Lou Diamond Phillips, celebrated for his roles in La Bamba and Young Guns, joins the hosts to share hilarious behind-the-scenes tales. He recounts a playful prank he pulled on Emilio Estevez during filming. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they reflect on the unique charms of the Brat Pack, the nostalgic appeal of 1980s Westerns, and the peculiar decision to use makeup on a sheep for a film project. Listeners will enjoy a blend of laughter and insights that capture the essence of classic Western storytelling.
The podcast highlights how 'Young Guns' combines Brat Pack charisma with a historical narrative, enhancing its appeal as a Western.
Emilio Estevez's portrayal of Billy the Kid is praised for balancing youthful energy with the film's darker themes of violence and lawlessness.
Deep dives
Exploration of Young Guns
The episode focuses on the films 'Young Guns' and 'Young Guns 2', marking a unique foray into a Western genre season that the hosts have created. The discussion reveals how the first film came about as a project featuring Brat Pack actors, integrating elements of the infamous Billy the Kid story and the Regulators. This choice illustrates the blending of youthful charisma with the historical backdrop of the Old West. The hosts appreciate the film's unexpected quality as a truly entertaining Western, despite initial assumptions about its potential lack of depth.
Brat Pack Performance Insights
The episode highlights the performances of the Brat Pack, specifically Emilio Estevez, who stands out as particularly engaging in his role as Billy the Kid. Estevez's charisma is praised, suggesting he captures the essence of the character effectively. The supporting cast, including Kiefer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Phillips, is also discussed, with their contributions enhancing the film's overall experience. The hosts note that while some actors are recognized for their charm, others like Charlie Sheen and Kiefer Sutherland play more subdued, straight-laced roles within the story.
Historical Context and Accuracy
The podcast delves into the historical events surrounding Billy the Kid, specifically the Lincoln County War, which becomes a pivotal part of the narrative in both films. It discusses how the film handles these historical elements, balancing dramatization with an authentic portrayal of the cowboy lifestyle. The characterization of Billy the Kid is explored, with comparisons to interpretations in other films, noting that Estevez's version combines a lively persona with the darker themes of violence and lawlessness. This juxtaposition adds layers to the film, including its connection to actual events and figures like Pat Garrett.
Genre Expectations and Surprises
Expectations surrounding the film's style – initially thought to be an MTV-esque Western – are challenged as the narrative unfolds into a more classical and traditional Western structure. The episode emphasizes how elements like the opening credits may mislead viewers, leading to the realization that the film provides a grounded and well-rounded story. The hosts appreciate how the films manage to balance entertainment while effectively respecting the Western genre. This discussion reveals an overall positive reception to the film's authenticity, character development, and engaging storytelling.