Podcast Summary: "How Did This Get Made?" – Dreamcatcher Matinee with Jessica McKenna & Curtis Gwinn

Release Date: May 20, 2025

Introduction of Guests and Episode Context

In this episode of "How Did This Get Made?", hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas welcome returning guest Curtis Gwynn and Jessica McKenna to dissect the convoluted film adaptation of Stephen King’s Dreamcatcher. Curtis Gwynn, known for his work on acclaimed series like The Walking Dead, brings insider insights, while Jessica McKenna, a TV writer, offers a fresh comedic perspective.

[02:00] Curtis Gwynn: "Hello people of Earth, and welcome to how did this Get Made?"

Overview of Dreamcatcher: Book vs. Movie Adaptation

The discussion begins with an overview of Dreamcatcher, highlighting the drastic differences between Stephen King’s expansive 600-page novel and its $65 million film adaptation. Jessica expresses her dismay at the adaptation, noting that even as a massive King fan, the movie fell short of expectations.

[06:14] Jessica McKenna: "It's extremely 90s. I mean, again, look at the three people at the top of the ticket here. Lawrence Kasdan, William Goldman is."

Plot and Character Dissection

The hosts delve deep into the movie's plot, which centers around four friends with psychic powers trained by an alien, Duddits, to fend off an impending alien invasion. However, the film’s execution leads to confusion due to its non-linear storytelling and excessive exposition.

[05:01] June Diane Raphael: "But it has. Yes, but there's also the added Stephen Kingian kind of thing, which is these kids, these men."

Jessica criticizes the character development, pointing out that the protagonists are unlikable and poorly fleshed out, making it hard for the audience to invest in their fates.

[14:17] Jessica McKenna: "Yeah. And then he's awful to this guy. And then he puts a gun to his head. And you're like. You're immediately like, I don't like. He's too handsome. He's got this gun against fuck him."

Key Scenes and Their Impact

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on memorable yet disjointed scenes, such as the bathroom horror sequence where an alien emerges grotesquely from a character’s buttocks. The hosts highlight how these scenes oscillate between horror and unintended comedy, undermining the film’s intended tone.

[26:01] June Diane Raphael: "There's a lot of comical farts. Comical body horror."

Curtis points out the overuse of outdated cinematic techniques like "wipes" and awkward special effects that contribute to the film feeling dated.

[06:56] Jason Manzoukas: "Yeah, it's definitely gross."

Stephen King’s Perspective and Involvement

Jessica shares insights into Stephen King’s involvement, revealing that King wrote the original novel during a tumultuous period in his life, which influenced the book’s disjointed nature. King later expressed his disdain for the film adaptation, criticizing its divergence from his source material.

[08:33] Jessica McKenna: "He wrote that completely on OxyContin. And that. He hates it. He thinks it's terrible. He goes, oh, it's awful. Just awful."

Character Analysis and Performances

The hosts analyze the performances, particularly focusing on Jason Lee’s portrayal as Jason Beaver, whose constant toothpick use and cringe-worthy dialogue make him the least likable character. Damian Lewis’s role as the alien Mr. Gray is also scrutinized for being over-the-top and confusing.

[20:05] June Diane Raphael: "He's full of jargon and catchphrases that are preposterous."

Curtis and Jessica discuss how the characters’ interactions often feel forced and lack authenticity, further detracting from the film’s narrative coherence.

Visuals and Cinematography

Despite the film’s narrative flaws, the hosts acknowledge the high-quality cinematography, praising the snowy Maine landscapes and production design.

[55:42] June Diane Raphael: "It's expensive, it's lovely. Especially the main stuff, like all those big, big beautiful kind of snowy forests of Maine. It looks gorgeous."

Audience Reception and Reviews

The episode transitions to examining audience reviews, predominantly five-star ratings on Amazon. The hosts humorously critique the overly positive reviews that fail to grasp the movie’s shortcomings.

[65:13] Jessica McKenna: "You'll have more fun in the life."

Curtis highlights the absurdity of some reviews, noting their disconnect from the actual film content.

[69:14] Curtis Gwynn: "These animals weren't even running in horror."

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In wrapping up, the hosts offer mixed reviews. While acknowledging the film’s numerous flaws—from incoherent plotlines to unlikable characters—they also find amusement in its absurdity and moments of unintended comedy.

[74:32] Curtis Gwynn: "I would love a cut of this movie, like Curtis said, like, where it is like, laugh track and applause, but it's like a sitcom style thing."

Jessica recommends the movie for its sheer ridiculousness, suggesting that if viewers can overlook its flaws, they might find it entertaining in its own right.

[73:19] Jessica McKenna: "I've seen it three times, so yes, I would. Absolute. If for nothing else. Just the Jonesy, Mr. Gray Mask. You know, that stuff was so funny to me and jarring."

Conclusion

Ultimately, the episode presents Dreamcatcher as a flawed yet fascinating case study in bad movie adaptations. The hosts encourage listeners to approach the film with low expectations and an appreciation for its bizarre elements, ensuring an entertaining watch despite its many deficiencies.

[73:58] Jessica McKenna: "I'm so sorry. Did you wanna go?"

[74:01] Jason Manzoukas: "Yeah, like, certainly. No. And, like, even if you watch it and you don't love it, but it. Is your favorite movie. Well."

Notable Quotes:

• Curtis Gwynn [02:00]: "Hello people of Earth, and welcome to how did this Get Made?"
• Jessica McKenna [08:33]: "He wrote that completely on OxyContin. And that. He hates it. He thinks it's terrible. He goes, oh, it's awful. Just awful."
• Jason Manzoukas [20:05]: "He's full of jargon and catchphrases that are preposterous."
• June Diane Raphael [55:42]: "It's expensive, it's lovely. Especially the main stuff, like all those big, big beautiful kind of snowy forests of Maine. It looks gorgeous."
• Jessica McKenna [65:14]: "You'll have more fun in the life."
• Curtis Gwynn [69:14]: "These animals weren't even running in horror."

This episode of "How Did This Get Made?" provides a comprehensive and humorous exploration of Dreamcatcher, balancing critical analysis with comedic relief, making it a must-listen for fans of bad movies and Stephen King adaptations alike.