The Last Tycoon

Monroe Stahr has built a studio empire and moves through the film industry with energy. He immerses himself in productions with a sharp eye for perfection, deadlines piling up and talent lining the halls. Behind the glamour he chases a woman almost out of reach. As the studio churns out pictures, his personal life frays and the cost of ambition shows. The setting juxtaposes premieres with the grind behind the cameras, showing how studios operated from contract stars to press relations as Stahr negotiates with directors, actors, and financiers. The story paints a portrait of power, obsession, and the price of art in a studio system that never sleeps, even as hearts stall and quiet heartbreak.

Directed by Elia Kazan and released in 1976, the film adapts Fitzgerald's unfinished novel with a screenplay by Harold Pinter. It pairs a star cast with Kazan's reputation for tense, character driven drama, and showcases De Niro in a demanding lead.

Box office was modest, reflecting a prestige release rather than a blockbuster worldwide. The movie attracted cinephiles and fans of the era, earning attention for its performances and period detail rather than mass audience draw.

The film is remembered for its lush production values and a strong ensemble that captures Hollywood's glossy yet cutthroat atmosphere. Scenes set in production offices and ad hoc parties echo the era's glamour, influencing how this period is visually depicted, and for its careful pacing and strong ensemble.

Critics at the time noted the film's mood and performances, pointing to themes of power, sacrifice, and the toll of chasing perfection in a studio world where personal costs often exceed professional gains. It's seen as a measured, adult drama about ambition and the personal costs it exacts.