How Did This Get Made? – Last Looks: Driven Release Date: August 15, 2025

Hosts: Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of How Did This Get Made?, the hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas delve into the perplexing world of the movie Driven. As always, they blend humor with insightful critiques, dissecting the film's missteps and celebrating its unique charm. The episode not only features lively discussions but also incorporates listener interactions through corrections, omissions, and entertaining phone calls.

Corrections and Omissions

The segment begins with Paul introducing the theme of the episode: dissecting the movie Driven. He welcomes listener contributions and sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of the film's various elements.

• Rennie Harlan's Directing Methods
  Listener Dr. Guts 1003 shares an excerpt from Estella Warren's interview, revealing Rennie Harlan's intense directing style:

  "Rennie wasn't really a nice person to me that day. Let's just say there was a lot of champagne and caviar involved in making up for it but I ultimately thanked him for making me cry because it worked out so well for the scene."
  [05:12]

  The hosts discuss the plausibility and ethical implications of such directing techniques, with Paul remarking:

  "Renny Harlan is a notorious dick. And look, and that's fine. He was at a time when directors could do that."
  [07:45]

• Robert Sean Leonard's Performance
  George Glass praises Robert Sean Leonard's role in Driven, emphasizing the character's validity:

  "Sofia was using his brother Jimmy as a rebound at best and to make her ex-boyfriend jealous at worst. He had every right to tell his brother not to get mixed up in that dynamic."
  [10:30]

• 3D Filming Techniques
  Sean McBee points out the unrealistic 3D filming techniques used in the movie:

  "There are so many instances of things flying straight to camera, from raindrops to manhole covers and even one of the quarters Stallone flipped before that dumb coin pickup thing."
  [12:00]

  The hosts debate whether these choices were intentional stylistic decisions or lackluster attempts at adding depth to the film's visuals.

Listener Phone Calls

The episode features several humorous and insightful listener calls that add depth to the discussion:

• Larry from Florida on Burt Reynolds' Contract
  Larry shares an anecdote about Burt Reynolds' peculiar acting contract:

  "He was in the chair the entire time, except when he was leaving the chair to leave the school or arriving to the school to sit in the chair."
  [09:54]

  Jason humorously responds:

  "Oh, my God, Larry, this is the best story of all time."
  [11:42]

• Cora Veltman on Motorsports Accuracy
  Cora provides insider information about the movie's depiction of motorsports:

  "This movie was partly subsidized by the league itself. It originated as, of course, an F1 movie."
  [14:15]

  The hosts express appreciation for the detailed insights, enhancing the authenticity of their critique.

• John Steele on Technical Inaccuracies
  John Steele questions the realism of certain plot points:

  "Memo's cart already blew up as it flew through the trees. Can cars blow up twice?"
  [19:00]

  Paul and Jason engage in a humorous back-and-forth, pondering the plausibility of such scenarios.

Bizarre Cult Narrative

Midway through the episode, the podcast takes an unexpected and theatrical turn, presenting a fictional narrative where Paul Scheer is depicted as being trapped in a cult-like group known as the Landmark Forum. This segment is filled with dramatic dialogues, faux distress, and over-the-top scenarios, adding a layer of comedy and absurdity to the episode.

• Paul's "Kidnapping" and Rescue by Sylvester Stallone
  The hosts portray a mock-serious storyline where Paul is "kidnapped" and later "rescued" by Sylvester Stallone:

  "I was taken in by a cult, and it was a hellish nightmare of a time."
  [33:46]

  Jason adds to the theatrics by narrating Paul's supposed ordeal and eventual salvation:

  "He looks at me, and he goes, it's not about how great your podcast is. It's about how hard it is to do a podcast and keep on moving forward."
  [58:39]

  This segment serves as a humorous interlude, parodying dramatic rescue stories and adding a unique twist to the episode.

Conclusion and Next Episode Announcement

As the episode wraps up, Paul reflects on the tumultuous journey of creating the Driven episode and candidly apologizes for the chaotic narrative:

"I apologize to you, the listener, for never getting Sylvester Stallone. That was a big mistake."
[53:32]

He announces the next installment in their Stallone Summer Matinee series:

"Next week we are covering the 1993 indie action film Champagne and Bullets."
[57:00]

Paul provides detailed information about the different versions of Champagne and Bullets, guiding listeners on where to watch them and highlighting their unique features. He also encourages listeners to rate and review the podcast, follow on social media, and stay tuned for future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Paul Scheer on Rennie Harlan's directing:

  "Renny wasn't really a nice person to me that day. Let's just say there was a lot of champagne and caviar involved in making up for it."
  [05:12]

• Jason Mantzoukas on listener Larry's Burt Reynolds story:

  "Oh, my God, Larry, this is the best story of all time."
  [11:42]

• Paul Scheer during the cult narrative:

  "I am a champion, a winner. Fuck yeah."
  [31:30]

Final Thoughts

How Did This Get Made? continues to excel in its unique blend of comedy and film critique. In this episode, the hosts not only dissect Driven with their signature humor but also engage listeners through interactive segments and unexpected storytelling twists. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the show, this episode offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of a movie that left many scratching their heads.

Stay Connected

• Discord: For listener interactions, corrections, and submissions, join the community at Discord.gg/hdtgm.
• Social Media: Follow How Did This Get Made? on their social platforms to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

Next Episode Teaser

Prepare for Champagne and Bullets, where the hosts will navigate through the convoluted plot and questionable production choices of this 1993 indie action flick. Expect more laughs, insider insights, and the usual How Did This Get Made? charm.

End of Summary