Episode 55 – 'Southland Tales' Cannes Cut - a podcast by Phi Phenonenon

Another cross-over episode! I’m joined by podcaster Ryan Whitten to discuss this new/old cut of the infamous sophomore film from the the creative and once-promising Richard Kelly, a cut first shown and panned by critics at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival before being reedited into a shorter and (supposedly) more coherent domestic version that was panned by critics in 2007. On this episode we discuss:

- how helpful it might be to read the volumes I-III of the film’s graphic novels (with the Cannes cut comprising volumes IV-VI of the story);
- if claims that the movie is still “unfinished” are an excuse or legit;
- how over-explanation has helped both Southland and Donnie Darko’s cult film status;
- the influence of writers Thomas Pynchon, Kurt Vonnegut, or Philip K. Dick (including parallels between Southland and the novel Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said).

Also:

- if this is the most superior difference between released cuts since Brazil’s “Love Conquers All” version;
- Kelly’s popular spec script Bessie about a genetically sentient cow;
- apocalyptic suicidal ideation in his films;
- how much WWE training went into the Rock’s performance;
- whether or not it’s worth it to meet a difficult movie more than halfway;
- and if Kelly might be back towards reclaiming that early promise as a high concept, high intellect writer/director.

Ryan Whitten hosts the American Werewolf in Vancouver podcast along with co-hosting the Spicy Boyz podcast, the latter of which is currently on hiatus. He’s based out of Vancouver, BC, where he produces film.

The Cannes cut of Southland Tales is available on a Blu-ray from Arrow.

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