How Hollywood Can Bridge Its Disconnect With the American Public w/ Christian Toto

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.

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.