Critics at Large | The New Yorker
Episode: “The Studio” Pokes Fun at Hollywood’s Existential Struggle
Release Date: April 10, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Critics at Large, Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alex Schwartz delve into the intricate balance between artistic integrity and commercial demands within Hollywood, using Apple TV’s new series "The Studio" as their focal point. They explore how the show satirizes the perpetual tug-of-war between creating meaningful art and producing commercially viable content.

Overview of "The Studio"

"The Studio" centers on Seth Rogen’s character, Matt Remick, a well-meaning yet somewhat inept studio executive striving to produce quality films while navigating the pressures of corporate expectations. The hosts discuss how Remick embodies a rare executive who genuinely values artistic expression over mere profit, creating a satirical portrayal of Hollywood's often cutthroat environment.

Notable Quote:

Nomi Fry [01:07]: "I'm talking, of course, about the tension between, on the one hand, great art and on the other hand, commerce."

Character Analysis and Themes

Matt Remick is depicted as an idealistic executive who clashes with both the artists seeking creative freedom and the studio’s commercial demands. This unique positioning makes him a satirical figure, highlighting the absurdity and challenges of maintaining artistic vision within a profit-driven industry.

Notable Quotes:

Alex Schwartz [03:10]: "Matt Remick...positions himself as an executive on the side of the artist that he legitimately believes in."

Vincent Cunningham [17:47]: "I think he's a loser."

Comparisons to Other Works

The hosts draw parallels between "The Studio" and other cultural pieces that explore similar themes:

• "Veep": Both shows feature hapless protagonists navigating complex systems, but while "Veep" portrays a cynical environment, "The Studio" introduces a character who remains optimistic amidst chaos.

• "The Player" (1992): They compare "The Studio" to Robert Altman’s film, noting similarities in depicting studio executives grappling with creative and commercial pressures.

• Pat Hobby Stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald: These stories illustrate the futile struggles of a screenwriter within Hollywood’s machinery, echoing "The Studio"’s themes of artistic struggle against commercial forces.

Notable Quote:

Alex Schwartz [07:18]: "They're both about big systems at work that the public is the result of."

Current Crisis in Hollywood

The discussion shifts to the present state of Hollywood, emphasizing the multifaceted crisis the industry faces:

• Declining Production in Los Angeles: Referencing Winston Cho’s article, they highlight how productions are moving out of LA due to lack of tax incentives and increasing competition from global markets.

• Shift Toward IP-Driven Content: The success of high-budget, commercially driven films like the "Minecraft" movie contrasts sharply with auteur-driven projects, reflecting a broader industry trend prioritizing proven IP over artistic experimentation.

• Impact of Strikes and External Factors: The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with recent writers’ and actors’ strikes, have exacerbated Hollywood’s struggles, leading to tighter budgets and increased caution in project approvals.

Notable Quotes:

Alex Schwartz [35:35]: "The U.S. meanwhile saw a 35% decline [in live-action scripted titles]."

Nomi Fry [37:58]: "Nobody wants to take a chance on anything that's even slightly kind of unproven."

Art vs. Commerce: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

The hosts explore how the art versus commerce debate has evolved over time:

• Classic Era: The studio system once held immense control, often stifling individual creativity in favor of profitable projects.

• New Hollywood (1970s): A shift where young auteurs began to assert more creative freedom, leading to groundbreaking films despite commercial risks.

• Modern Era: Today’s landscape is marked by a resurgence of IP-driven films alongside a struggling auteur movement, creating a polarized industry environment.

Notable Quotes:

Alex Schwartz [31:19]: "Shakespeare had to sell tickets. He was out there to get butts in seats. Virgil had a patron."

Insights and Conclusions

Despite the bleak outlook, the hosts find glimmers of hope in the persistence of creative individuals within the industry:

• Seth Rogen’s Role: Rogen’s portrayal of Matt Remick serves as a beacon for those hoping that seasoned Hollywood executives can still champion artistic endeavors.

• Independent Studios: The rise of indie studios like A24 symbolizes a potential path forward, where niche markets and targeted audiences can sustain artistic films outside the traditional studio system.

• Future Prospects: The anticipation surrounding upcoming auteur projects, such as Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film and Christopher Nolan’s "The Odyssey," suggests that there remains a dedicated space for art within Hollywood.

Notable Quotes:

Vincent Cunningham [43:22]: "As much as I love a newcomer, I wonder if now is the time for people who are seasoned in the way of Hollywood to really think about how it can be angled toward making art."

Alex Schwartz [44:55]: "I'm just out there to see what's coming, guys. I'm just along for the ride, as always."

Conclusion

"The Studio" serves as a timely reflection on Hollywood's ongoing struggle to balance artistic integrity with commercial success. Critics at Large effectively uses the series to explore these enduring tensions, drawing connections to historical precedents and current industry challenges. While Hollywood grapples with significant obstacles, the episode underscores the resilience and hope that creative visionaries continue to fuel the art of filmmaking.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Nomi Fry [01:07]: "I'm talking, of course, about the tension between, on the one hand, great art and on the other hand, commerce."
• Vincent Cunningham [17:47]: "I think he's a loser."
• Alex Schwartz [03:10]: "Matt Remick...positions himself as an executive on the side of the artist that he legitimately believes in."
• Alex Schwartz [07:18]: "They're both about big systems at work that the public is the result of."
• Alex Schwartz [31:19]: "Shakespeare had to sell tickets. He was out there to get butts in seats. Virgil had a patron."
• Alex Schwartz [35:35]: "The U.S. meanwhile saw a 35% decline [in live-action scripted titles]."
• Nomi Fry [37:58]: "Nobody wants to take a chance on anything that's even slightly kind of unproven."
• Vincent Cunningham [43:22]: "As much as I love a newcomer, I wonder if now is the time for people who are seasoned in the way of Hollywood to really think about how it can be angled toward making art."
• Alex Schwartz [44:55]: "I'm just out there to see what's coming, guys. I'm just along for the ride, as always."

This comprehensive analysis provides listeners and readers with an in-depth understanding of "The Studio" and its commentary on Hollywood's eternal struggle between art and commerce. By weaving together perspectives on historical and current industry dynamics, Critics at Large offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of film and television.