Entertainment journalist Charles Holmes joins to discuss Pixar's potential 'Inside Out 2' sequel and Pixar's Mount Rushmore movies. They explore Pixar's legacy, emotional depth, and challenges in the film industry. Lance Oppenheim also shares insights on 'Ren Faire' and his filmmaking journey.
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Quick takeaways
'Inside Out 2' offers a candid portrayal of preteen emotions and anxiety struggles.
'Inside Out 2' introduces mixed media characters representing suppressed memories, adding complexity.
Pixar's challenges in creativity and maintaining its storytelling legacy are discussed.
Diverse audience reactions to 'Inside Out 2' are highlighted, sparking debates on its success.
Lance Oppenheim's unique filmmaking style delves into existential themes in captivating ways.
Deep dives
Exploration of Anxiety and Emotional Development in Preteens
Inside Out 2 delves into the complexities of anxiety and emotional development in preteens. The movie portrays a 13-year-old girl navigating puberty, social challenges, and the struggles of fitting in, offering a candid look at how these internal battles are manifested in her mind through various emotions like joy, anger, sadness, and anxiety.
Incorporation of Mixed Media Characters
An interesting feature of Inside Out 2 is the inclusion of mixed media characters representing suppressed memories from the protagonist's mind. These characters, such as Bluffie and video game crush, add a layer of complexity to the storyline and showcase a somewhat innovative approach, though reminiscent of similar concepts seen in recent animated films.
Reflecting on Pixar's Evolution and Challenges
Inside Out 2 reflects Pixar's evolution and challenges in maintaining its creative edge. The podcast discussion highlights how Pixar's legacy of groundbreaking storytelling has faced scrutiny in recent years due to internal changes, shifts in creative direction, and struggles to balance nostalgia with innovative storytelling to cater to a changing audience landscape.
Emotional Impact and Audience Reception
The podcast touches upon the emotional impact and audience reception of Inside Out 2, indicating varying perspectives on its success. While some acknowledge its clever insights and emotional resonance, others debate its ranking compared to the original film and its position in Pixar's recent output, showcasing the diverse reactions and interpretations surrounding the movie.
Finding the Right Subjects
Lance Oppenheim's documentary films explore worlds with resonant characters, like a retirement community, sperm donors, and a Renaissance fair power struggle. Growing up in an environment where people created and became entrapped in fantasy worlds influenced his interest in exploring existential themes within unique settings. Collaborating with subjects who allow him to delve into their lives is equally essential, creating a blend of visually striking storytelling and performative elements.
Anomaly of Renfaire
Lance's work on 'Renfaire' involved collaboration with journalists, David Govee Herbert and Abigail Rowe, who introduced the story of George, creator of the largest Renaissance festival in America. George's journey from festival founder to a self-proclaimed king with a castle known as Stargate Manor raised existential questions about power dynamics and the impact of unchecked authority on individuals and communities within such a system.
Visual Flair and Performance Style
Lance Oppenheim's distinctive filmmaking style goes beyond traditional Verite documentaries, incorporating visually compelling storytelling techniques and elements of performance. His films captivate audiences with a blend of cinematic flair, visually striking aesthetics, and performative storytelling that elevates the exploration of existential themes within unique settings.
Filmmaker's Approach to Casting and Collaboration
The filmmaker discusses his approach to casting and collaborating with the subjects of his films. He starts by showing them his previous work to explain his process and the need to immerse himself in their experiences. By exploring themes like power and motivation, he delves into the deep involvement required from participants. The discussions touch on topics like personal crossroads and motivations for engaging in unusual activities, aiming to capture genuine emotions and stories.
The Emotional Impact and Responsibility of Documentary Filmmaking
The filmmaker shares insights into the emotional aspects and responsibilities of documentary filmmaking. He explains the raw and sometimes painful experiences captured on camera, highlighting the engagement with subjects' lives. By depicting intense moments and personal struggles, the filmmaker aims to convey authenticity and emotional depth. The narrative follows the transformation of initial comedic ideas into poignant tragedies, emphasizing the profound impact on both participants and viewers.
Sean and Amanda are joined by ‘Midnight Boy’ Charles Holmes to react to the movie business news that Skydance is no longer looking to acquire Paramount and that Sony has purchased the theater chain Alamo Draft House (1:00). Then, they discuss Pixar’s latest attempt to get back to its heyday with ‘Inside Out 2’ and their relationship to the franchise (23:00). Then, they build their own Mount Rushmore of Pixar films, including which films represent which presidents on the monument (1:00:00). Finally, Sean is joined by documentarian Lance Oppenheim to discuss ‘Ren Faire’ and his career thus far (1:35:00).
