Podcast Summary: The Rewatchables - Episode: ‘Body Double’ with Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Introduction

In this episode of 'The Rewatchables', hosted by Bill Simmons from The Ringer Podcast Network, the team delves deep into the 1984 Brian De Palma thriller 'Body Double'. Joined by Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey, the trio explores the intricacies of the film, dissecting its themes, character dynamics, and enduring legacy.

Overview of 'Body Double'

'Body Double', directed by Brian De Palma, marked his 40th anniversary in the film industry with a celebration of his signature Hitchcockian suspense blended with overt eroticism. The movie intertwines elements of erotic thriller and film noir, presenting a complex narrative centered around voyeurism, deception, and murder.

Brian De Palma’s Directorial Style

Chris Ryan opens the discussion by highlighting De Palma's unique approach to filmmaking, emphasizing his mastery of suspense akin to Alfred Hitchcock but with a modern, more provocative twist. Sean Fennessey notes, "He loves to literally follow women and observe how they move. That's a part of the telling of this story." (04:05)

The hosts debate whether De Palma was influenced by personal struggles, such as his post-‘Scarface’ phase, suggesting that "cocaine was fueling a lot of the creativity from '78 to '86'" (07:25). Chris reflects on De Palma’s uncompromising nature, stating, "He has always been like that. There's a great clip of De Palma on Dick Cavett's show... he's being such a sarcastic little bastard." (06:29)

Casting Choices and Performances

The casting of Craig Wasson as Jake, the protagonist, is a focal point of the discussion. Sean Fennessey praises Wasson, describing him as "Bill Maher crossed with Breck and Meyer" (16:09), while Chris critiques the decision, arguing that a more established actor like Tom Hanks could have enhanced the character’s relatability. The hosts explore alternative casting scenarios, pondering if actors like Linda Hamilton or Kathleen Turner could have brought different dimensions to the role.

The portrayal of Gloria Ravel, played by Deborah Shelton with voice dubbed by Helen Shaver, is scrutinized. Sean notes Shelton’s limited screen time, "She is only in like, 18 minutes of this movie," highlighting the character's enigmatic presence (19:51).

Key Scenes and Cinematic Techniques

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around specific scenes that make 'Body Double' a rewatchable classic:

• The Opening Audition Scene: Chris mentions, "You have to put in the hours," referencing Jake’s initial foray into acting and how it sets the tone for his character’s flaws (55:56).

• The Farmer’s Market Sequence: Dave praises the cinematography, stating, "It's like a rewind the scene movie. It's so fun." (04:26)

• The Murder with the Drill: The infamous murder scene where Jake’s wife is killed with a drill is dissected in detail. Sean Fennessey describes it as "the floor legitimately on the list of greatest kills in movie history." (47:36), while Chris questions the practicality of the plot device, "Why he has the drill, why he's gonna use the drill?" (47:36).

• Body Double Ending: The ending is lauded for its meta-commentary, where Jake admits to using a body double, accompanied by a graphic gore scene. Sean likens this to Angie Dickinson's shadow scene in 'Dress to Kill', emphasizing its self-referential humor (26:41).

Technical Aspects

The episode highlights Pino Donaggio’s score, with Dave Jacoby commending its "beauty" and its contribution to the film’s tense atmosphere (43:27). The use of cinematic locations in Los Angeles, such as the Chemisphere house, adds a layer of authenticity and serves as a character in itself, bringing LA’s iconic landscape into the narrative (63:16).

Plot and Character Analysis

Jake’s character is examined as a flawed protagonist whose voyeuristic tendencies drive the plot forward. Sean Fennessey interprets De Palma’s message as a critique of obsession, stating, "If we're all creeps, no one is a creep." (45:52), suggesting a broader commentary on human desire and the illusion of control.

The dynamics between Jake, his wife Gloria, and the mysterious Sam (the Indian killer) are dissected, with Chris Vernon questioning the logic and feasibility of Sam’s elaborate murder plan, highlighting numerous plot holes (91:05). The hosts debate whether Jake’s detective-like deductions are believable given his overall ineptitude.

Legacy and Influence

Sean Fennessey posits that 'Body Double' has influenced a generation of filmmakers, including David Fincher, Steven Soderbergh, and Quentin Tarantino, who have drawn inspiration from De Palma’s blend of genre elements (33:11). The film's enduring rewatchability is attributed to its layered storytelling, visual flair, and provocative themes.

Chris Ryan reflects on the film's status in contemporary cinema, suggesting that the independent art necessary for such complex narratives is hindered by modern industry dynamics dominated by tech companies and blockbuster-oriented filmmaking (08:37).

Critical Reception and Awards

While 'Body Double' was considered a commercial failure upon release, its later appreciation as a cult classic is discussed. The hosts humorously engage in award categories for various elements of the film, such as Melanie Griffith winning Best Actress for her role as Holly Body (78:44).

Sean Fennessey shares his views on how the film has aged, acknowledging that while some aspects like Sam’s conspiracy plan seem implausible, the film remains a cinematic masterpiece for its time (56:59).

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with the hosts expressing their continued admiration for 'Body Double', despite its initial reception. They reflect on the rumors and myths surrounding the film's production, such as De Palma’s interaction with actresses and the use of body doubles, adding a layer of behind-the-scenes intrigue to their analysis.

Bill Simmons wraps up the discussion by encouraging listeners to revisit 'Body Double' on The Rewatchables' dedicated page, emphasizing its status as a timeless thriller that continues to captivate audiences with its blend of suspense, erotica, and cinematic craftsmanship.

Notable Quotes

• Sean Fennessey: "He loves to literally follow women and observe how they move. That's a part of the telling of this story." (04:05)

• Chris Vernon: "The Wikipedia description should have been... an emasculated, cucked, claustrophobic, stalking, peeping tom wannabe adult film producer..." (08:20)

• Dave Jacoby: "It's so fun." (04:26)

• Sean Fennessey: "If we're all creeps, no one is a creep." (45:52)

• Chris Vernon: "You're really enjoying. You're flipping it on the viewer, right?" (45:50)

Conclusion

This episode of 'The Rewatchables' offers an exhaustive exploration of 'Body Double', blending critical analysis with personal anecdotes and humorous critiques. Through their detailed discussion, Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey reaffirm the film’s place as a cult classic worth multiple viewings, celebrating its complex narrative and enduring influence on the thriller genre.