Key Takeaways
- Hollywood's traditional influence is declining due to various factors including streaming, perceived progressive politics, and a lack of imagination.
- The horror genre remains profitable and successful, often without major stars, appealing to audiences through experimental storytelling and communal viewing.
- Television offers greater creative freedom for writers and directors compared to film, attracting talent to high-quality series.
- New content creators and platforms are emerging to serve audiences overlooked by mainstream Hollywood, demonstrating alternative paths to success.
- Hollywood is criticized for its disconnect from audience realities and values, hindering its ability to create widely resonant stories.
Deep Dive
- Christian Toto attributes Hollywood's decline to streaming, the rise of television, perceived progressive politics, and a lack of imagination.
- A New York Times article reported "25 movies, many stars, zero hits" over three months, indicating major star films failed to draw audiences.
- The host notes a diminished aura of movie stars compared to past decades.
- Horror films are identified as a bright spot in cinema, with examples like "Saw X" and "Thanksgiving" noted for good storytelling.
- The genre is profitable and can succeed without major stars or established intellectual property.
- The communal experience of watching horror in theaters, along with directors like Osgood Perkins and Jordan Peele, contributes to its popularity.
- The guest cites a preference for horror due to childhood interest, adrenaline post-health crisis, and the genre's willingness to experiment.
- The guest praises TV series like 'Landman' and 'Tulsa King' for being entertaining and well-written, with Sylvester Stallone's performance highlighted.
- Vince Gilligan's new series 'Pluribus' is noted by the host as compelling and well-executed after its first episode.
- Television offers writers and directors more creative control over storytelling compared to film, leading to a shift in talent.
- The British model of finite TV seasons with concluded stories is contrasted with often-extended American narratives.
- The guest questions if the movie business will open to new voices, noting creators catering to specific audiences with films like 'The Chosen' and 'Sound of Freedom'.
- Discussion arises about the left's cultural influence possibly changing through breakthroughs like The Daily Wire and AI-driven content.
- David Ellison at Paramount is cited as a potential figure open to diverse storytelling approaches.
- The film 'Sarah's Oil' achieved high audience scores despite critical backlash from outlets like The New York Times, suggesting direct audience reach.
- The guest suggests conservatives may not engage as readily in pop culture due to an unwillingness to embrace emotional expression and passion, stemming from historical exclusion.
- The host advocates supporting actress Sydney Sweeney for her refusal to conform to "woke culture," citing her movie 'Reality'.
- Christian Toto emphasizes the need for cultural infrastructure, such as his website HollywoodInToto.com, to provide conservative reviews and commentary.
- Interviewing secular actors involved in faith-based films is noted as difficult due to potential industry ostracism.
- Hollywood's declining influence is attributed to a disconnect from reality and an inability to create resonant stories, contrasting with past blockbusters like 'Jaws' and 'The Godfather'.
- The host expresses a desire for films portraying women realistically, specifically regarding physical capabilities often depicted in media.
- The guest suggests Hollywood executives should engage with audiences and creators on platforms like YouTube to understand what resonates.
- The host recalls meetings where faith-based movie ideas were dismissed, illustrating Hollywood's resistance to certain genres and audience segments.