Critics at Large | The New Yorker: "The Season for Obsessions" Summary

Release Date: May 22, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Season for Obsessions," hosts Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz delve into the phenomenon of summer obsessions. They explore how the balmy months amplify our engagement with various forms of art and culture, leading to deep, personal, and sometimes collective fixations. The episode weaves together listener voicemails, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions to unravel the intricate relationship between summer and our passionate engagements.

Defining Summer Obsessions

The hosts begin by reflecting on what defines the start of summer, humorously noting unconventional markers like Justin Timberlake’s DUI incident (00:14). They set the stage for the episode by emphasizing how summer uniquely fosters intense engagement with books, movies, music, and other cultural artifacts.

Key Quote:

Naomi: “This summer definitely started with Justin Timberlake getting a DUI in the Hamptons.” [00:14]

Listener Voicemails on Summer Obsessions

The episode features several listener voicemails, each highlighting unique summer obsessions that range from pop culture phenomena to deeply personal experiences.

1. Christian Slater and "Pump Up the Volume"

   • Speaker: Listener Nomi (Voicemail) [05:03]
   • Summary: Nomi recalls her teenage obsession with Christian Slater's controversial roles, particularly "Pump Up the Volume." She shares memories of clandestine movie viewings and the rebellious allure Slater embodied.
   • Quote:

     Nomi: “He was a bit of a bad boy. I could not identify more.” [07:06]

2. GoldenEye 007 Video Game

   • Speaker: Listener Vincent (Voicemail) [13:20]
   • Summary: A nostalgic look back at the "GoldenEye 007" video game for Nintendo 64, emphasizing its role in childhood friendships and competitive play.
   • Quote:

     Vincent: “Being good at GoldenEye was a mark. It was almost as important as sports.” [14:03]

3. Baz Luhrmann's Elvis Biopic

   • Speaker: Isabel from Bogotá, Colombia (Voicemail) [15:21]
   • Summary: Isabel discusses her profound connection with Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis" after her father's passing, highlighting how the film served as a coping mechanism during her grief.
   • Quote:

     Isabel: “It was a distraction for grief as well as a way I learned how to cope with my grief.” [16:27]

4. Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan Novels

   • Speaker: Listener [19:50]
   • Summary: A reflection on Ferrante's novels during the pandemic, illustrating how literature provided a sense of connection and understanding of complex friendships.
   • Quote:

     Nomi: “It's about friends, the good and the bad.” [19:50]

5. Led Zeppelin’s "Ramble On" and Hurricane Katrina

   • Speaker: Nomi [20:12]
   • Summary: Nomi recounts how a Led Zeppelin song embodied her summer in New Orleans, culminating in the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and its profound impact on her life.
   • Quote:

     Nomi: “I have to ramble on.” [21:38]

6. Pirates of the Caribbean

   • Speaker: Sasha from Auckland, New Zealand (Voicemail) [41:51]
   • Summary: Sasha and her friend’s obsessive engagement with "Pirates of the Caribbean," culminating in an impromptu reenactment of the film during a power outage.
   • Quote:

     Sasha: “We just got up to the front of the movie theater and started to do the rest of the movie ourselves.” [42:31]

7. Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged"

   • Speaker: Listener Alex [38:34]
   • Summary: Alex shares her teenage obsession with "Atlas Shrugged," exploring how the book influenced her self-directed reading journey despite later diverging political views.
   • Quote:

     Alex: “Reading errors are crucial.” [40:39]

Personal Obsessions of Hosts

Each host shares their own summer obsessions, providing a personal lens to the broader theme.

1. Naomi on Jim Morrison and The Doors

   • Timestamp: [28:51]
   • Summary: Naomi reveals her enduring obsession with Jim Morrison and The Doors, describing a poignant moment visiting Morrison’s grave in Paris and the lasting emotional impact of his music.
   • Quote:

     Nomi: “I was very much enamored with Jim Morrison himself, who was a magnetic lizard king riding the snake.” [29:48]

2. Vinson on Brandi’s "Never Say Never"

   • Timestamp: [25:58]
   • Summary: Vinson discusses his summer camp experience and his deep connection with Brandi’s album "Never Say Never." He highlights how music, particularly Brandi's vocals, provided solace and a sense of identity during his formative years.
   • Quote:

     Vincent: “Listening to the sweet sounds of Brandi Norwal was my way of reconnecting.” [27:21]

3. Alex on Martin Scorsese's "The Last Waltz"

   • Timestamp: [34:11]
   • Summary: Alex shares her obsession with "The Last Waltz," Martin Scorsese’s documentary on The Band’s final performance. She reflects on its emotional resonance and its role in her transition from adolescence to adulthood.
   • Quote:

     Alex: “The Last Waltz is about saying goodbye to something. It’s about ending this period of youth.” [34:48]

Discussion on the Nature of Obsessions

The hosts transition into a deep discussion about what makes summer a fertile ground for obsessions, exploring both personal and cultural dimensions.

• Cultural vs. Personal Impact:

  • Naomi emphasizes how cultural artifacts can profoundly shape individual lives, noting that certain works leave an indelible mark that defines personal identity.
  • Quote:

    Nomi: “Culture can really change a life and affect a life deeply in ways where you're just not the same after encountering a particular text.” [43:11]

• Shared and Private Obsessions:

  • The conversation highlights the balance between private, individual fixations and shared, collective experiences. They discuss how some obsessions are intensely personal, while others bring people together, fostering a sense of community.
  • Quote:

    Vincent: “Obsession is a mark. It’s like a parallel universe where you have your own journey.” [General understanding]

• Obsession and Personal Growth:

  • The hosts explore how obsessions contribute to self-discovery and personal evolution. They discuss the idea that engaging deeply with a cultural work can lead to profound self-reflection and growth.
  • Quote:

    Vincent: “They set you on a trajectory where you could learn something else and change yourself.” [48:19]

• The Influence of the Internet:

  • Alex raises concerns about how the internet shapes modern obsessions, making it easier to find niche interests but also exposing individuals to externally imposed trends.
  • Quote:

    Alex: “The internet... sometimes trends are basically foisted upon us.” [46:43]

• Self-Directed vs. Algorithm-Driven Obsessions:

  • Vinson cautions listeners to remain vigilant in ensuring their obsessions are self-directed rather than driven by algorithms and external pressures.
  • Quote:

    Vincent: “You have to look around with a certain level of paranoia to be like, am I sure this was me?” [47:57]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on the sacred intersection where cultural and personal obsessions meet. They underscore the lasting impact that summer fixations can have on individuals, shaping identities and memories. The conversation also touches on the dual nature of obsessions as both affirming and transformative experiences.

Key Quote:

Alex: “When you are younger, you are more open... When you find something that commands your attention, that is the deepest pleasure.” [47:13-48:19]

Final Thoughts: The hosts express gratitude to their listeners for sharing their voicemails and encourage future engagement, hinting at potential deep dives into specific obsessions in upcoming episodes.

Behind the Scenes and Production Notes

The episode is produced by Rhiannon Corby, with Alex Barish serving as consulting editor. Executive production is handled by Stephen Valentino, and the theme music is composed by Alexis Quadrato. Special thanks are given to engineers James Yost and Mike Kutchman for their mixing expertise.

Advertising Note: The transcript includes advertisements for Progressive Insurance, LinkedIn Ads, and Quince, which are omitted from this summary as per instructions.

Connecting with Critics at Large

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the show by submitting ideas for future episodes via email. The episode underscores the profound connection between cultural works and personal identity, making it a compelling listen for those interested in the depths of cultural criticism and personal narratives.