Ep 29. Backlot: Gamera: August Ragone

Backlot is a popular talk show that features discussions and interviews with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including screenwriters, producers, directors, actors, and more. In the show's 29th episode of season 1, titled "Backlot: Gamera: August Ragone," the focus is on the Japanese film monster, Gamera, and the expert who has dedicated his life to studying the creature- August Ragone.

Ragone is a well-known author, journalist, and historian who specializes in Japanese popular culture, particularly tokusatsu, or special effects films. His expertise on Gamera, a giant turtle-like monster who fights against other monsters to protect humanity, makes him an ideal guest for this episode.

Throughout the episode, host Michael Blieden sits down with Ragone to discuss his love for Gamera and how he became interested in tokusatsu films. Ragone reveals that he grew up in a household where watching Japanese movies and TV shows was a common occurrence, leading him to develop a fascination with the country's culture and entertainment.

The conversation then shifts to Gamera and the history of the character. Ragone explains that Gamera was created by production company Daiei Film in the 1960s as a response to Toho's Godzilla films. Despite being initially seen as a copycat, Gamera quickly became popular and continues to have a dedicated fanbase to this day.

Blieden and Ragone discuss the many Gamera films that have been released over the years, including the sequels that saw Gamera fight against other monsters like Guiron and Jiger. Ragone shares his thoughts on what makes Gamera unique compared to other kaiju (giant monsters), such as his ability to fly and the fact that he is often portrayed as a protector of children.

The conversation also delves into the various cultural influences that shaped Gamera and other tokusatsu films, including Japan's post-World War II rebuilding efforts and the country's relationship with nuclear energy. Ragone notes that many of these films are not simply mindless monster movies, but rather reflect the concerns and fears of the time in which they were made.

Throughout the episode, Blieden and Ragone also delve into Ragone's experiences as a writer and journalist covering Japanese entertainment. Ragone discusses the challenges of translating and interpreting Japanese pop culture for an English-speaking audience, as well as the joy he gets from sharing his love of the genre with others.

"Backlot: Gamera: August Ragone" is a fascinating exploration of a beloved film character, as well as the larger cultural influences that shaped tokusatsu movies. Ragone's expertise and passion for the subject shine through in every moment, making this episode a must-watch for fans of Gamera and kaiju films in general.