Retroist Iron Giant Podcast – The Retroist

1999 was a great year for movies. Almost too great. It didn’t help that I found myself so busy with work that my focus on film couldn’t be what it used to be. So while I am a big fan of “The Iron Giant,” I was also one of those people who didn’t go to see it in the theater and contributed to its “flop” status. That summer was stacked with films like “The Sixth Sense” and “The Blair Witch Project,” and it was easy for something quieter and more thoughtful to get lost. While that is bad, the good news is that I was also one of the people who took to it on home video and picked it up on DVD as soon as it was available. I can still remember watching it for the first time at home and being floored by how much heart it had.

I start the episode talking about my experiences with the film before moving onto the film itself. I discuss the people who made the film, its source material, other adaptations, the people who lent their voices to the film, its reception, music, and much more. It’s worth noting that the director, Brad Bird, would later go on to make “The Incredibles” and “Ratatouille,” which shows just how much talent was already on display in this debut. Unfortunately, Warner Bros. had no idea how to market the film at the time, which didn’t help its chances at the box office.

The Iron Giant has become a cult hit and is well loved, but it’s not enough. A surprising number of people have never seen the film, and I think that’s a shame. It’s a thoughtful film, filled with wonder and spectacle, that will capture the imagination of kids and adults alike. Its story of fear, empathy, and the power of choice feels even more relevant today. So if you haven’t seen it, prepare to fall in love with a giant robot.

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• This is the 350th episode of the Retroist Podcast and episode 24 of the new season. This is the final episode of season 17!

• Vin Diesel’s voice was made for this character. I think he is great as Groot, but this voice work will also be my favorite of his.

• I got into a great discussion with a former co-worker who also liked this film about how it might have been more successful if this film had been made later in the Pixar age at that studio. I am not sure they could have done the style correctly, but I would have like to see them try.

• Bonus clippings can be found over on Patreon for Supporters.

• Not a ton of retro audio in this episode, but I was able to add the major release tv spots to the show.

• Music on the show is, as always, by Peachy.

• Already planning the next season of the show. And in the meantime I will continue to release episodes for supporters. You can get them by supporting the Retroist here on Substack or on Patreon.

Thanks for listening to the show and I hope you have a great weekend.