Pete Davidson’s Silent Treatment: The Enigma Behind His Movie-Mentioning Silence on ‘SNL’

Silence Speaks Volumes: The Enigma of Pete Davidson in “Dumb Money”

Introduction

In the midst of the ongoing actors’ and writers’ strikes, the film “Dumb Money” has struggled to find success at the box office. Despite strong reviews and positive audience reaction at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film’s lack of promotion from its star-studded cast, including Pete Davidson, Seth Rogen, Paul Dano, America Ferrera, Shailene Woodley, Nick Offerman, and Sebastian Stan, has hindered its performance. The cast’s inability to promote the film due to strike rules has left audiences in silence. However, this silence during a time of labor strikes raises important questions about the value we ascribe to labor and the moral reckoning necessary in industries that have devalued regular people for far too long.

The Stakes of the Strike

The actors’ and writers’ strikes, taking place both in Hollywood and across the country, are about more than just money. While fair wages and better contracts are important goals, the strikes are also a fight for dignity and recognition. By demanding fair treatment, workers are asserting that they deserve to be seen and heard, rather than being reduced to mere cogs in the machine of the entertainment industry. These strikes are a collective call for a moral reckoning, challenging the business practices that have enriched the few at the expense of the many.

A Moment of Labor Solidarity

The labor solidarity witnessed in Hollywood and beyond is a reflection of a broken system. Just as in the case of GameStop’s rise during the pandemic, where retail traders took on hedge funds to challenge the greed and impunity of Wall Street, workers in the entertainment industry are demanding change. The message is clear: dignity and value should not be sacrificed for the sake of profit. This movement resonates with audiences who are yearning for a system that values the contributions of regular people.

The Value of Holding On

Critics of “Dumb Money” and the movement it represents often focus on the financial losses experienced by retail traders during the GameStop phenomenon. While it is true that some traders lost money, many of them valued the movement itself more than financial gain. Their regret was not selling too late or buying too high; it was selling at all. Being part of the movement and fighting for a cause they believed in was worth more than any monetary loss. This sentiment echoes the values at stake in the entertainment industry strikes, where the price being paid is not just for a better contract, but for dignity, visibility, and transparency.

The Slow Burn of “Dumb Money”

Despite the challenges faced by “Dumb Money” due to the strikes and lack of promotion, the film continues to find an audience. Its slow burn success signifies a potential movement in the making. The resilience shown by the filmmakers during the strikes and their commitment to solidarity with the actors is a testament to their values. Although some may label the film’s performance at the box office as a failure, the filmmakers are proud of the statement they are making and the larger message of the strikes they are amplifying.

Conclusion

The silence surrounding Pete Davidson and the film “Dumb Money” during the actors’ and writers’ strikes is a powerful reflection of the larger labor movement taking place in Hollywood and beyond. It highlights the fight for dignity, recognition, and fair treatment in an industry that has undervalued its workers for far too long. Just as the GameStop phenomenon showcased the perseverance and unity of retail traders, “Dumb Money” symbolizes the struggle for change and a moral reckoning in the entertainment industry. This is not just about money; it is about the inherent value of labor and the demand for a more equitable and just system.