The 13th Warrior

War of the Worlds (2005)

Jun 15, 20261h 38mSummary

In this episode of What Went Wrong, the hosts dive into Steven Spielberg’s 2005 science fiction disaster film, War of the Worlds. They analyze the movie’s chaotic production and its divisive reception, while highlighting Tom Cruise’s intense performance—specifically his penchant for on-screen running. The discussion explores the film’s blend of practical effects and early-2000s CGI, as well as the narrative choices that frustrated viewers, such as the unresolved subplot involving a crane operator and the abruptly anticlimactic, biology-based ending. The hosts also provide a fascinating historical deep dive, contrasting Spielberg’s vision with the iconic 1938 Orson Welles radio broadcast. They debunk the long-standing myth of mass hysteria surrounding that legendary event, noting that the media sensationalized the reaction to boost newspaper readership. Additionally, the episode covers the long history of attempts to adapt HG Wells’ source material, tracing how the property moved through the hands of various directors before landing with Spielberg. By examining the film’s status as both a high-stakes survival story and a commentary on modern disaster tropes, the hosts offer a balanced look at why this project remains a memorable—if flawed—chapter in Spielberg’s career.

Out of Frame: Scientology and Hollywood

Jun 12, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of What Went Wrong, the hosts explore the complex history and enduring influence of Scientology in Hollywood. Serving as a primer for an upcoming discussion on the film War of the Worlds, the episode examines how Scientology carved out a unique space within Los Angeles, a city with a long, documented history of fostering fringe religions, spiritual movements, and cults. The hosts delve into the biography of founder L. Ron Hubbard, tracing his transition from a prolific science fiction writer to the architect of a worldwide religious movement. They discuss how Hubbard’s personal post-war struggles and his early experiments with self-help and psychological theories culminated in the creation of Dianetics. The discussion highlights the inherent tension between the church’s claims of scientific legitimacy and the critical perspectives offered by historians and former members. Furthermore, the episode addresses the modern phenomenon of content creators attempting to infiltrate Scientology centers for viral fame, analyzing whether such confrontations serve as meaningful activism or counterproductive harassment. Through this lens, the hosts provide historical context on the intersection of faith, celebrity culture, and the institutional evolution of belief in Southern California.

Giant (1956)

Jun 8, 20261h 18mSummary

In this episode of What Went Wrong, hosts Chris Winterbauer and Lizzie Bassett delve into the complex production history of the 1956 sprawling epic Giant. Directed by George Stevens, the film is analyzed as a surprisingly progressive, albeit narratively uneven, examination of race, power, and identity in Texas. The hosts discuss the challenges of adapting Edna Ferber’s massive novel, highlighting how the filmmakers navigated the tension between staying faithful to the source material and crafting a coherent cinematic experience. Key discussions include the decision to cast younger stars like Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor—allowing for a realistic aging process across the film's decades-spanning timeline—and the casting of James Dean in what would become a legendary performance. The hosts reflect on how the film’s depiction of prejudice, particularly concerning the treatment of Mexican characters, remains strikingly nuanced for the era. They also touch upon George Stevens’ personal evolution as a director following his harrowing experiences documenting concentration camps during World War II, which heavily influenced his desire to move away from broad studio comedies and toward more serious, socially conscious storytelling.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Jun 1, 20261h 19mSummary

In this episode of What Went Wrong, the hosts examine the unlikely success of the 2002 romantic comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding. They delve into the challenging development process of the film, highlighting how writer and star Nia Vardalos faced constant rejection from agents and studios who struggled to categorize her due to her background and appearance. The discussion emphasizes the irony of these obstacles, noting how Vardalos eventually pivoted to creating a one-woman stage show, which she performed in small Los Angeles theaters to build an organic, grassroots audience. The hosts provide insightful commentary on the film’s unique tone, describing it as a blend of heart and over-the-top, cartoonish slapstick. They explore the cultural impact of the movie, noting that it served as a watershed moment in the early 2000s for diverse storytelling. While they acknowledge that the film’s narrative is less grounded than classics like Moonstruck, they praise its relatability and the standout performance of Andrea Martin. Ultimately, the episode serves as a testament to the perseverance of an independent creator who refused to wait for permission to tell her own story.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

May 25, 20261h 12mSummary

In this episode of What Went Wrong, the hosts dive into the troubled production of the 1961 classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s. While the film is widely considered a cinematic icon, the discussion reveals a stark contrast between the complex, literary original novella by Truman Capote and the sanitized, "saccharine" version brought to the screen. The hosts explore the casting drama, noting that Capote originally envisioned Marilyn Monroe as Holly Golightly—a choice that might have better captured the tragic, vulnerable spirit of the character compared to the polished portrayal by Audrey Hepburn. They also detail the studio’s efforts to strip away the novella’s gritty, adult themes to adhere to the strict censorship standards of the era, ultimately transforming a nuanced character study into a conventional romantic comedy. A significant portion of the conversation addresses the film’s egregious and offensive use of yellowface, with the hosts sharply criticizing the decision to include the character of Mr. Yunioshi. By grounding their analysis in production history and literary context, the hosts offer a fascinating, critical look at how Hollywood adaptation processes can sometimes hollow out the very soul of the source material.

Out of Frame: In Cold Blood | Movie vs. Book

May 22, 202655 minSummary

In this episode of What Went Wrong, the hosts dive into the complex history behind Truman Capote’s true-crime masterpiece, In Cold Blood. They explore both the 1965 book and the critically acclaimed 1967 film adaptation directed by Richard Brooks. The discussion highlights the technical brilliance of the movie, particularly Conrad Hall’s stark black-and-white cinematography and the unsettling, effective score by Quincy Jones. The conversation centers on the intense pursuit of realism in both works and the creative choices involved in the adaptation process. The hosts analyze why the film omitted Capote as a character—despite his deep, controversial involvement in the case—and discuss how the narrative shift toward the killers, Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, fundamentally changes the tone compared to the book. They also examine the tragic reality of the Clutter family murders, contrasting the victims’ actual lives with their portrayal in Capote’s writing. By looking at the production of the film and the investigative process that led to the capture of the murderers, the hosts provide an insightful look into how a real-life tragedy was transformed into an iconic, albeit ethically complex, work of art.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

May 18, 20261h 26mSummary

In this episode of What Went Wrong, hosts Lizzy Bassett and Chris Winterbauer dive into the chaotic and controversial production of the 1984 sequel, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Positioning the film as the darker, polar opposite of its predecessor, the hosts explore how George Lucas and Steven Spielberg moved away from the Nazi-driven narrative of Raiders of the Lost Ark to create a "feel-bad" blockbuster. The discussion centers on the film’s disjointed development, revealing that the story was heavily reliant on repurposed material cut from the first movie and influences from colonial-era adventure films like Gunga Din. The hosts examine the film’s shaky structural choices, including the decision to set it as a prequel, the lack of substantial character motivation, and the problematic, stereotypical depictions of Indian culture that have caused the film to age poorly. While Chris appreciates the expert execution of the movie's non-stop set pieces and the performance of Ke Huy Quan, both hosts express frustration with the thin script, the polarizing portrayal of Willie Scott, and the overall mean-spirited tone that ultimately defined this polarizing entry in the franchise.

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