Podcast Summary: The Big Picture – The Top 10 Underseen Movies of 2024. Plus: James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd on ‘The Terminator’ at 40!
Release Date: December 18, 2024
Hosted by Sean Fennessy and Amanda Dobbins from The Ringer
1. Introduction and Terminator Anniversary
Sean Fennessy opens the episode by highlighting the significance of "The Terminator," celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. He expresses enthusiasm about featuring James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd, the dynamic duo behind the film, praising their contributions to blockbuster and science fiction cinema.
Notable Quote:
Sean Fennessy [00:00]: “The Terminator... a movie that changed blockbusters, science fiction, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cameron and Hurd’s career.”
2. Oscar Shortlist Discussions
The conversation shifts to the 2024 Oscar shortlist, where Sean provides insights into various films making the cut, despite mixed critical receptions.
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"Amelia Perez is Not Dead, Not Even Close to Dead": Garnering attention for its strong Academy support in categories like Best International Feature and Best Score, despite lukewarm public reception.
Quote:
Sean Fennessy [04:26]: “Amelia Perez is Not Dead... the Academy really likes it. It showed up on five lists six times overall.”
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"Substance is Alive": Noted for its recognition in makeup and hairstyling, indicating potential for future nominations.
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"Wicked": Secured four shortlist mentions, highlighting its film strengths.
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"Romulus 3," "Wild Robot," and "Gladiator 2": Each made multiple shortlist entries, emphasizing their technical prowess.
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Notable Snubs: Films like "Saturday Night" and "I Saw the TV Glow" did not make the shortlist, disappointing some fans and creators.
Sean and producer Bobby Wagner discuss the unpredictability of the Oscars, the challenges faced by genre films, and the evolving nature of the Best International Feature category.
Quote:
Sean Fennessy [06:34]: “International Feature... Kiyoshi Kurosawa's Cloud, which was the Japanese submission, was not recognized here.”
3. Underseen and Underappreciated Movie Picks
The episode features recommendations from various Ringer staff members, each highlighting films that deserve more attention.
a. Sean Fennessy's Picks
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"Christmas Eve and Miller's Point": An impressionistic portrayal of a Long Island family Christmas, praised for its authentic depiction of extended family dynamics.
Quote:
Sean Fennessy [27:07]: “This movie is streaming right now on AMC plus... very beautiful and fun... one night at a family Christmas party on Christmas Eve.”
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"Hundreds of Beavers": A slapstick comedy likened to a mix of Buster Keaton and "Jackass," lauded for its relentless humor and creativity.
Quote:
Sean Fennessy [30:00]: “It's Buster Keaton meets Jackass... pure slapstick Marx Brothers silent film... extremely funny, extremely fun.”
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"Femme": A thriller about a drag performer overcoming trauma, noted for its modern take on power dynamics and abuse.
Quote:
Sean Fennessy [31:27]: “A sustained thriller... about sex, power abuse and a very modern movie.”
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"The Remarkable Life of Ibelin": A documentary on a World of Warcraft player finding community, praised for its emotional depth and creative storytelling.
Quote:
Sean Fennessy [40:58]: “It's an amazing document... art and the way in which you can... find community and meaning.”
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"What You Wish For": A genre-focused film blending grimy crime elements with suspense, recommended for fans of "The Twilight Zone."
Quote:
Sean Fennessy [55:57]: “It is like a darn good episode of the Twilight Zone stretched over 87 minutes.”
b. Chris Ryan's Picks
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"Carry On, Joan": Set at LAX during Christmas, this thriller incorporates elements from classics like "Die Hard" and "Phone Booth," praised for its engaging action sequences.
Quote:
Chris Ryan [41:43]: “It's like a Die Hard... Phone Booth... a little bit of like a slacker, kind of a fail.”
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"Shadow Strays": An Indonesian martial arts film lauded for its intense action and visceral filmmaking style, drawing comparisons to "John Wick" and "The Raid."
Quote:
Chris Ryan [72:08]: “The action in this is fucking incredible... way too long, but... perfect 3.5 movie.”
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"Rap World": A found footage horror-comedy about suburban teens aspiring to be rappers, admired for its fearless commitment to a unique premise.
Quote:
Chris Ryan [78:53]: “You locked in for the entire movie... unlike any other film that's ever been made.”
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"Miyazaki and the Heron": A documentary exploring the life of the legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki, noted for its emotional depth and portrayal of creativity.
Quote:
Chris Ryan [80:57]: “It made me enjoy his last movie, the Boy and the Heron, even more.”
c. Mallory Rubin's Picks
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"Flow": An animated film about a cat's adventure post-flood, praised for its stunning animation and zoologically accurate movements, making it a strong contender for Best Animated Feature.
Quote:
Mallory Rubin [54:30]: “The most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my entire life... amassing awards, amassing hardware.”
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"Devil's Bath": A grim portrayal of historical communities in Germany and Austria dealing with suicide, highlighted for its piercing narrative and female perspective.
Quote:
Mallory Rubin [55:18]: “It's deeply upsetting... a very piercing portrait of what happens when things come apart in your mind.”
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"Baby Girl": A highly anticipated film set for release, noted for its gothic horror elements and dark storytelling.
Quote:
Mallory Rubin [99:05]: “It's like an hour long, it's free... the first five minutes I'm like, what the fuck is this?”
d. Danny Chow's Picks
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"Shadow Strays": Reiterated as a standout martial arts film with relentless action and practical effects.
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"Rap World": Further praised for its authentic depiction of high school rap culture and comedic horror elements.
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"Miyazaki and the Heron": Recommended as a must-watch documentary for animation enthusiasts, capturing Miyazaki's creative genius amidst personal struggles.
e. Yassi Salik's Picks
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"Flow": Echoed as a masterpiece with immersive sound design and emotional storytelling, considered more impactful than mainstream animated features.
Quote:
Yassi Salik [54:30]: “It's amassing awards, amassing hardware... zoologically accurate in a way that is very immersive.”
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"Y2K": A horror-comedy about high schoolers facing machine chaos during the millennium bug, admired for its nostalgic references and blend of humor with supernatural elements.
Quote:
Yassi Salik [85:13]: “It's like a high school can't hardly wait slash American Pie-esque... turns into a horror film because the machines do go haywire.”
4. Interview with James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd
In a featured segment, Sean engages James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd in an in-depth discussion about the making of "The Terminator" and its enduring legacy.
a. Background Before The Terminator
Gale Anne Hurd recounts her precarious position before teaming up with James Cameron. Having been fired from a directing job and struggling financially, she pivoted to writing to secure funds for "The Terminator."
Quote:
Gale Anne Hurd [124:56]: “I had to write something. It had to attach myself to it firmly... It had to be good enough to get made.”
b. Casting Arnold Schwarzenegger
The decision to cast Arnold Schwarzenegger was pivotal. Initially not a fit for the character, Arnold's transformation into the iconic Terminator was a serendipitous shift that redefined his career.
Quote:
Gale Anne Hurd [125:55]: “Arnold... he was a brand new guy, something you'd never seen before. He was terrifying.”
c. Production Challenges
The duo navigated significant challenges, including budget constraints, Arnold’s scheduling conflicts, and Linda Hamilton’s injury. Their guerrilla filmmaking ethos, honed under Roger Corman, enabled them to adapt swiftly and overcome obstacles.
Quote:
Gale Anne Hurd [136:55]: “We were in a little clique of people… hacking through... gauging through... chaos... make sure it’s makeable.”
d. Strong Female Characters
Hurd emphasizes the intentional creation of strong female protagonists, a hallmark of their collaboration. Sarah Connor's evolution from a vulnerable target to a formidable hero set a new standard in genre filmmaking.
Quote:
Amanda Dobbins [147:57]: “Sarah Connor... is someone who doesn't believe that she is going to be the savior of the future... finds the power within herself to succeed.”
e. Legacy and Impact
"The Terminator" is lauded not just for its action and special effects but for its foresight into artificial intelligence and technological ethics. Hurd and Cameron discuss the film's relevance in today's AI-driven landscape.
Quote:
Gale Anne Hurd [152:21]: “Any of the arts is to, is to remind us who we are as human beings are. The right way and the wrong way to be good versus evil.”
5. Conclusion
Sean Fennessy wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to all contributors, highlighting upcoming segments like the Best Picture Power Rankings, and teasing discussions on significant films like "Mufasa" and "Kraven the Hunter."
Final Note:
Sean Fennessy [161:57]: “Thanks, Charles. Thank you to James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd... Later this week, we are doing our best picture power rankings... See you then.”
6. Notable Quotes
- Sean Fennessy [00:00]: “The Terminator... a movie that changed blockbusters, science fiction, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cameron and Hurd’s career.”
- Sean Fennessy [04:26]: “Amelia Perez is Not Dead... the Academy really likes it. It showed up on five lists six times overall.”
- Sean Fennessy [27:07]: “This movie is streaming right now on AMC plus... very beautiful and fun... one night at a family Christmas party on Christmas Eve.”
- Mallory Rubin [54:30]: “The most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my entire life... amassing awards, amassing hardware.”
- Amanda Dobbins [147:57]: “Sarah Connor... is someone who doesn't believe that she is going to be the savior of the future... finds the power within herself to succeed.”
- Gale Anne Hurd [152:21]: “Any of the arts is to, is to remind us who we are as human beings are. The right way and the wrong way to be good versus evil.”
7. Final Thoughts
This episode of The Big Picture offers a comprehensive exploration of underseen films of 2024, enriched by insider perspectives from The Ringer's team and an exclusive interview with industry legends James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd. The discussion not only spotlights hidden cinematic gems but also delves deep into the legacy of a franchise that continues to influence modern filmmaking.