The Last Tycoon

Monroe Stahr is a figure emblematic of the glamor, ambition, and inner conflicts that defined Hollywood’s Golden Age. Fitzgerald does not conceal his admiration for Stahr (modeled after real-life producer Irving Thalberg) and casts him as the novel’s tragic hero, writing, “There is no world so but it has its heroes, and Stahr was the hero” (33). As a brilliant and enigmatic studio executive, Stahr becomes the focal point around which the novel’s exploration of power, love, and the complexity of Hollywood unfolds.

Stahr’s professional acumen is the defining aspect of his character. His ability to navigate the cutthroat world of Hollywood, make quick business decisions, and drive creative endeavors showcases the multifaceted nature of his persona. He is described as an industry leader, “the helmsman” (146), “a fighter” (28), “the oracle” (82), and “one of the hardest working and most efficient men in the entire West” (168), capturing the essence of a man who is not only driven by ambition but also burdened by the weight of his responsibilities. Stahr’s character is a charismatic and visionary force within the Hollywood studio. A producer with an unparalleled understanding of the cinematic craft, he embodies the creative genius and determination that characterize those who shape the industry. Stahr’s passion for filmmaking transcends the screen; it becomes a defining aspect of his identity, aligning him with the larger-than-life figures who carved their names into the annals of Hollywood history. In Hollywood, he is “the last tycoon” (179), a figure of a bygone era and the incarnation of the realized American Dream.

Stahr’s connection with Cecilia Brady introduces dimensions to his character. Starting as a childhood crush, Stahr transforms into the object of Cecilia’s romantic yearning. This dual perspective paints Stahr not merely as an influential studio figure but also as an individual grappling with the complexities of personal relationships amid the Hollywood backdrop. Cecilia’s vivid descriptions of Stahr, highlighting his universal allure and enigmatic gaze, contribute to the intricate exploration of his character. Cecilia describes Stahr as “a man any girl would go for, with or without encouragement” (28). She further describes his eyes as “kind, aloof” and “somewhat superior” (28).

Stahr has an influential personality and a commanding presence; he knows “how to shut up, how to draw into the background, [and] how to listen” (28). Stahr’s rationality and self-reliance are underscored by his capability for independent reasoning. His voice, consistently “quiet and full of consideration” (164), reveals a brave and direct approach to interpersonal connections. The depiction of Stahr walking up to individuals, removing obstacles in his path, and engaging with them authentically emphasizes his genuine and personable qualities. These facets collectively contribute to the portrayal of Stahr as a magnetic and influential figure within the Hollywood landscape.

Stahr’s tragic flaw is his internal conflict, a battle between his professional ambitions and personal health and emotions. His role as a studio executive often requires tough decisions, strategic maneuvers, and a meticulous understanding of the industry’s complex dynamics. Yet, beneath the veneer of authority, Stahr grapples with the complexities of love and loss, most notably manifested in his romantic entanglements and his enduring grief over the death of his wife, and the disregard for the possibility of his own death due to illness and overwork. Dying in a plane crash, he is given a tragic hero’s death that signals the fragility of ambition and the unforeseen events that can alter the course of even the most influential figures in the industry. Stahr’s funeral becomes a spectacle, further emphasizing his importance to the community even after death.

Mr. Brady, a 47-year-old central figure in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Last Tycoon, emerges as a commanding presence in the Hollywood landscape, embodying the complexities of power, ambition, and the ever-evolving dynamics of the entertainment industry. Cecilia describes him as a “very magnetic” individual with “a tough jaw and an Irish smile” (38). As a studio executive and business partner of Monroe Stahr, Mr. Brady plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative’s exploration of Hollywood. He is introduced as a formidable force within the Hollywood studio, exuding authority and wielding influence over the decisions that shape the cinematic realm. His partnership with Stahr forms the backbone of the studio’s operations, creating a dynamic where business acumen and creative vision converge. This partnership, however, is not without its tensions and conflicts, providing a backdrop for the power struggles that define the narrative.

The novel provides glimpses into Mr. Brady’s internal struggles, offering a nuanced portrayal of a man grappling with the pressures of maintaining success in a rapidly changing industry. His affair, his dissatisfaction with Stahr as a business partner, his attempts to manipulate Stahr’s decisions, and his ultimate descent into darker machinations highlight the moral ambiguities inherent in the pursuit of power and success.

Mr. Brady’s character is defined by his astuteness as a businessman, a trait that becomes a central element in his pursuit of success within the competitive landscape of Hollywood. The narrative underscores somewhat ruthless nature essential to navigate the intricate dynamics of the film industry. Mr. Brady’s dissatisfaction with the partnership with Stahr is rooted in his pragmatic approach to Hollywood’s business side. His success, characterized by luck and shrewdness, is exemplified by the quarter interest he acquires “in a booming circus” of Hollywood (46), a venture shared with the young and promising Monroe Stahr. Despite projecting an enigmatic persona in dealings with Wall Street, Brady’s lack of knowledge in the technical aspects of filmmaking reveals a focus on the practicalities of the industry rather than its artistic nuances. The description of his life’s effort as an instinct to hang on highlights the tenacity and survival instinct that mark his ruthless ambition. Ultimately, Mr. Brady emerges as a symbol of a business-oriented, greedy facet of Hollywood. Unlike Stahr, he is not concerned with the artistic merits of filmmaking.

His manipulation of circumstances, including his knowledge of Stahr’s affair with Kathleen, reflects the corrupt and ruthless nature of Hollywood politics. The power struggle between Mr. Brady and Stahr encapsulates the broader theme of ambition, rivalry, and the quest for dominance within the studio setting. His demise, organized by Stahr, serves as a reminder of the transient nature of power and loyalty in Hollywood.