Episode 2 - Frustrated Masculinity in the Incredibles

The Film Sommelier Podcast

What is Short Cuts? Why do some films capture the Zeitgeist, while others fall flat? Brad Bird seemed to have struck a nerve in the first Incredibles film, exploring Bob Paar's struggle with mediocrity – his inability to use his superpowers – and the frustrated masculinity that results. Is this what men are feeling in an age where their physical strength has been replaced by machines, and women are taking their place in the more abstract/symbolic realms? Caleb posits that Focus is a uniquely masculine trait and cites Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas to support his claim. Ben tells us about the cookie diet, and probes the question of how modern men can avoid being caricatures of masculinity while still embodying something distinct from females.