#090 - "Prisoners" - The Dark Genius of Prisoners: Themes, Symbolism, and Cinematography

In this episode, we dive into Prisoners and unpack everything that makes this film so hauntingly powerful. We explore its dark themes, layered symbolism, and masterful cinematography, while also reacting to the gripping performances by Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. From the film's brutal storytelling to the intense emotions it evokes, we break down what makes Prisoners one of Denis Villeneuve's most unforgettable films.

PRISONERS is about: Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) faces a parent's worst nightmare when his 6-year-old daughter, Anna, and her friend go missing. The only lead is an old motorhome that had been parked on their street. The head of the investigation, Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), arrests the driver (Paul Dano), but a lack of evidence forces Loki to release his only suspect. Dover, knowing that his daughter's life is at stake, decides that he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro Discussion: Our reaction after this brutality

02:21 The cliffhanger ending explained

08:36 Explaining the tree symbolism

11:32 The tests of faith in a war against God

13:14 The false empathy we give to Keller's terrible actions 

15:55 Keller Dover's character arc: He can't do it himself

19:34 Understanding Loki's character

22:32 Jake Gyllenhaal knows the dark side all too well

25:04 The story of how Jake Gyllenhaal got this role

27:08 The dark places actors tap into for roles like this

29:33 Where they sub-textually making fun of IRL Alex Jones?

31:36 This story is based on the easiest way to hit an audiences emotions

35:51 Scene's they cut from the script

40:10 When Gray was almost a Prisoner character

41:43 How the cinematography mirrors a maze

46:36 The amazing editing choices 

51:56 The brilliant scene design from a small scene

53:30 Our ratings and review

55:45 Final thoughts: One last detail you might have missed

58:04 Cue the music