PODCAST:
SHOW NOTES:
Wherein I am joined again by former co-host, David Wilkinson a/k/a Wilk, and his friend comic book aficionado, Rob Lloyd II, to discuss the impressive, innovative, hardworking, and do-it-yourself attitude of director Robert Rodriquez and his dual efforts to make the two “Sin City” movies.
Wilk and Ryan had both previously seen the first movie before reading the graphic novels. Rob had the benefit of familiarity with the underlying material before viewing the movies. Despite these varying perspectives the chips seemed to fall in similar spots.
The first movie was roundly respected for its innovation at the time of release as well as its ability to hold up to the scrutiny of time and a rewatching. Ryan brought up an article which criticized the film as style over substance, which Rob and Wilk argued against. Rob pointed out that the actors showcased their acting abilities by working within the stylistic constraints of the film, which were in complement of Frank Miller’s special visual artistic expression–an integral part of the comic book medium.
In contrast, the second movie felt less important to the reviewers who perceived that they were getting more of the same–this despite cast changes, a 3D option, and the addition of new material (probably the best part). Wilk and Rob also noted out that the length of time between movies may have worked against the second movie, which made it feel less impactful when compared to the first one. Perhaps Wilk summed things up best for the second movie when he said it was enjoyable, but felt that watching it was like watching a reunion episode of your favorite sitcom.
Perhaps this 2/3rds mini-reunion podcast episode bears a similar critique?!
-Ryan
WRITTEN BOOK REVIEWS:
“Sin City (2005)” by Robert Rodriquez (Bruce Willis) (movie)
Ryan: 5 Stars “…The first film is an innovative realization of Miller’s noir comic that is raw and grungy in its perfection—a perfect example of a literal adaptation… ”
Wilk: 5 Stars “…The first ‘Sin City’ was very influential to me, it still is, I like it, it’s in my mind a fairly enjoyable, perfect, flawless movie for what it’s trying to do and I’ve watched it multiple times…”
Rob: 5 Stars “…I had the benefit of reading the comic books before seeing the movies, and I thought the first movie was a brilliant adaptation that really brought to life those images that already were painting a very vivid picture…”
“Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)” by Robert Rodriguez (Josh Brolin) (movie)
Ryan: 3 1/2 Stars “…the second film labors to live up to [the first] and feels weighed down by the action sequences while struggling to recapture what made the first one so special – though it’s a decent enough flick that is also faithful to the source in content…”
Wilk: 3 Stars “…‘A Dame to Kill For’…was exactly what I thought it would be, which was disappointing. I think if you catch lightning in a bottle you should leave it in the bottle and not try to ruin it…”
Rob: 3 Stars “…the second [film] continued in [the] same vein [as the first], but it had less impact. I think part of that may be due to the time frame in which it was released, which was nine years later…”
FUN FACTOIDS:
Much was made on this episode regarding the tenacious and innovative creative efforts of director, Robert Rodriquez. Even his earliest efforts were praised for his unique ability to make something special with few resources. You can watch one of his very first short films “Bedhead” here: https://youtu.be/InHgkJhvT_A. Hollywood came calling with the success of his directorial debut and first indie feature film “El Mariachi,” which he wrote about in a book called “Rebel Without a Crew: Or How a 23-Year-Old Filmmaker With $7,000 Became a Hollywood Player”: https://www.amazon.com/Rebel-without-Crew-23-Year-Old-Filmmaker/dp/0452271878/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=rebel+without+a+crew&qid=1561415033&s=books&sr=1-1. This book is recommended by former guest and indie filmmaker “Mike O’Reilly” Rodriquez continued his support of the indie community through a series of short film school video segments: “The Robert Rodriguez Ten Minute Film School.” Here is one of those on the making of “El Mariachi”: https://youtu.be/VQE9eEmu1b4.
During the episode’s discussion Ryan brought up an article by Dan Seitz for Uproxx that argues the “Sin City” movie is style over substance, which hamstrings the actors trying to recreate comic panels meant for a different medium. That article called ” Why ‘Sin City’ Is What Comic Book Movies Shouldn’t Be” can be found here: https://uproxx.com/viral/why-sin-city-is-what-comic-book-movies-shouldnt-be/.
Here is a cameo of comicbook creator, Frank Miller, playing a priest in the first “Sin City” movie:
The alternate “Cinco de Mayo” politicized trailer for “Machete” cut by Rodriguez in response to pending Arizona immigration legislation mentioned on the podcast can be found here: https://youtu.be/If3GRbAMkCc.
Also, as before, Wilk gave a shout out to the all-things-horror themed Facebook page “Major Horror” run by his wife and past show guest, Laura Valle, which you can find here: https://www.facebook.com/welovescary/.
Lastly, in discussing impressive graphic novels the “Saga” series by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples was mentioned. Below are photos of Volume One and Volume Two:
* DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that the views and opinions of the hosts and guests of NDIOS are completely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of the other hosts and guests or that of NDIOS.
No Deodorant In Outer Space - podcast 