Ask A Genius 679: “Don’t Look Up”
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen and Rick Rosner
Publication (Outlet/Website): Ask A Genius
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2022/01/12
[Recording Start]
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Can you tell me about the TV show ‘Succession’?
Rick Rosner: Alright, so ‘Succession’ is playing in the background because my kid is binging on it. It’s a show that really delves into dark themes, featuring a cast where nearly every character is unpleasant in their own unique way. Essentially, it’s a fictionalized take on the Rupert Murdoch family. The plot centers around an elderly man who runs a conservative media empire. He’s getting on in years and faces health issues, and he has four children who are not quite as capable as he was in his prime. The show is aptly named ‘Succession’ because it’s all about these siblings jostling for control of the company. Interestingly, the show never really addresses the ethical implications of the company’s actions.
Adam McKay, known for directing ‘Don’t Look Up’, is one of the creators of ‘Succession’. Are you familiar with ‘Don’t Look Up’?
Jacobsen: ‘Don’t Look Up’, is that the movie?
Rosner: Yes, ‘Don’t Look Up’ is a film that’s stirred some controversy in America. It’s about how the world responds, or rather fails to respond, to a comet about 30 kilometers wide that’s on a collision course with Earth, threatening to obliterate all complex life. It satirizes modern media and the tendency of people to be selfish. So, ‘Succession’ is a deep exploration into a family of influential and self-centered individuals. It’s a highly acclaimed show, having won several Golden Globes and received nominations at the SAG Awards. The show is well-regarded for its acting, writing, and its relevance, particularly in today’s media landscape.
You could argue that Rupert Murdoch has been one of the most detrimental influences on global politics over the past 30 years. His reach extends beyond political boundaries, buying up media outlets wherever possible to propagate his brand of news and entertainment. There’s a somewhat urban legend that Fox News was made illegal in Australia, which isn’t exactly true, although their expansion attempts there didn’t quite succeed.
They attempted a similar expansion in England, but it didn’t quite catch on there either. However, Murdoch’s tabloids in the UK have been notorious for engaging in ethically dubious activities. One infamous incident involved hacking into a murdered teenager’s phone and publishing its contents, which was not only illegal but also appealed to a certain base curiosity in readers.
[Recording End]
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