How Did This Get Made? Podcast Episode Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: How Did This Get Made?
- Hosts: Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas
- Guest: Blakely Thornton
- Episode: Trap LIVE (w/ Blakely Thornton)
- Release Date: October 18, 2024
Introduction to "Trap"
In this episode, the hosts and guest Blakely Thornton delve into M. Night Shyamalan's latest film, "Trap." The movie centers around a father and his teenage daughter who attend a pop concert, only to find themselves ensnared in a dark and sinister event orchestrated by a serial killer played by Josh Hartnett.
Plot Breakdown and Initial Impressions
Jason Mantzoukas kicks off the discussion by summarizing the film's premise:
“[02:20] Jason Mantzoukas: ...“IMDb describes the film as a father and his teen daughter attend a pop concert only to realize they've entered the center of a dark and sinister event. That's a bad log line for this movie... I love this movie.”
The hosts express their surprise and mixed feelings upon viewing the film:
“[05:12] June Diane Raphael: ...It was wild. This was genuinely, absolutely, chaotically insane watching this movie mere hours ago.”
Character Analysis
Josh Hartnett as Cooper Abbott
Cooper Abbott, portrayed by Josh Hartnett, is a seemingly devoted father who unravels into a serial killer. The hosts praise Hartnett's performance, highlighting his ability to convey both charm and menace:
“[10:33] Jason Mantzoukas: It only works because he is such a good actor. And there's something about his unraveling...”
They discuss Cooper's meticulous nature and how his hair and appearance reflect his descent:
“[11:15] June Diane Raphael: ...as he's coming unraveled, his hair starts to become must.”
Lady Raven
Lady Raven, the film's protagonist and profiler, portrayed by Alison Pill, is a complex character balancing her pop star persona with her role in capturing Cooper. The hosts critique her methods and credibility:
“[16:11] Jason Mantzoukas: This is actually a really interesting story because. Because the way they did it is...”
They question the plausibility of her infiltration and the execution of the trap:
“[25:21] Jason Mantzoukas: There is no twist.”
“[25:22] Alison Pill: Well, there's a little twist...”
Themes and Filmmaking Elements
Entrapment and Profiling
The central theme revolves around entrapment and the challenges of profiling a serial killer in a crowded venue. The hosts explore the film's portrayal of law enforcement efforts:
“[33:02] Blakely Thornton: He only blew one girl. He only maimed that girl.”
“[33:04] Alison Pill: Why does the FBI...”
Use of Setting and Realism
The concert setting is critiqued for its unrealistic elements, such as the absence of adequate security and surveillance:
“[12:40] Alison Pill: I just want to start at the beginning, Paul. The just the conceit of this concert, which is in broad daylight.”
“[14:22] Blakely Thornton: Well, the entire conceit was built on a real thing...”
Character Development and Dialogue
The hosts discuss the depth (or lack thereof) in character development and dialogue, particularly focusing on Cooper's motivations and Lady Raven's strategic approaches:
“[24:22] Jason Mantzoukas: But everyone is in pieces.”
“[25:15] Alison Pill: ...but she has the best line afterwards, which she says, I know.”
Guest Insights: Blakely Thornton
Blakely Thornton, dubbed a "pop culture anthropologist," brings a fresh perspective to the discussion. She emphasizes the film's reliance on external plot devices and critiques the logical consistency of the narrative:
“[10:01] Blakely Thornton: I saw it in the theater. I'm a Josh Hartnett apologist, though.”
“[17:20] Blakely Thornton: ...”
She questions the operational aspects of the FBI's strategy within the film, highlighting inconsistencies:
“[33:10] Alison Pill: So there's a line of ADR on Lady Raven's back...”
“[33:26] Blakely Thornton: 2000 were gay. 1000 were cops. One was a murderer.”
Audience and Critical Reception
The hosts reference audience reviews to gauge the film's reception, noting a mixed but leaning positive response:
“[72:10] Vic: ...Zero stars. So I don't hesitate. I make my escape.”
“[74:05] Jason Mantzoukas: I try to keep my work and family separate, but sometimes I can't.”
They highlight particularly positive reviews praising the acting and thematic elements:
“[74:57] June Diane Raphael: I loved it...”
Notable Quotes and Moments
Throughout the episode, several quotes stand out, capturing the hosts' sentiments and critiques:
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Jason Mantzoukas on Acting:
“[10:33] Jason Mantzoukas: It only works because he is such a good actor.”
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June Diane Raphael on Story Depth:
“[38:34] Blakely Thornton: She's a hero.”
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Alison Pill on Logical Consistency:
“[43:48] Alison Pill: But I'm not trying to make his daughter.”
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Final Thoughts by Jason:
“[56:57] Alison Pill: ...Joyful Recollections of Trauma.”
Conclusion and Recommendations
Despite its flaws, the hosts find value in the film's ambitious narrative and Hartnett's performance. They recommend "Trap" to listeners, acknowledging its place in M. Night Shyamalan's eclectic filmography:
“[79:32] Alison Pill: Absolutely.”
“[79:35] Jason Mantzoukas: I will say that this movie has retroactively made me understand M. Night Shyamalan.”
Final Takeaways
"Trap" serves as a chaotic yet intriguing addition to the collection of films that How Did This Get Made? explores. The episode provides an in-depth analysis of its narrative structure, character dynamics, and thematic undertones, all while maintaining the show's signature comedic flair.
Notable Quotes:
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Jason Mantzoukas [10:33]:
“It only works because he is such a good actor. And there's something about his unraveling...”
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June Diane Raphael [24:39]:
“I fucking love jigsaw. I love jigsaw puzzles.”
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Alison Pill [43:48]:
“But I'm not trying to make his daughter.”
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Blakely Thornton [38:34]:
“She's a hero.”
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Jason Mantzoukas [79:35]:
“I will say that this movie has retroactively made me understand M. Night Shyamalan.”
This episode of "How Did This Get Made?" offers a comprehensive and entertaining critique of "Trap," blending insightful analysis with humor, ensuring that both fans and newcomers find the discussion engaging and informative.