Summary of "I Could Never Be Your Woman with Karen Chee"
Blank Check with Griffin & David dives deep into Amy Heckerling's film "I Could Never Be Your Woman" in this episode, featuring guest Karen Chee. The hosts, Griffin Newman and David Sims, along with producer Ben Hosley, dissect the movie's convoluted production history, character dynamics, and its place within Heckerling's filmography.
Introduction to the Episode
The episode opens with Griffin and David setting the stage for their discussion on Amy Heckerling's "I Could Never Be Your Woman." They introduce guest Karen Chee, who brings fresh insights to the conversation.
Overview of "I Could Never Be Your Woman
Griffin Newman begins by quoting Michelle Pfeiffer's character in the film, highlighting the movie's quirky dialogue. He remarks, "I feel a way about this movie that I wish I felt more about." [01:19]
Production Challenges and Financial Troubles
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the movie's troubled production. The film was initially financed by Philippe Martinez, a French producer with a shady past, including convictions for financial fraud. Martinez promised a substantial budget, which dwindled over time:
- "This movie was filmed in 2005. It had planned theatrical releases from two different distributors, canceled in 2006." [03:51]
- Griffin elaborates on Martinez's financial instability, stating, "Within three years, he went from I got 200 to spend to can someone borrow me 100 so I can get back to zero." [39:09]
The hosts explain how these financial woes led to multiple cancellations of theatrical releases until Blockbuster eventually secured the exclusive rental rights:
- "It was Blockbuster being like. Netflix is starting to gain a little." [03:36]
- "Blockbuster had the exclusive rental rights for this." [04:32]
Casting and Performances
Michelle Pfeiffer's portrayal of Rosie, the showrunner struggling with her sitcom's declining popularity, is a focal point:
- Griffin notes Pfeiffer's impeccable styling, "She has a lot of stipulations, probably about how she's lit and framed." [10:53]
- David praises Paul Rudd's performance, despite his character's quirks, saying, "He's the best part of this movie and he's a funny, funny man." [10:49]
The dynamic between Pfeiffer and Rudd, marked by a significant age difference, sparks debate:
- "This movie is about a successful divorced woman in her late 40s falls for a hot, charming, up and coming struggling actor in his late 20s." [10:53]
- David humorously comments on Pfeiffer's reluctance to accept Rudd's antics, "Would Michelle Pfeiffer want to fuck him after watching that? Because in the movie she does." [55:50]
Themes and Storyline Analysis
The movie grapples with themes of aging, relevance in Hollywood, and the complexities of romantic relationships with significant age gaps:
- Griffin reflects, "This movie should be about her experience working on the Clueless TV show and navigating her personal life." [75:05]
- Karen shares a poignant moment from the film, highlighting the mother-daughter relationship: "She was like, I'm ugly and you're beautiful, mom." [76:39]
The inclusion of Tracy Ullman's character, Mother Nature, adds a layer of confusion and surrealism:
- "The weirdest parts... there's no consistent visual vocabulary." [44:37]
- David points out, "Tracy Ullman's character serves no plot purpose." [43:49]
Critical Reception and Legacy
Despite its troubled production and mixed reviews, the movie holds a peculiar fascination:
- Griffin mentions Nathan Rabin's categorization of the film as a "secret success," suggesting it's more substantial than commonly perceived. [42:40]
- David acknowledges its obscurity, "It's hard to say it's forgotten if most people never knew it existed." [42:44]
The hosts debate whether the movie deserves more recognition for its underlying themes and performances, even if its execution falters:
- Griffin asserts, "There's stuff in it, which is certainly how I feel." [43:03]
- David concurs, "There's a lot of stuff in it that I thought was a good idea." [43:15]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with reflections on the movie's potential and missed opportunities:
- Griffin emphasizes the disconnect between the protagonist's professional struggles and personal life, lamenting, "You might have made this movie, but you didn't develop this aspect appropriately." [75:25]
- Karen underscores the heartfelt moments, particularly the relationship between Rosie and her daughter, Saoirse Ronan's character, Izzy, stating, "It was so heartwarming and tugged at my heartstrings." [76:39]
The hosts agree that while "I Could Never Be Your Woman" isn't a masterpiece, it offers intriguing insights into Amy Heckerling's career trajectory and the challenges of crafting personal narratives within Hollywood's constraints.
Notable Quotes
- Griffin Newman [01:19]: "I feel a way about this movie that I wish I felt more about."
- David Sims [10:49]: "He's the best part of this movie and he's a funny, funny man."
- Karen Chee [76:39]: "Do you know off the top of your head what memory you would take?"
This episode of Blank Check with Griffin & David offers a comprehensive analysis of Amy Heckerling's "I Could Never Be Your Woman," exploring its production woes, character dynamics, and its nuanced place in the director's body of work. Through engaging discussions and insightful critiques, the hosts shed light on a film that remains a curious artifact in Hollywood's landscape.