Ron Perlman and Bill discuss topics including coping with the pandemic, the movie Quest for Fire, changing the name of the Oscars, the dominance of TV over movies, the transition of art into lecturing, L.A.'s best watering hole, the impact of America on movies, favorite J Lo vehicles, Ron's take on Hell Boy, a Titanic sequel pitch, and the genius of William Goldman.
Superhero movie preferences can vary, with Hellboy standing out as a unique and beloved film despite negative reception.
The rise of digital platforms and the convenience of staying at home challenges the future of communal movie theater experiences.
Deep dives
The Influence of Superhero Movies
Superhero movies have become a dominant genre in Hollywood, with franchises like Avengers and Spider-Man generating massive box office success. However, personal preferences often vary, as some individuals appreciate films that are not considered popular. For instance, Hellboy is cited as a favorite superhero movie, despite being deemed garbage by many. The uniqueness of Hellboy lies in its portrayal of a superhero who is more of a slob, desiring to stay home and watch the Three Stooges. This adds an extra layer to the typical superhero narrative.
The Changing Landscape of Cinema
The podcast episode discusses the evolving landscape of cinema and the rise of digital platforms that have disrupted traditional movie-watching experiences. It delves into the increasing trend of people staying at home instead of going to theaters, facilitated by the convenience of services like Amazon delivering everything to one's doorstep. This shift raises questions about the fate of communal spaces like movie theaters and the role they have traditionally played as venues for shared experiences and ritualistic worship of cinematic art.
The Allure of Vigilante Justice
The conversation explores the enduring fascination with stories of vigilante justice in films. It highlights the common theme of taking matters into one's own hands and seeking personal justice, often portrayed through vigilante and revenge-driven narratives in movies like Taken and Death Wish. The discussion suggests that this attraction to vigilantism might reflect a collective longing for instant justice and a desire for stories that provide a sense of catharsis and satisfaction.
The Unpredictability of Movies
The podcast acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the movie-making process, where even projects with great potential can end up disappointing audiences. It emphasizes how numerous factors, such as editing choices, script alterations, and the collaborative efforts of hundreds of individuals, can impact the final product. The conversation also recognizes that while some movies miss the mark, others exceed expectations, highlighting the significance of luck and the challenges involved in creating a successful film.
Anarchy! Hell Boy! Quest for Fire! Ron Perlman and Bill on what got Ron through the pandemic, the instructive nature of the movie Quest for Fire, the name change Bill wants for the Oscars, why TV has overtaken movies, when art became lecturing, L.A.’s best watering hole ever, how the psyche of America has changed movies, the guys’ favorite J Lo vehicles, Ron’s take on Hell Boy, Bill’s pitch for a Titanic sequel, and the genius of William Goldman.