Podcast Summary: "Matinee Monday: The Island"
Podcast Title: How Did This Get Made?
Hosts: Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas
Episode: Matinee Monday: The Island
Release Date: November 11, 2024
Introduction to "The Island"
The episode kicks off with the hosts delving into Michael Bay's 2005 film, The Island, starring Scarlett Johansson and Ewan McGregor. They frame the discussion around the movie's central premise: a futuristic society where clones are created as insurance policies for the wealthy, serving as organ donors when needed.
Plot Breakdown and Initial Reactions
Paul Scheer initiates the plot discussion at [02:14], summarizing the movie’s concept of clones being harvested for organs:
Paul Scheer [03:12]: "We did the 2005 Michael Bay film The Island, starring Scarlett Johansson and Ewan McGregor, about two people who find themselves in a futuristic society only to learn that they are clones who are insurance policies for rich people that are using their bodies to harvest different organs..."
June Diane Raphael seeks clarification on the clones' purpose:
June Diane Raphael [03:26]: "Wait a second, Paul, say that last part again. The clones are for rich people in if and as insurance policies."
Jason Mantzoukas adds to the analogy:
Jason Mantzoukas [03:34]: "Yeah. Like an organ farm or something like that."
Character Dynamics and Clone Consciousness
The hosts explore the motivations behind the cloning, discussing whether the clones are aware of their purpose from the outset or if they gain consciousness over time.
Jason Mantzoukas [06:06]: "This is from the clone POV."
June Diane Raphael [06:40]: "It was nice at this point to dive into the clone experience from the jump."
They debate the evolution of clones in cinema, noting a shift from being mere supporting characters to protagonists with their own narratives.
Action Sequences and Michael Bay's Direction
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the film's action-packed sequences, characteristic of Michael Bay’s directing style. The hosts humorously critique the plausibility of the nonstop running and high-stakes action:
Jason Mantzoukas [10:24]: "Movie should have been basically called running, jumping, climbing indoors."
Paul Scheer [11:41]: "They are always running."
They highlight specific scenes, such as the intense cliff-hanging moments, questioning their realism yet acknowledging their entertainment value.
Special Effects and Production Insights
The conversation shifts to the film's special effects and production choices, with a nod to the technical aspects that define Michael Bay's signature aesthetic:
Paul Scheer [30:25]: "I think Michael Bay is known for doing more action stuff."
Jason Mantzoukas [31:09]: "Like, there's so many Star Wars things in this movie."
They also touch upon the reuse of certain shots in other films, emphasizing Bay's resourcefulness and stylistic consistency.
Themes and Moral Questions
Beyond the spectacle, the hosts delve into the movie's deeper themes, such as the ethical implications of cloning and what it means to be human. They ponder the consciousness of clones and the moral dilemmas presented:
Jason Mantzoukas [67:34]: "Do we think clones have souls?"
Paul Scheer [30:41]: "Are they testing on animals? That's what I was thinking about..."
Critical Reception and Audience Reviews
The episode features a segment where the hosts read and react to various audience reviews of the film. They highlight the diverse interpretations and the fervent support from certain viewers, despite the film's controversial reception:
Paul Scheer [61:04]: "Anthony T. Tolentino writes, we bought this movie on recommendation from a military whistleblower..."
Jason Mantzoukas [67:56]: "A lot of conspiracy theorists love this movie."
Personal Opinions and Recommendations
Wrapping up their analysis, the hosts share their personal takes on The Island. While acknowledging its flaws—particularly the excessive action sequences—they find value in its thematic exploration and entertainable moments:
Jason Mantzoukas [69:34]: "Yes, I would, but it is like you said earlier, it's 2 hours and 15 minutes long."
June Diane Raphael [70:38]: "I did not mind this movie as they go..."
Paul Scheer teases future projects inspired by the film, hinting at an HBO Max series exploring clone narratives with a comedic twist.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In their finale, the hosts summarize their mixed but overall positive stance on The Island. They encourage listeners to watch the film for its entertaining action and thought-provoking themes, despite its narrative and pacing issues.
Jason Mantzoukas [71:22]: "The movie is available to watch and if you choose to watch it, you can watch it."
June Diane Raphael [71:20]: "You are able to view it with your eyes."
Notable Quotes
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Paul Scheer [03:12]:
"We did the 2005 Michael Bay film The Island... clones who are insurance policies for rich people that are using their bodies to harvest different organs..." -
June Diane Raphael [03:26]:
"Wait a second, Paul, say that last part again. The clones are for rich people in if and as insurance policies." -
Jason Mantzoukas [06:06]:
"This is from the clone POV." -
Jason Mantzoukas [67:34]:
"Do we think clones have souls?" -
Paul Scheer [61:04]:
"Anthony T. Tolentino writes, we bought this movie on recommendation from a military whistleblower..." -
Jason Mantzoukas [69:34]:
"Yes, I would, but it is like you said earlier, it's 2 hours and 15 minutes long."
Key Takeaways
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Complexity of Cloning Ethics:
The hosts appreciate the movie for bringing up significant ethical questions regarding cloning, organ donation, and what constitutes humanity. -
Michael Bay’s Signature Style:
The Island embodies Michael Bay’s penchant for high-octane action and special effects, which the hosts both critique and commend for their entertainment value. -
Character Development:
The evolution of clones from background figures to central characters offers a fresh take in the cloning genre, prompting discussions about consciousness and identity. -
Mixed Reviews and Interpretations:
Audience reactions vary widely, with some viewers finding profound meaning while others criticize the film's pacing and narrative choices. -
Future Creative Endeavors:
Inspired by the film, the hosts hint at developing their own projects that explore similar themes with a comedic lens.
Final Thoughts
"Matinee Monday: The Island" provides a thorough and humorous exploration of a film that straddles the line between thought-provoking science fiction and over-the-top action. The hosts' dynamic discussion offers listeners both insights into the movie's themes and a lighthearted critique of its execution, making it a valuable resource for fans of "bad movies" who seek both entertainment and analysis.