The Film Sommelier Podcast

In which the Story Locker team discusses the release of its new Shortcuts episode on the theme of *The Incredibles,* as well as the recently released sequel, *The Incredibles 2.* Caleb waxes philosophical about Marshall McLuhan in relation to the film's critique of screen addiction, and the twist of a bad guy who may be the patient. Ben determines that The Story Locker is not a YouTube channel, and introduces a new segment called "Work Rules!", to help the team achieve flow on a more regular basis.

Caleb and Charlie discuss the treatment of gender norms in the first Incredibles movie and speculate on where Brad Bird will take this theme in the upcoming sequel..

What is Short Cuts? Why do some films capture the Zeitgeist, while others fall flat? Brad Bird seemed to have struck a nerve in the first Incredibles film, exploring Bob Paar's struggle with mediocrity – his inability to use his superpowers – and the frustrated masculinity that results. Is this what men are feeling in an age where their physical strength has been replaced by machines, and women are taking their place in the more abstract/symbolic realms? Caleb posits that Focus is a uniquely masculine trait and cites Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas to support his claim. Ben tells us about the cookie diet, and probes the question of how modern men can avoid being caricatures of masculinity while still embodying something distinct from females.

Pixar's secret sauce – How do they make films that resonate with young and old, male and female? What's the best way to locate a film's theme in order to appreciate it more? What does it take to be super in a mundane world? And lastly, how can you tell a compelling story about yeti finding true love? Find out, on the inaugural episode of the Film Sommelier Podcast.