An Ask-Us-Anything Mailbag, and ‘I Saw the TV Glow,’ with Jane Schoenbrun
May 10, 2024
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Filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun discusses 'I Saw the TV Glow,' a blend of body horror and nostalgia. They talk about the impact of screens on self-understanding, growing up hooked to television, and future film projects. The podcast also covers topics like the decline of Survivor, studio acquisitions, and the emotional impact of iconic songs in films.
Repertory theaters offer diverse film experiences for cinephiles in LA.
Filmmaker's transition from internet works to nostalgic cinema influenced by TV.
Watching characters engage with screens adds cinematic depth to storytelling.
Background in Tivo era media consumption leads to unique cinematic defiance.
Incorporating mischief and unconventional elements in filmmaking inspires innovative storytelling.
Deep dives
Harrison Ford: A Well-Rounded Choice
If I could only watch one actor's filmography for the rest of my life, I would choose Harrison Ford. His versatile range of movies includes iconic performances in movies like Witness, Working Girl, Morning Glory, Presumed Innocent, The Fugitive, and even classics like Apocalypse Now and Return of the Jedi.
Diss Movies: Cinematic Battles
When it comes to movies that serve as disses or reflections of real-life tensions, examples like Deconstructing Harry, Irreconcilable Differences, and While We're Young stand out. These films have elements or stories that reflect real-life conflicts or tensions between individuals in the film industry, adding an intriguing layer to their narratives.
Versatility in Repertory Theaters
Repertory theaters play a vital role for cinephiles, offering a diverse range of classic and new films for audiences. The American Cinematheque theaters, such as the Arrow, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3, along with independent theaters like the New Beverly, Braindead Studios, and Bideaux's, provide exceptional programming and unique experiences for moviegoers in Los Angeles.
Connection to Internet Experience
The filmmaker highlights their transition from internet-focused works to a more nostalgic and formative film, influenced by their upbringing with screens and online spaces. Their immersion in TV shows like Buffy and forums during the late '90s shaped their storytelling perspective.
Exploring TV Consumption
The podcast discusses the filmmaker's childhood experiences of eagerly watching TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the X-Files. It delves into their habit of shuttling between the TV and the family desktop to engage with online forums and the internet after watching their favorite TV shows.
Embracing Screen Watching
The filmmaker reflects on the significance of showcasing characters watching TV shows or using computers in their films, finding cinematic joy in observing individuals engage with screens. They challenge the notion that watching characters consume media is un-cinematic, emphasizing the emotional and thematic depth it adds to storytelling.
Transition to Period Piece
The discussion touches upon the shift in filmmaking trends towards period pieces due to the avoidance of cell phones and screens in contemporary stories. The filmmaker's distinct background in consuming media during the Tivo era allows for a unique cinematic defiance against solely present-day screen avoidance narratives.
Exploring the Influence of Television on Childhood Imagination
The podcast delves into the impact of television on childhood imagination, highlighting the speaker's personal experiences of creating their own imaginative stories inspired by TV shows like Darkwing Duck. It emphasizes the role of episodic storytelling and narrative development in engaging young viewers, fostering a sense of joy and growth alongside evolving characters.
Transitioning from TV Shows to Experimental Films
The discussion shifts to the speaker's transition from television to movies and the attraction towards experimental films that challenge traditional narrative structures. It explores how movies like Requiem for a Dream and Memento sparked a fascination with unconventional storytelling and the desire to explore the boundaries of filmmaking beyond mainstream expectations.
Incorporating Mischief and Unconventional Elements in Film
The podcast touches on the importance of incorporating mischief and unconventional elements in filmmaking, drawing inspiration from filmmakers like Lynch and Cronenberg who push the boundaries of traditional film language. It discusses the distinction between evoking nostalgia through filmmaking versus creating new, unprecedented experiences, emphasizing a preference for innovative storytelling that defies traditional norms.
Sean and Amanda answer your questions about the 2024 box office, roasts, YouTube movie clips, repertory theaters, and more (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Mean Pod Guy Adam Nayman to discuss an exciting new release, Jane Schoenbrun’s ‘I Saw the TV Glow,’ and its unique blend of body horror, nostalgia, and identity (1:15:00). Finally, Sean is joined by Schoenbrun to discuss the making of the movie, growing up hooked in to television, and what kind of films they’re interested in making moving forward (1:45:00).
