Stuff You Should Know
What Makes Disaster Films Great
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Disaster films blend action with a unique narrative twist focusing on crises and human behavior during catastrophes.
- Major characteristics of disaster films include the presence of a disaster, the dynamics among characters, and archetypes grounded in societal norms.
- The historical timeline of disaster films shows an evolution from early concerns about natural disasters to complex narratives with modern themes.
- The CGI revolution in the 90s transformed disaster films, contributing to their grand spectacles and increasing their appeal.
- Contemporary disaster films often mix humor, satire, and critical commentary on social issues, showcasing the genre's versatility.
Summary
Introduction to Disaster Films
Josh and Chuck dive into the intriguing realm of disaster films, distinguishing them from regular action or monster movies. They celebrate the genre's captivative nature while prepping listeners for an exploration through its history and major contributing themes.
Defining Characteristics of Disaster Films
The hosts explore the elusive defining traits of disaster films, admitting that at times personal gut feelings influence what counts. Key aspects include the inevitable disaster (natural or human-made), the aftermath impact on characters, and a wide array of tropes like action situations, archetypal characters, and financial gain for studios.
A Historical Perspective on Disaster Films
From early films like "Day the Earth Caught Fire" to 70s classics such as "The Poseidon Adventure" and "Earthquake," the hosts take listeners through a historical journey, highlighting pivotal moments and notable directors like Erwin Allen, alongside a commentary on production trends in response to societal fears.
The Evolution in the 90s and Beyond
The podcast shifts to the 1990s boom, with titles like "Twister" and "Independence Day" setting new standards for the genre. They discuss how advancements in CGI technology shaped the visual narratives of disaster films, leading to an increase in box office success and a formulaic approach in later productions.
Modern Takes and New Formulations
Josh and Chuck analyze a resurgence in disaster films post-2010, noting the smoother integration of global disasters and diverse casts to appeal internationally. They comment on the fresh narratives like those in "Contagion" and "Don't Look Up", showcasing how societal matters steer these stories.
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Show notes
Disaster films are surprisingly tough to define. What makes them different from an action movie or a monster movie? Who cares? They’re great! Escape with us as we cover the the ins and outs and the history of disaster films and recommend some good ones.
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