The world of celebrity interviews is evolving, and Steven Spielberg's recent encounter with Rachel Abrams on the New York Times podcast, The Daily, exemplifies this shift. The interview, which has gone viral, showcases Spielberg's unique approach to promoting his film, Disclosure Day. Instead of engaging in typical press tour antics, Spielberg chose to position his new work within the context of his illustrious career, a decision that has garnered both praise and scrutiny.
The viral moment came when Abrams, seemingly in an attempt to elicit a memorable response, asked Spielberg about the texture of ET's skin. Her question, 'Was ET slimy or dry?' has sparked debate and revealed interesting insights into the nature of celebrity interviews and the public's fascination with seemingly trivial details.
Spielberg's response was both humorous and enlightening. He described ET as 'a little moist but never slimy,' explaining that ET's skin was only dry when he got sick. This clarification, while seemingly obvious to most viewers, has become a topic of discussion, highlighting the value of extracting new information from A-list celebrities.
However, the question's origin raises questions. Abrams' justification that it was in the public interest, as it had been a discussion within her social group, seems disingenuous. The fact that ET's skin is clearly pleather or pleather-adjacent, as seen throughout the film, makes the question seem unnecessary. The author argues that the question's popularity might be more about the media's desire for replicable content than genuine curiosity.
This incident underscores a broader trend in the media landscape, where the line between genuine curiosity and clickbait is often blurred. The author speculates that this might be the beginning of a new trend, with media outlets creating series like 'Famous Auteurs Answer Self-Evident Questions,' further diminishing the quality of celebrity interviews. Despite this, the author expresses hope that such absurd questions will continue to surface, providing a source of amusement and commentary on the state of media and celebrity culture.
