“Star Wars” Politics and the Death of Grown-Up Movies | Interesting Times with Ross Douthat

About this Video

• Video Title: “Star Wars” Politics and the Death of Grown-Up Movies | Interesting Times with Ross Douthat
• Channel: Interesting Times with Ross Douthat
• Speakers: Ross Douthat, Tony Gilroy
• Duration: 00:43:29

Introduction

This interview between Ross Douthat and Tony Gilroy discusses the political landscape depicted in Gilroy's Star Wars series, Andor, and its implications for the broader state of filmmaking. The conversation delves into the nature of political art, the challenges of creating empathetic characters even on opposing sides, and the changing dynamics of Hollywood and the film industry.

Key Takeaways

• Andor's Political Narrative: Andor presents a nuanced political story within the Star Wars universe, exploring the rise of the Rebel Alliance against the backdrop of imperial authoritarianism. It goes beyond the Skywalker saga, focusing on the everyday people and political machinations involved in revolution.
• Empathy in Political Art: Gilroy emphasizes the importance of empathy in creating effective political art, advocating for understanding and portraying characters on all sides of a conflict, even those representing oppressive forces. This approach is highlighted as a significant factor in Andor's success.
• The Decline of Grown-Up Movies: The conversation touches upon the perceived decline of serious, adult-oriented films in Hollywood, suggesting that the economic model supporting such films has shifted, making them less prevalent.
• The Nature of Political Filmmaking: Gilroy argues that the act of inhabiting diverse characters, even villains, inherently fosters empathy and a more nuanced perspective, which often results in art that leans progressive or liberal. He counters the conservative critique that this inherently biases art against certain viewpoints.
• The Future of Storytelling: The discussion explores the potential impact of AI on filmmaking and the audience's preference for human creativity and storytelling, even with the decline of traditional movie stars.