It’s ‘Saturday Night’! Plus: The Top Five Backstage Movies and ‘Piece by Piece.’
Oct 11, 2024
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Chris Ryan, a contributor to The Ringer known for his sharp insights, joins forces with Jon Caramanica, pop critic at the New York Times and host of Popcast. They delve into Jason Reitman's film ‘Saturday Night,’ exploring its take on the origins of 'Saturday Night Live' and the challenges of capturing its iconic nature. The duo also ranks their top five backstage movies, discussing the intrigue behind the scenes. Later, Jon reviews the unique Lego-animated Pharrell Williams biopic ‘Piece by Piece,’ analyzing its effectiveness in portraying his prolific career.
The podcast explores the film 'Saturday Night,' highlighting its portrayal of the chaotic beginnings of Saturday Night Live and key figures involved.
Sean and Chris discuss the intriguing nature of 'backstage' movies, emphasizing the interest in revealing the hidden aspects of cinematic productions.
Jon Caramanica reviews the innovative Pharrell Williams biopic 'Piece by Piece,' assessing its unique Lego animation format against Williams' impactful musical legacy.
Listeners are engaged with collaborative events, like the special screening of 'The Wild Robot,' showcasing the podcast's commitment to fostering connections between audiences and creators.
Deep dives
Introduction of the New Series
The new series titled '60 Songs That Explain the 90s: The 2000s' emphasizes a transition from examining iconic 90s songs to exploring influential tracks from the 2000s. The host, Rob Harvilla, highlights prominent artists from the decade, such as The Strokes, Rihanna, J-Lo, and Kanye, to illustrate the significant shifts in pop culture and music. Through the lens of the selected songs, the series aims to delve into the cultural impact these tracks had on society during that era. This ambitious project emphasizes the rich musical tapestry that emerged from the 2000s.
Support from Sponsors
The episode discusses the inclusion of sponsors like Pluto TV and Volvo Cars, showcasing their offerings as part of the episode's flow. Pluto TV, known for providing thousands of movies and shows for free, allows listeners to explore diverse content without any cost. Volvo's EX90 SUV is highlighted as an innovative and safe option that features advanced technology for detection of potential risks, ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers. This integration of sponsors signifies a growing trend of brands partnering with podcasts to reach target audiences effectively.
Exciting New Releases and Special Events
A discussion around various new film releases highlights the collaboration between 'The Big Picture' and DreamWorks Animation, promoting a special screening of the film 'The Wild Robot.' This screening will be followed by an engaging conversation with writer-director Chris Sanders, adding a personal touch to the event. The host encourages listeners to register for the opportunity to be a part of this unique event and participate in the conversation. Such events illustrate the podcast's commitment to connecting audiences with creators, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art.
The Role of Pharrell Williams
An insightful segment features Pharrell Williams, exploring his contributions to music and culture over the years. The podcast touches upon Pharrell's ability to evolve and remain relevant across different musical genres while maintaining a signature style. Through interviews with various artists, such as John Caramonica and Chris, specific moments from Pharrell's life and career are examined, showcasing his impact on pop culture. This discussion underscores the importance of understanding the individual journeys of artists and their significant influence on shaping musical trends.
Analysis of Baseball's Current Landscape
A lively conversation surrounding baseball focuses on the current playoff scene, particularly the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. The hosts reflect on the dynamic nature of the new playoff format, likening it to March Madness, suggesting an unpredictable yet thrilling experience for fans. The emotional investment displayed, especially for fans supporting their teams through ups and downs, highlights the cultural significance of baseball in America. This banter showcases the camaraderie shared among enthusiasts and the excitement that comes with the postseason.
Exploration of New Movies
The podcast delves into the latest films hitting theaters, featuring discussions on upcoming works such as 'Complete Unknown,' shedding light on the life of Bob Dylan during the mid-60s. With trailers circulating and building anticipation, hosts share their thoughts and feelings about the storytelling approach, considering how these films resonate with audiences. The examination of a Bob Dylan biopic invites discussions regarding the expectations of accuracy in biographical storytelling. This segment emphasizes the crossover between music and film, as both art forms continue to evolve.
The Impact of Saturday Night Live
An extensive conversation occurs over the film 'Saturday Night,' which chronicles the inception of Saturday Night Live (SNL) alongside its iconic figures and behind-the-scenes chaos. The film is critiqued for its balance between entertainment and authenticity, raising questions about the representation of key characters, including Lorne Michaels. The hosts discuss their experiences with SNL over the years, reflecting on personal connections to different eras of the show. This exploration celebrates the cultural legacy of SNL and its continued relevance in pop culture.
Documentary Storytelling and Personal Narratives
The discussion shifts towards the nature of documentary storytelling, particularly in relation to celebrity biographies. The importance of access and control over narratives is emphasized, especially in today's entertainment landscape, where artists oversee their own stories. The hosts contrast various documentaries, highlighting the varying degrees of personal revelation and intimacy shared by subjects. This examination illustrates the evolving nature of documentary filmmaking, urging audiences to consider the implications of having artists control how their stories are presented.
Sean is joined by Chris Ryan to break down ‘Saturday Night,’ Jason Reitman’s quasi-historical exploration of the beginnings of 'Saturday Night Live' (10:00). They discuss the disbelief that needs to be suspended, as well as the more or less knockout cast, before launching into their top five “backstage” movies and discussion of why it’s so interesting to pull back the curtain in cinema (44:00). Then, Sean is joined by New York Times pop critic and ‘Popcast’ host Jon Caramanica to review ‘Piece by Piece,’ the Pharrell Williams biopic told through Lego animation (1:07:00). They discuss the format, the content, the interviews, and how effectively it does or doesn’t capture the totemic career of Williams and his lasting impact on pop music.
