Culture Gabfest: Zero Day Makes Robert De Niro a Befuddled President
Summary
This episode offers a critical review of Netflix's "Zero Day," finding its star power insufficient to redeem its muddled plot and political messaging. The hosts then pay tribute to the late Gene Hackman, analyzing his unique presence and impactful performances in films like "The French Connection" and "Hoosiers." Finally, the discussion delves into an Atlantic article on navigating optimism in crisis, distinguishing between naive positivity and essential social hope for difficult periods.Episode description
On this week’s show, no amount of star power can save a “screamingly stupid show.” (Sorry, Robert De Niro et al.)
With Sam Adams—Slate Senior Editor and Staff Writer—sitting in for Dana, the team talks about the Netflix political thriller series Zero Day. Then they remember the career of Gene Hackman and end with their thoughts about this Atlantic article on navigating optimism during times of crisis.
Endorsements:
Julia: Moist Peanut Butter Cake Recipe from Cakes By MK
Steve: The savage suburbia of Helen Garner: ‘I wanted to dong Martin Amis with a bat’ by Sophie Elmhirst for The Guardian
Sam: Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein (Again! After Julia endorsed it last week.)
Podcast production and research by Vic Whitley-Berry. Email us at culturefest@slate.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices