Ep. 786 - Trap (GUEST: Tim McEwan from The Midnight)
Aug 6, 2024
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Tim McEwan, the creative force behind The Midnight and the catchy theme song for the show, joins to dive deep into M. Night Shyamalan's harrowing thriller, Trap. The hosts also discuss the cultural impact of the Hong Kong film, Twilight of the Warriors, and explore the excitement surrounding the upcoming Olympics. Alongside bustling concert dynamics and humorous chaos, they dissect the intriguing themes in modern cinema and reflect on the art of storytelling, all while weaving in personal anecdotes from Tim's musical journey.
The podcast highlights the surge in popularity of true crime documentaries, emphasizing their capacity to connect audiences through real-life stories of crime and justice.
In their review of M. Night Shyamalan's 'Crap', the hosts discuss its unique blend of horror and thriller elements set against a concert backdrop.
Notable performances in 'Crap', particularly by Josh Hartnett, are praised for their depth and emotional complexity, particularly in parental relationships.
The hosts critique certain plot devices in 'Crap', discussing the balance between creative storytelling and maintaining credibility in the narrative.
Deep dives
Overview of True Crime Themes
The episode discusses the fascination with true crime documentaries, highlighting how they captivate audiences through real-life stories of crime and justice. Examples include popular cases like the Hatcher-Wielding Hitchhiker and the Ted Bundy tapes, showcasing how these narratives resonate with viewers, sparking conversations among friends. Jillian and Patrick emphasize their role as friends who recap these stories, creating a community for listeners to share their thoughts and experiences regarding true crime content. This connection illustrates why such documentaries have surged in popularity, drawing people into the intricate details and emotional stakes of real-life cases.
Review of 'Crap' by M. Night Shyamalan
The hosts provide a review of M. Night Shyamalan's film 'Crap', acknowledging its unique premise that combines elements of horror, thriller, and mystery set against the backdrop of a bustling concert. As they discuss the film's narrative, they highlight how it dives deep into the psychology of its characters, especially focusing on a father's relationship with his daughter amidst a larger criminal threat. The tension builds as the story unfolds, challenging viewers to engage with the characters' decisions, motivations, and emotional arcs. Overall, they express mixed reactions, showcasing how Shyamalan successfully spurred excitement but may have lost some audience members along the way.
Characters and Performance Highlights
The discussion emphasizes the notable performances in 'Crap', most prominently highlighting Josh Hartnett, who brings depth to his role as the concerned father. His character's journey throughout the film reflects a complex emotional landscape, balancing parental instinct with the fear of being falsely accused. The hosts praise the cast's ability to embody their roles, particularly the interactions between Hartnett and the teenage daughter, which are grounded in genuine emotion. This relationship serves as the film's emotional core, combined with the tension of the surrounding chaos adding layers to the characters' experiences.
The Concert Setting's Significance
The podcast outlines how the concert setting plays a pivotal role in 'Crap', serving as both a vibrant backdrop and a claustrophobic environment for tension to build. The hosts discuss the challenges of accurately portraying the energy of live performances and how the film managed to create a believable atmosphere with a live audience. Elements such as the use of crowdsourced fan involvement during potential peril highlight the unique dynamics of celebrity culture and public perceptions of danger. This creative approach not only enhances the narrative but allows audiences to engage with the plot on multiple levels, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Thematic Exploration of Family and Identity
The episode delves into the themes of family and identity explored within the film, particularly how parental relationships are tested under extreme circumstances. As the narrative unfolds, Hartnett's character navigates the duality of being a protective father while grappling with the potential for darkness within himself. This exploration resonates with universal fears about parenting, safety, and the societal expectations placed upon families in a crime-ridden society. The complexity of these themes contributes to the film's emotional weight, leading viewers to ponder their own familial bonds and the lengths they would go to protect loved ones.
Critique of Plot Devices and Logic
Amidst the praise, the hosts also critique various plot devices and logical inconsistencies presented in 'Crap', calling into question the believability of certain character decisions and outcomes. They note how the flow of the narrative occasionally falters due to unlikely coincidences and character choices that diverge from realistic expectations. This critique points to a broader discussion about the balance between creative storytelling and maintaining credibility within the genre. Ultimately, the film's enjoyment hinges on the audience's willingness to suspend disbelief and embrace the unique storytelling style characteristic of Shyamalan’s work.
Reception and Cultural Impact
The episode concludes with reflections on the film's reception, considering its place within both Shyamalan's filmography and the broader context of contemporary thrillers. The hosts discuss how 'Crap' fits into a conversation about genre films that tackle similar themes of fear and family amidst larger societal issues. By examining audience reactions, the conversation underscores the film's potential cultural impact, tapping into ongoing discussions about crime, safety, and familial responsibility. This ongoing dialogue reflects a growing interest in films that challenge viewers' perceptions while delivering gripping narratives.
David, Devindra, and Jeff scale new heights with Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, get into the high stakes business world of Industry, and admire some of the greatness on display at the 2024 Olympics. Then they are joined by the creator of The Filmcast Theme Song, Tim McEwan, to discuss the latest thriller from M. Night Shyamalan, Trap. Check out Tim’s band The Midnight who are heading out on a fall tour this September.
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Thanks to our SPONSOR: MEUNDIES: Get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping, at MeUndies.com/Filmcast. BETTERHELP: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/filmcast today to get 10% off your first month.
Shownotes (All timestamps are approximate only) What we've been watching (~00:05:14)
David - Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, Presumed Innocent (1990 + 2024)
Devindra - Industry S3, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, Interview with the Vampire S1
Jeff - Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, The 2024 Olympics
Featured Review (~00:46:28)
Trap SPOILERS (~01:07:41)
Support David's artistic endeavors at his Patreon and subscribe to his free newsletter Decoding Everything. Check out Jeff Cannata’s podcasts DLC and We Have Concerns. Listen to Devindra's podcast with Engadget on all things tech. You can always e-mail us at slashfilmcast(AT)gmail(DOT)com, or call and leave a voicemail at 781-583-1993.
Credits:
Our theme song is by Tim McEwan from The Midnight. This episode was edited by Noah Ross who also created our weekly plugs and spoiler bumper music. Our Slashfilmcourt music comes from Simon Harris.
