Matinee Monday: Old

Matinee Monday: Old

Update: 2024-07-012
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The episode delves into M. Night Shyamalan's film "Old", focusing on its themes of aging and time. The hosts discuss their personal connections to the film, particularly the feeling of accelerated aging during the pandemic. They also critique the film's pacing, dialogue, and portrayal of women. The hosts highlight the film's exploration of regret, true connections, and the fleeting nature of life. They also discuss the film's twist ending and its lack of emotional impact. The episode concludes with a review of audience reactions to the film, including both positive and negative reviews. Paul Sheer, who auditioned for the film, shares his perspective on the casting and the film's overall weirdness. He also discusses his thoughts on why he didn't get the part, suggesting that he wasn't weird enough for the film's tone. The hosts also discuss the film's connection to the Twilight Zone and the TV show "Lost", highlighting its mystery box scenario and its sci-fi elements. They also explore the film's themes of corporate greed and the exploitation of human subjects for medical research, comparing it to the "Black Mirror" episode "San Junipero" for its exploration of regret and true connections. The episode concludes with a discussion of the film's overall impact and its potential as a good afternoon watch.

Outlines

00:00:00
Helms Spicy Mayonnaise and Garlic Aioli

This Chapter is a brief advertisement for Helms Spicy Mayonnaise and Garlic Aioli, highlighting their delicious flavors and availability at helms.com.

00:01:14
How Did This Get Made: Old

This Chapter introduces the episode's topic: a discussion of M. Night Shyamalan's film "Old". The hosts, Paul Sheer, Jason Manzookus, and June Dianne Rayfield, welcome listeners and introduce the film's premise: a family on vacation at a private beach where they begin to age rapidly.

00:01:59
Personal Connections to Aging

This Chapter explores the hosts' personal connections to the film's themes of aging. June shares how she felt seen by the film's portrayal of aging and its effects on the senses. Paul discusses his audition for the film and his experience with the pandemic, which he feels has accelerated the aging process.

00:03:25
Lost Adjacent

This Chapter delves into the film's similarities to the TV show "Lost". The hosts discuss the film's mystery box scenario and its sci-fi elements, comparing it to the themes and tropes of "Lost". Paul shares his audition experience and his initial confusion about the film's premise.

00:05:32
Critical Analysis of Old

This Chapter presents the hosts' critical analysis of "Old". They discuss their mixed feelings about the film, acknowledging its strong Twilight Zone vibes and good performances but criticizing its excessive length and lack of emotional depth. They also discuss the film's portrayal of mental illness and its problematic representation of women.

00:08:53
The Pandemic and Time

This Chapter explores the film's connection to the pandemic. June shares how she connected to the film's theme of time being robbed due to the pandemic and its impact on her life. She also discusses the film's exploration of regret and true connections.

00:11:03
Audition Insights

This Chapter focuses on Paul's audition experience for "Old". He shares his thoughts on why he didn't get the part, suggesting that he wasn't weird enough for the film's tone. He also discusses the film's casting choices and the overall weirdness of the characters.

01:02:00
Review of Old

This Chapter delves into the hosts' review of "Old", discussing their mixed feelings about the film and its emotional impact. Paul, who auditioned for the film, shares his perspective on the casting and the film's overall weirdness. The hosts also discuss the film's connection to the Twilight Zone and the TV show "Lost", highlighting its mystery box scenario and its sci-fi elements. They also explore the film's themes of corporate greed and the exploitation of human subjects for medical research, comparing it to the "Black Mirror" episode "San Junipero" for its exploration of regret and true connections. The episode concludes with a discussion of the film's overall impact and its potential as a good afternoon watch.

Keywords

Old


A 2021 American supernatural horror film directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film follows a family on vacation at a secluded beach where they begin to age rapidly.

M. Night Shyamalan


An Indian-American filmmaker known for his work in horror, thriller, and science fiction genres. He is known for his signature twist endings and his exploration of supernatural themes. Some of his notable films include "The Sixth Sense", "Unbreakable", and "Signs".

Aging


The process of growing older, characterized by physical, mental, and emotional changes. The film "Old" explores the themes of aging and its impact on individuals and relationships.

Time


A fundamental concept in physics and philosophy, often defined as the progression of events from the past through the present to the future. The film "Old" explores the themes of time, its fleeting nature, and its impact on human experience.

Pandemic


A global outbreak of a disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The hosts discuss how the pandemic has accelerated the aging process and its impact on their lives.

Twilight Zone


A classic American science fiction anthology television series that explored themes of the supernatural, the bizarre, and the human condition. The hosts compare "Old" to the Twilight Zone for its unsettling and thought-provoking themes.

Lost


An American mystery drama television series that aired from 2004 to 2010. The show followed a group of survivors of a plane crash on a mysterious island. The hosts compare "Old" to "Lost" for its mystery box scenario and its sci-fi elements.

Big Pharma


A term used to refer to the pharmaceutical industry, often criticized for its profit-driven motives and its influence on healthcare. The film "Old" explores the themes of corporate greed and the exploitation of human subjects for medical research.

San Junipero


An episode of the science fiction anthology series "Black Mirror" that explores the themes of love, loss, and the afterlife. The hosts compare "Old" to "San Junipero" for its exploration of regret and true connections.

Fantasy Island


A classic American television series that aired from 1977 to 1984. The show followed a mysterious island where guests could fulfill their fantasies. The hosts compare "Old" to "Fantasy Island" for its exploration of the supernatural and its themes of wish fulfillment.

Q&A

  • What are the main themes explored in M. Night Shyamalan's film "Old"?

    The film explores themes of aging, time, regret, true connections, and the fleeting nature of life. It also touches on the unsettling nature of the film's premise and the moral quandary of medical research.

  • How do the hosts connect their personal experiences to the film's themes?

    The hosts discuss how the pandemic has accelerated the aging process and its impact on their lives. They also share their personal feelings about aging and the film's portrayal of its effects on the senses.

  • What are the hosts' criticisms of the film?

    The hosts criticize the film's excessive length, its clunky dialogue, and its problematic portrayal of women. They also find the film's twist ending to be unsatisfying and lacking in emotional impact.

  • What is the film's connection to the Twilight Zone?

    The hosts compare "Old" to the Twilight Zone for its unsettling and thought-provoking themes, particularly its exploration of the supernatural and the human condition.

  • What is the film's connection to the TV show "Lost"?

    The hosts discuss the film's mystery box scenario and its sci-fi elements, comparing it to the themes and tropes of "Lost". They also highlight the film's exploration of a mysterious island and its supernatural occurrences.

  • How does the film portray mental illness?

    The hosts discuss the film's portrayal of mental illness, criticizing its simplistic and stereotypical representation. They also question the film's handling of the relationship between mental illness and violence.

  • What is the film's connection to Big Pharma?

    The film explores the themes of corporate greed and the exploitation of human subjects for medical research. The hosts discuss the film's portrayal of a pharmaceutical company conducting unethical experiments on unsuspecting individuals.

  • What is the film's connection to the "Black Mirror" episode "San Junipero"?

    The hosts compare "Old" to "San Junipero" for its exploration of regret and true connections. They also discuss the film's themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life.

  • What is the film's connection to the TV show "Fantasy Island"?

    The hosts compare "Old" to "Fantasy Island" for its exploration of the supernatural and its themes of wish fulfillment. They also discuss the film's mysterious island setting and its unexpected twists and turns.

  • What are the hosts' overall opinions on the film?

    The hosts have mixed feelings about the film. They acknowledge its strong Twilight Zone vibes and good performances but criticize its excessive length and lack of emotional depth. They also discuss the film's problematic portrayal of women and its unsatisfying twist ending.

Show Notes

What's the twist of this M. Night Shyamalan thriller about a beach that rapidly ages anyone on it? Well, let's just say 2021's Old made Paul, June, & Jason feel like they were aging faster than usual too. Plus, Paul tells the story of his audition for the film. (Originally Released 11/04/2021)


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Matinee Monday: Old

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