A Guy Named Joe vs Always Original vs Remake
We compare A Guy Named Joe, 1943 original vs. remake, Always in 1989 by Steven Spielberg.
SPOILER ALERT - we discuss plot elements related to the endings for both movies. If you haven't seen them, go watch them now.
Where to watch online (current as of 05/15/20) -
1943 - https://hdfy.to/movies/drama/a-guy-na...
1989 - https://hdfy.to/movies/fantasy/always...
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Show notes:
0:00:42 - possible original vs remake movies for future shows on Mother’s Day
0:01:50 - why are older movies more sentimental vs today’s cynical films
0:03:02 - making war movies during WWII - propaganda vs escapist entertainment
0:04:32 - how modern film TV use sci-fi as metaphors for current events
0:05:40 - what Hollywood did to promote American war efforts
0:06:08 - military service of Jimmy Stewart vs medically disqualified Spencer Tracy
0:07:10 - Lionel Barrymore / Ward Bond - supporting cast from It’s a Wonderful Life
0:08:02 - camaraderie of soldiers shown in Pete and Al’s friendship
0:10:12 - Irene Dunne portraying strong female role of Dorinda
0:12:24 - why did Dorinda fly climactic dramatic raid
0:14:44 - many more years before women in combat
0:16:02 - A Guy Named Joe made to “suppress finality of death” /
comforting war widows
0:17:06 - WWII movies as wartime therapy
0:18:42 - hidden message of posthumous awards
0:19:50 - lighthearted moment after Peter (Spencer Tracy) dies
0:20:30 - how stoic hero archetype portrayed
0:21:32 - trope of rogue character breaking rules
0:23:36 - how male vs female renegades are treated differently
0:24:48 - romantic tension with female characters vs buddies with males
0:26:02 - sparks between Peter and Dorinda in original vs remake - Always
0:26:38 - Steven Spielberg shared love of original with Richard Dreyfuss on set of Jaws
0:27:24 - why Always works as a remake and fails in some ways
0:28:50 - Dorinda (Holly Hunter) questions Pete’s motivation
0:29:12 - ** short break **
0:29:26 - how the audience is more sympathetic to Dorinda’s view
0:30:18 - why do we risk our lives when we don’t need to do so
0:31:20 - rise of adrenaline junkies vs boredom with “ordinary life”
0:32:20 - weird change in tone of laid back Al (John Goodman) with Dorinda (Holly Hunter)
0:35:02 - how Always compares to A Guy Named Joe as a remake
0:37:24 - why action feels faster in the remake vs original
0:38:06 - comparing Audrey Hepburn as helpful angel vs Clarence from It’s a Wonderful Life
0:39:50 - funny moments between Pete and Al
0:40:16 - how Steven Spielberg created Poltergeist moments /
can we sense when someone’s number’s up
0:44:52 - differences between Always and It’s a Wonderful Life
0:45:32 - why Always helped other afterlife comedies like Ghost with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore get made
0:47:12 - freedom vs commitment in relationships - father, son, daughter?
0:49:36 - striking, macho Brad Johnson in remake vs boyish Van Johnson in original
0:51:40 - cringeworthy moments with Richard Dreyfus watching budding romance of new couple
0:54:20 - friendship as loyalty vs enabling / call to Jesus moments of interventions
0:57:20 - where Steven Spielberg’s strength is with action scenes
0:59:36 - easter egg of Star Wars sound in Always
1:01:14 - coming up: Taking of Pelham One Two Three and Seven Samurai vs Magnificent Seven vs Battle Beyond the Stars