challenge powerful figures. These changes have resulted in a media culture that prioritizes profit over political engagement, limiting the production and distribution of politically charged content. The discussion illustrates a shift from a time when media owners were more willing to endorse provocative journalism to an era characterized by fear of backlash.
The Shift in Political Storytelling
There is a noticeable decline in political storytelling within Hollywood, as illustrated by the struggles faced in producing and distributing politically themed films. Screenwriter Gabriel Sherman cites growing corporate reluctance to produce controversial narratives that might challenge mainstream audiences or alienate potential customers. This change is evident in films that simplify or avoid political commentary, which ultimately results in a lack of substantive discussion of pressing societal issues. The conversation suggests a troubling trend where Hollywood's past ability to explore controversial political themes has been overshadowed by financial considerations.
Cultural Impact and the Future of Artistic Expression
The chilling effect of Trump’s potential return to power raises concerns about the future of artistic expression in both film and journalism. The podcast suggests that the fear of political retribution may stifle creativity and artistic freedom, resulting in a cultural landscape that fails to address significant issues. Additionally, the success of comedic portrayals of Trump in popular culture may lead to a reduction of serious discourse regarding his influence and policies. This worrying dynamic underscores the necessity for filmmakers and journalists to find innovative ways to engage with political content while navigating the treacherous waters of corporate interests and governmental influence.
A biopic of former president Donald Trump released right before the election seems ripe for box office success. But when screenwriter Gabriel Sherman looked for a distributor for his new film The Apprentice, Trump threatened legal action, and major studios got cold feet. Today on Lever Time, Sherman sits down with David Sirota and Arjun Singh to discuss the battle to release The Apprentice and how Wall Street’s Hollywood takeover is making it more difficult for political films to get made.
In the early 2000s, a seismic shift happened in Hollywood. After decades of movie-studio dominance, media deregulation and favorable market conditions opened the doors for Wall Street to move in and consolidate the industry. the balance of power shifted from filmmakers to bankers. Now, with a potential Trump presidency looming, some filmmakers are concerned it could cast a chill over the industry and frighten studios from backing films that could be seen as critical of Trump or his allies.
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