Pop Culture Happy Hour: "Black Bag And What's Making Us Happy"

Release Date: March 14, 2025
Host: NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour
Guests: Ba Parker (Host of NPR's Code Switch), Bob Mondello (NPR Film Critic)

1. Spotlight on "Black Bag"

Overview:
In this episode, the Pop Culture Happy Hour team dives into Steven Soderbergh's latest film, Black Bag. The movie stars Michael Fassbender as George, a London-based spy adept at reading people, and Cate Blanchett as his wife Catherine, also involved in espionage. The plot centers around the discovery of a mole within their agency who has stolen lethal software, prompting George to host a dinner party to unmask the traitor.

Key Discussions:

• Stylish Cinematography and Ensemble Cast:
  Ba Parker praises the film's "taut thriller" nature and its impressive ensemble, highlighting performances by Fassbender, Blanchett, Naomi Harris, and Pierce Brosnan. She remarks, "It's ridiculous, like Pierce Brosnan, but like, it's like this incredible ensemble that Soderbergh is lucky to have" (02:22).

• Steven Soderbergh's Direction:
  The conversation touches on Soderbergh's prolific work, with Ba expressing admiration for his consistent output: "He's way more prolific than he needs to be" (02:22). She also compares Black Bag to Soderbergh's experimental films, noting the director's penchant for "90-minute experiments."

• Plot and Themes:
  Bob Mondello draws parallels between Black Bag and Edward Albee's Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, noting the influence in the film's dinner party dynamics. He states, "They’re trying to figure out which of these people is conceivably the leak" (08:51). Glen Weldon adds that the movie effectively blends stylish elements with espionage, creating a "stylish AF" experience that stays true to its spy thriller roots.

• Character Development and Chemistry:
  Glen highlights the chemistry between Fassbender and Blanchett, observing, "Both characters emerge when they're together on screen. We find out about George, that he's a wife guy" (03:54). Ba comments on Fassbender's portrayal of a "certified lover boy" whose affection for his wife serves as both strength and vulnerability in his espionage role.

• Production Design and Wardrobe:
  The hosts admire the film's aesthetic, particularly the meticulous production design and costumes. Glen notes, "the way that George is tailored so precisely... serves the story" (07:45), while Bob adds, "You can't dress Cate Blanchett frumpishly. I'm not sure it's possible" (07:49). The elegant and cohesive visual style underscores the characters' sophisticated spy personas.

Notable Quotes:

• Ba Parker (02:22):
  "It's like this really taut thriller. The ensemble is top notch."

• Bob Mondello (05:18):
  "There is a level of them that I just sort of... it's better than 80% of everything that's out there."

• Glen Weldon (03:54):
  "This movie understands the damn assignment."

• Ba Parker (06:21):
  "I just gotta let it flow over you. This is my thing."

2. What Is Making Us Happy This Week

Ba Parker’s Happy Source:
Father John Misty's "Mahash Mashana"

Ba shares her delight in revisiting Father John Misty's latest album, Mahash Mashana. After taking a break from Kendrick Lamar's GNN Too Much, she praises the album's brevity and impactful tracks, particularly the six-minute-long "Mental Health." She enthuses, "Mental health, mental health in the chorus. Mental health." (13:13).

Bob Mondello’s Happy Source:
Athol Fugard’s Plays

Bob finds joy in the timeless works of Athol Fugard, the renowned South African playwright who recently passed away. Reflecting on Fugard's impactful plays written during apartheid, Bob commends his "astonishing talent" and the "clarity" of his writing. He emphasizes the enduring relevance of Fugard’s exploration of humanity and societal issues, sharing, "Everything is very clear. It's all gorgeous writing." (14:06).

**Glen Weldon’s Happy Source:
Azrael (2024)

Glen expresses his enthusiasm for the horror film Azrael, starring Samara Weaving. He appreciates her consistent performances in roles where she "ends up covered in somebody else's blood," referencing her characters in The Babysitter and Ready or Not. Glen highlights the film's unique plot elements and its blend of humor and horror, stating, "It’s a big swing and it is just the right amount of goofy and I kind of love it." (15:51).

Conclusion

In this episode, Pop Culture Happy Hour offers a comprehensive and engaging analysis of Black Bag, blending critical insights with personal reflections from the hosts. The discussion seamlessly transitions into the "What is Making Us Happy" segment, providing a well-rounded exploration of current entertainment and cultural highlights. Whether you're a fan of stylish thrillers or seeking inspiration from the arts, this episode delivers thoughtful commentary and diverse perspectives.

Notable Timestamps:

• Introduction of "Black Bag": 00:36
• Ba Parker Discusses Ensemble Cast: 01:59
• Bob Mondello on Soderbergh’s Direction: 02:45
• Production Design Appreciation: 07:45
• Happy Hour Segment Introduction: 13:07
• Ba Parker on "Mahash Mashana": 13:13
• Bob Mondello on Athol Fugard: 14:06
• Glen Weldon on "Azrael": 15:51

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