DC’s New Joker Origin Story, 'Logan Lucky,' and Showtime CEO David Nevins on 'Twin Peaks' (Ep. 179)

Hollywood Strategy

Hollywood's current strategy in storytelling and filmmaking is under scrutiny, particularly with the Joker project. Andy Greenwald argues that while studios excel at production and funding, they struggle to convey their narratives effectively to audiences. He notes, "People don't. No one in Hollywood knows how to get their story across anymore" 1. This challenge is compounded by the industry's reliance on high-profile names like Martin Scorsese, who, despite his legendary status, often juggles between passion projects and commercial ventures 2.

   

Narrative Choices

The narrative choices in filmmaking are evolving, as seen in the Joker origin story. Chris Ryan and Andy discuss how directors like Todd Phillips aim to create unique films, such as a King of Comedy-inspired Joker movie 3. Andy highlights the industry's shift towards less continuity-focused storytelling, similar to Fox's approach with the X-Men series. He remarks, "They're going to just not be so concerned about continuity" 4. This reflects a broader trend of prioritizing creative freedom over strict narrative cohesion.

   

Gritty Vision

The upcoming Joker film aims to present a gritty, grounded vision of Gotham, reminiscent of Scorsese's style. Chris Ryan describes the movie as a hardboiled crime film set in early 1980s Gotham, diverging from typical DC movies to resemble Scorsese classics like Taxi Driver 5. Andy comments on the industry's tendency to draw inspiration from iconic films, noting, "To work in this industry, certainly on that level, you have to lie to yourself a lot" 5. This approach seeks to blend commercial appeal with artistic ambition.