What the Emmys Can Tell Us About the State of TV. Plus, ‘Monsieur Spade’ With Clive Owen.
Jan 18, 2024
auto_awesome
Clive Owen discusses his decision to take on the iconic detective character Sam Spade. The hosts also talk about the delayed 2023 Emmys and what the sweep of awards says about the state of the TV industry. They break down the first episode of 'Monsieur Spade' and discuss its ties to 'The Maltese Falcon'.
The TV industry is being dominated by shows like 'The Bear,' 'Beef,' and 'Succession' as indicated by their sweep of awards at the Emmys.
The show 'Monsieur Spade' impresses with its impeccable craft, attention to detail, and ability to capture the noir aesthetic while offering a fresh perspective.
Watching 'Monsieur Spade' is an immersive and captivating experience that transports viewers to a specific time and place, rewarding them with multiple viewings to uncover new details and connections.
Deep dives
Overview of the podcast episode
In this podcast episode, Andy Greenwald introduces a new podcast called 'Stick the Landing' where they explore the finales of popular TV shows. They then discuss the Mr. Spade television show on AMC and are joined by actor Clive Owen, who stars in the show. They express their excitement for the series and mention that it is a new take on the character Sam Spade from the classic noir novel 'The Maltese Falcon'. They also share their thoughts on the Emmys and the winners of the awards.
The Craft and Intentionality of Mr. Spade
Andy and Chris discuss the impeccable craft and intentionality of the Mr. Spade series. They praise the excellent writing, well-paced plot, and attention to detail, noting how every scene and character serves a purpose. They highlight key moments that demonstrate this, such as subtle interactions with minor characters that foreshadow their later significance. They also appreciate how the show captures the noir aesthetic while bringing a fresh perspective to the genre.
Immersive Experience
The podcast hosts emphasize the immersive and captivating experience of watching Mr. Spade. They note how the show transports viewers to the world of the story, evoking a sense of time and place. They mention the attention to historical events, such as the French Resistance and the Algerian War, which adds depth and complexity to the narrative. They also discuss the show's deliberate pacing and how it rewards viewers with multiple viewings, allowing them to uncover new details and connections.
Continuity and Reimagining Noir
The hosts delve into the continuity and reimagining of the noir genre in Mr. Spade. They talk about the intentionality behind the show's homage to classic noir elements, including the influence of Humphrey Bogart's portrayal of Sam Spade in the Maltese Falcon. They appreciate the blend of classic noir vibes with modern storytelling techniques, creating a unique and engaging viewing experience. They also highlight the meticulous filmic language, evoking the style of classic Hollywood filmmaking in camera movements and framing choices.
The allure of working with Scott Frank and playing Sam Spade
Clive Owen shares his excitement in working with Scott Frank, describing him as a highly regarded writer and a top director. Owen was drawn to the project because of the opportunity to play the iconic character of Sam Spade and work with such a talented filmmaker. He mentions how Scott and Tom Plantana pitched the idea to him, emphasizing their vision to jump ahead in time and place the character in a different environment. Owen also discusses his admiration for Humphrey Bogart's portrayal of Sam Spade and how he utilized it as inspiration for his own performance.
Exploring archetypes, embracing limitations, and tackling French language challenges
In this paragraph, Clive Owen delves into the importance of embracing archetypal characters like Sam Spade, highlighting their enduring appeal and moral compass. He acknowledges that he preferred celebrating the iconic characteristics of the character rather than modernizing or adding emotional layers. Owen also reflects on his career choices, mentioning his avoidance of getting typecast and his preference for taking on diverse and challenging roles. He touches on the difficulty of learning the French language for the role and how he approached it phonetically, seeking to capture the correct sounds rather than pursuing fluency.
Chris and Andy talk about the delayed 2023 Emmys that were held this week and what the sweep of awards by shows like ‘The Bear,’ ‘Beef,’ and ‘Succession’ says about the state of the TV industry (1:00). Then they break down the first episode of ‘Monsieur Spade’ (30:12) before being joined by the lead, Clive Owen, to talk about his decision to take on the iconic detective character Sam Spade (50:46).
