Cool World (Classic)
1Digest
This podcast delves into the perplexing 1992 film "Cool World," a surreal blend of live-action and animation directed by Ralph Bakshi. The hosts grapple with the movie's confusing plot, inconsistent rules, and adult themes, particularly the forbidden romance between cartoons ("doodles") and humans ("noids"). Comparisons are drawn to "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," with "Cool World" often deemed a more chaotic and explicit, yet less coherent, counterpart. The discussion highlights plot holes, questionable character motivations, and the film's troubled production history, including its original "hard R" pitch. Despite its flaws, the hosts acknowledge the film's unique visual style, animation, and ambitious, albeit messy, artistic merit, recommending it as a "good stoned watch" for its weirdness and visual gags rather than its narrative. The episode also includes a segment expressing gratitude for essential workers and promoting charitable initiatives.
Outlines
Introduction to "Cool World" and Initial Reactions
The podcast introduces the bizarre 1992 film "Cool World," a surreal blend of live-action and animation. Hosts share their initial bewildered reactions, noting the film's explicit nature and drawing comparisons to "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," with some feeling their fond memories of the latter were "violated."
The Original Pitch, Ralph Bakshi's Influence, and Plot Inconsistencies
The original "hard R" pitch for "Cool World" is revealed, highlighting director Ralph Bakshi's background in adult animation. The hosts then dissect the film's confusing plot, questioning character motivations, the rules of the animated world, and the presence of characters like Brad Pitt, noting a lack of clear stakes or understandable relationships.
Chronological Confusion, Character Origins, and the Doodle Multiverse
The timeline and origins of "Cool World" and its characters are debated, including the creation of the world and the ambiguous role of Doc Whiskers. The concept of a "doodle multiverse" is introduced, adding another layer of complexity to the film's narrative.
Gabriel Byrne's Character Arc and Unanswered Questions
The hosts discuss Gabriel Byrne's character, his prison sentence, and the lack of explanation for his release and subsequent activities. Unanswered questions about time, relationships, and the duration of his sentence highlight the film's plot holes and confusing age dynamics.
Location Discrepancies, Time Jumps, and the PG-13 Opening
Debates arise regarding the location of Gabriel Byrne's residence after prison and the significant time jump in the film. The opening sequence, featuring a motorcycle accident and Brad Pitt's character entering Cool World, is discussed, with surprise at its PG-13 rating.
Brad Pitt's Character's Choices and the Motorcycle Accident
The hosts question why Brad Pitt's character, Frank Harris, didn't leave Cool World earlier and debate who is to blame for the motorcycle accident. The historical context of helmet use is also touched upon, adding to the discussion of the film's narrative elements.
The Rules of Cool World and Character Interactions
The function of police in Cool World is questioned, and the specific rules, particularly the prohibition of "noids" having sex with "doodles," are pondered. The character of Hollywood is analyzed, comparing her to Jessica Rabbit and noting inconsistent animation styles.
Kim Basinger's Performance and Narrative Juxtaposition
Kim Basinger's performance and her character Hollywood's transition to the real world are discussed. The hosts find the storyline within Cool World easier to follow than the events in the real world, questioning the coherence of the latter.
Hollywood's Motivations, Cross-Overs, and Self-Imposed Rules
The hosts attempt to decipher Hollywood's motivations, questioning her intentions towards Gabriel Byrne's character. The concepts of "cross-overs" and doodle powers are discussed, leading to the acknowledgment that viewers must create their own rules to make sense of the film's chaotic narrative.
Rewatching Scenes, Free-Floating Ink, and Creator's Perspective
The hosts describe rewinding scenes to grasp the narrative, admitting difficulty in understanding certain events. The danger of free-floating ink and a cartoonist's explanation of Cool World's independent existence are explored, challenging the notion of character free will.
The Cardinal Rule, Fourth Wall Breaks, and Creator Conflict
The fundamental rule of Cool World—"Noids do not have sex with doodles"—is reiterated and discussed. The trope of characters talking to animators and breaking the fourth wall is examined, contrasting with a desired story focused on the creator trapped in his creation.
Genre Mashup, Redundant Characters, and PTSD Interpretation
The film is described as a "junk drawer of animation" with a disjointed narrative. Gabriel Byrne and Brad Pitt's characters are deemed redundant, with Byrne having more agency. One host interprets Brad Pitt's character's journey as a struggle with PTSD and accepting reality.
Cool World Invasion and the Enforced Rule
The potential threat of Cool World invading the real world after a rule is broken is discussed. The hosts analyze the rule prohibiting human-doodle sex, questioning its existence and enforcement, particularly as Brad Pitt is the only human seemingly capable of breaking it.
Symbolism of the Spike and Doc Whiskers' Role
The "spike," a children's story element, is discussed for its symbolic function and appearance. The role of Doc Whiskers in relation to the spike is debated, with differing recollections of his interaction with it.
Visceral Reactions and Guest Viewers' Experiences
One host describes screaming uncontrollably at certain animated characters, indicating a visceral reaction. The hosts express joy in watching with June Diane Raphael, who was unaware of the animated elements, contrasting with Jason Mantzoukas's prior knowledge.
"Cool World" as a "Dirty" Alternative and Core Idea
The reputation of "Cool World" as a more adult and "dirty" version of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" is discussed. The hosts agree that the core compelling idea is a creator trapped within his own creation, drawing parallels to other films.
Imprisoned Creator's Love and Escape Fantasy
The compelling aspect of an imprisoned man falling in love with his drawing and finding escape through fantasy is highlighted, resonating with current quarantine conditions. The hosts question Brad Pitt's character's awe, suggesting he might have prior knowledge of Cool World.
A More Compelling Storyline and Unanswered Questions
The hosts suggest a more compelling narrative focusing on Gabriel Byrne's character's internal conflict and the potential collapse of worlds due to his love for Hollywood. Unanswered questions about murder and grief are raised, proposing a narrative where both men deal with grief.
Color Coding, Character Archetypes, and the Doodle Rule
The use of color to signify character archetypes is discussed, along with confusion about direct adversaries. The hosts reiterate that the primary conflict revolves around Brad Pitt's character's warning against sexual relations between noids and doodles.
Hollywood's Manipulation and Desire for Reality
Hollywood's manipulative nature and her desire to become a "real girl," likened to Pinocchio, are discussed. Her childlike and manipulative behavior upon entering the real world is analyzed, questioning if it's genuine discovery or continued tactics.
Breakdown of Rules and Dimensions
The hosts express confusion about the film's inconsistent rules regarding dimensions, particularly how characters can interact physically and be harmed despite animation's supposed limitations. They admit to rewriting their own rules to comprehend the narrative.
Animation Styles, Cohesion, and Brad Pitt's Knowledge
The film is criticized for its "junk drawer of animation" approach with a lack of stylistic cohesion. The hosts question how Brad Pitt's character knows the rule about not having sex with doodles and why he is present in Cool World, as his knowledge seems unearned.
Nuances of Noid-Doodle Intimacy and Sex as a Portal
The hosts debate the extent of intimacy allowed between noids and doodles, discussing kissing and other physical interactions. The concept of sex between a doodle and a noid acting as a portal to the real world is explored, leading to further questions about Hollywood's motivations.
Hollywood's True Desire: Reality or Love?
The hosts question whether Hollywood's primary goal is to become real or if she genuinely loves Gabriel Byrne, suggesting her actions point towards manipulation for self-gain. Her interactions with men in the real world and reverting to cartoon form are discussed.
Shifting Doodle Forms and an Earlier Hollywood?
The phenomenon of characters experiencing "tune seizures" and transforming into different doodle forms is analyzed, questioning the logic behind these transformations. One host proposes that the doodle Hollywood transforms into might represent an earlier version of her character.
Chaos Unleashed and the Multiverse Theory
The invasion of Las Vegas by chaotic doodle characters is described, with hosts finding the animated chaos enjoyable. The concept of Cool World as a multiverse is introduced, drawing parallels to "Rick and Morty" and emphasizing the catastrophic effects of interdimensional travel.
Hollywood's Goal: Permanent Reality?
The hosts speculate on Hollywood's ultimate goal, suggesting she might want to destroy the spike to become permanently real and avoid being pulled back into Cool World. The film is described as embodying sexual depravity and the aesthetic of '70s and '80s adult animation.
Merging Styles, Superhero Transformation, and Seedy Underworld
The film's diverse animation styles are noted, including influences from Frank Frazetta and Looney Tunes. Gabriel Byrne's transformation into a superhero is discussed. Cool World is characterized as a seedy underworld populated by gangsters and femme fatales, drawing parallels to film noir.
Grasping for Order, Visuals, and Production Issues
The hosts admit to desperately trying to find order in the film's chaotic narrative, acknowledging the lack of clear goals or rules. The film's appeal might lie in its visuals and Brad Pitt, rather than a coherent story, with a troubled production history detailed.
Disconnected Performances and Hollywood's Command
Kim Basinger's performance is seen as disconnected from her animated counterpart. In Cool World, Hollywood is portrayed as in command and control, manipulating everyone and being the smartest person in the room.
Hollywood's Transformation and Loss of Power
Hollywood's transformation into a real person diminishes her power and agency, as her manipulative prowess is less effective in the real world. The hosts debate whether her childlike behavior is genuine or continued manipulation.
Enjoying Fun Moments and a Grim Depiction of Vegas
Despite the film's overall grimness, the hosts found enjoyment in Hollywood's transformation into a human. The film's depiction of Las Vegas is criticized as dark, dim, and unappealing, presenting a "gross point of view."
A Grim and Unpleasant Film Experience
The movie is described as inherently unpleasant, with no heroes to root for and characters behaving reprehensibly, making it a tough watch. The hosts propose it might be a "Jacob's Ladder" scenario.
Alternative Ending Speculation and "Amazing Stories" Analogy
The hosts speculate on an alternative ending where Brad Pitt's character is in a mental institution. An episode of "Amazing Stories" is referenced as a parallel to "Cool World's" concept of art influencing reality.
The Problem with the Lead Character and Need for Context
A core problem identified is the unclear role and connection of Brad Pitt's character. The hosts emphasize the need for clearer context, suggesting scenes showing him creating comics during wartime or his mother reading them.
Recommendation: Watch or Skip?
The hosts debate whether to recommend "Cool World," with mixed opinions stemming from its confusing nature but also its unique visual elements and artistic merit. Jason Mantzoukas recommends watching it, acknowledging its weirdness.
Structural Problems, Artistic Merit, and Ralph Bakshi's Work
While acknowledging structural problems and a confusing narrative, the hosts praise its Ralph Bakshi art, animation, and fun, weird side elements. "Cool World" is deemed a failure but a unique attempt.
A Bad Movie, But Visually Interesting
Despite its flaws, the hosts agree that "Cool World" is a bad movie but offers visually delightful, funny, and weird elements that can be enjoyed, especially when the story is not the focus. Ralph Bakshi's "The Lord of the Rings" is recommended.
"Gobbledygook" and a "Stoned Watch" Recommendation
The film is ultimately described as "gobbledygook" that doesn't amount to anything, with the hosts emphasizing the confusion and lack of a clear narrative. It is recommended as a "good stoned watch" due to its delightful and weird visuals.
Scratching Animation Itches and Missed Opportunities
The hosts enjoyed "Cool World" for its animation, finding specific visual gags and architectural designs appealing, despite the overall narrative confusion. They lament missed opportunities to explore dimensional differences more creatively.
Confounding and Unique Film Experience
The hosts find "Cool World" uniquely confounding, appreciating how it continuously twists the screw of confusion, making it stand out from more predictable films. The film's controversial promotion and box office failure are also discussed.
Tagline, Box Office Performance, and Gratitude for Healthcare Workers
The movie's tagline and disappointing box office performance are revealed. June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas express gratitude to nurses, doctors, and all frontline workers for their hard work during the pandemic.
Gratitude, Support, and Honoring Essential Workers
The speakers express gratitude for listeners and acknowledge difficult circumstances, emphasizing the importance of podcasts for solace. A shout-out is given to delivery drivers, supermarket staff, and restaurant workers, stressing the importance of supporting small businesses.
Charitable Giving and Appreciation for the Production Team
The discussion shifts to charitable giving, mentioning initiatives that benefited Feeding America. The speakers express deep gratitude for the Your Wolf production team, calling them essential workers for their tireless work.
Call to Action for Mini-Episode
Listeners are encouraged to call in with thoughts on "Cool World" or personal life matters for the upcoming mini-episode, with a specific phone number provided for submissions.
Keywords
Cool World
A 1992 American animated dark fantasy film directed by Ralph Bakshi, known for its blend of live-action and animation, adult themes, and controversial production. It explores the interaction between the real world and a cartoon dimension.
Ralph Bakshi
An American film director, animator, and producer, known for his distinctive animation style and adult-oriented films like "Fritz the Cat," "Heavy Metal," and "The Lord of the Rings." His work often pushes boundaries with mature themes and experimental techniques.
Doodles and Noids
In "Cool World," "doodles" are cartoon characters, while "noids" are humans. The film's central conflict arises from the forbidden interaction and potential for interspecies relationships between these two groups.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
A 1988 film that successfully blended live-action and animation, setting a benchmark for the genre. "Cool World" is often compared to it, though generally considered inferior in execution and narrative coherence.
Femme Fatale
A stock character of a mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers, often leading them into compromising, dangerous, or fatal situations. Hollywood in "Cool World" embodies this archetype.
Multiverse Theory
The hypothetical existence of multiple universes, each with its own set of physical laws and constants. "Cool World" touches upon this concept through interdimensional travel and its potential consequences.
Animation Styles
"Cool World" features a diverse range of animation styles, from traditional cel animation to more experimental techniques, reflecting Ralph Bakshi's eclectic approach and the film's genre-bending nature.
Creator vs. Creation
A narrative theme where a creator becomes trapped within their own creation, forcing them to confront the world they built and its inhabitants. This is a central concept explored in "Cool World."
Essential Workers
Individuals performing jobs crucial to public health and safety, especially during crises. This includes healthcare professionals, delivery drivers, grocery store employees, and others maintaining critical services. Their work ensures societal function under difficult conditions.
Small Business Support
Actions taken to aid local businesses, such as ordering food, shopping at local stores, or promoting their services. This is vital for economic recovery, especially for businesses operating on tight margins and facing threats during challenging times.
Charitable Giving
Donating money or resources to non-profit organizations. This can be done directly or through events and merchandise sales, with proceeds supporting causes like food security (e.g., Feeding America) and other vetted charities.
Podcast Levity
The use of podcasts to provide lightheartedness, distraction, and a sense of normalcy during stressful periods. Podcasts can offer a much-needed escape from difficult news and anxieties, providing entertainment and a sense of connection.
Q&A
What is the basic premise of the movie "Cool World"?
"Cool World" is about cartoons, called "doodles," who want to enter the real world, inhabited by "noids" (humans). A key rule is that noids and doodles cannot have sex, as it can lead to dangerous consequences and interdimensional chaos.
How does "Cool World" compare to "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"?
While both films blend live-action and animation, "Cool World" is often seen as a darker, more overtly sexual, and less coherent successor to "Who Framed Roger Rabbit." Many viewers feel it fails to live up to the earlier film's narrative success.
Who is Ralph Bakshi and what is his connection to "Cool World"?
Ralph Bakshi is the director of "Cool World," known for his adult-oriented animated films like "Fritz the Cat." His background in adult animation heavily influenced the mature themes and distinctive visual style of "Cool World."
What are the main criticisms leveled against "Cool World"?
Critics often point to "Cool World's" confusing plot, inconsistent rules, lack of clear character motivations, and a disjointed narrative that feels like a mashup of different ideas.
What is the significance of the "spike" in "Cool World"?
The "spike" is a symbolic element from a children's story within the film, representing a way to "unplug" the doodle world and potentially allow for permanent transition to the real world, or cause catastrophic consequences.
Why do the hosts find Brad Pitt's character's journey compelling despite the film's flaws?
Some hosts connect with Brad Pitt's character's journey as a portrayal of PTSD and the struggle to accept reality after trauma, finding it more relatable than the convoluted plot elements.
Is "Cool World" considered a good movie?
Generally, "Cool World" is considered a flawed and confusing film. However, some appreciate its unique visual style, animation, and ambitious, albeit messy, attempt to blend genres and themes.
What is the central rule that is repeatedly emphasized in "Cool World"?
The most emphasized rule in "Cool World" is that "noids" (humans) cannot have sex with "doodles" (cartoons), as this transgression has severe and unpredictable consequences for both worlds.
How are podcasts helping people during difficult times?
Podcasts offer solace, distraction, and a sense of relief by providing levity and entertainment. They allow listeners to tune out the surrounding difficulties and enjoy a bit of fun, serving as a valuable escape and a source of comfort.
Who are considered essential workers in this context?
Essential workers include delivery drivers, supermarket staff, restaurant employees, mail carriers, and the production team behind the podcast. These individuals perform critical jobs that keep services running and support the community during challenging times.
What initiatives are being taken to support charitable causes?
Charitable initiatives include podcast-related merchandise sales where proceeds go to organizations like Feeding America. Additionally, special podcast episodes and table reads have been organized to raise significant funds for various well-vetted charities.
How can listeners engage with the podcast for the next mini-episode?
Listeners are invited to call a specific phone number (619-PAUL-ASK) to discuss "Cool World," share personal stories, or seek advice. This interaction contributes to the content of the upcoming mini-episode.
Show Notes
Brad Pitt is a cop trying to prevent Gabriel Byrne from having sex with a cartoon Kim Basinger? You read that correctly. Paul, June, and Jason break down all the insanity in the 1992 hybrid live-action/animated fantasy film Cool World. They cover all there is to know about doodles (cartoon people) and noids (humans), the confusing rules of Cool World's animated realm, Holli Would's desire to become human by having sex with a noid, and so much more. (Ep. #239 Originally Released 05/07/2020)
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