cover of episode Q: The Winged Serpent LIVE!

Q: The Winged Serpent LIVE!

2024/11/15
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How Did This Get Made?

Key Insights

Why is Michael Moriarty's performance in 'Q: The Winged Serpent' considered unhinged?

Michael Moriarty's performance is marked by erratic behavior, improvisation, and a manic energy that contrasts sharply with the film's campy tone, making it stand out as particularly wild and unpredictable.

Why does the movie 'Q: The Winged Serpent' focus on a petty thief rather than the central plot involving the winged serpent?

The film's focus on a petty thief instead of the main plot involving the winged serpent creates a disjointed narrative, leaving the central mystery of the creature underexplored and overshadowed by a less compelling subplot.

Why does the winged serpent in 'Q: The Winged Serpent' only attack people on high rises?

The film provides a weak justification that the winged serpent stays within the sun's rays to remain invisible, but this explanation is undermined by numerous instances where people on lower levels also see the creature, making the attacks seem arbitrary.

Why does the movie 'Q: The Winged Serpent' include a scene where a cop is disguised as a mime?

The inclusion of a cop disguised as a mime is a bizarre and unnecessary element that adds to the film's chaotic and disjointed narrative, serving no clear purpose in advancing the plot or developing characters.

Why does the movie 'Q: The Winged Serpent' have such a disjointed narrative?

The film's disjointed narrative can be attributed to its rushed production, with the script reportedly written in just seven days, leading to a lack of coherent plot development and character arcs.

Why does the winged serpent in 'Q: The Winged Serpent' not attack Michael Moriarty's character?

The film never provides a clear reason why the winged serpent avoids attacking Michael Moriarty's character, leaving viewers to speculate whether there is a hidden connection or if it's simply a plot oversight.

Why does the movie 'Q: The Winged Serpent' end with the implication of a sequel?

The film ends with the implication of a sequel by showing another egg hatching, suggesting the potential for more winged serpents, but this is left unresolved, creating a frustrating cliffhanger for viewers.

Why does the movie 'Q: The Winged Serpent' include a scene where a woman does push-ups on a rooftop?

The rooftop push-up scene is an odd and seemingly random inclusion that doesn't contribute to the plot or character development, adding to the film's overall sense of randomness and lack of focus.

Why does the movie 'Q: The Winged Serpent' have such a high rating on review platforms?

Despite its flaws, 'Q: The Winged Serpent' has a high rating on review platforms due to its campy charm, memorable performances, and the nostalgic appeal for some viewers who enjoyed it during its original release.

Chapters

The hosts introduce the 1982 film Q: The Winged Serpent, discussing its campy elements, the unhinged performance of Michael Moriarty, and the bizarre plot involving a giant flying lizard in New York City.
  • Michael Moriarty's unhinged performance as a petty thief
  • The presence of a giant flying lizard in New York City
  • The film's campy and bizarre elements

Shownotes Transcript

Paul, Jason, & June break down the 1982 campy cult monster flick Q: The Winged Serpent starring Michael Moriarty & David Carradine. LIVE from Largo in L.A., they discuss the undercover mime in Richard Roundtree's death scene, Michael Moriarty's unhinged performance, the window washer's delicate decapitation, the meaning of the bizarre bar piano scene, and so much more. Plus, June gets startled by watching a scene in the film she'd already watched.

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