Movies Are Stuck in an Endless IP Loop. Plus, 'The Idol' Finale
Jul 5, 2023
01:03:51
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Quick takeaways
The poor performance of 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' at the box office raises questions about the reliance on existing IPs for financial success in the entertainment industry.
Collaborations between toy companies like Mattel and filmmakers to adapt toys into movies highlight the intersection of art and commerce, sparking a conversation about creative expression and the impact of nostalgia and brand recognition on storytelling.
The podcast episode critiques the prioritization of brands over storytelling, highlighting the dilution of creativity and the limitations this trend poses to innovation and audience choice in the entertainment industry.
Deep dives
The Idol: A Disappointing and Incoherent TV Show
The Idol is one of the worst hours of television with an incoherent and boring storyline. It lacks ambition, creativity, and uniqueness. The show fails to offer anything new or exciting, falling into the trap of being big, noisy, and just plain bad. The egos and reputations involved in the project overshadow any potential creative aspects, resulting in a misguided series that doesn't live up to expectations. It highlights the declining quality of TV in recent years, with a focus on safe, formulaic content rather than taking risks and pushing boundaries.
The Intersection of Art and Commerce in Mattel's Film Projects
Mattel, the toy company, has been collaborating with filmmakers to adapt their toys and characters into movies. This partnership raises questions about the intersection of art and commerce in the entertainment industry. While some may view it as the inevitable consequence of today's market-driven approach, others see it as an opportunity to create interesting and complex narratives within established IP. It sparks a conversation about the balance between creative expression and the need for financial success, as well as the impact of nostalgia and brand recognition on storytelling.
The Unfulfilled Potential of The Idol
The Idol, a TV series created by Sam Levinson, falls short of its potential. Despite some visually impressive moments and directorial choices, the show suffers from a lack of coherence and an unfinished storyline. The narrative feels incomplete and rushed, leaving viewers puzzled and unsatisfied. It is a missed opportunity for genuine creativity and storytelling that could have pushed boundaries in the medium. The Idol highlights the importance of striking a balance between aesthetics, storytelling, and satisfying viewers' expectations for a fulfilling viewing experience.
The commodification of entertainment and the rise of brand-centric storytelling
The podcast episode explores the shift in the entertainment industry towards brand-centric storytelling and the commodification of popular IPs. It discusses how companies like Disney and Mattel are turning their brands into larger concepts that overshadow the individual stories they tell. The episode points out that this approach can result in a dilution of creativity and a focus on profit rather than artistic value. It also delves into the impact of late-stage capitalism on the ability for filmmakers and artists to create genuinely unique and financially successful projects. The podcast raises concerns about the prioritization of brands over storytelling and the potential limitations this trend poses to innovation and audience choice.
The challenges of creating compelling and meaningful entertainment
The podcast episode highlights the difficulties faced in creating compelling and meaningful entertainment in the current industry landscape. It critiques the use of sex appeal and marketing gimmicks as substitutes for genuine storytelling and emotional resonance. The episode explores the need for authentic and original narratives that move beyond the reliance on existing IPs. It questions the artistic value and impact of content that focuses solely on selling products and invokes cynicism. The podcast raises important questions about the state of the entertainment industry, the role of brands, and the need for more diverse and meaningful storytelling.
Chris and Andy talk about a potentially incoming Screen Actors Guild strike and how that would affect the currently ongoing writers strike (1:00), the poor performance of 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' at the box office this past weekend (14:15), Mattel's plans to make movies based on toys beyond the Barbie movie (25:52), and the final episode of 'The Idol' and whether or not the show succeeded just because it wasn't based off of existing IP (40:58).
