It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - Christmasarama #2

·35 min·3 clips

Zach reveals why his favorite Christmas movie, 'It's a Wonderful Life,' is not the lighthearted family film Mish expected.

Zach and Mish open with a spoiler warning for 'It's a Wonderful Life,' emphasizing that listeners should watch the film first. Mish reveals she hadn't seen it before and expected a lighthearted family Christmas movie but found it to be a serious drama. Zach explains it became a Christmas tradition in the US due to copyright expiration leading to annual TV broadcasts. They discuss the film's American optimism and mid-century vision. Mish notes it's not a children's film and explores adult themes like suicide and self-worth. Zach praises the film's structure, where the depressing first two hours lead to a reframing that makes the story uplifting. They analyze James Stewart's performance as a leading man who holds the film together, comparing him to actors like Tom Hanks. The hosts highlight the cinematic techniques, such as close-ups and blocking, that blend theatrical and modern elements. Mish passionately discusses Mary's character as an active participant in her choices, unusual for a 1946 love interest. They touch on the film's critique of capitalism, with good versus evil bankers. The episode includes humorous tangents about other films they thought they'd seen but hadn't, like 'The Bodyguard.' They rate the film highly for Christmas spirit, with Zach giving it five stars and Mish four and a half. The conversation ends with plans for future podcast series on musicals and westerns.

As heard by us

Mish and Zach find hard-won warmth beneath It's a Wonderful Life's Christmas glow.

The Mish and Zach Podcast gives It's a Wonderful Life a Christmas-arama spin while still taking its harder feelings seriously. Mish and Zach sit with the film's strange shape, its belief that life can be difficult and compromised, and the beauty that survives inside that without…

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want to revisit It's a Wonderful Life with spoilers, fierce Mary devotion, and a sudden Michael Voss detour.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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