‘Shogun’ Finale With Creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks
Apr 24, 2024
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Creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks discuss writing 'Shogun', casting Cosmo Jarvis, and the finale. They explore themes like emotion suppression, character evolution, and collaboration in storytelling.
The importance of subtle actions and silent dialogues in character transformation.
The significance of small narratives in enriching the overarching plot.
Balancing detailed micro-level storytelling with a grand structural vision for cohesive storytelling.
Deep dives
Exploring Blackthorn's Evolution Through Silence and Subtle Expressions
The finale delves into Blackthorn's transformation through his subtle actions and silent dialogues, aligning with the intricate cultural nuances taught throughout the series. The episode strategically incorporates moments of off-screen and letter-conveyed revelations that challenge the audience's expectations, emphasizing the importance of quiet introspection and nuanced emotional depth.
Nurturing Small Stories to Illuminate the Greater Narrative
The intertwining of small stories, like the gardener's tale, served as the foundation to build upon the broader narrative, illustrating the meticulous attention to detail and the significance of seemingly minor characters in enriching the overarching plot. These small narratives acted as the threads that connected and propelled the larger storyline.
Striking the Balance Between Forest and Trees in Crafting the Narrative
The collaborative process of marrying Rachel's focus on the micro-level detailed storytelling with Justin's structural vision offered a harmonious approach to navigating between the grander vision of the season's arc and the intricate emotional landscapes of individual characters and moments. Balancing the macro-view of the forest with the micro-view of the trees ensured a cohesive and compelling storytelling experience.
Embracing Process as the True Author of the Show
The evolution of the series showcased a departure from traditional hierarchical authorship models, with an emphasis on the process itself guiding the narrative. The fluid and dynamic nature of the storytelling journey allowed for organic creative developments, unexpected character nuances, and collaborative insights that shaped the show's trajectory. The interplay between intention and improvisation underscored the show's authentic and impactful storytelling approach.
Exploring Character Perspective and Evolution
The podcast discusses the dynamic nature of character perspectives in storytelling, using examples from shows like 'Lost' and 'Game of Thrones' to highlight how the central character focus can shift. It delves into the evolution of the main character in the discussed series, showcasing how initially perceived protagonists like Tor Naga give way to characters like Mariko, emphasizing her vital role in driving the narrative forward through translation and communication.
Cultural and Linguistic Challenges in Production
The episode delves into the complexities of maintaining cultural authenticity and linguistic nuances in a multilingual production. It highlights the importance of effective translation as more than just conveying words, emphasizing the need for translation to evoke tension and excitement akin to action scenes. The podcast reflects on the meticulous process of translating dialogue, ensuring cultural integrity while infusing subtleties that enhance the audience's viewing experience.
Chris and Andy do a quick culture catch-up, featuring Sunday’s surprise ‘Bluey’ episode, "Surprise!," and Taylor Swift’s new double album, before getting into their unfiltered thoughts on the ‘Shogun’ finale (9:30). Then, they speak with ‘Shogun’ creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks about how they approached writing the show, casting Cosmo Jarvis, the finale, and more (25:40).
