Hollywood R.I.P.? David Mikics on Movies, Culture, and Jewish Identity
Summary
Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and John Frankel welcome guest David Mikkels to discuss his Tablet Magazine article on the decline of Hollywood’s Jewish influence. They explore the industry’s origins with Jewish founders, the historical suppression of explicit Jewish themes, and how contemporary cultural shifts impact Jewish identity in film. The conversation also addresses the tension between artistic expression, stereotypes, and the current political climate surrounding Jewish creators.
Topics discussed
Intro and sponsor ads for LinkedIn and AdoptUSKids
Introduction of guest David Mikkels and the topic of Jewish art
Defining Jewish art: Superman, Woody Allen, and stereotypes
The tension between cultural pride and self-segregation
Critique of 'Keeping the Faith' and negative stereotypes
Jewish identity in sports and the pressure on public figures
Responsibility of Jewish leaders and influencers in media
Break and sponsor ads for Hallmark and Facebook
David Mikkels' background and the 'Jewish American writer' label
History of Jewish founders in early Hollywood studios
Jewish themes in classic films like Casablanca and Jaws
Assimilation and the removal of Jewish content from scripts
Hollywood's shift post-Oct 7 and the rise of streaming
Stanley Kubrick's Jewish identity and Israeli TV adaptations
Conclusion on algorithmic content and final sign-off
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