How Did This Get Made? - Episode: Under The Cherry Moon (HDTGM Matinee)
Release Date: March 25, 2025

Hosts: Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas
Guest: Avril Halley

Introduction to "Under The Cherry Moon"

In this matinee episode of How Did This Get Made?, hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas dive into the peculiar and flamboyant world of Prince's film, "Under The Cherry Moon." Released in March 2025, the episode dissects the film's unique blend of comedy, drama, and musical elements, exploring why this avant-garde project has garnered a cult following despite its initial mixed reception.

Hosts' Initial Impressions

Paul Scheer opens the discussion with enthusiasm, highlighting the film as a follow-up to Prince's iconic "Purple Rain." He notes, "This is the most Prince film you could possibly ever imagine," expressing his eagerness to analyze its bizarre yet heartfelt narrative.

Jason Mantzoukas echoes Paul's excitement, admitting his obsession with the movie: “This is without a doubt the most notes I've ever taken on a How Did This Get Made? movie... I'm obsessed with this movie.”

June Diane Raphael adds her perspective, balancing admiration with criticism: "I loved it so much and I just enjoyed the hell out of it," yet acknowledges its flaws by agreeing, "With the slight caveat that it's terrible."

Analyzing Prince's Performance

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Prince's multifaceted performance. Jason praises Prince's charisma, stating, "Prince is one of my top 10 music icons... he is a once in a generation genius." However, he also critiques his on-screen sexuality portrayal: “The sex scene... just cuts between them awkwardly kissing... that's the sex scene.”

June delves deeper into Prince's real-life persona, connecting his on-screen antics to his off-screen generosity and complex character traits. She reflects, "Prince has been an anonymous donor for so many different... he just went the distance for them in ways that... they themselves felt blown away by."

Paul adds to the appreciation, likening Prince to a blend of Bill Murray and Pee Wee Herman: "He is achieved an element of Taming the Shrew in here, which she's never much of the shrew... he can excel in all of them."

Stylistic Choices: Black and White & Camera Movements

The trio scrutinizes the film’s stylistic decisions, particularly its black-and-white cinematography and dynamic camera movements. Jason notes, “If you took out the legitimately incredible music that runs throughout this movie, the movie would suddenly seem to be... startlingly bizarre.”

Paul critiques the camera work, likening it to having "five cameras in front of me" and comments on its disorienting effect: “The camera movement is like the scene... like, the camera goes, ba, ba, ba, ba.”

June highlights the excessive neon props, saying, “She has on a giant hat, a turtleneck, lace dress, gloves, a long lace dress, stockings... it's like, there's so much active neon.”

Plot and Character Dynamics

The episode delves into the convoluted plot and character relationships within the movie. Jason expresses confusion over the evolving relationship between Prince and his associate, Tricky: “Are Prince and Tricky still trying to con Mary out of her money? Or are they now really falling in love?”

Paul compares the narrative to Casablanca, contemplating the lack of coherent storytelling: “This movie takes place in present day. It has no reason to be black and white... I want to see these fucking outfits.”

June discusses the complex dynamics between the characters, especially the ambiguous romantic tensions: “They are a gay couple, but then at times they appear bisexual.”

Themes and Symbolism

The hosts explore the underlying themes and symbolic elements of the film. Jason interprets Prince's character as a rascally entalter merging film noir with screwball comedy: “He's the femme fatale in a film noir... ping ponging between those two things.”

Paul draws parallels between Prince's personal life and his on-screen character, emphasizing his control and creative ambitions: “He poured so much creative energy into it that it becomes confusing and kind of a victim of... you can't keep piling stuff on.”

June connects the film’s narrative to broader cultural contexts, noting Prince's role as a progressive figure in music and performance arts: “Prince was able to contain multitudes of sexuality and gender and just performance and brilliance.”

Audience Reception and Second Opinions

Highlighting divergent views, the hosts read and discuss five-star reviews from Amazon, showcasing the film's polarized reception. Paul cites Peter Sobinski’s praise: "Cherry Moon is a better film than Purple Rain," emphasizing its status among hardcore Prince fans.

Jason shares a humorous anecdote about audience members misunderstanding scenes: “I loved Kristen Scott... They were always acting like monsters in front of people.”

June acknowledges the mixed reviews but stands by her recommendation: “I really enjoyed this. I found it to be delightful and strange and interesting and watchable.”

Conclusion and Recommendations

Wrapping up, the hosts unanimously recommend watching "Under The Cherry Moon," despite its chaotic narrative and stylistic excesses. Paul summarizes, “It's a good movie. Don't believe the haters... it's really for the hardcore Prince fans.”

Jason adds, “Prince is so mischievous in general... he allows himself to be put into positions that so many other actors would never let themselves be portrayed that way.”

June concludes with an endorsement of Prince's unique artistry: “Prince has a real worldliness to him, but there is something still childlike in his mischievousness... it's something to behold.”

Notable Quotes

• Paul Scheer (05:40): “This Prince is a little rascal. He's starting trouble. Half of the movie is noir... Half of the movie is a screwball comedy.”

• Jason Mantzoukas (09:07): “Prince, for me, is one of my top 10 music icons... he is a once in a generation genius.”

• June Diane Raphael (07:57): “I connect it, like, very deeply to losing Prince, losing Bowie... losing the men who were able to contain multitudes of sexuality and gender and just performance and brilliance.”

• Paul Scheer (12:15): “Prince is such a charlatan, you know? Half of the movie is a homage to Preston Sturges or like Girl Friday or Bringing Up Baby, basically.”

• Jason Mantzoukas (21:03): “The kissing was weird. It felt like, really. Because that's the thing... it's like there's some real ugliness to it.”

• June Diane Raphael (41:26): “There are some moments that really land... like a scene between Mary and her mother... it's a crazy moment of you realize, like, oh, this mother's also been in the same trap that Mary's been in.”

• Paul Scheer (64:00): “You could have the same sex. Like this man is irritated by Prince... It's the same relationship.”

Final Thoughts

How Did This Get Made? successfully navigates the eccentricities of "Under The Cherry Moon," balancing humorous critiques with genuine admiration for Prince's ambitious endeavors. The hosts acknowledge the film's shortcomings while celebrating its bold creativity, making it a must-listen for fans of cult cinema and Prince's artistic legacy.

Disclaimer: This summary omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the podcast guidelines.