A Shadow Looms Over Hollywood: Trump Declares War on Foreign Films!

A Disturbance in the Force (or the Box Office)

Hoom! A dark shadow has fallen upon the silver screen a shadow not unlike the one that crept across Mirkwood. It appears President Trump in his infinite wisdom (or perhaps influenced by a Balrog of misinformation) has declared a 100% tariff on films not forged in the fiery heart of… well Hollywood. He proclaims the American film industry is fading faster than the memory of Boromir's heroism. He believes other nations with their 'incentives' are drawing away our filmmakers like moths to a particularly enticing flame. He calls it a matter of 'National Security' and 'propaganda'. Preposterous I say! Is a well crafted tale from a distant land truly more dangerous than a horde of Orcs armed with smartphones?

One Does Not Simply Walk Into a Tariff War

Trump through the mystical medium of Truth Social (a palantír of sorts though considerably less reliable) has commanded the Department of Commerce to enact this cinematic embargo. Secretary Lutnick with a swiftness that would make even Legolas envious has declared 'We're on it!' One wonders if they have considered the consequences. This action reminiscent of the trade war with China threatens to throw the markets into disarray perhaps even ushering in a recession as dark as Mordor itself.

The Numbers Tell a Grim Tale

The production of moving pictures in Los Angeles has declined by nearly 40% over the past decade a worrisome sign indeed. While governments around the globe offer tempting 'tax credits and cash rebates' like glittering treasures in a dragon's hoard to attract filmmakers and their gold. It is as if they are trying to seize the One Ring of the global entertainment market.

Fool of a Tariff!

William Reinsch a former Commerce official and a fellow with a name as long as the bridge of Khazad dûm warns that retaliation against these tariffs would be devastating. 'The retaliation will kill our industry. We have a lot more to lose than to gain,' he says. He is correct! This is not a quest where victory is assured. This is not a quest where victory is assured.

There's Some Good in This World Mr. Frodo and It's Worth Fighting For… but is it?

One must question the logic of claiming a national security threat from foreign films. Are we to believe that a documentary about fluffy bunnies in New Zealand poses a greater threat than Sauron's armies? Or is this merely a case of misplaced priorities akin to worrying about the colour of the drapes while Mount Doom erupts? Perhaps Trump believes the movies produced elsewhere is nothing more than propaganda... but does that make American produced movies not propaganda as well? Hmmm perhaps something to consider.

Fly You Fools! (Before the Prices Go Up)

So what is to be done? Will Hollywood weather this storm or will it succumb to the shadow cast by these tariffs? Only time will tell. But for now I advise you all to stock up on popcorn and enjoy your favorite foreign films while you still can. For the age of the 100% tariff is upon us and the cinematic landscape may never be the same. And remember even in the darkest of times one must always maintain a sense of humour lest one become as grim as a Nazgûl.