During the February 17 episode of the Las Culturistas podcast, co-host Matt Rogers surprised regular listeners by naming Emerald Fennell as “one of my favorites.” This marked a notable shift in opinion, coming two years after Tina Fey’s now-famous critique of Fennell on the same show. The discussion occurred amid a broader conversation about the challenges of engaging with art and culture in today’s tense political and social climate in America and worldwide.
Mixed Feelings About Cultural Engagement Highlighted by Hosts
Co-host Bowen Yang expressed feeling overwhelmed by recent cultural releases, mentioning specifically the companion album by Charli XCX for Fennell’s latest film, Wuthering Heights. Yang admitted to struggling to keep up with everything happening, saying,
“A million things came out this weekend that I wanted to see or wanted to engage with, and I just haven’t.”
Meanwhile, Rogers revealed he both listened to the album and saw Wuthering Heights in theaters, describing the film as “devastating” and “so sad.” He added,
“It felt right for the moment because it felt a little cathartic for the moment, like this bleak f—king portrait of tragic romance. I think I loved it.”
Tina Fey’s Viral Rebuttal to Fennell Criticism on the Podcast
The change in Rogers’ perspective stands in contrast to a controversial moment from early 2022, when Tina Fey appeared on Las Culturistas to challenge the co-hosts’ harsh views of Emerald Fennell’s psychological thriller Saltburn. Fey’s witty monologue, delivered in the podcast’s “I Don’t Think So, Honey” segment, gently warned the hosts to reconsider their outspoken negativity. She quipped,
“I don’t think so, honey — Bowen Yang giving his real opinions about movies on this podcast. I regret to inform you that you’re too famous now, sir,”
and lightheartedly advised,
“Keep it to yourself, because what are you going to do when Emerald Fennell calls you about her next project where you play Carey Mulligan’s co-worker in the bridal section of Harrods and then Act 3 takes a sexually violent turn and you have to pretend to be surprised by that turn?”
Authenticity Warning Has Become a Defining Moment for the Show
Fey’s closing remark, “Authenticity is dangerous and expensive,” instantly became a memorable phrase associated with Las Culturistas. Although this playful chastisement sprang from Rogers and Yang’s initial critiques of Fennell’s work on Saltburn, Rogers now embraces the complexity of her films. He acknowledged,
“You know, Emerald Fennell is a controversial figure on this podcast because it actually was ‘Saltburn’ and our reviews of ‘Saltburn’ which caused Tina Fey to come in here and do her authenticity-is-dangerous-and-expensive ‘I Don’t Think So, Honey.’”
He added,
“When you go see a movie of hers, there is a lot to talk about. You, therefore, leave with a lot of strong reactions.”
Rogers Reframes Fennell as One of His Favorite Directors
Matt Rogers admitted his change of heart on Fennell’s filmmaking, stating,
“I’ve realized that that is good and maybe makes her one of my favorites.”
He reflected on the emotional impact of experiencing a Fennell film in the theater, explaining,
“Because I’m leaving now with a ton to say and feel and more. And I think at least that, in the picture of everything that’s going on right now, has been kind of a good thing, because I did go to the theater and for two hours and sixteen minutes, I didn’t think about anything else than what was truly happening on screen.”
Rogers emphasized the value of escapism in difficult times, concluding,
“It gave escape, and I think that artistically, creatively, culturally, that is what we need.”
Art Offering Needed Relief Amid Current Global Challenges
Rogers noted the importance of films that transport audiences beyond the harsh realities they face daily, saying,
“Because of what we’re talking about right now — it being incredibly hard to even show up in the bleak a—s f—king reality. I need more of this gushy type of movie, like, fantastical reality stuff.”
This sentiment reflects a wider cultural desire for artistic offerings that provide emotional refuge amid unrest and uncertainty.
Wuthering Heights’ Polarizing Reception and Commercial Success
Like Saltburn, Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights has divided critics and moviegoers alike. Some have applauded Fennell for her bold interpretation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel, while others have criticized her for straying too far from the original story. Despite these mixed responses, the film has attracted significant attention, grossing more than $90 million at the worldwide box office within its first week of release.
