Jason Mantzoukas and Paul Scheer discuss the unique star power of Kurt Russell in 'Used Cars' (1980), exploring major studio comedies and bad luck sequences. They compare the themes in 'Used Cars' with 'Back to the Future' and delve into the evolution of comedy films. The podcast touches on character dynamics, moral complexity, and the depiction of female characters in 70s and 80s movies, along with critiques of 'Ghostbusters 2'. The hosts also reflect on the changing comedy landscape in the film industry and the career aspirations of comedic actors.
Kurt Russell showcases versatility in portraying deceitful yet charming characters throughout his career.
'Used Cars' diverges from conventional themes with horniness and rebellious energy in Kurt Russell's character.
In 'Used Cars', rich character dynamics heighten comedic timing and ensemble cast interactions.
Crafting humor in storytelling through comedic setups and character-driven moments engages audiences with surprise and clever arcs.
Zemeckis and Gale excel at intertwining plot with character-driven humor for cohesive storytelling.
The podcast delves into industry dynamics affecting female leads in eighties' comedies, highlighting limited professional opportunities.
Deep dives
Burt Reynolds-Murray Vibe: Charming Anti-Heroism
The podcast delves into the unique characteristics of movies featuring blue-collar scumbag anti-heroes like those depicted by Burt Reynolds in '70s films and Bill Murray in '80s movies. It highlights Kurt Russell's ability to portray slimy yet charming characters, straddling both deceit and heroism with finesse. The discussion emphasizes the energetic and rebellious nature of such protagonists, reflecting a bygone era of cinema.
Horniness and Adolescent Energy in 'Used Cars'
The episode explores the peculiar energy in 'Used Cars,' noting a distinct aura of horniness and adolescent recklessness throughout the film. It contrasts this vibe with other movies of its time, like 'Smokey and the Bandit,' emphasizing the unique blend of irreverence and energy present in Kurt Russell's character. The discussion showcases the film's deviation from conventional themes, incorporating elements of mischief and smuttiness.
Character Dynamics and Theatricality in 'Used Cars'
The summary discusses the intricate character dynamics in 'Used Cars,' featuring subtle yet impactful interactions between the characters. It highlights how the film presents a heightened theatricality, encapsulated in the strategic setup of scenes like the bad luck superstition bit. The analysis underscores the depth of character development and comedic timing, creating a rich ensemble cast with layered personas.
Unique Storytelling and Comedy Crafting
The podcast sheds light on the art of storytelling in 'Used Cars,' emphasizing the meticulous crafting of comedic setups and payoffs. It showcases how the film navigates between set pieces and character-driven moments, fostering unexpected discoveries and genuine laughs. This approach to comedy as magic, where surprise and revelation drive humor, reflects the film's ability to engage audiences through originality and clever narrative arcs.
Importance of Humor and Character Development
Crafting humor in scenes is crucial to effectively relay exposition while keeping the audience engaged. Zemeckis and Gale excel at intertwining plot with character and humor in a way that subconsciously sets up future elements. Ghostbusters is cited as an example where character-driven humor seamlessly merges with the main plot, making it cohesive. In contrast, Ghostbusters 2 is critiqued for prioritizing plot over character development.
Impact of Character Depth on Career Trajectories
The podcast delves into the impact of character depth on an actor's career. Speculations about the limited acting opportunities for Deborah Harmon post a particular movie raise questions about the eighties' industry dynamics for female leads. The discussion touched upon how eighties' comedies often featured one-dimensional female characters, hindering their long-term professional success compared to male actors.
Challenges Faced by Female Leads in Eighties Comedies
The episode explores how female leads, like Deborah Harmon, faced challenges in eighties' comedies. Harmon's career trajectory post a specific film exemplifies the industry's tendencies back then. The podcast highlights the disparity in roles for actresses in the eighties, where they were often relegated to static or underdeveloped characters.
Evolution of Comedy in Modern Industry Trends
The podcast reflects on the evolution of comedy in the industry, emphasizing shifts in audience preferences and industry norms. It compares traditional comedy trajectories with modern approaches, exploring the need for comedians to adapt to changing demands and explore new avenues of storytelling to sustain relevance and artistic growth.
The Evolution of Comedy Films and the Impact of Budget Changes
Comedy movies underwent a significant evolution with changing budgets and production trends. In the past, low-budget comedies relied on humor to attract audiences to theaters, benefiting from word-of-mouth marketing. However, the shift towards higher budgets in the 90s and 2000s led to strategic script decisions, favoring established stars over fresh comedic talent. This approach limited the quality of scripts allocated to top stars, altering the landscape of comedy film production.
Challenges Faced by Upcoming Comedians and the Shift in Casting Choices
Emerging comedians encountered challenges in accessing quality roles, prompting a shift towards independent movie production. Unlike earlier eras where SNL or sitcom actors transitioned to leading comedy films, today's comedians like Kyle Mooney must navigate non-traditional paths to establish their movie careers. The absence of studio-built comedian feeder systems underscores the struggle for emerging talents to secure significant movie roles.
The Need for a Resurgence in Comedy Films and the Role of Streaming Platforms
The podcast discussion highlights the diminishing presence of comedy films in theaters and the consequential rise in streamable content. The absence of theatrical experiences for comedy diminishes the shared audience joy of comedic moments. Suggestions arise for platforms like Netflix and A24 to invest in low-risk comedy projects to revitalize the comedic landscape and nurture the next generation of comedic talents.
How Did This Get Made’s Paul Scheer (Black Monday, The League) returns with Jason Mantzoukas (Big Mouth, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) for a rare-Rated R Zemeckis – Used Cars (1980). Topics in this episode include the unique star power of Kurt Russell throughout his career, unpacking the bad luck sequence, and a general look at the state of major studio comedies.
