Podcast Summary: "Dream A Little Dream LIVE! (w/ James 'Projector' Acaster)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: How Did This Get Made?
• Host/Authors: Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas
• Guest: James "Projector" Acaster and Meredith Salinger
• Release Date: November 29, 2024
• Description: This episode delves into the perplexing 1989 film "Dream A Little Dream," featuring in-depth discussions with comedian James Acaster and actress Meredith Salinger, who starred in the movie.

Introduction to "Dream A Little Dream"

The episode kicks off with Paul Scheer reintroducing the film "Dream A Little Dream," a body-switch comedy from 1989 starring Corey Feldman, Corey Haim, and Jason Robards. Scheer provides a brief Wikipedia-style synopsis to set the stage:

“Bobby Keller is a slacker high school student who, while running through a shortcut through a backyard one night, collides with Laney. During the collision, elderly Professor Coleman Ettinger is performing a meditation exercise with his wife Gina. The collision renders both teens unconscious, leading to a complex body-switch scenario.” (04:08)

Initial Reactions and Confusion

Paul expresses his frustration with the film's runtime and apparent plot inconsistencies:

“The movie is an hour and 54 minutes. When I saw that everything stopped, I got upset. It's a Corey's movie.” (04:08)

Jason Mantzoukas chimes in, revealing his skepticism about the film's coherence:

“Release the Cory cut. Give me four hours of this.” (06:03)

The hosts discuss the rumored longer version of the movie and Corey Feldman's attempts to release it, which Scheer humorously notes have been unsuccessful.

Breakdown of the Body-Switch Mechanism

The discussion moves deeper into the movie's central premise—the body switch between the two Coreys and the elderly couple. June Diane Raphael raises important plot points:

“There are several issues.” (07:53)

The hosts debate the mechanics of the switch, questioning the accuracy of the provided Wikipedia description. Raphael highlights discrepancies between the number of switches described and what is portrayed in the film.

“There are just not. Paul. There's just not. There are not four switches.” (12:46)

Scheer and Jason explore the possibility of a "dormant body switch," attempting to reconcile their initial confusion with the events depicted on screen.

Character Analysis and Relationships

The conversation shifts to character dynamics, particularly the relationships between Corey Feldman's character, Jason Robards' character, and Laney (played by Meredith Salinger). Scheer muses:

“This is a Jason Robards film. Like, because he's somebody who wants to escape death.” (19:43)

Raphael and Mantzoukas analyze the motivations and actions of the characters, questioning the believability and development within the film. They reference moments where characters exhibit contradictory behaviors, such as emotional responses that don’t align with their established personas.

Dream World vs. Reality

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the film's ambiguous reality—whether the events occur in a dream or real-world body switch. June Diane Raphael and James Acaster explore various theories:

“It's the dream space. This still is from this movie has a dance duet.” (49:48)

“I think that because she's calmly addressing him, she was already aware of the switch.” (40:27)

The hosts debate the presence of a "Prankster" entity manipulating the dream world, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.

Guest Insights: Meredith Salinger

The episode’s highlight is the inclusion of Meredith Salinger, who shares her firsthand experience filming "Dream A Little Dream." Salinger clarifies many of the film's confusing elements:

“I believe that it was dormant because at first she's sort of like doing things that she doesn't normally do.” (81:06)

She discusses the challenges of portraying a character undergoing a body switch and the intricate relationships with co-stars like Jason Robards and Harry Dean Stanton.

Salinger also reflects on the film's reception and her personal connection to it:

“People did like this movie back then, though. I know everyone's like, it's the worst movie ever. Everyone's. But back then... some people were like, that's my favorite movie.” (88:57)

Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes

Meredith shares amusing and perplexing behind-the-scenes stories, including interactions with cast members and unexpected occurrences during filming:

“On my 18th birthday, a cop came on set because we ordered strawberry daiquiris with whipped cream downstairs.” (81:48)

These anecdotes provide a glimpse into the chaotic and unconventional environment in which the film was made.

Final Thoughts and Theories

As the episode progresses, the hosts and guests continue to dissect the film's convoluted plot, presenting various theories to explain its inconsistencies:

• Body Switch Mechanics: Attempts to understand how the body switches occur and their limitations within the movie's universe.

• Character Motivations: Exploring why characters behave inconsistently and what drives their actions.

• Dream World Implications: Debating whether the entire narrative is set within a dream and the role of supernatural elements like the Prankster.

Jason Mantzoukas humorously critiques the narrative choices, suggesting that the movie lacks clear rules and coherent storytelling:

“This movie needed rules. This movie needed two scenes of exposition.” (40:37)

Audience Engagement and Second Opinions

The hosts invite listeners to share their own interpretations and opinions via calls and Discord, emphasizing the diverse perspectives surrounding the film. They acknowledge the polarized reception, noting that while some view it as a cinematic disaster, others find unconventional charm and emotional depth.

Conclusion: Embracing the Chaos

Wrapping up, Paul Scheer humorously reflects on the episode's journey through the labyrinthine plot of "Dream A Little Dream," thanking guests and encouraging listeners to engage with the content:

“We're going to immortalize a moment from this show that's a little bit different. You see, we figured there's no better T-shirt than a T-shirt that says James Projector.” (89:20)

The hosts conclude by promoting upcoming events and merchandise, maintaining the light-hearted and comedic essence of the podcast.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Scheer:
  “The fact that it was ever like any cut of this was four hours is irresponsible.” (06:07)

• Jason Mantzoukas:
  “This movie needed rules. This movie needed two scenes of exposition.” (40:37)

• Meredith Salinger:
  “I feel like it was dormant because at first she's sort of like doing things that she doesn't normally do.” (81:06)

• June Diane Raphael:
  “There are so many like 11th graders who are in business suits. And it's just so delightful to see.” (47:10)

Key Takeaways:

1. Plot Complexity: "Dream A Little Dream" presents a convoluted narrative with unclear body-switch mechanics and dream world elements, leading to substantial confusion among viewers and hosts alike.

2. Character Dynamics: The relationships between characters lack depth and consistency, making it challenging to discern motives and emotional arcs.

3. Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Meredith Salinger provides valuable perspectives on the filming process, highlighting the chaotic environment and the actors' experiences.

4. Diverse Reception: The film receives mixed reviews, with some appreciating its emotional moments and others criticizing its incoherence.

5. Engagement: The hosts encourage listeners to share their interpretations, fostering a community-driven exploration of the film's mysteries.

Conclusion:

"Dream A Little Dream LIVE!" offers an entertaining yet perplexing analysis of a film that defies conventional storytelling. Through lively discussions, guest insights, and humorous critiques, the episode navigates the maze-like plot, inviting listeners to ponder one of cinema's more enigmatic creations. Whether viewed as a cinematic flop or a cult classic, the episode underscores the subjective nature of film appreciation and the joy of dissecting "the best of the worst" with fellow enthusiasts.