Critics at Large | The New Yorker

In the weeks since George Santos was expelled from Congress, his story has been funnelled straight into the entertainment pipeline, from a memorable sketch on “Saturday Night Live” and reports of a film in the works at HBO to his own exploits on Cameo, where he’s charging five hundred dollars apiece for personalized video messages. On this episode of Critics at Large, the staff writers Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz assess why Santos’s story resonates with audiences, and the enduring appeal of the scammer narrative, from Herman Melville’s “The Confidence-Man” to Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man.” Scammers embody—and exploit—a central tenet of the American Dream: the promise of a brighter future awaiting those audacious enough to reach for it. But their stories can also expose the weaknesses at the heart of our institutions. Why, then, do we keep coming back for more? “The level of enjoyment that we gain from these depictions of scams doesn’t mean that the critique isn’t there,” Fry says. “It’s almost like we as audiences are also begging, ‘Please make this fun for us.’ ”Read, watch, and listen with the critics:“Every Day’s a Holiday” (1937)“Inventing Anna” (2022)“Telemarketers” (2023)“The Confidence-Man,” by Herman Melville“The Dropout” (2022)“The Fabulist,” by Mark Chiusano“The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley” (2019)“The Music Man” (1957)“The Postman Always Rings Twice” (1946)The “Simpsons” episode “Marge vs. the Monorail” (1993)“The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013)“Trafficked With Mariana van Zeller” (2020 – present)New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow Critics at Large wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Hayao Miyazaki, renowned animator and director, is discussed by critics in this episode. They explore themes from his films including bittersweet depictions of childhood, technology's allure and danger, and the philosophical underpinnings of his latest semi-autobiographical work. The hosts also discuss Miyazaki's ability to convey realistic horrors and historical context, the ecological themes in 'The Boy and the Heron,' and the resilience of children in facing challenges.

The hosts discuss their favorite period dramas, including 'Little Women' and 'Bright Star', and how the genre is changing. They explore the allure and visual spectacle of period dramas, as well as the clash between ideals and realities. They also examine the shift in period dramas towards incorporating contemporary elements and exploring racial aspects. Lastly, they explore the rise of modern period dramas and speculate on the future of the genre.

Samantha Irby’s latest essay collection, “Quietly Hostile,” cemented her place as one of the great professionally funny people working today. Her books and her writing for such TV shows as “Shrill” and “Tuca & Bertie” are distinguished by a no-holds-barred, raunchy, often scatological brand of humor and a willingness to poke fun at just about anything—including herself. In a live taping of Critics at Large at this year’s New Yorker Festival, the staff writers Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz sat down with Irby to unpack her approach. They discussed humor as a coping mechanism; her work on the “Sex and the City” reboot, “And Just Like That . . .,” and the ensuing backlash; and how the Internet has transformed the comedy landscape. “What people enjoy is so varied,” Irby says. “The future is you finding very specific things that delight you, and having them readily available.”New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow Critics at Large wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The podcast discusses the new spinoff show 'The Golden Bachelor' which challenges the tropes of 'The Bachelor' franchise. It explores the portrayal of sex and romance in older age, including Philip Roth's work and HBO's 'And Just Like That . . .'. The hosts reflect on how shows like 'The Bachelor' have influenced our perception of love stories and aging. They also discuss the future of dating in a changing society and analyze the conventions of reality TV romance and its influence on attraction.

Hannah Goldfield, a New Yorker staff writer, joins the hosts to discuss the influence of TikTok on dining, the scarcity of reservations, and a documentary about a Michelin-starred French restaurant. They explore the balance between art and the dining experience, and the importance of feeling welcomed when dining out.

Britney Spears, pop star who rose to fame in the early 2000s, discusses her new memoir detailing the horror story of her life, including her struggles with mental health. The podcast hosts explore the broader context of celebrity memoirs and how they contribute to the overarching narrative of a celebrity's life. They also discuss the responsibility of readers and the desire for redemption in these stories.

Martin Scorsese, renowned filmmaker, discusses his new film 'Killers of the Flower Moon' with the staff writers of The New Yorker. They explore Scorsese's style throughout his career and the portrayal of violence, greed, and corruption in his movies. They also delve into the question of ownership and representation, particularly in relation to the Osage people. The chapter analyzes the relationships and love portrayed in the film, and the complexity of incorporating real-life experiences and communities. The hosts express their admiration for Scorsese's work and believe the conversation surrounding him is far from over.

The podcast explores the significance of heterosexual relationships in film and art as platforms for examining power dynamics and gender roles. They discuss two new films where the woman holds the power and delve into the troubling trope of the 'good bad man'. The hosts analyze the character of Luke in the movie 'Fair Play' and debate the impact of imbalance and power dynamics within couples. They also explore the TikTok trend of the trad wife and discuss unequal assumptions in society. Additionally, they analyze power dynamics and conflicts in straight couples on TV, focusing on themes of sexual impotence and kink.

Renowned spy novelist John le Carré is the focus of this entertaining podcast where the hosts explore his life and works. They discuss his influence on the spy genre, delve into themes of intimacy and romance in spy novels, and contrast the characters of James Bond and George Smiley. They also touch on the future of spy novels in a changing geopolitical landscape.