Make Movies Great Again - N.D. Wilson | #61

Feb 10, 2025

N.D. Wilson, best-selling author of the 100 Cupboards trilogy and creator of Hello Ninja, dives into Hollywood's shifts post-Trump. He critiques the prevalence of mediocrity in film and the challenges of maintaining artistic quality in a profit-driven market. Wilson emphasizes the need for creative ambition and the potential of a free market to revive great art. The conversation touches on the evolving landscape of children's entertainment and the resilience needed in today’s cultural climate, while also hinting at his exciting upcoming projects.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Capitalism and Art

N.D. Wilson questions if capitalism produces great art or just popular art.
He ponders what a "cathedral" would be in the film space.

INSIGHT

Compelling Films vs. Safe Bets

Filmmakers used to earn more if their films were compelling.
Now, studios prioritize safe bets over quality, leading to mediocrity.

INSIGHT

Subscription Model's Impact on Quality

The shift to subscription models prioritizes quantity over quality content.
This disincentivizes excellence as profitability is capped for producers.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

MARK KERMODE

Fifty Shades of Grey

E. L. James

The novel follows Anastasia Steele, a literature student, as she interviews Christian Grey, a young and enigmatic entrepreneur. Their encounter leads to a complex and passionate affair, where Ana is introduced to Christian's world of BDSM and must navigate her own desires and boundaries. The story explores themes of control, submission, and the deepening emotional relationship between the two characters, despite Christian's dark past and his need for dominance.

The Right Stuff

Tom Wolfe

Published in 1979, 'The Right Stuff' by Tom Wolfe is a seminal work of nonfiction that delves into the lives of the pilots and astronauts involved in the U.S. postwar research with experimental rocket-powered aircraft and the early human spaceflight program, Project Mercury. Wolfe's book is based on extensive research, including interviews with test pilots, astronauts, and their families. It focuses on the bravery, machismo, and the unspoken code of 'the right stuff' that defined these individuals. The book contrasts the Mercury Seven astronauts with other test pilots like Chuck Yeager and Scott Crossfield, highlighting their courage, skills, and the risks they undertook. Wolfe's narrative is characterized by its vivid descriptions and use of literary techniques to evoke the era and the people involved in the early days of American space exploration.

Harry Potter

J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard. The series spans seven novels, each corresponding to one year of Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry, along with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, navigates the magical world, confronts various challenges, and ultimately faces off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggle between good and evil.

Death by Living

Life is meant to be spent

N.D. Wilson

In "Death by Living," N.D. Wilson masterfully weaves together profound reflections on life's ephemeral nature with a touch of whimsicality. The book explores the passage of time, particularly the experience of parenthood and the bittersweet joy of watching children grow. Wilson uses evocative imagery and insightful prose to capture the emotional intensity of these moments. He challenges the reader to embrace the present without the anxiety of trying to hold onto fleeting moments. Ultimately, the book offers a message of acceptance and peace in the face of life's inevitable changes.

100 Cupboards

Trilogy

N.D. Wilson

The 100 Cupboards is a fantasy novel by N.D. Wilson, the first book in a trilogy. It follows the adventures of siblings who discover a hidden world through a series of mysterious cupboards. The story blends elements of fantasy, mystery, and adventure, appealing to young adult readers. The book explores themes of family, friendship, and courage, with a focus on the importance of faith and perseverance. The series has been translated into multiple languages and has gained popularity for its engaging plot and relatable characters.

Hello Ninja

N.D. Wilson

Radical Chic

Tom Wolfe

Tom Wolfe's "Radical Chic" is a satirical non-fiction account of a 1970s party hosted by Leonard Bernstein for the Black Panthers. Wolfe's sharp wit and observational skills capture the hypocrisy and absurdity of the event, highlighting the clash between the wealthy elite and the radical movement. The book explores themes of social class, race, and political activism, offering a critical perspective on the era's social dynamics. Wolfe's distinctive style, characterized by vivid descriptions and insightful commentary, makes "Radical Chic" a compelling read for those interested in American social and political history. The book's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of the enduring tensions between social classes and the complexities of political engagement.

The abolition of Britain

Peter Hitchens

Knives Out

Ichael Howard

Knives Out, directed by Rian Johnson, is a mystery film that follows a group of eccentric family members who become suspects in a murder investigation. The film's clever plot twists, witty dialogue, and strong ensemble cast earned critical acclaim. The film explores themes of family dynamics, social class, and the complexities of truth and deception. The film's success is attributed to its ability to blend humor and suspense, creating a cinematic experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Knives Out's impact on popular culture is notable, showcasing the enduring appeal of mystery films and the power of storytelling to create engaging narratives.

Jojo Rabbit

Susan Gray

Jojo Rabbit, directed by Taika Waititi, is a satirical war comedy-drama that follows a young boy in Nazi Germany who discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish girl. The film's unique blend of humor and darkness, coupled with its exploration of complex themes, earned critical acclaim. The film explores themes of prejudice, tolerance, and the importance of empathy. The film's success is attributed to its ability to blend humor and pathos, creating a cinematic experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Jojo Rabbit's impact on popular culture is notable, showcasing the power of storytelling to address difficult historical topics with sensitivity and humor.

Lunatic Farmer

Joel Salatin

Notes from the Tilted World

N.D. Wilson

Wernher von Braun's book on Mars

Wernher von Braun

Ashtown Burials

Series

N.D. Wilson

Ashtown Burials is a series of novels by N.D. Wilson, known for its blend of mystery, suspense, and Christian themes. The series follows the investigation of a series of mysterious deaths in a small town, exploring themes of faith, justice, and the complexities of human relationships. The books are praised for their engaging plots, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking exploration of moral and spiritual issues. The series has gained a dedicated following among readers who appreciate its unique blend of genres and its exploration of faith in the context of everyday life.