Dive into a wild ride as the hosts analyze the unexpected charm of a vigilante film set in a troubled Miami school. They explore the complex character dynamics and moral dilemmas faced by a substitute teacher going undercover to save his community. The conversation then shifts to a heart-wrenching story of love and sacrifice, combining genres and standout performances. Finally, they tackle an unconventional western starring Telly Savalas, celebrating exceptional cinematography and the unique visual storytelling that sets it apart.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Missed Theatrical Run
Quentin Tarantino didn't see The Substitute in theaters initially, expecting word-of-mouth if it was good.
He eventually watched it on TV after Craig Hammond recommended it, enjoying it but forgetting most of it.
insights INSIGHT
Ormsby's Influence
Roger Avary enjoyed The Substitute finding it a fun movie that caters to audience expectations.
He was excited by Alan Ormsby's writing, anticipating something unique.
insights INSIGHT
Unexpected Heart
The Substitute shifts from a vigilante story to a heartwarming teacher-student film.
Tom Berenger's character connects with the students, leading to an emotional scene.
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The story follows Michael Hillyard, a young architect, and Nancy McAllister, an artist, who are deeply in love and planning to get married. However, their plans are disrupted by a car accident just before their wedding, and Michael's mother, Marion, who disapproves of Nancy, orchestrates a cruel deception that separates the couple. Nancy, severely injured and undergoing facial reconstruction, is led to believe Michael has abandoned her, while Michael is told she has died. The novel explores their separate journeys and their eventual reunion, highlighting the power of true love and the consequences of interference by others.
Quentin Tarantino & Roger Avary go back to class in The Substitute. When an inner city Miami school teacher gets kneecapped after standing up to the school's gang leader, her spec-ops boyfriend goes undercover as a substitue teacher to take down the punk. Quentin and Roger discuss how the on screen chemistry makes this movie work, the excellent extras casting, and how this flick has no right to be this good.
Quentin and Roger continue the conversation over on Patreon with two more titles. Next up: The Promise. A rich student's fiancee has her face mangled by a car accident. Her future mother in law offers to fix her up on one condition: she never sees her son again. Roger and Quentin discuss how this movie mashes up two of Quentin's favorite genres, the smash performances, and some of Roger's speculations behind the true meaning of the film. And, on the last stop of the night, we've got Pancho Villa. Starring Video Archives favorite Telly Savalas, you'll have to see this paella western to believe it.
You can also write us a question by sending a letter to The Video Archives Podcast, 1014 South Westlake Boulevard, Suite #14-1328, Westlake Village, CA 91361.
The Video Archives Podcast with Quentin Tarantino & Roger Avary 