Bryan Curtis, Ringer editor-at-large and host of ‘Press Box,’ joins Sean Fennessey to dissect Robert Zemeckis's latest film 'Here,' highlighting its innovative blend of technology and emotional storytelling. They dive into Zemeckis's approach to chronicling history and building a Zemeckis Hall of Fame, spotlighting his influential works like 'Back to the Future' and 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit.' The conversation also explores cinematic advancements, the intersection of nostalgia and modern storytelling, and the evolving landscape of filmmaking.
The podcast discusses Robert Zemeckis' new film 'Here,' emphasizing its experimental nature by chronicling thousands of years of history in one location.
Exploring the significance of place, the conversation reveals how physical locations deeply influence personal identity and emotional connections.
The dialogue highlights Zemeckis' balance of nostalgia and technological innovation in filmmaking, creating unique narratives that challenge traditional cinematic norms.
Complex character relationships are examined, illustrating how unresolved feelings and shared histories shape dynamics through time, reflecting real-life experiences.
Deep dives
The Concept of Deception
The podcast delves into the nature of deception, highlighting that deception is a universal experience that everyone partakes in. The discussion includes various forms of lies, from small white lies to significant fabrications that shape identities and narratives. An intriguing aspect mentioned is how some individuals alter their entire life stories or family histories to create a more favorable persona. These insights emphasize that while everyone lies, the narratives we create and the reasons behind them can reveal deeper truths about our desires and fears.
The Role of Place in Identity
An exploration of the significance of place in shaping personal identity is presented, emphasizing how physical locations can anchor memories and experiences. Individuals often find deep emotional connections to the spaces they inhabit, which become part of the fabric of their lives. The discussion uses various characters to illustrate how locations can hold both positive and painful memories, influencing how people perceive their pasts. This insight reveals a shared human experience, suggesting that our environments play a crucial role in who we become.
Nostalgia and Technology in Storytelling
The podcast reflects on the intersection of nostalgia and technological advancements in filmmaking, particularly in relation to Robert Zemeckis’ work. It discusses Zemeckis' ability to intertwine emotional storytelling with innovative technology, creating a unique viewing experience that challenges traditional cinematic norms. The commentary highlights the importance of balancing sentimentality with technological innovation, suggesting that both can coexist successfully. This balance is depicted as a hallmark of Zemeckis' films, showcasing his evolving approach to storytelling.
Temporal Moments and Life Experience
Listeners are introduced to the concept that significant life moments often occur within a limited number of physical spaces, making those locations sacred in personal narratives. The discussion emphasizes how as people move through life, they may revisit these critical spaces, weighing the memories associated with them. This reflection generates a poignant realization about the passage of time and how individuals may not recognize the permanence of these connections until much later in life. The idea resonates as a reminder of the intertwined nature of life experiences and the locations that house them.
Complex Character Relationships
Complex relationships between characters are dissected, particularly in how they evolve over time, reflecting real-life dynamics. The podcast discusses instances of parental relationships and how unresolved feelings can manifest in various ways, leading to tension or reconciliation. A key example includes explorations of marriage, illustrating how love can transform into apathy, and the emotional weight that carries over the years. These character arcs highlight the intricacies of human relationships, emphasizing that they are often less black-and-white and more about navigating shared history.
Cinematic Boldness and Challenges
The conversation touches on the boldness of filmmakers who take risks with challenging material, as seen in the works of Zemeckis. It discusses how the results of such risks can be polarizing, with some films being perceived as failures while others find acclaim. This tension reflects the evolving tastes of audiences and critics, suggesting that innovation can sometimes lead to misunderstanding or rejection. The discussion illustrates that pushing boundaries in art often leads to profound conversations, regardless of the final outcome.
The Nature of Audience Engagement
The podcast emphasizes the importance of audience engagement with cinema, discussing trends in viewership and the impact of distribution methods on how films are received. It notes that audiences are attracted to familiarity and nostalgia, which can often overshadow more innovative storytelling. This observation leads to a broader reflection on how the theater experience differs from streaming, as the communal aspect of watching films can influence audience perception. This dynamic underlines the responsibility of filmmakers to adapt to changing consumption patterns while remaining true to artistic intentions.
Sean is joined by Ringer editor-at-large and ‘Press Box’ host Bryan Curtis to discuss ‘Here,’ the new wildly experimental movie from Robert Zemeckis chronicling thousands of years of history in one corner of the world (1:00). Then, they build the Zemeckis Hall of Fame, choosing 10 movies from his roller-coaster canon to enshrine (46:00).
