Unclear and Present Danger

Broken Arrow

Dec 2, 2023

In this podcast, John Travolta, Christian Slater, Samantha Mathis, Delroy Lindo, and Howie Long discuss the 1996 action thriller 'Broken Arrow.' They explore the plot of the film, the style of director John Woo, and the influence of Asian cinema on Hollywood. They also touch on topics like mass incarceration in the 90s and nostalgia for the 90s. A captivating conversation for fans of the movie and 90s pop culture in general.

01:07:12

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Quick takeaways

Broken Arrow is a 1996 action thriller exploring the themes of loose nukes and nuclear proliferation.

The podcast episode highlights the generational shift in media consumption and the impact of technology on rewagsable media availability.

Deep dives

Summary of Broken Arrow

Broken Arrow is a 1996 action thriller directed by John Woo. The film follows Air Force Major Vic Deakins, played by John Travolta, who steals two nuclear weapons with the intention of selling them. His co-pilot, Captain Riley Hale, played by Christian Slater, teams up with Park Ranger Terry Carmichael, played by Samantha Mathis, to stop Deakins from detonating one of the weapons. The film explores themes of loose nukes and the fear of nuclear proliferation. Travolta's performance is praised, and the movie showcases Woo's signature style of over-the-top action sequences. Broken Arrow is a nostalgic reminder of the '90s era and the unique access to rewagsable media at home during that time.

Introduction

2min

Introductions, Book Promotion, and Discussion of 'Broken Arrow'

2min

Discussion of the plot of 'Broken Arrow' and Texas as the leading importer of prisoners

4min

Mass Incarceration and Post-WWII Atrocities

4min

Apple computer in the 90s and John Woo's stylized violence

5min

Exploring 'Broken Arrow'

25min

Nostalgia for the 90s: Longing for a Simpler Time

9min

Desperado, John Travolta, and Generational Changes

15min

On this week’s podcast, Jamelle and John watched the legendary Hong Kong director John Woo’s 1996 action thriller “Broken Arrow,” starring John Travolta, Christian Slater, Samantha Mathis, Delroy Lindo and Howie Long.

In “Broken Arrow,” a rogue pilot, Air Force Major Vic Deakins, played by Travolta, steals two nuclear weapons with the intent to sell them back to the United States government for a profit. His co-pilot, Captain Riley Hale, played by Christian Slater, is left for dead during the theft of the weapons. When Hale is found by park ranger Terry Carmichael, Samantha Mathis, the two race to stop Deakins, who eventually decides that he is going to detonate one of the weapons and irradiate the Southwest.

The tagline for “Broken Arrow” was “Prepare to go ballistic.”

You can find “Broken Arrow” to rent or buy on Amazon and iTunes.

Our next episode will be on the 1996 drama “City Hall.”

Connor Lynch produced this episode. Artwork by Rachel Eck.

John Ganz

Jamelle Bouie

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