Podcast Summary: How Did This Get Made? – Last Looks: Passion Play
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Hosts: Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas
Introduction
In the February 14, 2025 episode of "How Did This Get Made?" titled "Last Looks: Passion Play," hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas dive deep into the intricacies and shortcomings of the notoriously flawed film Passion Play. This episode not only dissects the movie's myriad issues but also engages with listeners through corrections, omissions, and intriguing behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Additionally, the hosts share personal updates and discuss upcoming projects, making for a multifaceted and engaging listening experience.
Corrections and Omissions on Passion Play
The episode centers around addressing listener feedback on the hosts' previous discussion of Passion Play. Paul Scheer opens the segment with enthusiasm, inviting listeners to voice their issues and corrections:
"Paul's here to answer your questions. [...] It's time for corrections and omissions for all the things we talked about." [00:46]
Listeners had previously pointed out inaccuracies and missing details in the hosts' analysis. The trio takes this opportunity to clarify and expand upon their initial critiques, ensuring a more comprehensive examination of the film.
Listener Corrections:
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The Bottle of Gordon Shumway: Paul schemes mentions, "the bottle of Gordon Shumway is a bottle of gin." However, listener LJ corrects him:
"My pointless correction is it is actually a bottle of Scotch whiskey." [07:45]
Paul acknowledges the oversight with humility:
"Thank you, Liz, for taking the call. Yes, physicists, we need you." [11:55]
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Bolo's Character Arc: Another listener, GT75, provides insights into the character Bolo, emphasizing his flawed redemption arc and the illogical plot developments within the carnival setting:
"The entire carnival is just a freak show and one tiny, sad Ferris wheel. [...] Mickey Rourke's character was dumb because even in his hallucination, he didn't make any choices that made sense." [Full Timestamp within Corrections Segment]
The hosts agree, highlighting the lack of coherence in character development and plot progression.
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Filming Locations: Caller Tano offers detailed knowledge about the shooting locations for Passion Play, identifying the Santa Fe Opera as the outdoor theater used in specific scenes:
"They can open up the back of the theater. So during a performance, you can sometimes see through all the way into the distance." [08:16]
Paul appreciates the factual addition:
"And I give it an A for info." [09:20]
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Mickey Rourke's On-Set Habits: Pete the S man Skadoosh shares an anecdote about Mickey Rourke's peculiar insistence on drinking milk throughout the day, leading listeners to speculate about potential hidden alcohol consumption:
"Every day, Mickey Rourke would ask for a canteen filled with milk. [...] The canteen reeked of spoiled milk, not alcohol." [Host's reaction: "Pete, I don't get. I need more."] [After Correction Segment]
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Novelty Sunglasses in Barfly: IQ Weinhut references Charles Bukowski's account of Mickey Rourke's peculiar request for palm tree sunglasses during the filming of Barfly, drawing parallels to Rourke's eccentricities in Passion Play:
"He can be seen in the film wearing the exact pair of novelty palm tree sunglasses mentioned in the novel." [Late Corrections]
These corrections not only rectify previous inaccuracies but also enrich the discussion, providing a more nuanced critique of Passion Play.
Exclusive Deleted Scene: June's Tattoo Obsession
In a bonus segment, the hosts share a deleted scene that offers a glimpse into June Diane Raphael's fascination with tattoos, sparked by a character from Passion Play:
June Diane Raphael: "I'm so taken with those tattoos." [15:14]
Paul humorously connects her newfound interest to their viewing habits:
"After we've been watching Ink Master. Wow, that must have hurt." [15:19]
The conversation unfolds with June expressing her desire to understand the intricacies of the tattooed character's designs, leading to playful banter about the show's influence on their household:
June: "I'm so taken with those tattoos. I'm so taken with those tattoos." [Repeated for emphasis]
Paul Scheer: "Ink Master is big in our house. Our son is like, it's our favorite show." [16:02]
This lighthearted exchange not only adds depth to June's character but also showcases the hosts' camaraderie and shared interests outside of critiquing bad movies.
Jason's Taskmaster Update
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Jason Mantzoukas sharing exciting news about his participation in the upcoming season of the British panel show Taskmaster. This segment provides listeners with insider insights into the show's format and Jason's experience as a contestant.
Understanding Taskmaster:
Jason explains the essence of Taskmaster:
"Taskmaster is a British panel show, kind of like a game show type of a show, except that all the contestants are comedians, the hosts are comedians. [...] It feels a lot more like a bits show, like a comedic show where people are funny and teasing each other." [20:53]
He elaborates on the show's structure, emphasizing the spontaneity and comedic elements that differentiate it from traditional game shows:
"They are shaggy, they're funny, they're outrageous, they're crazy. [...] And what you are watching is the same sense of surprise and discovery that you get from podcasting or from unscripted shows." [27:47]
Paul expresses enthusiasm about Jason's involvement:
"Jason, you are on Taskmaster. People are freaking out. You don't have an air date yet?" [20:33]
Jason reveals that the show airs between late March and early April, hinting at the excitement surrounding his participation:
"It'll be either late March or early April, I believe." [20:47]
The discussion delves into the challenges of adapting a beloved British format for an American audience, with Jason criticizing the shorter American version's impact on the show's essence:
"When they brought it to America, they shrunk it down to 30 minutes, and that was one of the biggest factors that made the show less enjoyable." [28:12]
The hosts compare Taskmaster to other collaborative and improvisational formats, highlighting its unique blend of competition and comedy:
"The vibe is the same vibe you get from listening to our show, listening to Comedy Bang Bang." [27:14]
Jason further discusses the show's ability to foster genuine interactions and unexpected humor, drawing parallels to their own podcasting experiences.
Deleted Scene: June's Tattoo Obsession
In a bonus segment, the hosts share a deleted scene that offers a glimpse into June Diane Raphael's fascination with tattoos, sparked by a character from Passion Play:
June Diane Raphael: "I'm so taken with those tattoos." [15:14]
Paul humorously connects her newfound interest to their viewing habits:
"After we've been watching Ink Master. Wow, that must have hurt." [15:19]
The conversation unfolds with June expressing her desire to understand the intricacies of the tattooed character's designs, leading to playful banter about the show's influence on their household:
June: "I'm so taken with those tattoos. I'm so taken with those tattoos." [Repeated for emphasis]
Paul Scheer: "Ink Master is big in our house. Our son is like, it's our favorite show." [16:02]
This lighthearted exchange not only adds depth to June's character but also showcases the hosts' camaraderie and shared interests outside of critiquing bad movies.
Upcoming Projects and Recommendations
Beyond dissecting Passion Play and sharing personal anecdotes, the hosts use this episode to promote various projects and recommend other media they enjoy.
Jason's Upcoming Season on Taskmaster:
Jason's detailed explanation of his upcoming role on Taskmaster serves as both an update for fans and a promotional segment for the show. He emphasizes the improvisational and comedic aspects that align with the podcast's ethos.
Podcast Recommendations:
Jason passionately recommends Susie Barrett's podcast "Yes," an interview podcast dedicated to improvisers discussing their craft and experiences:
"It's a deep dive podcast. It's very niche in its... conversations about improv." [34:30]
Paul adds his enthusiasm, connecting it to their own experiences in improvisation:
"It's like, oh, yeah, this is what I want." [36:35]
This mutual endorsement underscores the hosts' commitment to supporting and highlighting insightful content within the comedy and improv community.
Improv Books and Resources:
The conversation shifts to discussing resources for aspiring improvisers. Both hosts share their thoughts on influential improv literature, critiquing the more academic tone of UCB's improvisation manual compared to the more engaging "Truth and Comedy" by Will Hines:
Jason: "Truth and Comedy feels like it's for hobbyists." [43:15]
Paul Scheer: "I wish that the UCB's improvisation manual was a little bit more user-friendly." [42:34]
Their discussion emphasizes the importance of accessible and engaging educational materials for the improv community, advocating for resources that foster creativity and joy.
Announcements and Promotions
Throughout the episode, the hosts intersperse announcements and promotions, ensuring listeners are informed about upcoming events and content.
Live Shows and Tours:
Paul highlights the spring tour for How Did This Get Made?, mentioning upcoming stops in Austin, Idaho, San Francisco, Denver, Portland, and Seattle:
"We are gonna be on the road and coming to towns maybe near you." [47:39]
Listeners are encouraged to purchase tickets and support the tour by visiting the show's website.
Mailbag Segment:
Towards the end, the hosts revisit the Mailbag segment, addressing listener submissions. This week, they acknowledge a wedding invitation from listeners Brianna and Reid. Due to their spring tour, the hosts regretfully inform the couple they cannot attend:
"Jason, June and I cannot attend. [...] But we wish you all the best." [47:39]
This brief but heartfelt acknowledgment reinforces the podcast's community-oriented approach.
Conclusion
"Last Looks: Passion Play" serves as a comprehensive examination of one of cinema's most flawed films, enriched by listener interactions and personal anecdotes from the hosts. Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas blend humor, critical analysis, and genuine engagement to create an episode that is both entertaining and informative. From addressing listener corrections to sharing exclusive deleted scenes and discussing upcoming projects like Jason's stint on Taskmaster, the episode encapsulates the essence of "How Did This Get Made?"—a celebration of bad movies through the lens of comedy and camaraderie.
Listeners are left not only with a deeper understanding of Passion Play's shortcomings but also with anticipation for future episodes and projects, including the next movie discussion on The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. The episode concludes with reminders to support their live tour, engage with the show's community on Discord, and stay tuned for upcoming content, ensuring a loyal and engaged listener base.
For those who haven't tuned into "How Did This Get Made?", this episode offers a gateway into the hilarious and critical world of dissecting bad cinema, combined with the infectious energy and insightful commentary of its talented hosts.