502: The Postman
Summary
Jocelyn and Kat discuss the 1997 film The Postman, criticizing its bloated three-hour runtime and poor pacing despite its good intentions. They analyze Kevin Costner’s self-important direction and the movie’s failure to capture the coolness of the post-apocalyptic genre, comparing it unfavorably to Water World. The hosts also explore why the "one great man" trope feels cloying and why the film’s bright, sunny aesthetic clashes with its dystopian setting.
Topics discussed
Flex Car sponsorship and intro
Listener request month submission details
Initial impressions of The Postman
Critique of pacing and 'one great man' trope
Comparison to Water World and genre expectations
Adaptation challenges and Kevin Costner's reputation
Plot summary and timeline of the dystopia
Narrative structure and lack of editing
Costner's refusal to cut and creative vision
Critique of sex scenes and character dynamics
Comparison to Field of Dreams and character arcs
Thematic issues: easy solutions vs. real conflict
Character development and ignoring Lorelei Tate
Tone, pacing, and the 'sunny apocalypse' aesthetic
Villain portrayal and visual style analysis
Production design and cinematography critique
Action scenes and fight choreography
Box office failure and historical context
Casting trivia and minor actor shoutouts
Set experiences and behind-the-scenes anecdotes
Final verdict and appreciation of the attempt
Discussion on sincerity and ego in filmmaking
Legacy of the flop and career impact
Patreon promotion and support info
Loving: The show 'Furious' and Thundercat album
Hating: Olympic diver incident and public discourse
Outro, next episode teaser, and sponsors
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