'Twisters' and the State of the Summer Blockbuster. Plus, 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, Episode 6.
Jul 22, 2024
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The hosts discuss the streaming release of 'Homicide: Life on the Street' and Apple TV+ scaling back spending. They dive into the evolution of summer blockbusters post 'Twister' and breakdown the latest 'House of the Dragon' episode.
01:14:49
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Quick takeaways
Evolution of blockbuster narratives from fun renegade characters to complex character arcs in 'Twisters'.
Overcrowding of characters, like in Anthony Ramos' crew, hinders character development and on-screen dynamics.
Absence of key cinematic moments, like tension-building kisses, in 'Twisters' affects emotional depth and engagement.
Deep dives
Shift in blockbuster narratives
The podcast delves into the shift in blockbuster narratives, comparing the 90s classic 'Twister' with the modern 'Twisters' where the emphasis on characters and the balance between humor and seriousness is altered. The original film focused on renegade characters challenging corporate entities, embracing a fun spirit, while the new film introduces complex character arcs, attempting to address trauma and ethical dilemmas, resulting in a convoluted narrative.
Overcrowding of Characters
An issue highlighted in the podcast is the overcrowding of characters in 'Twisters', particularly in Anthony Ramos' crew, where too many individuals detract from character development and on-screen dynamics. The imbalance between characters like the YouTube crew and the journalist Ben leads to a lack of depth and engagement among the ensemble cast.
The absence of pivotal moments
Another aspect discussed is the absence of key cinematic moments in 'Twisters', such as the lack of impactful scenes like tension-building kisses between characters. The analysis reveals a disconnect in the portrayal of relationships and the execution of crucial emotional beats, suggesting a missed opportunity for heightened dramatic impact and audience engagement.
The debate on the presence of kisses in movies and the impact on audience engagement
The discussion revolves around the significance of on-screen kisses in movies, questioning their necessity for viewer enjoyment and emotional connection. The conversation touches on how physical affection is portrayed in contemporary cinema, contrasting the lack of romantic gestures in specific movies. The debate extends to whether omitting kisses affects the depth and relatability of characters, highlighting differing viewpoints on the role of on-screen intimacy in storytelling.
Exploring character dynamics and infrastructural intricacies in House of the Dragon
The dialogue delves into the character dynamics in the series 'House of the Dragon,' specifically examining the evolution of key figures and their interactions. Further exploration includes the infrastructure surrounding dragon care and the technicalities of their management, such as dragon trainers and the logistical support required. The conversation extends to the portrayal of power struggles and storytelling intricacies within the show, contemplating the narrative progress and character development throughout the season.
Chris and Andy talk about the news that 'Homicide: Life on the Street' will soon be streaming on Peacock (1:00) and that Apple TV+ will be trying to rein in its spending after years of big buys (12:14). Then they talk about 'Twisters' and how summer blockbusters have changed since the original 'Twister' in 1996 (21:43). Finally, they break down the latest episode of 'House of the Dragon' (52:54).
