The Next Reel Film Podcast Kiss Kiss Bang Bang • The Next Reel
"This was, like, two corpses in three hours. I mean, am I crazy? That’s unusual, right?"
Shane Black was gone from the scene for a decade before his return as not just writer but also director with 2005’s “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” a comedy crime mystery that unjustly largely flew under everyone’s radar. It was mostly critically acclaimed, but with Warner Bros.’ modest release plans and minimal advertising, it didn’t have much of a chance. And we’re hoping to rectify that. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Shane Black series with his directorial debut, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.”
We talk about why we love this film so much, from the noir and pulp elements Black incorporates to his comedic sensibilities, from the casting to the nature of the buddies. We chat about Robert Downey, Jr. and Val Kilmer and why they work so well together here. We discuss the challenge Black had to get this film made, and subsequently how he made it. We look at some of the other actors, including Michelle Monaghan and Corbin Bernsen, and what they bring to the table. We touch on the cinematography by Michael Barrett, the editing by Jim Page and the brilliant score by John Ottman, wondering if we can track down the soundtrack somehow. We look at the script and some of the Blackisms in it, but also compare it with the final scene and how having Black on set to direct allowed for one of his actors to create a stronger moment for the character. And we wrap up our look at the IMFDb to see what a much smaller budget does to the amount of firepower shown off in the film.
It’s a brilliant ride of a film that thrills us to no end. We highly recommend everyone checks it out, so do so then tune in to the show!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Script Transcript
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Art of the Title
- Bodies are Where You Find Them (The Mike Shayne Mysteries Book 5) by Brett Halliday
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
- When the Spec Script was King — Vanity Fair
Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: Jason Bourne — "We’ve talked about this series and will be talking about this one with the Film Board. I absolutely love the series and expect high things from this with Greengrass and Damon returning, joining forces with Stiles, Vikander and Jones. Can’t wait!"
- Pete's Trailer: Café Society — "Apparently, between the two of us, _I’m_the Woody Allen guy. I think Eisenberg and crew look terrific in this Hollywood send-up and I can’t wait to see LA get the _Midnight in Paris_treatment, no matter what Andy says while he’s over there stomping on joy."
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