The Lost Art of the In-Depth Interview

The rise of celebrity-on-celebrity interviews has become a staple in modern media, with many outlets opting for this approach over traditional journalism. CNN's 1 on 1 series, where CEOs interview each other, is a prime example of this trend. A spokesperson describes these conversations as "refreshingly direct", but it's unclear who benefits from this approach.

This trend is not limited to business leaders; the entertainment industry has also adopted this approach. Vogue's recent piece featuring Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour, moderated by Greta Gerwig, is an example of this. The writer, Chloe Malle, compares herself to a "court stenographer", highlighting the lack of journalistic presence in these conversations.

The History of Celebrity-on-Celebrity Interviews

This approach is not new; Interview magazine has been pairing celebrities for years. The idea is that it's more fun to have two marquee names in one article or video. However, this approach often leaves the viewer undernourished. The interviews often feel like a series of compliment trades, with the celebrities avoiding any uncomfortable topics.

Other examples of this trend include Variety's Actors on Actors series, where celebrities like Adam Sandler and Ariana Grande interview each other. While these interviews can be entertaining, they often lack depth and substance. The pairings may be inspired, but the conversations often feel superficial.

The Drawbacks of Celebrity-on-Celebrity Interviews

One of the main drawbacks of this approach is that it can feel like a way for celebrities to avoid meaningful interviews. By interviewing each other, they can control the narrative and avoid any tough questions. This approach can also lead to a lack of accountability, as celebrities are not held to the same standards as they would be in a traditional interview.

Furthermore, this trend has started to bleed into the art itself, not just the conversation surrounding it. Pop-musician biopics are often produced in highly controlled environments, and documentaries are made about celebrities by their friends. This obsequiousness can invade areas that affect people's lives, such as CEOs who employ thousands of people. The kid-gloves treatment given to these individuals can be detrimental to meaningful journalism.

Ultimately, it's not about whether an actor or musician can be coaxed into saying something interesting by a professional interviewer. It's about the importance of meaningful journalism and the need for accountability. The media should not provide a platform for celebrities to promote themselves without being held to the same standards as everyone else.