Pop Culture Happy Hour: "Great Movies Under 90 Minutes" - Episode Summary
Release Date: December 3, 2024
In this engaging episode of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, hosts Linda Holmes and Glen Weldon, alongside longtime contributor Bilal Qureshi, delve into the art of concise storytelling by recommending three exceptional films, each clocking in under 90 minutes. The discussion highlights how brevity can amplify narrative impact, offering listeners a curated selection of short yet powerful cinematic experiences.
Introduction: The Challenge of Time-Constrained Viewing
Linda Holmes opens the conversation by posing a relatable dilemma: balancing the demands of work, family, and personal life while finding time to watch a good movie. She asks, “What do you do when you need a good movie but you don't have much time? You’ve got work, family, pets, friends. How are you going to fit in a film?” [00:22]
Glen Weldon responds with a straightforward solution: opting for shorter films that deliver substantial content without requiring a significant time investment. “The answer is that you find a short one. And there are plenty of films that deliver a lot of punch without taking up your whole damn day,” he asserts [00:30].
Movie Recommendations
1. Run Lola Run (1998)
Presenter: Glen Weldon
Timestamp: [03:05]
Glen introduces "Run Lola Run," a German film directed by Tom Tykwer, renowned for its innovative exploration of time and its dynamic storytelling within an 80-minute runtime. He shares his personal connection to the film, recalling, “I saw it when I was, I think 16 and it made me think, wow, movies with subtitles can be really cool” [03:05]. Glen praises its kinetic energy and visual design, emphasizing its compelling electronica soundtrack and the protagonist’s relentless pursuit to save her boyfriend, encapsulated in three 20-minute runs through Berlin.
Linda Holmes adds her appreciation for the film's real-time narrative structure. “This one is so much fun and kinetic and great and so beautifully designed,” she remarks [04:56]. She highlights the film's ability to maintain a tight, engaging pace, making it a perfect choice for viewers with limited time.
2. Attack the Block (2011)
Presenter: Glen Weldon
Timestamp: [05:28]
Glen selects "Attack the Block," a British sci-fi comedy thriller directed by Joe Cornish. Running 88 minutes, the film is set on Guy Fawkes Night in South London, where a group of Black youths confront alien invaders. He lauds the film’s efficiency and rich character development within its concise timeframe. “The remarkable thing about this film is how much characterization Cornish kind of shoves into an hour and 28 minutes,” Glen explains [05:28].
He delves into the film’s social commentary, particularly its portrayal of systemic oppression and racial tensions. Glen observes, “Government probably bred those creatures to kill black boys... they decided to speed up the process” [07:36]. The inclusion of John Boyega in his debut role adds an extra layer of charm and charisma, making the film both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Linda Holmes expresses her excitement to watch "Attack the Block," appreciating its compact storytelling and the opportunity to see Boyega in a groundbreaking role. “I'm so excited to watch it... it has especially Boyega, who I know I love, just waiting for me to watch it,” she enthuses [07:42].
3. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
Presenter: Linda Holmes
Timestamp: [05:47]
Linda presents "This Is Spinal Tap," a seminal mockumentary directed by Rob Reiner. At 82 minutes, the film satirizes the rock music industry through the fictitious band Spinal Tap. She praises its bone-dry humor and understated satire, noting, “They are never pointing at the comedy, which is what I love about it” [05:47]. Linda emphasizes the film’s authenticity and efficient use of time, stating, “the worst thing that can happen to it is that it goes on too long” [10:55].
She highlights the film’s influence on American comedy and its pioneering role in the mockumentary genre. Linda underscores the importance of understanding the subject matter to effectively satirize it, “to make fun of something efficiently, you have to understand it” [07:47]. The understated performances and naturalistic dialogue contribute to the film's enduring appeal, making it a timeless classic.
Insights and Discussions
Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the merits of shorter films versus long-form television series. Glen Weldon reflects on the modern preference for extended TV narratives, expressing a yearning for the efficiency and satisfaction inherent in shorter films: “I think I still like movies... because it has almost all of Berlin contained in this film at that time. And all these characters and these stories, just a lot of feelings” [10:55].
Linda Holmes adds a light-hearted note, humorously contemplating longer formats: “I'll tell you what I think is funny. I could also do a show that is my favorite movies that are over three hours long. It just depends on the thing” [11:57]. Both hosts agree that the chosen films exemplify how concise runtimes can enhance storytelling by necessitating focused narratives and deep character development.
Conclusion: Celebrating Concise Storytelling
As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reiterate the value of efficiency in filmmaking. They emphasize that impactful storytelling does not require extensive runtimes, but rather, a keen understanding of narrative mechanics and character development. Linda Holmes concludes with an invitation for listeners to share their favorite short films, while Glen Weldon reflects on the enduring appeal of movies that manage to "pack in story, characters, people, faces" within a limited timeframe [12:42].
The episode successfully showcases three diverse films—Run Lola Run, Attack the Block, and This Is Spinal Tap—each demonstrating how brevity can coexist with depth and entertainment. Listeners are left with a curated list of must-watch short films that promise rich experiences without demanding significant time commitments.
Notable Quotes:
- Linda Holmes [00:22]: “What do you do when you need a good movie but you don't have much time?”
- Glen Weldon [00:30]: “The answer is that you find a short one. And there are plenty of films that deliver a lot of punch without taking up your whole damn day.”
- Glen Weldon [03:05]: “It's about what you can achieve in 80 minutes. And it's one of my absolute favorite movies.”
- Glen Weldon [05:28]: “The remarkable thing about this film is how much characterization Cornish kind of shoves into an hour and 28 minutes.”
- Linda Holmes [05:47]: “They are never pointing at the comedy, which is what I love about it.”
- Glen Weldon [10:55]: “I like the idea of efficiency in a time when that seems like it's disappeared.”
- Linda Holmes [11:57]: “There's no right length for a movie. There's no right length for a book. It just depends on what the individual form is.”
This episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour serves as a testament to the enduring power of succinct storytelling in cinema, providing listeners with insightful recommendations and fostering an appreciation for films that make every minute count.