Alissa Wilkinson, Vox’s insightful film critic, dives into the misleading nature of movie trailers. She argues that trailers often misrepresent films, leading to dashed expectations. They’ve evolved from intriguing teasers to detailed previews that spoil surprises. Alissa advocates for critics to review trailers, helping audiences choose wisely. The discussion also reflects on the shifting landscape of cinema, hinting at a potential filmmaking renaissance while emphasizing the need for a better way to gauge a film’s quality.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Misleading Fablemans Trailer
People thought Spielberg's The Fabelmans was "corny" based on the trailer.
Alyssa Wilkinson clarifies it's about a "rocky childhood" and family conflict.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Misleading Armageddon Time Trailer
Armageddon Time trailer misrepresents the film as a feel-good story.
The actual film explores complex themes of privilege and racism.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Misleading She Said Trailer
She Said trailer portrays reporters as self-important.
The film actually depicts the difficult, nuanced work of investigative journalism.
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White Noise follows Jack Gladney, a professor of Hitler studies at a small liberal arts college, and his family as they navigate the complexities of modern life. The novel delves into themes such as the fear of death, media saturation, and the effects of technology on social relations. Key events include an airborne toxic event that threatens their town and Jack's discovery of his wife's involvement in an experimental study of a psychopharmaceutical called Dylar. The novel critiques consumer culture and the ways in which people cope with mortality and uncertainty through consumption and technological distractions.
She Said
Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement
Megan Twohey
Jodi Kantor
She Said is a thrilling account of the investigative journalism that led to the exposure of Harvey Weinstein's decades-long history of sexual abuse and harassment. Written by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, the book chronicles their meticulous investigation, including secret meetings, harrowing phone calls, and private text exchanges with A-list actresses and other sources. It also explores the systemic structures of power that enabled Weinstein's behavior and the broader impact of the #MeToo movement, including the testimony of Christine Blasey Ford against Brett Kavanaugh. The book is praised for its detailed and suspenseful narrative, offering insights into the rigorous process of quality reporting and the significant cultural shifts it helped catalyze.
Movie trailers are misleading audiences. Vox’s Alissa Wilkinson says you should stop watching them.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Efim Shapiro, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
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