Hallie Meyer Shire, a filmmaker and daughter of renowned director Nancy Meyers, joins to discuss the bizarre potential of Joker sequels and cinematic dreams. They dive into the complexities of character portrayals, especially Michael Keaton's multifaceted roles, and critique the missed opportunities in the Joker films. The conversation also swirls around industry trends, the charm of shallow narratives, and personal anecdotes that offer a reflective look at the evolution of storytelling in film.
The hosts analyze Joaquin Phoenix's singing abilities in 'Joker' compared to 'Walk the Line', revealing varied audience expectations and outcomes.
Concern regarding Lady Gaga's role in 'Joker: Folly a Deux' highlights her limited development, reflecting a missed opportunity to showcase her artistry.
The discussion on the original 'Joker's' cultural impact versus its sequel raises questions about sequels prioritizing financial success over narrative integrity.
Playful banter about fan theories showcases engaging speculation on character evolution and narrative connections between 'Joker' and its sequel.
A comparison between 'Goodrich' and 'Home Again' reveals 'Goodrich's' superior character development and emotional narrative amidst the complexities of adult relationships.
Deep dives
Exploration of Musical Talent
The episode discusses Joaquin Phoenix's singing abilities, particularly in the films 'Walk the Line' and 'Joker'. While it's acknowledged that Phoenix's portrayal of Johnny Cash involved extensive coaching to adopt a specific vocal style, the hosts suggest that his performance in 'Joker' does not quite reach those heights, despite some evocation of emotion. The contrasting reactions to his singing between the two films are scrutinized, with opinions varying on whether the effort made in 'Joker' is commendable. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the expectations placed on actors portraying musical legends versus their interpretations of original characters.
Critique of Lady Gaga's Role
The discussion reveals a strong disappointment in Lady Gaga's portrayal in 'Joker: Folly a Deux'. The hosts express frustration over how her character is used merely as a plot device, effectively sidelining her talent and diminishing her presence in a film that could have incorporated her artistry more fully. There's a recognition of Gaga's limited screen time and the lack of any meaningful development for her role. The overall sentiment points to a missed opportunity for the film to explore the complex dynamics between her character and the Joker.
Joker's Cultural Impact
The episode emphasizes the profound cultural impact of the original 'Joker' film, which grossed over a billion dollars, raising discussions about mental illness and societal issues. In contrast, the sequel's reception is questioned, with worries that it might tarnish the legacy of its predecessor. The hosts explore the paradox of how such a significant financial success led to hesitation in producing a sequel. The conversation sheds light on the potential consequences of blindly pursuing sequels based solely on box office figures instead of narrative strength.
Fan Theories and Speculation
There is a playful banter regarding fan theories concerning the implications of 'Joker: Folly a Deux'. The podcast explores various possibilities, including how characterizations may shift and evolve between films. They ponder whether the sequel can stand alone and if it should indeed connect with its predecessor's narrative. Speculating on the creative choices made, the hosts discuss whether the character arcs align logically with what was previously established.
Contrast with Home Again
The conversation turns to the film 'Home Again', which is contrasted against 'Goodrich'. The hosts agree that while both films share familial and relationship themes, 'Goodrich' provides a more coherent narrative and character development. They dig into how 'Goodrich' successfully navigates emotional depth without overly dramatizing situations, unlike 'Home Again', which often falters under its inconsistent execution. This comparison highlights the strengths of Hallie Meyer Shire's latest project and the contrasts in storytelling styles between the two films.
An Analysis of Cinematic Techniques
The hosts examine the cinematography and production quality in both 'Joker' and 'Goodrich', noting a disparity in execution. They praise 'Goodrich' for its thoughtful angles and compositions that contribute to the emotionality of the narrative, while criticizing 'Joker' for its lack of vibrant visuals and musical sequences that don't live up to the film's potential. The conversation draws attention to how effective cinematography can enhance storytelling, particularly in films tackling heavy themes. Ultimately, the hosts endorse the notion that visual artistry plays a crucial role in the viewer's experience.
The Role of Teen Characters
The episode discusses the portrayal of children in 'Goodrich', particularly the twin characters. While their roles are somewhat limited, the hosts appreciate the attempts made to include them in the narrative without falling into cliched representations. They touch upon the challenge of effectively utilizing child actors in a story that revolves around complex adult themes. This leads to broader conversations about familial relationships and how children's perspectives can often be overlooked yet are critical to understanding family dynamics.
Exploration of Themes in Parenting
There is an emphasis on parenting themes throughout both films, particularly how characters grapple with their responsibilities. The podcast highlights Phoenix's character in 'Joker' dealing with perceived expectations versus actual realities of fatherhood. Meanwhile, Keaton's character in 'Goodrich' illustrates a more relatable journey of personal growth amidst challenges. The hosts express appreciation for how both movies manage to address these themes without falling into preachiness, allowing for a genuine exploration of character arcs.
Box Office Performances
The episode briefly touches upon the box office performances of both 'Joker: Folly a Deux' and 'Goodrich'. Joker's performance is critically analyzed, acknowledging its massive opening yet significant drop-off in subsequent weeks, signaling potential audience dissatisfaction. In contrast, 'Goodrich', while not expected to make large financial waves, is predicted to hold steady due to its favorable reception and relatable content. The hosts reflect on how box office statistics reflect audience engagement but also the importance of narrative quality over sheer profitability.
Implications for Future Productions
The podcast concludes with a discussion on the implications for future productions in light of recent trends in filmmaking. The hosts express hope that 'Joker: Folly a Deux's' poor reception may prompt studios to reassess their franchise strategies. They contemplate what this means for upcoming sequels and how filmmakers can prioritize originality and creativity over formulaic approaches. The overarching sentiment highlights a desire for a return to storytelling that resonates meaningfully rather than relying on established franchises.
What if they made a sequel to the Joker movie that was pretty much the finale of Seinfeld but it’s also a half-assed jukebox musical, and EVERYONE hated it? What if Michael Keaton had a 35-year-old pregnant daughter, but he also had precocious 9-year-old twins and a Los Angeles art gallery on the verge of financial collapse? Both scenarios lay the groundwork for two of the most “they don’t make ‘em like this” films of the year, and BOTH conclude with the same Daniel Johnston song. You can’t make this stuff up, folks! Join the crew for a fever dream of an episode that features an all-timer of a Madame Web tangent, Griffin’s grand theory of Todd Phillips self-sabotage, and some earnest reflections on the past 499 episodes that have led us to this monumental achievement.
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