Digest

This podcast episode delves into the 2007 action film "Shoot 'Em Up," a listener-voted pick. The hosts explore its insane premise, the role of their Discord community in movie selection, and the film's blend of extreme violence with dark humor. They analyze Clive Owen's stoic performance, Paul Giamatti's villainous portrayal, and controversial themes like lactation and a "baby farm." The discussion highlights the director Michael Davis's visual expertise, the film's "Looney Tunes" logic, and its unique action sequences, such as the baby delivery during a shootout. Despite its polarizing reception and poor box office performance, the hosts commend the film for its originality, minimal exposition, and memorable, albeit shocking, moments, ultimately deeming it a success and a redemption for its director.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction to "Shoot 'Em Up" and Listener Choices

The podcast introduces the listener-voted film "Shoot 'Em Up" (2007), discussing its insane premise and the humorous, sometimes questionable, selection process via "The Discord."

00:06:41

Thematic Exploration: Lactation and Societal Views

The discussion delves into the prominent theme of lactation in the film, exploring societal discomfort with female bodies and contrasting it with the film's graphic violence.

00:14:20

Analyzing "Shoot 'Em Up": Performance, Style, and Tropes

The hosts analyze Clive Owen's stoic performance, director Michael Davis's visual style, and the film's unique action sequences, comparing it to other films and discussing its "Looney Tunes" logic and controversial elements like the "lactating hooker" kink and the "baby farm" plot.

00:37:16

Humorous Dialogue, Action Tropes, and Romantic Gestures

The podcast highlights the film's witty dialogue, elaborate traps, and the trope of the "gentlemen's agreement" in action films. They also appreciate romantic gestures and the film's minimal exposition.

00:43:07

Performance, Action, and "Looney Tunes" Logic

The hosts praise Clive Owen's perfect performance and innovative action sequences like the skydiving shootout. They discuss the film's embrace of "Looney Tunes" logic, including recurring carrot gags.

00:49:40

Parenting, Plot Inconsistencies, and Symbolism

The conversation touches on parenting challenges depicted in the movie, questions plot inconsistencies like a tank in the city, and analyzes the symbolic ending with the breast-shaped ice cream shop.

00:54:31

Box Office Performance, Marketing Controversy, and Final Verdict

The film's poor box office performance is contrasted with its later success on Netflix. The hosts discuss controversial marketing, positive audience reviews, and ultimately praise the film as a success that redeems the director.

01:04:25

Clive Owen's Career and Future Potential

The discussion briefly touches on Clive Owen's career trajectory and his potential for future action roles, specifically mentioning the character Parker.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the premise of the movie "Shoot 'Em Up"?

  The movie "Shoot 'Em Up" (2007) follows a man named Mr. Smith who, during a violent shootout, helps a woman deliver her baby and becomes the protector of the newborn from assassins.

• How do the podcast hosts interact with their audience's movie choices?

  The hosts rely on their online community, "The Discord," to vote on which movies to discuss, humorously debating the reliability of these votes.

• What is the significance of lactation in "Shoot 'Em Up"?

  Lactation is a prominent theme, particularly through the character of a "lactating hooker," touching upon societal views of women's bodies and contrasting with the film's extreme violence.

• Why was "Shoot 'Em Up" considered "bad but watchable"?

  The film is considered "bad but watchable" because, despite its absurd premise and extreme violence, it is self-aware, features strong performances, and delivers consistent entertainment value.

• How did the director, Michael Davis, influence the film's visual style?

  Michael Davis, a renowned storyboard artist, heavily influenced the film's visual style, evident in the dynamic action sequences and unique camera work.

• What makes Clive Owen's performance in "Shoot 'Em Up" noteworthy?

  Clive Owen's performance as Mr. Smith is noteworthy for his serious, stoic demeanor amidst the film's absurdity, committing to the role without winking at the audience.

• What controversial elements are present in the film's brothel scenes?

  The brothel scenes feature thematic rooms, including a "nunnery," and explore kinks like lactation, with a focus on the transactional nature of these encounters.

• What is the "baby farm" plot point in "Shoot 'Em Up"?

  The film reveals a senator's plot involving a "baby farm" where babies are raised to harvest bone marrow for life-extending transplants.

• Why did "Shoot 'Em Up" not perform well at the box office?

  The hosts suggest the film's lack of box office success was due to the timing and the evolving action movie landscape, which favored more straightforward narratives.

• What is the significance of the sex scene amidst gunfire?

  The sex scene is highlighted as an example of the film's audacity, where characters escalate intimacy despite an ongoing attack, demonstrating the film's commitment to its extreme premise.

Show Notes