Critics at Large | The New Yorker
Episode: Critics at Large Live: The Year of the Flop
Release Date: December 19, 2024

Introduction

In the December 19, 2024 episode of Critics at Large titled "The Year of the Flop," host Nomi Frye, along with co-hosts Vincent Cunningham and Alex Schwartz, delve into the concept of "flops" within the cultural landscape of the year. The discussion, conducted live at One World Trade Center, explores notable failures across various domains such as politics, film, and music, while dissecting the underlying factors that contribute to these high-profile disappointments.

Defining a Flop

Nomi Frye opens the conversation by prompting the trio to define what constitutes a "flop." Alex Schwartz emphasizes that a flop is characterized by pre-existing high expectations that ultimately lead to significant disappointment:

"A flop has to have expectations going into the flop... the flop is different than a fizzle."
(05:17)

Vincent Cunningham adds that a flop is often a public spectacle, where the failure is broadcasted and scrutinized by a large audience:

"It's got to be a loud crash, and there's got to be jackdaws in the branches being like, I told you so."
(12:57)

Examples of Flops in 2024

Political Flop: Democratic Election

Alex Schwartz identifies the Democratic election as a significant flop for 2024, highlighting the spectacle and unmet expectations surrounding political narratives:

"The flop was that tale. That tale did not make it through."
(08:11)
He critiques the portrayal of Kamala Harris, suggesting that her positioning failed to resonate with voters seeking more substantive policy answers:
"Katy Harris flopped with grace... She maintained her composure."
(08:41)

Film Flop: Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis"

Vincent Cunningham discusses Francis Ford Coppola's ambitious yet ultimately unsuccessful film "Megalopolis," detailing the film's prolonged development, excessive budgeting, and mixed critical reception:

"It sparks a round of schadenfreude... there are people waiting in the wings for you."
(12:48)
Alex Schwartz reflects on the potential for "Megalopolis" to be reconsidered as a cult classic in the future, despite its initial failure:
"This is a flop that just seems... its destiny seems to be reconsideration."
(15:35)

Music Flop: Katy Perry's "Women's World"

Nomi Frye presents Katy Perry's "Women's World" as a prominent example of a commercial failure, where the artist's attempt to craft a "female empowerment" anthem fell out of step with contemporary cultural sentiments:

"Pitchfork was like, this is the worst thing we've ever heard in our lives."
(18:45)
Alex Schwartz labels Perry's effort as a "try-hard flop," criticizing the disconnect between her presentation and audience expectations:
"It's the exact counterexample to the Francis Ford Coppola Example... is it here?"
(19:09)

The Role of Fandom and Popularity

The hosts explore how modern fandom dynamics contribute to the perception of flops. Alex Schwartz references the evolving nature of fandom, where success metrics have become quantifiable and tied to popularity contests, exacerbating the visibility of failures:

"Hip hop is enjoyed by... fans battle each other by being like, my artist sold this many."
(26:30)
Nomi Frye concurs, noting that flops now operate within a numbers game, where popularity and public perception heavily influence an artist's or project's success:
"Flops have become more kind of the currency of this."
(26:45)

The Impact of Social Media and Algorithms

Vincent Cunningham discusses the role of algorithms in amplifying the gap between cultural expectations and reality, likening the modern media landscape to a form of gambling:

"Our realities take on the texture of gambling... the flop becomes even much more visible."
(24:16)
This amplification makes flops more pronounced and publicly scrutinized, as digital platforms perpetuate constant evaluation and comparison.

The Psychology Behind Flops: Schadenfreude

The conversation touches on the human tendency to derive pleasure from others' failures, known as schadenfreude. The hosts illustrate how flops serve as communal experiences that validate observers' perceptions and bolster their own social standings:

"You feel like watching a train wreck in slow motion."
(32:59)
They highlight that flops generate a shared sense of schadenfreude among audiences, reinforcing cultural narratives and personal identities.

The Potential Upsides of Flops

Despite being perceived negatively, the hosts discuss the constructive aspects of experiencing flops. Alex Schwartz argues that flops can foster resilience and adaptability in artists, enabling them to grow and innovate despite setbacks:

"The ability to keep going... something can be on the other side."
(35:26)
Nomi Frye adds that enduring flops can lead to eventual successes, as exemplified by historical figures like Francis Ford Coppola:
"Apocalypse Now... it ended up being one of the greatest works of art."
(37:03)

Historical Comparisons

Historical examples are used to contextualize modern flops. Alex Schwartz references Herman Melville's "Moby Dick," initially a commercial failure that later achieved classic status:

"It was a novel that was a huge swing and was considered just an enormous flop and wasn't, in the end, right? In the short term, yes. In the long term, quite the opposite."
(44:04)
This comparison underscores the notion that immediate failures do not preclude long-term success and recognition.

The Culture of Self-Promotion and Pitching

The hosts critique the contemporary culture of relentless self-promotion and grandiose pitching, suggesting it may contribute to the prevalence and visibility of flops. Nomi Frye observes that excessive self-promotion can set unrealistic expectations, making any failure more pronounced:

"When you're kind of selling too hard... setting yourself up for a flop."
(40:51)
Alex Schwartz contends that while self-promotion is pervasive, the core challenge remains in creating quality work:
"You better like doing it... you better believe in what you're doing."
(41:38)

Final Thoughts

In their concluding remarks, the hosts reflect on the intrinsic link between flops and cultural evolution. Vincent Cunningham emphasizes that flops are an enduring part of the cultural fabric, embodying the American spirit of perseverance and reinvention:

"The questing spirit that exposes us to the flop... engenders sympathy."
(40:14)
Alex Schwartz reiterates the importance of resilience, suggesting that the capacity to endure and learn from failures distinguishes successful artists and creators:
"Resilience... distinguishes people who survive from people who don't."
(36:25)

Conclusion

Critics at Large Live: The Year of the Flop offers a comprehensive exploration of cultural failures in 2024, dissecting their causes, impacts, and potential benefits. Through engaging dialogue and critical analysis, Nomi Frye, Vincent Cunningham, and Alex Schwartz illuminate the multifaceted nature of flops, highlighting their role in shaping artistic resilience and cultural narratives. The episode serves as both a reflection on past missteps and a contemplation of future possibilities, urging audiences to perceive flops not merely as setbacks but as opportunities for growth and transformation.

Notable Quotes:

• "A flop has to have expectations going into the flop... the flop is different than a fizzle."
  — Alex Schwartz (05:17)

• "It's got to be a loud crash, and there's got to be jackdaws in the branches being like, I told you so."
  — Vincent Cunningham (12:57)

• "Pitchfork was like, this is the worst thing we've ever heard in our lives."
  — Nomi Frye (18:45)

• "The ability to keep going... something can be on the other side."
  — Alex Schwartz (35:26)

• "Resilience... distinguishes people who survive from people who don't."
  — Alex Schwartz (36:25)

Critics at Large continues its tradition of offering deep cultural insights, helping listeners navigate the complex landscape of modern arts and pop culture. As the New Yorker’s critics analyze the year's most significant triumphs and tribulations, this episode stands out by turning the spotlight on failure and its unexpected role in cultural progress.