Digest

This podcast episode dissects the 1995 erotic thriller "Jade," a film generally considered bizarre and poorly executed. Hosts discuss its origins in the 90s erotic thriller boom, comparing it to films like "Basic Instinct" and "Showgirls." They highlight David Caruso's departure from "NYPD Blue" for this role and the film's connection to producer Robert Evans, including a shocking anecdote about pubic hair lockets. The discussion delves into common genre tropes like femme fatales and wealthy characters, while also critiquing specific elements such as terrible car chases, questionable costume choices, and confusing character motivations, particularly Linda Fiorentino's. Memorable and disturbing moments include the "double ginger" scene, an inflatable sex pillow with detailed product descriptions, and the concept of a "fuckhouse." The hosts grapple with plot holes, script rewrites, and the unclear intentions of characters, noting that the villains largely get away with their actions. Despite its significant flaws and box office failure, the hosts find "Jade" to be an entertainingly bad film and ultimately recommend watching it, reflecting on the era of 90s erotic thrillers and their declining presence in modern cinema.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Erotic Thriller Tropes

The podcast begins with a humorous introduction and an Amazon reviewer's summary of "Jade," an erotic thriller known for its car chases and controversial nature. Hosts Jason and June discuss the film's era of erotic thrillers, its comparison to "Basic Instinct," and David Caruso's career choices. They explore common genre tropes like wealthy characters, sex, power dynamics, and femme fatales, with June recalling watching similar adult dramas.

00:06:18

Disturbing Details and Sexual Depictions

The discussion shifts to comparing "Jade" with "Eyes Wide Shut" and reveals a disturbing detail about Robert Evans and pubic hair lockets. Hosts examine how "Jade" was marketed as "too sexy" and discuss the often transactional depictions of sex in films of the era, focusing on male power.

00:17:46

Unique Scenes and Costume Critiques

A surprising element of two redheaded characters ("double ginger") appearing together is discussed. The hosts critique David Caruso's all-green outfit and debate casting choices, praising Linda Fiorentino and Richard Crenna while finding others miscast.

00:21:06

Action, Character Professions, and Production Design

The film's car chases are deemed terrible and unrealistic, showing a disregard for life. The hosts question Linda Fiorentino's character's profession as a "violence in the workplace" expert and art curator, finding it disconnected. They surprisingly praise the Photoshop quality but criticize the "atrociously appointed" Asian-themed house and the use of masks.

00:26:41

Unexplained Mysteries and Sex Toy Analysis

The opening scene's lack of narrative contribution is analyzed. A recurring question about why Linda Fiorentino's character wears a stocking over her face is debated. The hosts dissect a sex toy scene, focusing on the detailed description of an inflatable "harmony pillow" and humorously debating its pronunciation and functionality.

00:34:02

The "Fuckhouse" and Pervy Neighbors

The concept of a "fuckhouse" is explored, with a discussion on the questionable inclusion of a Wolfgang Puck frozen pizza alongside luxury items in the bedroom. The "pervy" neighbor is found to be more unsettlingly "kindly" than lecherous.

00:43:41

Plot Holes, Script Issues, and Character Motivations

Hosts grapple with the motivations of Linda Fiorentino's character and her involvement in the blackmail scheme. Information about script rewrites and Michael Bean's comments on the script's lack of sense suggest a chaotic production. The governor's potential role in blackmail and his motivation are questioned.

00:48:25

Intersecting Relationships and Narrative Flaws

The complex relationships between Chaz Palminteri, Linda Fiorentino, and David Caruso are analyzed. The hosts note the interconnectedness of characters and illogical changes in office settings. A bizarre detail about a witness interrogation room being adjacent to a firing range is highlighted.

00:51:34

Deaths, Villainy, and Film Execution

The circumstances surrounding Angie Everhart's death are debated, with confusion over responsibility and motivations. The hosts attempt to tally Chaz Palminteri's kill count. The shocking visual of a crucified man is discussed. The film's writing is compared to a "horny kid," and the discussion returns to the pubic hair detail and a specific governor line. Angie Everhart's use of a body double and Richard Crenna's performance are noted, while the film's blocking is criticized. A confusing monologue is analyzed. The film's depiction of powerful individuals making people disappear is discussed, drawing real-world parallels. Hosts admit confusion over the plot and character motivations, debating Jade's identity and her husband's affairs. Chaz Palminteri's ending and the film's dual villains are discussed. Speculation arises about who threw the tape into the fireplace. The hosts conclude there are significant missing pieces, making the plot unsolvable. The film's narrative is critiqued for missing scenes and weak connections, with the ending leaving the villain victorious. The term "low density film" is discussed, with the film's execution deemed wild and nonsensical. The hosts note that the main villains appear to get away with their actions, leaving the audience questioning the resolution. The unusual ending where the villain wins is contrasted with typical femme fatale tropes.

01:06:11

Reception, Comparisons, and Box Office Performance

A humorous debate about the box office viability of "gingers" occurs. Positive Amazon reviews are shared, praising the thriller aspects and San Francisco setting. Car chases are compared to "Bullet." The film is compared to other erotic thrillers like "Basic Instinct" and "Showgirls." Details about its 1995 release, budget, and disappointing box office gross are provided, ranking it poorly among other films that year.

01:12:23

Unresolved Plots, Recommendations, and Genre Reflection

Despite confusion over unexplained elements like the church meeting, the speakers recommend watching "Jade." The discussion revisits the 90s erotic thriller genre, noting its prevalence and current rarity. A surprising anecdote about O.J. Simpson expressing excitement to see "Jade" is shared. The episode concludes with credits and a tease for the next film.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the general consensus on the film "Jade" among the podcast hosts?

  The hosts generally find "Jade" to be a bizarre, poorly plotted, yet entertainingly bad erotic thriller, highlighting its over-the-top sexual content, questionable character motivations, and numerous cinematic flaws.

• Who are the main actors in "Jade" and what are the hosts' opinions on their performances?

  The main cast includes David Caruso, Linda Fiorentino, and Chaz Palminteri. Linda Fiorentino and Richard Crenna receive praise, while Caruso and Palminteri are considered miscast by some hosts.

• What are some of the most disturbing or memorable details discussed about the film "Jade"?

  The hosts are particularly disturbed by the detail of Robert Evans' pubic hair lockets and the graphic, often transactional, sexual depictions. The inflatable sex pillow and the "double ginger" scene also stand out.

• What are the main criticisms of the film's plot and character motivations?

  The hosts find the plot convoluted and nonsensical, with unclear motivations for characters like Linda Fiorentino's. The effectiveness of the blackmail scheme and the interconnectedness of the wealthy elite are also questioned.

• How does the podcast "How Did This Get Made?" approach discussing films like "Jade"?

  The podcast uses humor and a critical lens to dissect films, often focusing on their absurdities, production issues, and cultural context, engaging in lively debate and sharing personal anecdotes.

• What were the main criticisms of the film's plot and character development?

  Critics felt scenes were missing, connections weren't made, and the plot lacked evidence gathering. The ending was abrupt, leaving the villain victorious and the protagonist in a difficult situation, making the protagonist's actions seem unrewarded.

• What is the significance of the term "low density film" in the discussion?

  The term "low density film" was unfamiliar to the speakers, adding to their perception of the movie being nonsensical and poorly executed, highlighting a perceived lack of substance or clarity in the filmmaking.

• How did the film perform commercially, and how did it rank among other 1995 releases?

  "Jade" had a budget of $50 million but only grossed $9.8 million, making it a significant box office failure. It ranked 122nd among all films released in 1995, performing poorly compared to major hits.

• What is the connection between the film "Jade" and O.J. Simpson?

  Following his acquittal in 1995, O.J. Simpson reportedly told the press he was excited to go see the movie "Jade," an anecdote presented as a notable public statement about the film.

• Would the speakers recommend watching the movie "Jade"?

  Despite its numerous flaws and confusing elements, the speakers ultimately recommend watching "Jade," describing it as a "fun one" and a prime example of the 90s erotic thriller genre.

Show Notes