Ocean's 8, Toxic Fandom and the Battle for Diversity in Film

In Episode 81 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and Kai Yaniz tie up some loose Riverdale ends with their brief review of the 2001 cult comedy Josie and the Pussycats, based on the Archie Comics title. Then it's into more serious matters, as they address the disparity in the audience and critical response to women and POC in studio films. From Ocean's 8 to Ghostbusters, female-led releases in particular have proved divisive among some moviegoers. In fact, actresses like Ghostbusters' Leslie Jones and Star Wars: The Last Jedi's Kelly Marie Tran have personally been the subject of online harassment and assorted vitriol.

So let's dig into one of Hollywood's most common criticisms nowadays, namely its stubbornness to accept diversity both onscreen and behind the scenes. Recent films like Wonder Woman and Black Panther have demonstrated strides forward, but there's still much progress to be made. Listen in as we chat about how we can all move forward together.

Ocean's 8 synopsis courtesy of Warner Bros.:

Five years, eight months, 12 days...and counting. That’s how long Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock)—just released from prison—has been concocting the greatest heist of her storied career.

She knows what it’s going to take—a team of the best in their field, starting with her former partner-in-crime Lou (Cate Blanchett). Together, they recruit a crew of specialists: jeweler Amita (Kaling); street con Constance (Awkwafina); expert fence Tammy (Paulson); hacker Nine Ball (Rihanna); and fashion designer Rose Weil (Bonham Carter).

The target is $150 million in diamonds—diamonds that will adorn the neck of world-famous actress Daphne Kluger (Hathaway), who will be center stage at the event of the year, the Met Gala.

Their plan appears rock solid, but it will need to be flawless if the team is to get in and get away—all in plain sight.

“Ocean’s 8” also stars Richard Armitage as Claude Becker, Kluger’s unwitting date at the Gala, and James Corden as John Frazier, an insurance investigator trying to put the pieces together.

Gary Ross (“Seabiscuit,” “The Hunger Games,” “Pleasantville”) directed “Ocean’s 8” from a screenplay he co-wrote with Olivia Milch, original story by Ross. Steven Soderbergh and Susan Ekins produced the film. Michael Tadross, Diana Alvarez, Jesse Ehrman and Bruce Berman served as executive producers, with Milch co-producing.

We’re excited to hear your feedback as the Crooked Table Podcast continues to evolve. As usual, the show does feature explicit language and, as such, is best considered NSFW.

Thanks for listening!

SHOW NOTES

Previously on the Crooked Table Podcast: http://www.crookedtable.com/2018/06/04/riverdale-podcast/

Our Ghostbusters podcast: http://www.crookedtable.com/2016/07/15/crooked-table-podcast-ghostbusters/

Our Wonder Woman podcast: http://www.crookedtable.com/2017/06/09/podcast-wonder-woman/

Brandon Katz' article: http://observer.com/2018/06/oceans-8-rihanna-sandra-bullock-female-blockbusters-box-office/

Additional listening:

Citizen Dame podcast: https://citizendame.podbean.com/

Black Men Can't Jump in Hollywood podcast: https://headgum.com/black-men-cant-jump-in-hollywood

Blank Check podcast Josie and the Pussycats episode: https://soundcloud.com/griffin-and-david-present/josie-and-the-pussycats-with-angela-ferraguto

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Robert Yaniz Jr. can be reached on Twitter at @crookedtable.

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