The Movies That Made Me Karyn Kusama
Jan 15, 2019
Karyn Kusama, an acclaimed director known for films like Girlfight and The Invitation, joins the conversation to explore the influence of Michael Ritchie. She discusses the lasting impact of *Point Break* and shares insights on dark comedies like *Smile* and *Bad News Bears*, highlighting themes of empowerment through failure. Karyn reflects on the struggles of filmmakers fading into obscurity and how cultural context can shift the reception of films. Her passion for gritty storytelling reveals a quest for hope within darkness, making for an engaging discussion.
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Episode notes
Dark Satire With Warmth
- Smile blends dark satire with affection to reveal toxic Americana behind beauty pageants.
- Kusama praises its humane verité style and Conrad Hall's precise cinematography.
Watching Bad News Bears With Her Son
- Kusama watches Bad News Bears with her 11-year-old and contextualizes its offensive language historically.
- She argues the film's core is about becoming competent, not winning, which still resonates today.
Skepticism Toward Surface-Level Empowerment
- Kusama finds modern empowerment narratives often feel like insufficient fixes for systemic problems.
- She contrasts symbolic representation with deeper institutional change she wants to see.
