In a pivotal moment that would soon mark a turning point in her career, Gal Gadot, the Israeli actress known for her iconic portrayal of Wonder Woman, took to social media in April 2020 with a video performance of John Lennon’s timeless classic “Imagine.” The intention behind the project was clear – to spread hope and unity during a time of unprecedented global crisis. However, a closer examination of this seemingly altruistic gesture reveals a complex web of intentions and repercussions that would ultimately redefine the contours of Gadot’s public image. As Vulture so astutely notes, this ‘Imagine’ video was, in fact, the beginning of the end for the actress’s carefully crafted persona. In this article, we will dissect the events that transpired and explore how this moment marked a significant shift in the trajectory of Gadot’s career.
The Infamous ‘Imagine’ Video: A Time Capsule of 2020
Exactly five years ago, the world united in squeamish horror against the dozen famous people who decided that the best way to deal with the rapidly worsening pandemic was to sing a John Lennon song on Instagram. Nobody wants to revisit the month of March 2020, but in honor of “Imagine”’s wood anniversary, I bravely rewatched the entire three-minute video, which, to creator Gal Gadot’s credit, is still available to view on her Instagram page.
Lest you’ve blocked this particular artifact of internet culture from your memory, it begins by Gadot sighing into her camera: “Hey guys, day six in self-quarantine, and I gotta say that these past few days got me feeling a bit philosophical.” The idea, she says, came to her after seeing a video of an Italian man playing “Imagine” on his balcony. “Doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, we’re all in this together,” she says before celebrities ranging from Zoë Kravitz to Mark Ruffalo break into stilted, broken song.
Gal Gadot’s Ambition and Aftermath
The Birth of a Fad: Gal Gadot’s Initial Idea and Execution
It’s still an excruciating watch, not least because of the hindsight that comes from knowing how much worse everything ultimately got. But despite the immediate, visceral backlash it received — for its smarm, for its tone-deafness, both literally and metaphorically, for its fundamental emptiness (what’s the point of rich people making it about themselves if they’re not contributing any money to solving the problem?) — there are some redemptive moments: James Marsden reminds us that he does in fact have a great voice. Sia and Leslie Odom Jr. really go for it in a way you sort of have to commend. Pedro Pascal is … there?
The Immediate Backlash: Celebrities Singing in Sorrow
More than anything, though, the video is cringey not only because of its vacuity but because it recalls a distinctly 2010s era of social media, one when famous people simply being in the same room together was cause for universal applause.
A Cringeworthy Legacy: ‘Imagine’ as a Representation of 2020
Consider Ellen DeGeneres’s star-studded 2014 Oscars selfie, which became the most reposted tweet in history despite being an ad for Samsung and was met with squeals of delight from the rest of the internet. There was still an element of novelty in celebrities coming together to show their “normal” side on Instagram and Twitter while simultaneously endearing themselves to audiences who found them more relatable than ever.
The 2010s Era of Social Media
Ellen’s Oscars Selfie: The Pinnacle of Celebrity Congregation
That 2010s optimism continued past the 2016 election, when Hollywood’s A-list coalesced around preventing Trump from taking office, appeared at protests, and, most famously, popularized the Me Too movement.
Hollywood’s Response to the 2016 Election: A Shift in Narrative
Something changed the same month “Imagine” was released. Though more of us were spending our entire lives online than ever, just posting — it became clear — wasn’t enough.
Me Too Movement and the ‘Imagine’ Video’s Misguided Optimism
A few months later, when white celebrities and regular folks alike tried to express their support for Black Lives Matter in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, the deluge of blank black Instagram squares was almost immediately recognized as detrimental to the original cause, and the cutesy infographics and social-justice slideshows being shared en masse were criticized for the same reasons “Imagine” was.
The Shift in Public Perception
Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that, in the five years since, disdain for celebrities — at least the traditional Hollywood class — has increased alongside a deep sense of nihilism over an individual’s power to resist the forces of technocracy or authoritarianism. Famous people have been notoriously quiet since Trump’s reelection, and no similar celebrity-led posting strategy emerged during the California wildfires or DOGE’s torpedoing of the federal government.
Some who have spoken out on behalf of Palestinians have been fired or lost work. Even when celebs have attempted to influence elections, such as the many who stumped for the Harris campaign, it hasn’t resulted in much: At this year’s Golden Globes, Nikki Glaser joked, “You’re all so famous, so talented, so powerful. I mean, you could really do anything — except tell the country what to do.”
The Empty Symbolism of ‘Imagine’ and Its Disconnect from Reality
The infamous ‘Imagine’ video, created by Gal Gadot, is a prime example of empty symbolism in the face of adversity. The video, which featured a dozen famous people singing John Lennon’s iconic song, was met with immediate backlash for its tone-deafness and fundamental emptiness. The video’s message of unity and togetherness rang hollow, especially considering the fact that the celebrities involved were not contributing any money to solve the problem they were singing about.
The ‘Imagine’ video represents a distinctly 2010s era of social media, where famous people being in the same room together was cause for universal applause. This era of optimism continued past the 2016 election, with Hollywood’s A-list coalescing around preventing Trump from taking office and popularizing the Me Too movement. However, something changed the same month ‘Imagine’ was released, and the video’s failure marked a shift towards a more critical view of celebrity activism.
A Shift from Participation to Silence: Celebrities in the Post-Trump Era
The ‘Imagine’ video’s failure marked a turning point in the way celebrities approach social activism. In the months that followed, the Black Lives Matter movement highlighted the limitations of social media activism, with critics arguing that simply posting about the issue was not enough. The subsequent backlash against celebrities who attempted to express their support for the movement marked a shift towards a more nuanced understanding of the role of celebrities in social activism.
In the years since, famous people have been notoriously quiet on issues such as the California wildfires and the federal government’s response to DOGE. This silence is a far cry from the optimism and activism of the 2010s, and suggests a deep-seated disillusionment with the power of celebrity influence.
The Limits of Social Media Activism: A Lesson Learned from ‘Imagine’
The ‘Imagine’ video’s failure serves as a lesson in the limitations of social media activism. The video’s empty symbolism and lack of tangible action highlighted the dangers of groupthink in social media activism, where people are more concerned with appearing to care than actually making a difference.
The video’s failure also highlights the changing role of celebrities in modern society. In the 2010s, celebrities were seen as leaders and influencers, capable of shaping public opinion and driving social change. However, the ‘Imagine’ video’s failure suggests that this influence is waning, and that celebrities are no longer seen as trusted voices in social activism.
Implications and Lessons Learned
The Futility of Empty Symbolism in the Face of Adversity
The ‘Imagine’ video’s failure serves as a stark reminder of the futility of empty symbolism in the face of adversity. The video’s message of unity and togetherness rang hollow, and its lack of tangible action highlighted the dangers of relying on symbolism over substance.
The Dangers of Groupthink in Social Media Activism
The ‘Imagine’ video’s failure also highlights the dangers of groupthink in social media activism. The video’s empty symbolism and lack of tangible action were masked by the appearance of unity and togetherness, highlighting the dangers of prioritizing appearance over action.
The Changing Role of Celebrities in Modern Society
The ‘Imagine’ video’s failure suggests a changing role for celebrities in modern society. In the 2010s, celebrities were seen as leaders and influencers, capable of shaping public opinion and driving social change. However, the video’s failure suggests that this influence is waning, and that celebrities are no longer seen as trusted voices in social activism.
The Era of Nihilism and Technocracy
A Growing Disdain for Celebrities and Their Influence
The ‘Imagine’ video’s failure marks a growing disdain for celebrities and their influence. In the years since, famous people have been notoriously quiet on issues such as the California wildfires and the federal government’s response to DOGE. This silence is a far cry from the optimism and activism of the 2010s, and suggests a deep-seated disillusionment with the power of celebrity influence.
The Perception of Powerlessness in the Face of Technocracy
The ‘Imagine’ video’s failure also highlights a growing perception of powerlessness in the face of technocracy. The video’s empty symbolism and lack of tangible action were a stark reminder of the limitations of individual action in the face of systemic problems.
The California Wildfires and the Federal Government: A Study in Silence
The California wildfires and the federal government’s response to DOGE serve as a stark reminder of the limitations of celebrity influence. Despite the efforts of some celebrities to raise awareness and funds, the response to the wildfires was marked by a sense of powerlessness and disillusionment.
Conclusion
In the article “Gal Gadot’s ‘Imagine’ Video Was the Beginning of the End” for Vulture, we explored the pivotal moment when Gal Gadot’s rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” became a symbol of both unity and division during the COVID-19 pandemic. The piece argued that this seemingly innocuous video marked a turning point in the public’s perception of celebrity involvement in politics, with many beginning to question the motivations and authenticity of high-profile endorsements. Key points discussed included the video’s initial intention to promote unity and solidarity, the swift backlash from those who felt Gadot’s involvement was tone-deaf and privileged, and the lasting impact on the public’s perception of celebrity activism.
The significance of this event cannot be overstated, as it highlighted the complex and often fraught relationship between celebrities, politics, and social justice. The implications of this moment are far-reaching, with many questioning the role of celebrities in driving social change and the potential consequences of their involvement. As we move forward, it is likely that we will see a continued shift in the way celebrities engage with politics, with some opting for more private and low-key involvement, while others will continue to use their platforms to speak out.
As we reflect on Gal Gadot’s “Imagine” video, we are reminded that even the most well-intentioned actions can have unintended consequences. In the end, this moment serves as a powerful reminder that the line between unity and division is often thin, and that our words and actions can have a profound impact on the world around us. With this in mind, we must consider the significance of our own actions and words, and the role we play in shaping the world we live in.