How the Celebrity World is Changing

I’ve watched Joseph Gordon-Levitt evolve greatly from his role of Tom on Third Rock From the Sun to one of the leading men in the Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises, where he plays opposite Christian Bale (aka Batman).

I like Gordon-Levitt. A lot. He is the essential anti-celebrity – the kind who would cringe at even being called a “celebrity,” and not because he portrays false modesty, but because he hates the whole concept of holding people on pedestals just because of their professions.

"I really don't like this notion that some people are more important than other people. These stories about these elevated people called 'celebrities' teaches you that what you have to say doesn't matter. It's degrading," Gordon-Levitt told GQ magazine in its upcoming August edition.

Gordon-Levitt feels safe in saying this, as he firmly believes the whole dance of fawning over every single detail of a celebrity’s life is coming to an end – rapidly. As the social media world expands, stars have multiple ways to get in touch with their fans personally, speaking directly to them and sharing what they want.

"The entertainment business as it has been is not going to be around that much longer,” Gordon-Levitt told GQ confidently. “The way it's going is, there's going to be artists, and they'll make their shit, and they'll connect to their audience, and you don't need any of the middlemen—the studios or the agents."

Famed director Christopher Nolan, who handpicked Levitt for his latest film, The Dark Knight Rises, had this to say about the 31-year-old actor: “He has a tremendous charisma and that incredible kind of positivity that can't be faked.” Which makes him perfect, of course, for Commissioner Gordon's protégé. “We really needed somebody with a sense of idealism to contrast with Gordon's weariness. I thought of Joe first and foremost.”

Gordon-Levitt plays John Blake, a Gotham City beat cop assigned to special duty under the command of Commissioner Gordon.

In a separate interview, Gordon-Levitt shared his belief in people to shed the expectations of others and live the way they feel is right in order to be successful. It sure seems to be working for him.

“On some level, we as human beings can be who we want to be,” Gordon-Levitt said. “Our identity and our nature can be in our contro…We have the power to be who we want to be, whoever that is.”

The Dark Knight Rises hit theaters on July 20. Gordon-Levitt’s full interview with GQ can be read in the magazine’s August edition. You’ll recognize it because he’s also on the cover, looking dapper in a three-piece suit.