Laura Miller, Slate's books and culture columnist, steps in to discuss Netflix's 'KAOS,' where Jeff Goldblum hilariously reimagines Zeus in a modern setting. The panel critiques the show’s storytelling, balancing humor with potential pitfalls in character development. They then dive into Victor Erice's 'Close Your Eyes,' a poignant exploration of art and identity after a long hiatus. Finally, they tackle the frustrations surrounding music streaming services like Spotify, debating whether they enhance or stifle musical exploration.
The Netflix series KAOS features Jeff Goldblum's engaging portrayal of Zeus, intertwining modern themes with classic Greek mythology.
Victor Erice's film Close Your Eyes serves as a profound exploration of identity and the passage of time through its narrative and casting.
The podcast critiques Spotify's algorithm, suggesting it may hinder musical exploration and diminish the authenticity of listeners' experiences.
Deep dives
Chaos: A Modern Take on Greek Myths
The podcast discusses a new Netflix series called Chaos, which is a humorous reinterpretation of Greek myths set in a contemporary framework. The show features Jeff Goldblum as Zeus, portrayed as a flawed and egotistical character struggling with insecurity and the threat of aging. The narrative intricately blends ancient tales, like that of Orpheus and Eurydice, with modern elements such as technology and pop culture. The creative approach allows familiar stories to resonate with today’s audience while adding comedic and political undertones.
Casting and Character Dynamics
The casting choices in Chaos received praise, particularly Jeff Goldblum's role as Zeus, which many consider a standout performance that drives the show. The character of Hera, played by Janet McTeer, is highlighted for her complexity as a long-suffering wife who navigates Zeus's infidelities. Additionally, the podcast emphasizes the emotional depth of the relationship between Orpheus and Eurydice, exploring themes of love, dependency, and personal agency in a modern context. This dynamic is depicted poignantly, showcasing the struggles that arise when feelings change over time.
Narrative and World-Building Challenges
The discussion highlights concerns regarding the coherence of world-building in Chaos, particularly how the show portrays the Greek underworld and its rules. Critics noted that the depiction of the afterlife seemed muddled, misrepresenting traditional Greek views and instead leaning more towards a Judeo-Christian perspective. This lack of clarity regarding the mythological framework detracted from the show's overall impact, leading some viewers to feel frustrated. Furthermore, inconsistencies in character motivations and plot developments contributed to a sense of diminishing returns as the season progressed.
Victor Erice's Return: Close Your Eyes
The conversation transitions to Victor Erice's film Close Your Eyes, marking the director's return to feature filmmaking after decades. This film is characterized as a meditation on identity and the passage of time, focusing on a writer investigating the disappearance of his lead actor. The casting of Anna Torrent, a child star from Erice's earlier work Spirit of the Beehive, adds a layer of emotional depth that resonates with viewers familiar with his cinematic history. The film uses patient storytelling and profound themes to explore how personal narratives dictate identity, ultimately posing questions about art and its value over time.
The Impact of Streaming Algorithms
The podcast concludes with a critical discussion surrounding music streaming services, particularly Spotify, and their impact on listeners' musical experiences. The host and guests express concerns that algorithms designed to recommend music may actually limit listeners' curiosity and diversity in musical tastes. Anecdotes illustrate how listeners often find it challenging to discover new and eclectic music among the overwhelming abundance of content. The conversation seeks to understand the broader implications of such platforms on music culture, including questions about the authenticity and artistic integrity in an algorithm-driven landscape.
On this week’s show, Slate’s books and culture columnist, Laura Miller, sits in for Julia. The panel begins with KAOS, Netflix’s new series that reimagines Greek mythology in modern times. Created by Charlie Covell (End of the F***ing World), KAOS stars Jeff Goldblum as Zeus, alongside a host of excellently cast deities. But is the show too self-satisfied and high off its own supply? The three investigate. Then, they dive into Close Your Eyes, a Spanish film made by Victor Erice (The Spirit of the Beehive). After 30 years away from the medium, the filmmaker returns with a beautiful meditation on the nature of art and identity. Finally, the hosts contemplate Spotify: is the streaming service a glorious cornucopia or the algorithm that ate your music? This conversation is inspired by this essay by Tiffany Ng for the MIT Technology Review: “How to break free of Spotify’s algorithm.”
In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel hacks productivity, inspired by a recent episode of Vergecast, “What’s in a productivity system?”
Laura: Entitlement by Rumaan Alam, a novel that’s to be published soon.
Steve: “Never Going Back Again,” a song off of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album, performed by Lindsey Buckingham. Steve’s currently learning to play it on the guitar, which gave him a newfound appreciation of the song itself. Make sure to check out Buckingham’s performance at USC.
Podcast production by Jared Downing. Production assistance by Kat Hong.
