CUTTING MOMENTS I
In the Hot Takes episode of Cutting Moments (1996), directed by Douglas Buck, Danny gets his first taste of extreme cinema, and despite what he says, he might not be ready to process its subject matter. The Character Sketch & Plot Summary briefly explains the central characters: the father, Patrick; the son, Joey; and the mother, Sarah. And while they seem to represent the average American nuclear family, all is not well in this sleepy suburb. In Making Sense of What We Saw I, David and Pappy point out that Patrick is probably getting handsy with his son. Danny rejects the possibility of pedophilia and directs the conversation to the more uncomfortable terrain of the family’s court case. The conversation shifts as the fellas play a game, trying to identify all the cutting moments in the movie.
In What Would Your Mom Say? The results are varied, a mix of not telling her you’re watching these kinds of movies and blind support for your new podcast. On the subject of How Did It Make You Feel?, it’s unanimous that the overall format and style of the movie are unsettling: the old-school 16:9 aspect ratio, the set, and the general vibe all factor in.
Making Sense of What We Saw II David and Pappy push Danny to reconsider the uncomfortable subject matter of pedophilia. But Danny still isn’t ready to accept the possibility that a movie from 1996 would delve into such unsavory territory—no matter how evident it may be. Instead, he once again takes the conversation back to the courthouse. Danny’s mental gymnastics continue, as he tumbles through a near revelation that Douglas Buck might be a genius. However, he quickly backs down from the thought. And where does he divert the conversation? You guessed, back to the courthouse.
In Accountability, Douglas Buck finds himself under the microscope. The fellas are surprised to learn he looks like a handsome heel from a regional pro wrestling territory. The conversation shifts to Who Would You Be? where Danny, David and Pappy assign each other characters from the movie. Danny finds himself caught between two parents and an extreme movie podcast.
Making Sense of What We Saw III once again asks Danny to reconcile with pedophilia, which is now an undeniably significant part of the film, and the Mindbucking begins. The fellas tackle the end of the film, starting with Sarah and the way she starts cutting off body parts, before delving into the brutal final scene. It’s clear that no matter how much David and Pappy link all these events back to Patrick and his pedophilic proclivities Danny isn’t going to accept it. David and Pappy throw in the towel for now, and they all plan what they're bringing to the table next week.
Timestamps
Opening Thoughts
00:00:00—00:03:41: Danny reacts to his first extreme movie
Proto Character Sketch & Plot Summary
00:03:41—00:06:12
Making Sense of What We Saw I
00:06:13—00:06:47: Is the dad getting handsy with the son?
00:06:48—00:12:05: Danny can’t process the possibility of pedophilia
00:12:06—00:14:40: How many cutting moments can you name?
What Would Your Mom Say?
00:14:41—00:15:59: From secrecy to blind support
How Did It Make You Feel?
00:16:00—00:17:55: The cinematic style is threateningly uncomfortable
Making Sense of What We Saw II
00:17:56—00:19:41: The mom dealing with the pedophilia
00:19:41—00:20:27: Danny still can’t handle talking about pedophilia
00:20:28—00:22:04: Douglas Buck is not a genius. Right…?
00:22:05—00:29:12: Danny diverts back to the courthouse
Accountability
00:29:13—00:32:47: Douglas Buck would make a fine wrestling heel
Who Would You Be?
00:32:48—00:35:25: It’s unanimous: Danny is the innocent child
Making Sense of What We Saw III
00:35:36—00:39:20: Danny still can’t accept the presence of pedophilia
00:39:21—00:41:22: The Mindbucking begins
00:41:23—00:50:10: The mom starts cutting things off her body
00:50:11—00:53:50: What’s the mean for Danny? Can’t be pedophilia
00:53:51—01:03:38: The Final Scene
01:03:39—01:05:54: But Danny, it’s probably about pedophilia
Wrapping Up the Episode
01:05:55—01:11:00: What’s in store for next week