‘Poliwood’: One-Sided, Occasionally Fascinating Look at Politics and Celebrity
by Christian TotoDid you know celebrities have a right to speak their minds about politics courtesy of The First Amendment? Or that the 1960 Kennedy/Nixon televised debate changed the way we saw politicians forever? “Poliwood,” a new film “essay” from director Barry Levinson, uncovers those nuggets and much, much more.
The film, set to bow at the Starz Denver Film Festival this weekend and already airing on Showtime, does offer more than just those recycled themes. It’s an occasionally fascinating look into the modern actor’s mindset as well as the anger the general public feels when they hear celebrities pontificating on events of the day.
Director Barry Levinson
We’re also given a peek at the passions driving some celebrities to speak out on the issues. Yet the film is emblematic of Hollywood productions which strain to achieve balance but come up mostly empty.
The bulk of the film features liberal celebrities from the Creative Coalition, a nonpartisan group, maneuvering around last year’s Democratic National Convention in Denver.
The group itself may not choose sides, but we see plenty of footage of its actors beaming as President-elect Barack Obama speaks. And when some of those celebrities pack their bags for the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, they look as if they’re preparing for a funeral.
“She’s All That” actress Rachael Leigh Cook is forlorn when she realizes Republicans will be invading her Minnesota hometown. “But what can you do?” she asks with a shrug.
Maybe, if you’re part of a nonpartisan coalition, you go and learn what people who disagree with you think about politics.
Levinson, who conducts one interview wearing an Obama knit cap, complains about the rise of flash over substance while watching Gov. Sarah Palin’s appearance at the RNC. But he has nothing to say about similar hoopla surrounding Sen. Obama or his throng of admirers.
“Poliwood” takes a half-hearted stab at defending actors for being out of touch elites who don’t understand how reg’lar folks think. Levinson lets actor Matthew Modine shares memories of back breaking work of his youth and the pride he felt in a job well done.
That’s wonderful, and it’s likely many of today’s stars worked just as hard – or harder – before fame and fortune came calling. But living in a cocoon of fame and wealth for an extended period can change a person’s perspective, sometimes radically.
When Jennifer Lopez sang, “I”m still Jenny from the block,” was anyone buying it?
A few celebrities acquit themselves well regarding their right to speak out, including Susan Sarandon, Ellen Burstyn and Modine.
Aging political troubadours David Crosby and Stephen Still ramble on in platitudes that add nothing to the debate and only support those who say celebrities should keep their yaps shut.
“Poliwood’s” focus keeps shifting, robbing whatever potency the film essay might have had otherwise. Levinson detours into a conversation about how the mainstream news is getting too bogged down in tabloid fare and often exploits story lines that tell us little about the way government works.
The film also takes time to savage Joe the Plumber for overstepping his bounds by acting as a war correspondent for PJTV. And yet the entire film is about celebrities who, one could argue, overstep their bounds every day by talking about matters they’re not well versed in.
A few scenes prove pure dynamite, like watching pollster Frank Luntz gently lecture some Coalition members about the harsh words they use in trying to sway the masses. Before Luntz can finish, actors Josh Lucas and Gloria Reuben nearly jump out of their seats, both recoiling at being told their methods might not be effective.
Even better, listen as actress Lynn Whitfield shares why she won’t be joining her Coalition peers at the RNC. “I don’t have the skill to communicate with people who have hurt my feelings so deeply,” she says.
Anne Hathaway makes a valid point that often journalists will ask an actor about a political topic even though the actor had no intention of of discussing the subject.
We almost get a reason to applaud the celebrities and their outspoken ways when director Spike Lee nails New York Governor David Paterson with a tough, but fair, question about city school funding. Paterson can’t come up with an answer, but the liberals in attendance, including Lee, simply laugh at the governor’s awkwardness and the question is dropped.
The Creative Coalition co-produced “Poliwood” but the film does it few favors even if it proves intermittently enlightening.
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Most of the celebs do it to stay in the public eye. They don't usually care what they say because they don't know what they are saying. Of course, the public does require that you know what you are talking about before you open your mouth. However, when you live in a fantasy world; that will probably not happen.
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I can think of nothing more irrelevant than the opinion of a Hollywood 'celebrity' spewing forth about how the rest of us should do/live while they pursue their own opulent lifestyles.
Among the examples are Sheryl Crowe toilet paper, the Dixie Chicks and their blathering, and Michael Moore about anything.
But their hypocrisy is what makes them the very definition of hypocrisy — democrats.
Who cares?
The fact the they even made this "essay" shows how self absorbed they are. They assume people care about their lives and what makes them tick and how hard it is to be them.
All Anne Hathaway needs to do is say "I don't want to talk politics right now, I'm here to talk about my movie" or whatever it is they are interviewing her for.
You know when I really enjoy watching Hollywood actors speak? When I'm watching them become different people onscreen by reciting good dialogue, interacting with each other, to create a "story" I can get lost in. And that story is usually more enjoyable when all the elements come together: writing/directing/music/production design/editing/ the works. I really love movies and I appreciate all the genuine hard work these people put into their craft, they are good at what they do and I think they deserve all the money and accolades they get.
The other times I appreciate I enjoy watching actors/celebrities speak is when they are giving interviews about their projects, or giving me an insight into the "behind the scenes" aspects of making a film. I find that stuff pretty interesting.
Actors are great at becoming other characters, and talking about their craft, and sometimes talking about their "overnight success stories" because those can be inspirational as well.
I always try to seperate the actor from the role, but…they're not making it easy. Josh Lucas, for example. He was pretty charming in the cute movie Sweet Home Alabama, but knowing what he's like off-screen is a little distracting. No one's arguing that celebrities don't have the right to speak out, but when they do it so scornfully (and usually unintelligently), it's a real turn-off.
What rankles me most is not that entertainers exercise their right to free speech but rather how their money and star power gives them greater access to the politcal machine than the average Joe. No one really wants to see me take my clothes off for PETA but Alicia Silverstone is a brand that markets the message. Entertainers possess an advantage over all of us and should be far more reluctant to take sides on issues because of their influence. My fear is many Americans succumb to their star power and never stop to think about whether they agree or not.
Even better: "You know, I'm an actor, not a policy maker, scientist, or foreign relations expert, so what I'd have to offer on most political topics wouldn't be of any value. However, I can tell you how we made my last movie…"
Just out of curiosity, did they include comments from Jon Voight, Tom Selleck, Patricia Heaton, or anyone else to the right of center? Or don't they count?
I hope someone can tell me because I have absolutely no intention of seeing this film "essay" (at least they don't call it a documentary).
I take back the last comment…according to the poster in the photo, Levinson is calling it a documentary. Will these people never learn?
Early prediction: It's nominated for an Academy Award. What would appeal more to Academy members than a true and honest portrayal of how hard it is to be them?
I have to disagree with you a little. There's nothing wrong with a celebrity using their star power to bring attention to a cause they believe in. The problem is that many celebrities have no idea what the cause really is…only that it makes them look socially conscious to their fans. The cause serves only to feed their ego, i.e Alicia Silverstone. On the other hand, you have actors like Gary Sinise, and Adam Baldwin whose work they do for our active and returning soldiers is done out of genuine respect and care for the people they are helping. If those guys can use their influence to awaken more people to such causes, then more power to them.
Hypocrisies of hypocrisies; all is hypocrisy, sayeth the producer!
One of the few celebrities I still have some respect for is Brad Pitt, who said "You shouldn`t speak until you know what you`re talking about. That`s why I get uncomfortable with interviews. Reporters ask me what I feel China should do about Tibet. Who cares what I think China should do? I`m a fucking actor!"
It take a good man to know his limitations.
Watching the Hollywood elite reminds me of the adage, "Sometimes it's best to be perceived dull-witted and stupid than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt."
If more celebrities handled themselves like Sinise and Baldwin, we'd have nothing to complain about. These guys put their money where their mouth is. Too many celebs think that spouting off in front of an ET camera is the same thing. It isn't.
Even though I don't think of Brad Pitt as much of an actor, I saw that quote from him and my attitude toward him shifted for the very reasons you post.
I watched "Poliwood" when it premiered earlier this month on Showtime. I recommend it. There is no question, the scenes with Frank Luntz and members of the Creative Coalition are some of the best in the film.
I truly wish director Barry Levinson had included more footage of the late, great Ron Silver and Robert Davi. As I watched, I thought how much more interesting it could have been to have a scene or two where liberal actors such as Tim Daley, Matthew Modine, Anne Hathaway sat across from their conservative counterparts like Silver and Davi and kicked the ball around for a bit. Which leads me to…
I have been working on developing a project called, 'The Actors Table' (breaking bread, not legs) which this would be a type of format. Two liberal actors, two conservative actors, sitting around a table, on an empty stage in a theatre talking politics and pop culture. I believe It could be entertaining and educational to say the least.
Curious if any of you would be interested in something like this? Maybe here at Big Hollywood? Appreciate your feedback.
Never forget:
The customer is always right but many Hollywood actors crap all over America every chance the can 'cause the studio is infected with creeps like that running the joints.
When actors finally figure out, they can work with great writers and produce their own stuff DIRECT to HULU – yikes, we will see the wheat separated from the chaff.
till then we have to suffer the fools.
Jimmy,
It would be nice to see that, as long as it doesn't degenerate into "The View" hollerfests, which is what I am afraid it would become…as long as the libs can keep their mouths shut during the opposing view, or they can be cut down and on the editing room floor, (no obnoxious spouting, no one is going to see it anyway), maybe that would work…
Thanks. I agree. I'm looking to create something that would allow the participants an opportunity to express points of view on the issues of the day. Find out where we share common ground and on those areas we differ, be able to discuss it without personal attacks. Passionate while informed.
That's what's so great about the Frank Luntz segments in "Poliwood" He gets it. How we communicate with one another is so important. The language we use. I'm game. I would like to find others to join me.
Years ago, Jon Favreau had a show on IFC called "'Dinner For Five" where actors would gather in a restaurant to share stories about films and other experiences. I enjoyed watching. I thought about taking that theme and expanding it to include politics. Lots of subjects out there.
One of the things that has been most frustrating to me, has been attempting to engage my liberal friends in discussion. I would like to be able to explore that via 'The Actors Table'. We shall see…
Jimmy,
The venue might be a way to inhibit the more, ahem, "passionate" extremes in behavior; no one wants to look like a loon at the dinner table… everyone points and whispers about you…
I always thought the more "intimate" a venue was, the more you can expect people to stop being bomb-throwers and actually talk intelligently. Shatner's "Raw Nerve" seems to get people to drift off their own particular "talking points" and actually make some sort of sense…
Love to see it; too much garbage out there now for proselytizing by the brain dead, I'd be nice to see actual thoughtful thinking for once…
Now THAT makese sense!
No one denies that celebrities have a right to speak their mind. It is how they do it that bothers us. Most are totally clueless when they speak about political things yet they are treated as though they are an expert in the field of politics as well as that they represent the views of all Americans by the media.
Let's face a fact, the celebrities have the bullhorn. They can get their political ramblings across easily since the media will be right there to report whatever they say. Joe Six-Pack, average American, doesn't have the media following to get his views across. Often times, the average American has a much better understanding of what is going on out there than the celebrities, who live in their own little world.
If the celebrities want to speak, it is their right. On the same note, it is also my right not to listen to their inane ramblings.
support the actors that support you…..and turn off the rest……
I spend my conservative cash on entertainment and entertainers that support my belief system….the rest of the Hollyweird dingbats can go straight to hell. I don't give a rat's arse about their libtard viewpoint.
This would also be a great format for political discussion. Having a couple of politicians discuss actual issues of the day, that don't resort into a shouting match, would be a nice change.
Celebrities? Rachel Leigh Cook, Gloria Rueben, Matthew Modine, Lynn Whitfield…I don't even know who these people are. So if I don't care what Susan Sarandon, Spike Lee, or Ellen Burstyn has to say, why would I be influenced by these nobodies?
When asked about his opinion on Vietnam war protesters, one of the biggest stars in the world answered, "Honey, I would just as soon keep my own personal views to myself because I am just an entertainer and I'd rather not say." They didn't call him the KIng for nothing.
This is the format on Hannity every night. A conservative vs. a liberal; a Democrat vs. a Republican. What in the world would they say that would be new? I already know what Barney Frank has to say. Seeing him Elmer Fudd through another round table would be tedious.
I have to say I would not be interested. I just am not interested in elevating actors anymore than they already are. To me, these kind of projects seem to feed their egos and reinforce to them that what they have to say is so much more interesting than anyone else. This is a hollywood website so I see the connection to using actors but why are their opinions any more entertaining or educational than say a teacher, or small business owner? How about mixing actors with us regular folks.
I would hope it wasn't politicians that would get on; I already know how stupid the are…
What I would be looking for is Hollywood types that may actually run afoul of their management/publicist/agent personal control teams…I'll bet there are some who, away from a handler, might actually be able to think…there's a BIG difference between a Darryl Hannah or Ed Begley Jr., and an empty brained dial tone lib coming off the talking points and having to actually TH?NK about their statements…
There may be some entertainment value in watching someone have to evaluate someone else's valid position on an issue…and find it a better choice than theirs…
Amnd if you could get one or two members of the public in there that can articulate and think, pro or con, that would be a bonus, too…make it even better…
Mat Damin was dribbling alot of liberal crap about Palin last year would not go to one of his movies luckly he was a crappy actor anway
Interesting reading through some of the comments. What I am looking at doing would not include politicians at all. Actors, writers, directors willing to take on their liberal counterparts. That's all.
Taking a cue from what Breitbart has done here @ Big Hollywood. Provide a forum for conservative points of view. As most Americans know, we're at ground zero here in Hollywood. Surrounded by liberals. Hell, there are people who contribute here at this site who are afraid to use their real names (I understand). I want to break through that. I would hope that people who visit BH would be supportive of a project that would be another venue to enhance the debate.
Continued:
What surprises me when I scan through many of the 200+ names of the Contributors here are how few are actors. Believe me, I am grateful for each and every one of them who speak out. There is a lot of talent out there…I'm just looking to kick it up a notch. No secret, conservative actors are in a minority here. We are the underdogs, willing to fight back, take a stand on our principals with those who seem to call the shots. This could be fun.
As Big Hollywood approaches it's one year anniversary in January 2010, it is my hope to move some of the issues discussed here 'off of the page' and 'onto the screen' Even if it's a small screen.
there are many interesting combinations you could have
it would be cool if it were picked up by a larger venue (no offense to BH)
I like the idea of haveing a couple of regular people as well. That is what I think is missing from most of this stuff on both sides. Throw a couple of well spoken thoughtful everyday people in, I think it would go a long way towards changing some minds. And we have a few commenters here who would be able to hold their own.
Mary is right on. Imagine you go to your local eatery, and the waiter talks to you of how shameful it is you waste your food, or speak negatively on what ever topic comes to mind. Want to come back and eat there?
Yea, no one would.
So Hollywood does another anti-military movie with Tobey Maguire and Jake Gyllenhaal in "Brothers" anyone one to bet how well the film does?
What many in Hollywood fail to realize is, people are going to event or action type movies. Plug any actor in the role, and people will still go. Name the last time a big star carried any movie.
That would be the drawing card for me. As much as I appreciate the thoughtful musings of an Adam Baldwin or the integrity of action of an Ed Begley, Jr., they are not me.
Please let's just face it. There is almost a specific requirement of somewhere between a positive self-image and outright narcissism (usually along with some self-loathing) required to be an actor. Most of them seem to actually believe they are special by the very nature of what they do. Having 'normal' people demonstrate that, although they don't have the unique skill to put on another personality, they are equal in conviction and intellect would make the show. Well, that's my opinion anyway.
I don't know that it would be insightful or helpful. Liberals emote feelings on everything. You cannot have a rational discussion with someone who "feels" this or that versus someone who may be arguing more rational points of view. I'm thinking it would hurt any actor that went on there.
The libtards will go after well-spoken conservative actors/producers and the conservatives will have their negative views of libtard loudmouth actors reinforced. No win.
You know, Charlie Rose does some of this kind of thing, though not usually head to head, but he moderates fairly well, though himself obviously a libtard, he usually can perform as an interviewer somewhat evenhandedly.
I appreciate the feedback. As someone who set out on a journey to fulfill a dream of becoming an actor back in 1975, I'm fascinated at others take on what actors are about. The public perception is almost always one of love/hate. It's cool. I get it. Comes with the turf. There is a great history of American actors of which I'm proud to share. Today's BH Open Thread…the great Bob Hope, a fine example.
In closing, I'll continue plugging away at my project, keeping comments made here in mind. I really believe many of the liberal actors who seem to get so much of the spotlight today are part of the challenge many of us on the conservative side have in changing some of the perception which exists with the American public.
Grateful,as always, for this place called Big Hollywood, which is a major force in that effort.
By all means all celebrities should be able to speak their minds. They should be aware though that we won't listen and we won't pay…..
I went ot a concert with my husband. The performer began to ramble on and on about his political views. When an audiance member disputed what he was saying, he began to scream at the audience. I was incensed! I wanted a portion of my money back and began to walk around looking for someone who could give me ten dollars back for having to listen to that tripe. (I wanted to leave, my husband like the "artist").
I have not made one more purchase, nor have I willingly listened to any of his recordings since then. Makes me sick! I feel the same for many others. I just can't watch their films anymore, or listen to their music. So ignorant. So, all of you hollywood types, please KEEP TALKING! It allows me to keep more of my money from you. Self absorbed jerks.
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