Justine Bateman, known for her role in 'Family Ties,' offers a critical perspective on the current state of Hollywood. She attributes the industry's decline to greed, the shift towards big-budget films driven by tech companies, and the loss of a creative ecosystem. She emphasizes the importance of 'excellent work' and a supportive financial ecosystem, absent in the current 'content conveyor belt' model.
Bateman co-founded the Credo 23 film festival, which prioritizes quality filmmaking devoid of AI elements. This initiative reflects her belief in valuing human talent and artistry in a digital world that often quantifies people through social media metrics.
Bateman's book, 'Face: One Square Foot of Skin,' explores the societal pressures around aging and the beauty industry. She likens plastic surgery to a Ponzi scheme and contrasts her decision to embrace natural aging with the industry's obsession with maintaining youthful appearances. She suggests that the book's impact may be comparable to the recent election's impact on the 'woke mob mentality'.
Bateman expresses her dissatisfaction with what she considers to be the suffocating and humorless atmosphere in Los Angeles, largely due to the rise of 'hall monitors' and the pervasive nature of 'cancellation culture.' She views the 2020 election as a turning point, expressing relief at its outcome. While she's been invited to conservative media outlets, she emphasizes her skepticism of politicians in general and clarifies she is not a Trump supporter.
Bateman believes that while the old model of Hollywood stardom is gone, a new tree is emerging. The new film business, she predicts, will be built on the same fearlessness of the past, driven by individuals who are not beholden to corporate structures. She contrasts this with the current model that overlooks the importance of cultivating true movie stars.