Summary of "How Did This Get Made?" Podcast Episode: Shattered (HDTGM Matinee)
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Hosts: Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas
Introduction
In this special Matinee episode of "How Did This Get Made?" (HDTGM), hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas delve into the early '90s erotic thriller "Shattered." Known for celebrating and dissecting some of the worst films ever made, the trio explores the intricate plot, character dynamics, and overall execution of this cult classic.
Overview of "Shattered"
"Shattered" (1991) stars Tom Berenger, Greta Scacchi, and the late Bob Hoskins. The film centers on Tom Barringer (Berenger) and his wife, who survive a horrific car accident. Tom emerges with psychogenic amnesia, unable to recall personal memories but retaining his professional skills. As he seeks to regain his identity, he suspects underlying secrets about the accident, leading to a web of deceit and suspense.
Detailed Plot Analysis
The Car Accident and Amnesia
The podcast begins with an introduction to the film's premise: a couple survives a severe car crash, but Tom suffers from psychogenic amnesia (00:00-02:34). Jason Mantzoukas remarks, “This was the kind of movie that I feel like I would have rented from the video store” (02:34), highlighting the film’s appeal during the pre-streaming era.
Investigating the Truth
As Tom navigates his amnesia, he discovers discrepancies suggesting that his wife might not be who she claims to be. Paul Scheer explains, “Psychogenic amnesia. Patient doesn't know his name, his family, his personal history” (05:04). The hosts discuss the plausibility of such a condition, questioning the film's medical accuracy and the protocols surrounding identity verification in hospitals (23:00-25:26).
The Twist Reveal
A major plot twist unfolds when it’s revealed that Tom's "wife" is actually his lover who, after the accident, reconstructs Tom’s identity to cover up her affair and his subsequent actions. June Diane Raphael notes, “She just kind of reached my max... I can’t do this anymore” (56:16), referring to Greta Scacchi’s character grappling with her on-screen nudity and deceit.
Character Dynamics and Performances
Tom Barringer (Tom Berenger)
Tom is portrayed as a man lost in his own identity, struggling to piece together his past while dealing with suspicions about his relationships. The hosts critique his character development, noting his lack of emotional depth despite the intense circumstances (16:41).
Greta Scacchi’s Dual Role
Greta Scacchi plays both the wife and the lover, showcasing her versatility. Paul Scheer highlights the challenges of maintaining dual identities on screen, especially when one is reconstructing another’s face through plastic surgery (22:30-23:07).
Jack Stanton (Bob Hoskins)
Bob Hoskins' character, Jack Stanton, serves as the private investigator unraveling the mystery. Jason Mantzoukas praises Hoskins’ performance, emphasizing his ability to convey suspicion and determination (36:09).
Technical Aspects and Special Effects
Special Effects Critique
The film features ambitious special effects, such as launching a Mercedes off a cliff using a custom-built compressed gas gun. Paul Scheer describes the scene as “a Mercedes getting launched out of a fucking cannon” (15:22), critiquing the unnecessary spectacle that detracts from the plot’s coherence.
Flashbacks and Narrative Structure
"Shattered" employs extensive flashbacks, comprising approximately 40% of the film’s runtime. This technique, as discussed by Paul Scheer (16:41), often disrupts the narrative flow and confuses the audience, making it harder to follow the storyline.
Realism vs. Cinematic License
Amnesia Representation
The hosts debate the film’s portrayal of amnesia, questioning its realism. Paul Scheer elaborates on psychogenic amnesia, discussing its symptoms and comparing them to the film’s depiction (05:04). They consult Paul’s mom for expert opinions, further scrutinizing the film’s medical accuracy (23:00-25:26).
Legal and Ethical Implications
The podcast explores the legal procedures surrounding identity verification in hospitals, highlighting glaring inconsistencies in the movie’s handling of Tom’s condition. June Diane Raphael points out the lack of proper identification protocols, making the plot's developments seem implausible (23:07).
Comparison to Other Films
"Regarding Henry" vs. "Shattered"
June Diane Raphael compares "Shattered" to "Regarding Henry," noting both films feature protagonists with memory loss but diverge in their emotional and narrative depth (37:02). They discuss how Harrison Ford’s portrayal in "Regarding Henry" offers a more compelling and relatable character compared to Tom Berenger’s more affectless Tom Barringer.
Trend of Amnesiac Protagonists
The hosts observe a trend in '80s and '90s thrillers where amnesia is a common plot device, allowing characters to uncover hidden truths and secrets. They lament the decline of such narratives in modern cinema, noting a shift towards different genres and storytelling techniques (66:38-67:35).
Critical Reception and Audience Scores
Mixed Reviews
The podcast mentions that "Shattered" holds a B+ audience score. They humorously reference Amazon reviews, some of which appear to be parodies, underscoring the film’s cult status despite its flawed execution (70:44-73:24).
Box Office Performance
"Shattered" struggled commercially, ranking 102nd in its release year against major blockbusters like "Terminator 2" and "Home Alone." The hosts compare its performance to other cult classics they’ve covered, emphasizing its relative obscurity (76:08-78:02).
Conclusion and Recommendations
While "Shattered" embodies many '90s erotic thriller tropes, the podcast concludes that its overreliance on gimmicks like excessive flashbacks and implausible medical depictions hinder its effectiveness. However, fans of the genre may find enjoyment in its nostalgic elements and Bob Hoskins' memorable performance.
Jason Mantzoukas suggests, “Go ahead, watch it. It's a lower-tier erotic thriller, but still fun” (76:13), recommending it for those interested in exploring the peculiarities of early '90s cinema.
Notable Quotes
- Jason Mantzoukas (02:34): “This was the kind of movie that I feel like I would have rented from the video store.”
- Paul Scheer (05:04): “Psychogenic amnesia. Patient doesn't know his name, his family, his personal history.”
- June Diane Raphael (56:16): “She just kind of reached my max... I can’t do this anymore.”
- Paul Scheer (15:22): “A Mercedes getting launched out of a fucking cannon.”
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, critiques, and insights shared by the hosts as they navigate through the convoluted plot and execution of "Shattered." By highlighting notable quotes and organizing the content into clear sections, the summary provides a thorough overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.