Trial By Media, Pt. 1 — Sweet Smell of Success
Summary
The Next Picture Show hosts Keith Phipps, Tasha Robinson, Genevieve Kosky, and Scott Tobias discuss the 1957 noir classic Sweet Smell of Success, starring Tony Curtis and Burt Lancaster. They analyze the film’s cynical portrayal of media power, its sharp dialogue, and the moral decay of its characters, while also previewing upcoming 2026 releases like You Can See Everything and Dune Part 3.
Topics discussed
Intro, sponsors, and podcast overview
Welcome and early fall festival season
Upcoming blockbusters: Marvel, Dune, Hunger Games
Anticipation for The Dropout and other fall films
James Gray film and Primetime preview
Sweet Smell of Success: Plot and character intro
Character dynamics: Hunsucker, Falco, and Susan
Walter Winchell inspiration and Tony Curtis' performance
Sponsor breaks and transition to film analysis
Visual style: Noir form and docu-realism
Cinematography details and tonal middle ground
Media criticism: Awards bloggers and influencers
Power dynamics and the cynicism of the profession
Rita's character arc and the 'nadir' scene
Performances: Burt Lancaster and casting choices
Tony Curtis' portrayal of Sidney Falco
Animal metaphors and Sidney's failed schemes
The ending, Susan's agency, and Steve Dallas
Sponsor reads and other podcast recommendations
Listener feedback on Sorcerer and sign-off
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