The recent Swedish television premiere of the series ”Trolösa” (Unfaithful), brimming with classic Scandinavian drama, evocative 1970s aesthetics, complex characters, and renowned actors, notably lacks any overt political messaging. This apolitical approach to dramatic storytelling raises the question: will Hollywood follow suit during Trump’s second term? The 2024 election presented a ready-made Hollywood narrative, with A-list actors like Robert De Niro, Jennifer Lawrence, and Scarlett Johansson seemingly poised to embody the heroic resistance against a readily identifiable antagonist. However, the ”wrong” side won, disrupting this predictable script and forcing the entertainment industry to recalibrate within a drastically altered political landscape. Unlike the immediate and vocal response from the cultural sector during Trump’s first election, the prevailing sentiment now appears to be less one of combative defiance and more one of exhaustion. Battered by the pandemic, the 2023 writers’ strikes, and the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, Hollywood seems less inclined to engage in another political battle.
This weariness is reflected in the industry’s cautious approach. Major studios, including Disney, Amazon, Netflix, and Sony, swiftly issued a joint statement expressing their willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration. Disney CEO Bob Iger’s earlier statement regarding prioritizing entertainment over political messaging, coupled with the removal of a transgender storyline from their upcoming animated series ”Win or Lose,” further underscores this shift. Even before the election, there were indications of audience fatigue with progressive themes, a phenomenon encapsulated by the phrase ”woke is broke.” This sentiment is evidenced by the box office success of the conservative documentary “Am I Racist?” which significantly outperformed the critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated documentary critical of Trump, “The Apprentice.” This suggests a potential return to less overtly political narratives, where any underlying message is woven into the fabric of the story rather than being superimposed onto it.
This anticipated shift does not necessarily imply that Hollywood will become a mouthpiece for MAGA-style propaganda. Rather, it points towards a renewed focus on storytelling that prioritizes entertainment value and artistic merit, moving away from the overtly politicized productions of recent years. While films like “Am I Racist?” cater to a specific segment of the audience, the broader trend suggests a desire for more nuanced narratives. The industry, bruised and weary from external pressures, seeks a return to a less charged atmosphere where creativity can flourish without being burdened by the expectation of serving a particular political agenda. This recalibration presents an opportunity for Hollywood to rediscover the art of subtle storytelling, where complex themes are explored organically within the narrative, enriching the viewing experience without resorting to didactic pronouncements.
The inclination towards apolitical entertainment, as exemplified by ”Trolösa,” raises important questions about the role of art in society. Is art obligated to carry a specific message, or should it strive for artistic expression independent of political agendas? While some argue for art’s potential to inspire social change, others champion the value of art for art’s sake, allowing for creative exploration free from ideological constraints. The commercial pressures of the entertainment industry often necessitate a delicate balance between these perspectives. Creating films solely for profit, as suggested by Disney’s focus on financial returns, is as problematic as creating films solely for the purpose of indoctrination. However, ironically, conservative administrations often inadvertently catalyze the creation of genuinely thought-provoking art. Periods like the Nixon and Reagan presidencies witnessed the emergence of powerful, socially critical films, and the punk movement thrived in opposition to Thatcher’s policies.
From this perspective, Trump’s second term could paradoxically be a boon for Hollywood, inspiring a new wave of creative expression. The challenge lies in finding a path that navigates between the extremes of pure commercialism and overt didacticism. The ideal lies in creating art that resonates with audiences on multiple levels, offering both entertainment and intellectual stimulation. This requires a commitment to originality, a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, and a rejection of simplistic narratives. As Oscar Wilde eloquently stated, “There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all.” The focus should remain on the quality of the storytelling, the depth of character development, and the overall artistic merit of the production.
The pursuit of truly impactful art necessitates a departure from predictable narratives and a willingness to embrace complex, even uncomfortable, portrayals. As the author notes, they are ”still waiting for a Hollywood film where the final boss is not a white man in a tie but a lesbian Apache woman in a wheelchair who commits her evil deeds with no other motive than that she is evil.” This yearning for more diverse and unexpected antagonists highlights the need to break free from stereotypical representations and explore the multifaceted nature of human motivations. This kind of creative risk-taking, coupled with a commitment to artistic excellence, is what ultimately elevates entertainment from mere spectacle to truly impactful art. The future of Hollywood lies in embracing this challenge and rediscovering the power of storytelling that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
