Michael Swaim and Abe Epperson dive into the 2017 horror film Gerald’s Game, discussing the flaws of act two and survival in relation to the bag of bones. They analyze the storytelling approach, character development, and suspense building techniques used in the film. The hosts also critique the lack of female empowerment in the original story and discuss their rankings of various Stephen King movies. From discussing the director's skills in horror to exploring the symbolism and craftsmanship, this podcast episode is a must-listen for horror movie fans.
The podcast explores the journey of overcoming trauma and the resilience of the human spirit.
The episode delves into the transformative power of self-reflection and confronting one's past.
The Moonlight Man symbolizes Jesse's empowerment and transformation from victim to survivor.
Deep dives
The Psychological Trauma and Survival
The main idea of this podcast episode is the exploration of psychological trauma and survival. The protagonist, Jesse, is psychologically affected by her past sexual abuse and is trapped in a life resembling her trauma. She finds herself handcuffed to a bed, alone in a remote cabin, and must navigate through her traumatic memories and hallucinations to survive. The episode delves into the emotional journey of overcoming trauma and the resilience of the human spirit.
Confronting The Past and Self-Reflection
Another key idea discussed in the podcast is the theme of confronting the past and engaging in self-reflection. Through hallucinations and memories, Jesse is forced to confront her abusive childhood and her troubled marriage, ultimately leading to self-reflection and self-empowerment. The episode dives into the transformational journey of introspection and the realization that true healing comes from facing one's past and taking control of one's life.
The Symbolism of Moonlight Man and Empowerment
The podcast explores the symbolism of the Moonlight Man, a mysterious figure that represents the abusive forces in Jesse's life. While the Moonlight Man's existence can be interpreted both symbolically and literally, it serves as a catalyst for Jesse's empowerment and finding her strength. The discussion revolves around the transformation of Jesse from a victim to a survivor, as she triumphs over her trauma, gains a sense of self-empowerment, and dedicates herself to helping others who have experienced similar abuse.
Craftsmanship and Setup
The podcast hosts discuss the impressive craftsmanship and setup of the film Gerald's Game. They commend the efficient and postcard-like setup of the story, noting how every detail serves a purpose and contributes to the suspense building. They highlight the use of small details and actions to make seemingly mundane things more important and engaging. The hosts also praise the choice to have minimal soundtrack in the film, allowing the visuals and soundscape to create tension and suspense.
Themes and Character Analysis
The podcast hosts delve into the themes explored in Gerald's Game, particularly the idea of captivity and the prison of one's own making. They discuss how the film addresses the concept of compliance to societal expectations and the fear that comes with it. They appreciate the way the film metaphorically represents trauma and explores the character's journey towards self-discovery and liberation. The hosts also note the effective use of flashback sequences, although they critique certain repetitive aspects of the storytelling. Overall, they find the film compelling and commend its exploration of complex themes.
Abe and Mike discuss the 2017 horror film Gerald’s Game! Our kings discuss director Mike Flanagan and how he’s well-suited to tell a King story, the flaws of act two, and how survival just comes down to giving to the bag of bones.
Features:
Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP
Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty
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