Paul Scheer Picks the Very Best of the Very Worst Movies
2Digest
Paul Sheer, a comedian and film buff, joins David Remnick on The New Yorker Radio Hour to discuss his podcast "How Did This Get Made?" which analyzes and picks apart bad movies. Sheer argues that the best bad movies are those that are so epically disastrous that they become entertaining. He lists "The Room" as his top pick, followed by "Miami Connection" and "Samurai Cop." Sheer explains that these movies are not just bad, but they are so bad that they are enjoyable and even inspiring. He also discusses the film "Jonathan Livingston Seagull," which he describes as a movie about seagulls talking to themselves with Neil Diamond music. Sheer's passion for bad movies stems from his belief that even the worst films can be fascinating, revealing the creative process and the ambition of the filmmakers. The episode concludes with a discussion of Francis Ford Coppola's latest film, "Megalopolis," which has received mixed reviews. Justin Chang, a film critic for The New Yorker, defends the film, arguing that Coppola's outsized ambition and willingness to take risks are what make him such a compelling filmmaker.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and its guest, Paul Sheer, a comedian and film buff known for his podcast "How Did This Get Made?" which analyzes bad movies. The episode begins with a brief introduction to the podcast and its premise.
Paul Sheer's Top Five Worst Movies
This Chapter delves into Paul Sheer's passion for bad movies and his top five picks for the worst films ever made. He highlights "The Room" as his top choice, followed by "Miami Connection" and "Samurai Cop." Sheer explains that these movies are so bad that they are enjoyable and even inspiring. He also discusses the film "Jonathan Livingston Seagull," which he describes as a movie about seagulls talking to themselves with Neil Diamond music.
Megalopolis: A Passion Project
This Chapter focuses on Francis Ford Coppola's latest film, "Megalopolis," which has received mixed reviews. Justin Chang, a film critic for The New Yorker, defends the film, arguing that Coppola's outsized ambition and willingness to take risks are what make him such a compelling filmmaker. Chang discusses the film's themes, its unique visual style, and its overall impact.
Keywords
How Did This Get Made?
A podcast hosted by Paul Sheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukis, where they analyze and pick apart bad movies. The podcast is known for its humorous and insightful commentary on films that are so bad they're good.
The Room
A 2003 American drama film written, directed, produced, and starring Tommy Wiseau. The film is widely considered to be one of the worst movies ever made, but it has gained a cult following for its unintentional humor, bizarre plot, and over-the-top acting. It is often cited as an example of a film that is so bad it's good.
Miami Connection
A 1987 American martial arts action film directed by Y.K. Kim. The film is known for its over-the-top action sequences, cheesy dialogue, and bizarre plot. It has gained a cult following for its unintentional humor and its unique blend of martial arts, rock music, and drama.
Samurai Cop
A 1991 American action film directed by Amir Shervan. The film is known for its low-budget production, nonsensical plot, and poor acting. It has gained a cult following for its unintentional humor and its bizarre blend of action, crime, and science fiction.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
A 1973 American drama film directed by Hall Bartlett. The film is based on the 1970 novel of the same name by Richard Bach. The film is known for its use of real seagulls, its psychedelic visuals, and its New Age themes. It has been criticized for its lack of plot and its preachy tone, but it has also gained a cult following for its unique style and its message of self-discovery.
Megalopolis
A 2023 American science fiction drama film written, directed, produced, and starring Francis Ford Coppola. The film is a passion project that Coppola has been working on for decades. It is a sprawling epic that explores themes of civilization, technology, and the future. The film has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its ambition and its visual style, while others criticizing its convoluted plot and its uneven pacing.
Francis Ford Coppola
An American film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is known for his groundbreaking films, including "The Godfather" (1972), "The Godfather: Part II" (1974), and "Apocalypse Now" (1979). Coppola is considered to be one of the most influential filmmakers of all time. He is known for his ambitious projects, his innovative use of technology, and his commitment to artistic vision.
Q&A
What is the premise of Paul Sheer's podcast "How Did This Get Made?"
The podcast analyzes and picks apart bad movies, focusing on films that are so bad they're good. The hosts, Paul Sheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukis, discuss the films' bizarre plots, over-the-top acting, and unintentional humor.
What are some of Paul Sheer's top picks for the worst movies ever made?
Sheer's top five picks include "The Room," "Miami Connection," "Samurai Cop," "Jonathan Livingston Seagull," and "The Apple." He argues that these movies are so bad that they become entertaining and even inspiring.
Why does Paul Sheer enjoy watching bad movies?
Sheer believes that even the worst films can be fascinating, revealing the creative process and the ambition of the filmmakers. He finds it intriguing to see how filmmakers try to achieve their vision, even if the results are ultimately disastrous.
What is Justin Chang's perspective on Francis Ford Coppola's latest film, "Megalopolis?"
Chang defends the film, arguing that Coppola's outsized ambition and willingness to take risks are what make him such a compelling filmmaker. He praises the film's themes, its unique visual style, and its overall impact.
What are some of the themes explored in "Megalopolis?"
The film explores themes of civilization, technology, and the future. It asks big questions about the future and about the looming apocalypse. It also examines the nature of Western civilization and the potential for fascism.
Show Notes
Paul Scheer is a noted actor and comedian, and the author of the new memoir “Joyful Recollections of Trauma.” Off the screen, his true obsession is bad movies—even terrible movies. With his wife, the actor and comedian June Diane Raphael, and their friend Jason Mantzoukas, he presents the podcast “How Did This Get Made?,” picking apart all manner of bombs. David Remnick met Scheer at the Brooklyn Brewery and asked him for his top five of the very worst movies, and why they deserve recognition. Scheer discusses “The Room,” “Miami Connection,” “Samurai Cop,” “Jonathan Livingston Seagull,” and “The Apple.” “When I hear a director go ‘passion project,’ I’m in,” he says.
Plus, Francis Ford Coppola invested much of his personal fortune in a passion project, “Megalopolis.” It was mocked as a colossal failure before it even premièred. But the New Yorker film critic Justin Chang was at that première, and he thinks the chatter is wildly off base.
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