Primetime and What's Making Us Happy
Summary
Glenn Weldon, Ayesha Harris, and Gene Demby discuss the new docudrama *Primetime*, a fictionalized account of NBC’s *To Catch a Predator* starring Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen. The hosts debate the film’s claustrophobic style and slick direction, arguing it lacks the nuanced exploration of entrapment found in the documentary *Predators*. They also share their "happy" picks, including comedian Kevin T. Porter’s chaotic mashups and the Instagram account "Scotty is Fat."
Topics discussed
Sponsorship and introduction to the film 'Primetime'
Overview of the plot and cast of 'Primetime'
Character dynamics and production background
Initial reactions: claustrophobic and visceral disgust
Discussion of the score and Robert Pattinson's performance
Critique of the film's lack of depth compared to 'Predators'
The 'scuzzy' aesthetic and subjective approach
Director Lance Oppenheim's style and character beats
Analysis of Skylar Gisondo and Robert Pattinson's roles
Merritt Weaver's performance and tonal issues
Ethical implications of entrapment and victimization
Insular focus and missed opportunities for broader context
Tonal balance and humor in the film
Characterization and the film's central thesis
Directorial choices and surface-level storytelling
Bokeem Woodbine's role and cultural impact of the show
Plot confusion and the need for the 'Predators' documentary
Conclusion on the film and transition to next segment
Sponsorship messages
What is making us happy: 'Calling from Accounts'
What is making us happy: Kevin T. Porter's mashups
What is making us happy: 'Scotty is Fat' on Instagram
Closing remarks and final sponsorships
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