Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby – David Denby on "EMINENT JEWS: Bernstein, Brooks, Friedan, Mailer"

Episode: David Denby, EMINENT JEWS: Bernstein, Brooks, Friedan, Mailer
Release Date: April 30, 2025

Introduction to David Denby

In this enlightening episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes esteemed author and film critic David Denby to discuss his latest work, Eminent Jews: Bernstein, Brooks, Friedan, Mailer. Denby, a New York Times bestselling author and former film critic for both New York Magazine and The New Yorker, delves into the lives and legacies of four influential Jewish figures: Leonard Bernstein, Mel Brooks, Betty Friedan, and Norman Mailer.

David Denby’s Journey as a Film Critic

Denby begins by sharing his unique path into film criticism. A graduate student at Stanford, he recounts how legendary critic Pauline Kael recognized his potential, catapulting him into a prominent role in the industry. Despite being dismissed by Kael after five or six years, Denby considers this a fortunate turn, allowing him the freedom to explore a broader range of subjects beyond film. Over a 45-year career, his essays graced publications like The New Republic and The Atlantic. However, a decade ago, Denby took a hiatus from film criticism, immersing himself in literature until his passion for cinema rekindled.

Denby [04:56]: "I became one of Kael's disciples. And then she threw me out because I never would have written half of what I've written."

Exploring "Eminent Jews"

Zibby Owens steers the conversation towards Denby’s book, Eminent Jews, probing his rationale for selecting the quartet of Bernstein, Brooks, Friedan, and Mailer.

Zibby Owens [07:02]: "I watched the movie and everything. I should know this about Leonard Burns."

Denby explains that while each of these figures is deserving of individual biographies, their collective impact during a pivotal moment in history—post-World War II America—made for a compelling narrative. This era saw the explosion of mass media, with the advent of the long-playing record, television as a mass medium, and the mass market paperback revolution. These mediums provided platforms for these Jewish intellectuals to influence millions.

Denby [07:28]: "They emerged after the Second World War by means of their own gifts and temperament."

Anecdotes and Insights

Denby shares fascinating anecdotes that highlight the resilience and ingenuity of these figures:

• Mel Brooks: Denby recounts Brooks' transformative approach to comedy and his reclamation of the term "Jewish," making it a proud identifier rather than a marginalizing label.

  Denby [16:30]: "He told Johnny Carson, 'This is all a Big fraud... because I wanted to be a Jew comic.'"

  Brooks' ability to infuse humor into sensitive subjects, as seen in his films like Springtime for Hitler from History of the World, Part I, serves as a testament to his innovative spirit.

• Leonard Bernstein: Denby discusses Bernstein’s profound influence on music and his encounter with the Vienna Philharmonic in 1972, where Bernstein confronted the orchestra's lukewarm reception of Mahler's works—a poignant moment illustrating the enduring impact of Jewish artists.

  Denby [11:50]: "He heard grumblings from the ranks. 'Scheisse Musik.' He was shocked. This was their own music, and he had to teach it to them."

• Betty Friedan: Highlighting Friedan’s groundbreaking work, The Feminine Mystique, Denby emphasizes its role in igniting the second-wave feminism movement by reaching a vast audience through the mass paperback format.

  Denby [08:23]: "Betty Friedan's book, the Feminine Mystique, which sort of kicked off Second wave feminism... she sold 1,300,000 copies."

• Norman Mailer: Although briefly mentioned, Mailer's intricate portrayal of characters and exploration of profound societal themes are noted as integral to the book's exploration of Jewish intellect and cultural influence.

Thematic Essence of "Eminent Jews"

Denby articulates the central message of his book: a call for Jewish communities to remain unafraid and vocal, especially in challenging times. He underscores how each of the four figures leveraged their respective mediums—music, film, literature—to advocate for and shape liberal civilization.

Denby [21:40]: "If this book has a message... be not afraid. Everyone needs to hear. Jews need to hear that, get together in groups, talk over what's happening."

In light of recent events (alluded to as post-October 7th), Denby reflects on the contemporary state of Jewish identity and resilience. He posits that these eminent figures would continue to inspire and mobilize the community through their unique talents.

Personal Reflections and Current Relevance

Addressing the current social and political climate, Denby expresses concern over the resurgence of antisemitism and its manipulative use in political discourse. He emphasizes the importance of unity and proactive engagement within Jewish communities to counteract these challenges.

Denby [23:42]: "Trump invites Holocaust deniers to his dinner table... This is all about crushing liberal civilization and starting with the universities."

Despite the potential risks associated with publishing such a work in turbulent times, Denby maintains a stance of courage and advocacy, encouraging others to speak out and uphold the values that these four figures epitomize.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between Zibby Owens and David Denby. Zibby commends Denby for empowering Jewish voices, while Denby acknowledges the vital role of Zibby’s platform in fostering important conversations.

Denby [25:34]: "What you do is very important... keep on going."

Key Takeaways

• Eminent Jews explores the lives of Leonard Bernstein, Mel Brooks, Betty Friedan, and Norman Mailer, highlighting their contributions to arts, culture, and societal change.

• Denby emphasizes the significance of Jewish resilience and influence in shaping liberal thought and media post-World War II.

• The book serves as both a historical account and a motivational message for contemporary Jewish communities to remain unified and proactive amidst rising antisemitism.

• Personal anecdotes from Denby provide deeper insight into the personalities and philosophies of the featured figures, illustrating their enduring legacy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Denby on Pauline Kael's Influence:
  "I became one of Kael's disciples. And then she threw me out because I never would have written half of what I've written."
  [04:56]

• Denby on Mel Brooks' Identity:
  "Jew still has some power... it's like a brand. It still startles."
  [16:30]

• Denby on Bernstein Teaching in Vienna:
  "He heard grumblings from the ranks. 'Scheisse Musik.' He was shocked. This was their own music, and he had to teach it to them."
  [11:50]

• Denby on Betty Friedan's Impact:
  "Betty Friedan's book, the Feminine Mystique... she sold 1,300,000 copies."
  [08:23]

• Denby on Contemporary Challenges:
  "Trump invites Holocaust deniers to his dinner table... This is all about crushing liberal civilization and starting with the universities."
  [23:42]

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a profound exploration of Jewish intellectualism and cultural influence through the lens of David Denby's Eminent Jews. Listeners gain not only historical perspectives but also contemporary relevance, encouraging active engagement and resilience within the Jewish community.