Critics at Large | The New Yorker

Episode Title: The Modern-Day Fight for Ancient Rome
Release Date: December 5, 2024

Introduction

In the recent episode of Critics at Large titled The Modern-Day Fight for Ancient Rome, The New Yorker's staff writers Naomi Fry, Alexandra Schwartz, and Vincent Kanye delve deep into the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire in contemporary culture and politics. Through a lively and analytical discussion, they explore the resurgence of Roman themes in modern media, the implications of these representations, and the broader societal reflections they provoke.

Gladiator 2: A Renaissance of Ancient Rome

Vincent Kanye initiates the conversation by highlighting his recent fascination with the Roman Empire, spurred by the release of Gladiator 2. He notes, "Stories about ancient Rome and more broadly the classical world have an interesting hold on our culture" (02:23).

Naomi Fry reminisces about her childhood favorite, the 1976 series I, Claudius, emphasizing the timeless allure of Roman narratives. She shares, "I grew up hearing stories at my grandfather's knee. He used to talk about the dream that was Rome. It was so fragile, you could only whisper it or it would vanish" (13:08).

The trio provides a synopsis of Gladiator 2, discussing its plot centered around Lucius Hano (played by Paul Mescal), a young man from Numidia fighting against the Roman Empire. They critique the film's portrayal of decadence and corruption within Rome, contrasting it with the original Gladiator film's themes of honor and revenge. Alex Schwartz bluntly states, "I didn't like it. And I say this because I love Gladiator, right? Gladiator to me, is pure cinema" (07:40).

Comparative Analysis: Gladiator vs. Gladiator 2

The discussion pivots to a comparative analysis of Gladiator (2000) and its sequel. Vincent Kanye expresses a preference for the original, appreciating its depth and emotional resonance. He remarks, "Gladiator 1 is pure cinema" (07:40).

In contrast, Alex Schwartz criticizes Gladiator 2 for its emphasis on spectacle over substance. She elaborates, "In this movie, I didn't feel that Lucius had anything really interesting going for him. It's like, yes, his wife dies... and then later, this whole other story about how he's the rightful leader of Rome. It's not canon that Lucius is Maximus' son. I don't believe it" (15:04).

The hosts discuss the thematic shifts between the two films, noting that while the original focused on personal vengeance and the restoration of a noble Rome, the sequel delves into brutality and decadence without a strong moral center. Naomi Fry adds, "I think that Gladiator 2 is a more honest movie in its complete corruption... It's in tune with the times and more honest about its impulses in ways the first movie was not" (22:35).

Ancient Rome in Modern Media

The conversation broadens to encompass various representations of ancient Rome in media. Alex Schwartz praises A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966) for its comedic take on Roman satire, highlighting its departure from the serious portrayals of the empire. She states, "It makes fun of the entire Rome thing in a way that just really tickles me" (26:13).

Naomi Fry reminisces about I, Claudius, emphasizing its intricate schemes and powerful female characters, contrasting them with the spectacle-driven narratives of modern films. She notes, "It's about intricate schemes, especially schemes by women. Women being as powerful as men and in some ways more powerful because they have to wield their power subtly" (23:57).

Vincent Kanye brings up Ben Hur (1959) as another pivotal representation, discussing its themes of leadership and power. He observes, "What Ben Hur shares with Gladiator is the idea of Rome... it's about the meaning of leadership, who gets to lead, and by what right" (29:12).

The Political Resonance of Ancient Rome

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring how ancient Rome's imagery and themes have permeated modern politics, often in problematic ways. Vincent Kanye raises concerns about the appropriation of Roman symbols by white supremacist and nationalist groups. He mentions, "There's a lot of increasingly noxious white supremacist, white nationalist rhetoric... the notion of the Roman Empire is part of our cultural heritage that maybe something like multiculturalism wants to erase" (31:18).

Alex Schwartz supports this by citing the use of Roman symbols in events like the Charlottesville rally, pointing out the blatant references to Roman aesthetics by groups like Identity Europa. She states, "There was this direct identification between the alt-right and Rome. Identity Europa... not making such a secret of where it's taking its inspiration" (32:53).

Naomi Fry touches on the classical education movement championed by figures like Ron DeSantis, critiquing its romanticized portrayal of Rome. She reflects, "The idea that men were men and they were white and they told women what to do and that was fine with everyone... the force of a rational male who will rule us all doesn't sound that great" (33:32).

Cultural Reflection and Self-Understanding

The hosts discuss how the portrayal of Rome serves as a mirror for contemporary society, reflecting both its aspirations and flaws. Alex Schwartz emphasizes the importance of reinterpreting classical narratives to avoid the pitfalls of blind imitation:

"When you see yourself reflected [in Rome], it should scare you straight. It scares me" (43:02).

Naomi Fry echoes this sentiment, highlighting how Rome's legacy can be both inspirational and cautionary:

"Rome has been a fixture in our art, especially our popular art. But lately, it's also become a fixture in our politics as well" (31:18).

The discussion underscores the duality of Rome's legacy—its representation as both a model of governance and a symbol of imperialistic domination, depending on the contemporary lens through which it is viewed.

Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of Rome

In wrapping up the episode, Alex Schwartz advocates for fresh interpretations of classical civilizations to maintain their relevance and to prevent their misuse:

"Make ancient Rome strange again. Take away the analogies. It can be in ways that are really simple" (40:02).

Vincent Kanye concurs, reflecting on the cyclical nature of history and its impact on current societal structures:

"I've been wondering why... we find ourselves doing it [returning to Roman templates]. Maybe why is it sort of this positive against, like, a reluctance to instead create new stories or something like that?" (42:44).

Naomi Fry adds a personal touch, questioning whether America’s present moment uniquely suits these reflections on empire:

"I think that America right now is a particular point that does lend itself to think specifically about Empire." (41:38).

The episode concludes with the trio acknowledging the complex relationship modern society has with its classical past, emphasizing the need for critical engagement rather than unrestrained homage.

Notable Quotes

• Alex Schwartz (07:40): "I didn't like it. And I say this because I love Gladiator, right? Gladiator to me, is pure cinema."

• Vincent Kanye (15:01): "This is why you don't like it."

• Naomi Fry (22:35): "I think that Gladiator 2 is a more honest movie in its complete corruption... It's in tune with the times and more honest about its impulses in ways the first movie was not."

• Alex Schwartz (26:13): "It makes fun of the entire Rome thing in a way that just really tickles me."

• Vincent Kanye (31:18): "There's a lot of increasingly noxious white supremacist, white nationalist rhetoric... the notion of the Roman Empire is part of our cultural heritage that maybe something like multiculturalism wants to erase."

• Naomi Fry (33:32): "The idea that men were men and they were white and they told women what to do and that was fine with everyone... the force of a rational male who will rule us all doesn't sound that great."

• Alex Schwartz (43:02): "When you see yourself reflected [in Rome], it should scare you straight. It scares me."

Final Thoughts

Critics at Large effectively navigates the intricate web of ancient Rome's portrayal in modern media and its unintended repercussions in today's political climate. By juxtaposing cinematic narratives with real-world implications, Naomi Fry, Alexandra Schwartz, and Vincent Kanye provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of why Rome continues to captivate and influence contemporary society. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities that come with historical representation and the necessity for mindful engagement with our cultural heritage.

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