I sit down with Rambo Van Halen to discuss his new book, Hollywood Samizdat, released through Passage Press, which serves as a personal account of his experiences in the film industry.
What was initially intended as a farewell letter to the film industry turned into a more profound reflection—a kind of obituary for a once-thriving sector that he believes is no longer what it used to be. Rambo candidly shares his thoughts on the decline of traditional Hollywood, describing it as a significant loss of artistry and craftsmanship.
Rambo highlights the impact of a changing media landscape, drastically altered by feminization, economics, and risk aversion. He discusses the industry's shift away from original content, with more emphasis on sequels and remakes due to a fear of financial loss. This risk-averse culture, combined with the effects of technology and changing societal norms, has led to what he describes as a disheartening era for filmmakers and audiences alike. He reflects on his experiences as a line producer, navigating the complex and often dysfunctional dynamics of film sets characterized by power struggles among executives and a new wave of corporate governance.
Rambo candidly shares his thoughts about the corporatization of the industry, attributing the dilution of creativity to a more collaborative but ultimately less decisive approach in decision-making—thanks to the impact of movements like Me Too. We explore the implications of this shift and how it has led to a creative landscape dominated by committee decision-making rather than inspired artistry. The contradictions inherent in this new environment are further complicated by the influx of technology companies entering the film space and their obsession with metrics. This has changed how stories are created and the type of content that gets greenlit, raising questions about the integrity of artistic expression.
Throughout our conversation, we reflect on the intersection of identity politics and filmmaking, discussing how diversity initiatives have prioritized representation over competence. Rambo shares anecdotes of the industry's changing dynamics, particularly the challenges of maintaining a meritocratic environment in light of new hiring practices. He draws parallels between Hollywood and the tech industry to highlight the broader implications of these shifts across various sectors.
As the discussion winds down, Rambo shares his vision for the future of entertainment—exploring potential avenues outside of traditional filmmaking and the unique opportunities for live performance. We contemplate the value that humanity places on genuine, shared experiences in a world increasingly moving toward digital isolation.
This conversation offers a multifaceted view of the contemporary film industry, reflecting on its past glory and the challenges moving forward. Rambo's insights provide not only a personal narrative but also a broader commentary on the state of creativity, audience engagement, and the future of storytelling in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
LINKS:
Rambo on X:
Buy Book, Hollywood Samizdat:
https://passage.press/products/hollywood-samizdat
SIGN UP for the Hacking State newsletter: https://hackingstate.substack.com/subscribe
If you enjoyed this talk, please leave a review on Spotify/iTunes.
Listen on:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexmurshak
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hacking-state/id1689677076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1XB9XYULrAY4dp0qIJVvCg
