The Idol: Sam Levinson on the potential of revolutionary things

A Controversial Premiere: The Idol

The recent premiere of The Idol, an upcoming HBO series, at Cannes had everyone talking, but not necessarily in a positive light. The show, helmed by Sam Levinson and starring Lily-Rose Depp, Abel Tesfaye, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Jane Adams, and Hank Azaria, has been accused of being “twisted torture porn” and “regressive” by critics who were able to see it.

The Press Conference

At the press conference the morning after the premiere, the cast presented a united front, defending Levinson’s artistic vision and speaking warmly and forcefully about their filming experience. Depp echoed Levinson’s remarks that the group had become “like a family”; Tesfaye called them all “the people that I love.” When asked about the show’s nudity and sexuality, Levinson gave a lengthy response.

Taking Things too Far

Levinson addressed the criticism that the show might be “taking things too far” in terms of representation of female sexuality. He pointed out that “sometimes things that might be revolutionary are taken too far. We live in a very sexualized world. I can’t speak to other countries, but especially in the States, the influence of pornography is really strong in terms of the psyche of young people. And we see this in pop music, and how it sort of reflects the kind of underbelly of the internet.”

The nudity and sexuality of Depp’s character, Jocelyn, is a reflection of her character. As a born and bred performer, her sexuality comes out of her sense of self. Levinson explained that this can be underestimated by those who do not understand the character. Yet, this is what attracts an audience.

Revolutionary Potential of Film

The controversy ignited by the show’s premiere raises important questions about the relationship between representation and reality. The Idol may be seen as an example of how far film and television can go in exploring representations of sexuality and gender identity. Yet, it also requires us to question when representation reinforces the very oppression it seeks to overturn.

This raises a more profound question: What is the potential of film or any creative medium to be truly revolutionary? Does taking things too far undermine its potential to challenge societal norms and institutions?

The Danger of Shock and Provocation

The Idol is trying hard to shock and provoke its audience. However, as Vanity Fair reported, there is something “oddly prosaic” about what has been seen thus far. While there is a place for the provocation of art, at what point does it become regressive and dangerous?

Editorial: Creativity and Responsibility

As we enter an era where boundaries are being pushed in unprecedented ways, it is essential to interrogate the responsibility of artists when using provocative themes. Art must be seen as both creative and responsible in its intent and execution. The Idol might have some revolutionary potential in terms of representation, but it is crucial not to cross over into exploitation and reinforce oppressive societal norms through shock and provocation.

Advice to Artists

As artists seek to create work that challenges societal norms, it is essential to ask themselves: are they creating work that reinforces those structures they wish to challenge, or are they creating something that offers alternatives? The answer to this question will determine whether their work has true revolutionary potential.