Sometimes I forget just how many classes I took on the history of cinema — or that I used to teach a class on it! — but then I have a conversation like the one you’re about to listen to and remember: oh right, I am a huge film history dork. This episode, featuring the brilliant Hannah McGregor, travels all over the past, present, and future of the blockbuster, from the theory of the “whammy,” to Hannah’s book on Jurassic Park, from Barbie to Twisters, from why we started going to the movies to why we’ve (largely) stopped. It’s a ROMP and incredibly listenable — perfect for wherever you’re driving or to have on in the background while you chop one million brussels sprouts.
Show Notes:
We’re currently looking for your questions for future episodes about:
KIDS TOYS! This is an expansive one with a kids toy expert, so you can really take it wherever you want
The rise of therapy speak
The future of (downhill) skiing and livability of ski towns just generally
Why does it feel like thrifting sucks now
Anything you need advice or want musings on for the AAA segment
You can submit them (and ideas for future eps) here (this is the subscriber-only form!)
For today’s discussion: What makes Wicked work as a blockbuster? What makes Gladiator II fail? Or: Is it even possible to make a blockbuster anymore without existing IP?
