How Did This Get Made? Podcast Episode Summary: "Doppelganger"

Release Date: March 7, 2025

Hosts: Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode begins with the hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas diving into their latest feature pick, the 1993 film "Doppelganger". Selected by their Discord community, the trio sets out to unravel the convoluted narrative and perplexing elements that make this movie a quintessential "so-bad-it's-good" film.

2. Overview of the Movie "Doppelganger"

"Doppelganger" centers around Holly Gooding (played by Drew Barrymore), a writer who rents a room and unknowingly acquires a roommate with a sinister alter ego. The film blends elements of body horror, psychological thriller, and neo-noir, resulting in a tangled storyline that leaves viewers questioning the reality of its characters.

Paul Scheer [03:52]: "A writer with a room for rent acquires a strange new roommate with a psychotic alter ego that follows him wherever he goes. That is the premise."

3. Cast and Characters

• Drew Barrymore as Holly Gooding: Portrayed as a troubled young woman grappling with her past and manipulated by her therapist.

• Dr. Heller (Will Arnett): Holly's psychiatrist who exerts a malevolent influence over her, using disguises to manipulate events.

• Patrick Highsmith (Jason Bateman): Holly's boyfriend who becomes entangled in the web of deceit spun by Dr. Heller.

• Additional Characters: Include eerie figures at Hollywood parties and a cameo by Danny Trejo as a construction worker.

4. Plot Breakdown and Analysis

The hosts dissect the movie's plot, highlighting its disjointed narrative and inconsistent character motivations.

• Opening Scene: Holly is depicted as a 17-year-old who fatally stabs her mother, setting a dark tone.

  Paul Scheer [05:11]: "She's 17 when she shoots this movie."

• Dr. Heller's Manipulations: Dr. Heller uses hypnosis and disguises to control Holly, pushing her towards violence.

  Jason Bateman [20:37]: "He was fully a creep. He was definitely a creep."

• Doppelganger Confusion: The film attempts to portray multiple versions of Holly, leading to confusion about reality versus illusion.

  Will Arnett [30:30]: "So when she sees the wine and freaks out, I'm like, why are you freaking out? You're the doppelganger. You're evil."

• Climactic Transformation: Holly transforms into a worm-like entity before splitting into two beings, culminating in a surreal and unresolved ending.

  Jason Bateman [53:00]: "She turns into a worm, then she turns into two beings, then she turns back into Drew Barrymore."

5. Special Effects and Cinematic Choices

The movie employs low-budget special effects that contribute to its erratic feel.

• Body Horror Elements: Holly's hands become webbed, symbolizing her losing control over her identity.

  Jason Bateman [05:33]: "Her therapist has programmed her. Basically, the movie could end with the Doctor being the baddie and the disguises being the way he was able to be mad bad."

• Masks and Disguises: Dr. Heller's extensive use of masks and costumes adds to the film's confusion, making it difficult to discern his true identity.

  Paul Scheer [17:50]: "He's a master of disguise, kind of like Dana Carvey's character."

6. Themes and Symbolism

The film explores themes of identity, mental illness, and manipulation, albeit in a muddled manner.

• Disassociative Identity Disorder (DID): Holly exhibits signs of DID, manifesting as distinct personalities fighting for control.

  Paul Scheer [57:11]: "According to the DSM 5, early childhood trauma around 5 or 6 years old places someone at risk of developing DID."

• Doppelgangers vs. Multiple Personalities: The movie conflates the concept of doppelgangers with DID, leading to thematic dissonance.

  Will Arnett [59:10]: "The movie is positing that Drew Barrymore... has another personality that's been developed because of trauma."

7. Reactions and Critical Reviews

The hosts share their bewilderment and amusement at the film's incoherent plot and questionable character development.

• Humorous Frustration: The hosts express frustration over plot inconsistencies, such as Holly's wet robe after taking a shower.

  Paul Scheer [31:35]: "I just felt like, you know, it's uncomfortable out there."

• Appreciation for Unintentional Comedy: Despite the film's flaws, the hosts find humor in its over-the-top scenes and dialogues.

  Jason Bateman [43:37]: "This scene has a line that my friends and I would then quote for years afterwards... 'You scratch my back, I lick your balls.'"

8. Host Opinions and Humorous Comments

The hosts infuse the discussion with personal anecdotes and comedic observations, enhancing the episode's entertainment value.

• Paul Scheer's Anecdote: Paul recounts an encounter with Joey Buttafuko, adding a lighthearted touch to the analysis.

  Paul Scheer [07:35]: "I will tell you that Joey, or for a long time, ran an ice cream truck... in LA."

• Will Arnett's Observations: Will humorously critiques costume choices and character motivations, such as Holly's accusatory line about her sister's murder.

  Will Arnett [63:00]: "It feels so harsh. 'My brother killed my dad.'"

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, the hosts deliberate on whether they'd recommend "Doppelganger" to listeners, ultimately affirming their enjoyment of the film's unique brand of "badness."

Will Arnett [76:31]: "A thousand percent."

Jason Bateman [76:31]: "Categorically. Just one of the best of the greats."

10. Announcements and Farewell

The episode concludes with the hosts announcing their upcoming spring tour, changes in cast members, and promoting their collaboration projects.

Paul Scheer [77:12]: "We are going on spring tour, and we have some interesting news."

They also invite listeners to join their Discord community and check out their merchandise, ensuring continued engagement beyond the podcast episode.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Scheer [05:11]: "She's 17 when she shoots this movie."
• Jason Bateman [20:37]: "He was fully a creep. He was definitely a creep."
• Will Arnett [30:30]: "When she sees the wine and freaks out, I'm like, why are you freaking out? You're the doppelganger. You're evil."
• Jason Bateman [43:37]: "This scene has a line that my friends and I would then quote for years afterwards... 'You scratch my back, I lick your balls.'"
• Jason Bateman [76:31]: "Categorically. Just one of the best of the greats."

Conclusion:

"Doppelganger" serves as a prime example of a film that intertwines ambitious themes with executional shortcomings. The How Did This Get Made? hosts navigate its labyrinthine plot with a blend of critical analysis and comedic relief, offering listeners both insights and laughs. While the movie may not stand as a masterpiece, its unique flaws make it a memorable subject for celebration in the realm of "bad movies."