Thomson blames antiheroes for Trump's rise
David Thomson argues that decades of cinematic antiheroes, from *Taxi Driver* to *The Godfather*, normalized brash individualism that later influenced politics, including Donald Trump. He rejects upda
David Thomson, the celebrated film historian and critic, has argued that the rise of screen antiheroes paved the way for the political and cultural do
Read Full Story at Hollywood Reporter →Why This Matters
The idea that culture shapes politics is rarely disputed, but Thomson’s argument crystallizes how Hollywood’s long arc of morally ambiguous protagonists—from Travis Bickle to Michael Corleone—helped normalize a world where self-interest trumps collective responsibility. His refusal to revise his *Biographical Dictionary of Film* speaks to a deeper tension: whether art should adapt to the times or remain a fixed record of its era’s moral ambiguities.
Background Context
The 1970s saw the rise of the antihero as a cinematic staple, reflecting post-Vietnam disillusionment and a rejection of traditional heroism. By the time Trump’s political ascent in 2016 drew comparisons to characters like Tony Montana, it underscored how media narratives can bleed into real-world behavior, blurring the line between fiction and reality.
What Happens Next
Thomson’s next book on Mickey Mouse suggests a pivot toward examining how nostalgia and sanitized cultural icons shape modern identity. If his thesis holds, we may see a surge in critiques of how even seemingly innocuous figures contribute to a broader cultural mythology that fuels populism and individualism.
Bigger Picture
This debate aligns with broader concerns about media’s role in democracy, where the line between entertainment and influence grows increasingly porous. As audiences demand more complex characters, creators must grapple with whether their work is reinforcing societal shifts—or merely reflecting them.
