Seth Rogen continues to surprise me with his fascinating evolution as a filmmaker and storyteller. The bulk of his career – and writing partner Evan Goldberg – has been centered on broad, raunchy comedy films (Superbad, Pineapple Express), but in the last decade has pivoted to a diverse array of genres in television. Whether it be creating AMC’s supernatural fantasy series, Preacher, or being the producing architect that helped stand up Amazon’s blossoming superhero properties (The Boys, Invincible). All of which have a distinct, comedic edge. Emphasis on the edge.
Now at Apple TV+ with The Studio, Rogen and Goldberg are pivoting again, this time with a biting and highly cinematic satire of Hollywood and the movie industry. Rogen plays a film executive at a fictional studio whose ascension to power is fraught with neurotic chaos. And while the studio itself, Continental, is fictional, what makes the series so relevant and engaging is its inside baseball critiques and poking fun at the real people who make up the movie business; brought to life via an endless revolving door of A-list filmmakers and actors playing themselves. Everyone is earnestly committed to the bit (emphasis on the earnest) and that’s what makes it work so well.
And while the cameos are amazing, the real lifeblood of the show is the hilarious crew of ding dongs that both mitigates and exacerbates the chaos surrounding Rogen and his studio endeavors. Ike Barinholtz, Catherine O’Hara, Kathryn Hahn and Chase Sui Wonders all have distinct competing agendas, character traits and degrees of history with Rogen that all yield the complex and funny chemistry of a strong supporting cast.
The production value and tone are also keys to why this series is a unique, smashing success, especially in comparison to previous “insider” Hollywood comedies like Entourage. This series has seriously cinematic production craft: beautiful cinematography and a pulse-pounding (but lovely) drum jazz score from Antonio Sanchez. There are one-shot takes that stunningly follow the escalating comedic tension. Visually it’s shot like a Scorsese film. There’s a filmmaking weight to it that feels elevated and taking the subject matter seriously, while also absolutely ripping on it. And with that, you can really feel Rogen’s love of movies shine through.
He advocates for film and theaters, but also dunks on the absurdity of decisioning within the studio system. I just loved The Studio, guys, and I think a lot of you will too. I’m excited to watch it again along with you.
