In a recent segment on his Fox News show Gutfeld!, host Greg Gutfeld didn't hold back when discussing the state of modern Hollywood, zeroing in on what he calls the industry's "unfair" obsession with political messaging over storytelling. The conversation, which aired just last week, veered into territory touching on high-profile stars like Natalie Portman, whose latest projects have sparked debates about authenticity in Tinseltown.
Gutfeld, known for his sharp satirical takes, argued that films today often prioritize agendas over entertainment, leaving audiences feeling lectured rather than engaged. He pointed to Portman's career trajectory—from her breakout in Black Swan back in 2010 to more recent roles—as emblematic of this shift. Indeed, Portman herself admitted in early 2024 that she's steered clear of method acting, calling it a "luxury women can't afford," a comment that Gutfeld spun as evidence of Hollywood's double standards. Why bring that up now? Well, with Portman's personal life making headlines—her divorce from Benjamin Millepied finalized earlier this year amid infidelity rumors—Gutfeld suggested the actress embodies the chaos behind the glamour.
Moreover, Gutfeld drew parallels between faltering box office numbers and political missteps, likening Democratic strategies to a bad movie script no one wants to watch. Hollywood's 2024 output, he claimed, saw several big-budget flops, with attendance down by nearly 20% from pre-pandemic levels. Portman's involvement in indie fare like May December wasn't spared; Gutfeld quipped it was "fairly forgettable," tying it to broader industry woes where stars push narratives that alienate viewers.
However, not everyone agrees with Gutfeld's blunt assessment. Portman has long been praised for her versatility, earning an Oscar and multiple Golden Globes over two decades. Still, as streaming wars heat up in 2025, questions linger about whether Hollywood can balance art and appeal without tipping into preachiness.
Yet, in the end, one wonders if audiences will keep buying tickets to this evolving cinematic drama.