'The Studio' Episode 3 Review—"The Note"

Having introduced us to its cast and some chaotic studio politics and on-set disasters over the first two episodes, The Studio now turns its attention to another Hollywood dysfunction staple: the dreaded “executive note.”

In “The Note,” Matt Remick (Seth Rogen) is put in one of the scariest situations for a studio head — giving notes to a legendary director. In this instance, the director is none other than Ron Howard, who appears as a fictionalized version of himself.

What ensues is an episode rife with painfully awkward exchanges, needlepoint-sharp industry satire, and a master class in passive-aggressive Hollywood diplomacy.

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A Note That is Impossible to Deliver

As always, this episode focuses on another screening of Ron Howard’s new film, Alphabets City, a drama that impresses almost every executive of Continental Studios except one.

His scene of a particular motel is overstretched, and the movie's pacing suffers greatly, yet it is decided unanimously that it should be edited out. This, however, cannot be done because Howard is emotionally attached to it as it honors his deceased cousin. Therein lies the problem.

As much of this episode’s drama revolves around a certain confrontation, Matt hasn’t easily gotten over his old friend Howard's humiliation of him during A Beautiful Mind because he was too blunt with his feedback. His avoidance of confrontation leads to innocent attempts of these calls being devolved to his coworkers, all of whom fail in the most comical of fashions.

That's Quinn (Isabel Merced), Sal (Jon Bass), and actor-producer Anthony Mackie all try and fail to break the news to Howard in this episode without annoying the director.

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Ron Howard: Hollywood's Nice Guy Bully

Howard’s portrayal of himself in this episode is perhaps one of the best parts of it, and his self-deprecating humor adds yet another layer to his character. To this day, he is regarded as one of the most polite people in tinsel town, but his disposition towards Matt contains a formidably disturbing quality.

In addition to being polite and respectful, Howard has a tendency to casually yet strongly exert influence, which makes it painfully clear that he does not suffer challenges to his vision lightly. Challenging my imagination and vision is a game that comes with dire consequences.

Howard’s passive-aggressive tone doesn't let Matt just come out and say, “Let’s Cut the scene.” That whole scene looks like a psychological battle towards the end when Matt can no longer see an exit route.

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The Point of No Return

Having exhausted every conceivable option, Matt finally loses it in the middle of a marketing meeting when he yells out the critique in the harshest way possible. What follows is a riotously awkward stretch of silence, after which Howard reacts in the absolute worst way possible and starts beating up Matt.

The darkly comical twist is shocking, but it paints just how deeply troubled everyone is feeling in a world powered by reputation and egos. Matt received a call later that night from Howard, who, in an attempt to apologize for the verbal thrashing, conceded that the note - if not the entire - meeting did have some validity.

But does not let Matt off easily. “Don’t ever try this again” serves as a subtle yet clear warning that it was too much. The episode brilliantly showcases the contrast between the creative imagination and studio control.

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Final Thoughts

I'll definitely give this a 10/10⭐

"The Note" is a blatant standout of The Studio, entertainingly manifesting the laughable nature of the Hollywood power play. The hilarious yet very disturbing Ron Howard and a character who fails to coexist, played by Seth Rogen, demonstrate the high acting abilities of these artists.

The series mingles comedy with genuine on-set gossip, and thus, we can witness not only amusing but serious quarrels that may cause the collapse of Hollywood. Amid the examination of the production cycle by The Studio, "The Note" looks like one of its most pertinent and painful-to-watch episodes of all time.

Perfectly orchestrated to mock film industry note-giving, "The Note" is indeed uproarious while simultaneously very much sincere in its portrayal of the fear and control that studio notes bring forth. Ron Howard, in this particular performance, soars to a level that amuses the audience and, at the same time, frightens them penniless.