Critics at Large | The New Yorker

Explore the enchanting realms created by Hayao Miyazaki, where childhood meets bittersweet reality. His films reveal deep themes of loss, transformation, and the complexities of growing up amidst the backdrop of history and war. Delve into 'The Boy and the Heron,' a tale of grief and resilience, highlighting the interplay of beauty and darkness. Discover the influence of Miyazaki on animated storytelling and how childhood autonomy is mirrored in his masterpieces. Join a discussion that celebrates creativity, responsibility, and the philosophical questions of life.

The hosts dive into a whirlwind of high-profile failures, from Coppola's costly flop "Megalopolis" to Kamala Harris's political missteps. They explore the fickle nature of celebrity fame and how social media affects success perceptions. Discussions about artistic flops reveal how failures can spark cultural dialogues and fan reactions while also highlighting the emotional turmoil artists face. The conversation embraces the idea that failure may lead to creativity and growth, turning disappointments into transformative opportunities.

Explore the evolving landscape of the American musical as the hosts dissect the cultural reverberations of 'Wicked' and its impact on audiences in 2024. They delve into the challenges of originality amidst a sea of jukebox musicals, while examining emotional complexity in musical narratives. The discussion also touches on the intricate relationships within 'Wicked,' alongside critiques of recent adaptations like 'Joker: Folie à Deux.' Reflecting on the historical evolution of musicals, they consider how heightened emotions and storytelling intertwine in this artistic form.

Explore the enduring legacy of ancient Rome in modern cinema through the lens of Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator II.' The conversation highlights how iconic films encapsulate themes of power, decadence, and authority. Discover the nuanced critiques of character development in Roman portrayals and the societal implications tied to these narratives. The lively discussion also addresses the manipulation of Rome's legacy by contemporary ideologies, raising important questions about identity and historical interpretation in today's world.

A documentary series sheds light on L.A. teens' digital lives post-pandemic, revealing how social media reshapes their identities. The discussion ties in historical moral panics around youth culture, from rock and roll to modern technology fears. Insights into rising mental health issues among teens due to screen time raise serious concerns. The hosts ponder how adult anxieties mirror those of the past while questioning the role of tech companies in this ongoing crisis. Amid these challenges, there's hope found in creative youth pursuits.

Art provides much-needed comfort during distressing times, serving as an escape from political turmoil. The conversation explores how genres like 'romantasy' and 'cozy thrillers' have gained popularity as soothing options. While seeking solace in entertainment can offer sustenance, there’s a fine line between comfort and complacency. The speakers emphasize the importance of balancing enjoyment with critical engagement, advocating for art's role in fostering empathy and societal awareness.

Julio Torres, the comedic genius known for his surreal humor and work on "Los Espookys," shares his unique perspective on creativity and immigration. He discusses the struggle of navigating bureaucratic systems through the lens of absurdity in his film "Problemista" and HBO series "Fantasmas." The lively conversation highlights the balance of imagination and reality, revealing how surreal comedy can shed light on grim circumstances. Torres also reflects on his cultural influences, showcasing how personal narratives intertwine with humor.

The podcast dives into the evolving nature of advice-giving, from classic columns to today's social media influencers. Hosts tackle cultural dilemmas, reflecting on literature's emotional depth, exploring relationships, and the complexities of modern adulthood. They examine the challenges of motherhood intertwined with artistic expression and assess the impact of moral ethics in diverse lifestyles. Historical insights, like MLK's perspectives, add depth to the discussion, while listener interactions enrich their analysis of navigating contemporary advice.

A new film explores Donald Trump's early life under the influence of Roy Cohn, raising questions about villainy in storytelling. The hosts dissect the appeal of humanizing figures like Trump, examining familial influences and media portrayals. They delve into the moral implications of empathizing with such characters, contrasting modern antiheroes with classical narratives. This conversation sheds light on how origin stories shape our understanding of controversial figures and their legacies in contemporary politics.

Dive into the darkly comedic world of body horror, where aging and perfection collide. A new narrative uncovers the societal obsession with youth through the lens of films like 'The Substance.' The haunting consequences of body modification and the haunting visuals of transformation raise questions about identity. Amidst the grotesque, discussions also challenge beauty standards driven by social media. As hosts dissect the horrors of societal pressure, they ponder how we can find peace in our ever-changing exteriors.