835: Team Whammer
Summary
Jason Snell and panelists Mickey Maynard, David J. Lurie, John Saracusa, and Philip Michaels discuss the 1984 film The Natural. They analyze its mythological themes, Robert Redford’s age-disguised performance, and the Black Widow subplot. The group also debates the movie’s realism, including the fictional New York Knights and the infamous light tower explosion.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest introductions
Mythology vs. realism and Robert Redford's age
Suspension of disbelief and the fictional New York Knights
First impressions and the 'gifted is not enough' theme
The origin of the Wonder Boy bat
Leaving home, Iris, and the Whammer strikeout
The Black Widow's motivation and Greek myth tropes
The shooting, the 16-year gap, and Iris's reaction
Returning to the Knights and the Percival myth
Roy's performance, Kim Basinger, and newspaper headlines
The Judge's deal and Roy's dual role as pitcher/hitter
Sports psychology, bribery, and the mystery of the decline
The playoff game and Iris's revelation
The final at-bat and the sentimental bat
The World Series sweep and the final game errors
The ending, the son, and uncredited actors
The final confrontation with Kim Basinger
Final thoughts on the movie's style and legacy
Portrayals of women, Randy Newman's score, and conclusion
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