Recently film director Steven Spielberg and film star Meryl Steep sat down with the Hollywood Reporter to talk about their new movie, “The Post,” along with three women who were also associated with the movie. Tom Hanks, the film’s other star, was apparently busy doing something else. Spielberg and Streep exercised the privilege of old people by complaining about the state of the world, as two Hollywood liberals might in the Age of Trump. During the conversation, Spielberg offered an endearing image of himself among friends and family members outside the Hollywood bubble.

“We live in an area where we don't know a lot of red-state voters. Well, I know a lot because I have friends and family in other parts of this country, and so at dinner-table conversations outside of California, I'm completely mute or I get into these huge rows.”

You have Steven Spielberg at your dinner table, and you engage him in politics?

The thought of Uncle Steve at Thanksgiving dinner with the relatives outside of the People’s Republic of California is something that should make the beginning of a movie. Only, the crazy relation at Thanksgiving is usually depicted as a Trump-loving right winger being baited by his left-wing millennial nieces and nephews fresh from being indoctrinated on their politically correct campus.

The image of the most celebrated film director in the world fuming as his relations complain about Obama and insult Hillary is oddly endearing.

The thought is also maddening. If I had Steven Spielberg at my table the last thing I would do would be to try to engage him in politics. I would be gushing about how much I loved the "Indiana Jones" movies and how far I was moved by “Schindler’s List” and “Lincoln.” I would ask how Harrison Ford and Tom Hanks are in real life.

I might, if being bold, bring up an idea or two for a movie or TV series. Asking Steven Spielberg’s opinion about the tax reform, why Obamacare is a dumpster fire, or what should be done to ISIS is a sure fire way to ruin a family gathering.

Some advice for Spielberg

Mr. Spielberg, sir, you complain about people not listening, but you might want to indulge in the practice yourself.

For some reason, you admire Barack Obama and count both Clintons as your friends. Stop to consider why it is that a great many people hate them and view them as threats to their lives as Americans. I can assure you that it isn’t racism or sexism or a lack of appreciation for the joys of universal healthcare, something that will never afflict you because you can afford not having to go before the death panels for your knee replacement.

Consider that maybe the reason a vulgarian like Donald Trump was elected to the presidency is that people think he will be the instrument of revenge on the elites which, unfortunately, include you, sir. You are, after all, in an industry that enabled Harvey Weinstein, Roman Polanksi, and Kevin Spacey. The result of that listening, if done with earnest, will be sobering indeed.
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