The 1988 Movie Draft
The Big Picture Podcast Recap
Published:
Guests: Bill Simmons
What Happened
The episode dives into a draft of movies from the year 1988, featuring a lively conversation with Bill Simmons. Simmons, who was a college freshman in 1988, reminisces about seeing 'Cocktail' in New York City and discusses Tom Cruise's burgeoning career, marked by his roles in 'Rain Man' and 'Cocktail'. 'Rain Man', the highest-grossing movie of that year, was a turning point for Cruise, showcasing his transition to more serious roles.
The hosts discuss the variety of films released in 1988, emphasizing the originality of the year's offerings compared to sequels. They recall the unique moviegoing experience of that time, including sneaking into multiple films in one day and the significant star power of actors like Tom Cruise, Kevin Costner, and Bruce Willis. 'Die Hard', featuring Bruce Willis as John McClane, is highlighted as a pivotal action film.
A significant part of the discussion focuses on the Academy Awards of 1988, described as one of the worst ceremonies, featuring an infamous opening number with Rob Lowe and Snow White. Bill Simmons mentions Michael Shulman's book 'Oscar Wars', which explains how the Academy felt the need to rejuvenate the awards, leading to hiring Alan Carr for a controversial overhaul.
The episode also explores the potential of young filmmakers who have grown up filming with their phones, suggesting they could become the next generation of legendary directors like Martin Scorsese. This perspective is juxtaposed with a conversation about the impact of the pandemic on the movie industry and the evolution of filmmaking techniques.
Comedic films from 1988 receive a spotlight, including 'Coming to America', praised for its cultural impact, and 'Naked Gun', noted for its humor and Leslie Nielsen's performance. The hosts note the shift in comedy, observing that adult references have become more common in children's movies today, compared to the past.
Significant performances in 1988 are highlighted, such as Kevin Kline's Oscar-winning comedic role in 'A Fish Called Wanda', and Michelle Pfeiffer's praised performance in 'Married to the Mob'. The episode also acknowledges the technical achievements of 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' for blending live-action and animation, marking it as a standout film of that year.
The episode concludes with discussions on various genres and films, including the thriller 'Frantic' starring Harrison Ford and the social commentary of John Carpenter's 'They Live'. The hosts touch on the controversy surrounding 'The Last Temptation of Christ', which faced significant backlash yet was praised for its music and Willem Dafoe's performance.
In lighter moments, rumors about Tom Cruise potentially playing a villain in a Joseph Kaczynski film are mentioned, along with jokes about him starring in a Nancy Meyers-style romantic comedy. The episode wraps up with a nod to the upcoming discussion on the best movies of the year so far, promising insights into films that were missed during the Oscar season.
Key Insights
- 1988 was a year of original films, as opposed to sequels, with notable releases like 'Die Hard' and 'Rain Man'. Tom Cruise's career took a significant turn with 'Rain Man', which was both the highest-grossing film and an Oscar winner.
- 'Oscar Wars' by Michael Shulman analyzes the 1988 Academy Awards, highlighting the failed attempt to rejuvenate the ceremony with an over-the-top opening number involving Rob Lowe and Snow White.
- The impact of young filmmakers who have grown up filming with their phones could shape the future of cinema, potentially producing directors with the same influence as Martin Scorsese.
- The comedic landscape of films has shifted, with adult references becoming more prevalent in children's movies, contrasting with the 1980s when adult comedies were enjoyed by younger audiences.