530 : Clive’s Contemporaries (1986) Big Trouble In Little China

Jose and I love doing movie commentaries, but we have run out of films to cover!  The series “Commentary on Clive’s Contemporaries”   allows us to look in the background and see what movies were happening when these Clive Barker movies and sequels were being made.  We choose a range of movies, and you, the listeners, vote for which one we cover. This series was sponsored by our listeners in the 2025 Kickstarter Campaign, Clive Barker Podcast Presents Fundraiser 11 : The Patron Configuration and covers a range of years from 1973 (Salome) to 2024 (Night of the Zoopocalypse) and beyond.   

So Far

• 1973 — The Forbidden VS. Enter the Dragon
• 1978 — Salome Vs. Invasion of the Body Snatchers
• 1985 — Transmutations VS. Silver Bullet
• 1986 – Rawhead Rex VS. Big Trouble In Little China

Commentary:

• 1986 – Big Trouble In Little China 1h 39m
• Directed by John Carpenter
• Written by Gary Goldman, David Z. Weinstein, W.D. Richter

Show Notes

• Behind the Scenes
• Music Video
• The Temple of the Killer Tiger Monkeys Podcast Features Hellraiser cast and James Pax (Lightning) 

And this podcast, having no beginning will have no end. 

web www.clivebarkercast.com

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Music is by Ray Norrish

All Links and show notes in their Entirety can be found at https://www.clivebarkercast.com

AI Overview

Ryan and José conducted a detailed analysis and discussion of the 1986 film “Big Trouble in Little China” as part of their Clive Barker podcast series focused on comparing Clive Barker’s films with contemporary works. They examined the film’s production, including its $100,000 Guardian creature puppet, visual effects by Richard Edlund and Steve Johnson, and the Fox backlot sets used for filming. The hosts discussed the film’s characters, particularly James Hong’s performance as Lopan, and analyzed key scenes including the supernatural battles and optical effects. They compared the film favorably to previous episodes’ selections like “Rawhead Rex” and “Transmutations,” concluding that “Big Trouble in Little China” was more entertaining and well-executed. The podcast included technical difficulties with Ryan’s Blu-ray player and audio issues, but they managed to complete their thorough analysis of the film’s narrative structure, special effects, and cultural significance.

Clive Barker Podcast Discussion

Ryan and José discussed their podcast episode focusing on Clive Barker’s Contemporary Commentaries for 1986, where they selected Big Trouble in Little China for comparison with Barker’s film. They reflected on previous comparisons, with José favoring Enter the Dragon over The Forbidden and both preferring Salome over Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The conversation ended with them preparing to discuss Big Trouble in Little China after the opening 20th Century Fox logo.

Big Trouble in Little China Analysis

José and Ryan discussed the film Big Trouble in Little China, focusing on its reception as a flop at the time of release despite now being considered one of John Carpenter’s best movies. They analyzed the character dynamics, particularly how Jack Burton’s story takes a backseat to Wang’s narrative, and discussed the film’s unique blend of grounded and fantasy elements. The conversation also covered the film’s production history, including casting considerations and a 2014 comic book continuation that picks up where the film ends.

Big Trouble in Little China Analysis

Ryan and José discussed the film “Big Trouble in Little China,” focusing on its action sequences, characters, and supernatural elements. They analyzed specific scenes, including the extended ending with the red Camaro and the fight sequences involving different gangs. José noted the film’s stylized aspects and questioned the realism of certain scenes, while both discussed the film’s supernatural villains and their abilities. They also reflected on their childhood experiences watching the movie and its cultural impact.

Big Trouble in Little China Discussion

José and Ryan discussed the movie “Big Trouble in Little China,” focusing on various aspects including character details, special effects, cinematography, and music. They explored specific plot points, such as the roles of characters like Jack Burton, Gracie Law, and Miao Yin, as well as the movie’s use of animation and sets. José noted the film’s great cinematography and mentioned being tired after landscaping, while both highlighted the movie’s engaging elements and memorable scenes.

Movie Analysis and Visual Effects

José and Ryan discussed various aspects of a movie, focusing on its visual effects, plot elements, and comparisons to other John Carpenter films. They analyzed specific scenes, including the use of green fire, supernatural creatures, and the movie’s mix of styles. The conversation also touched on the cinematography, the character EggShen, and the movie’s tone compared to other films in the series.

Movie Special Effects Discussion

José and Ryan discussed the special effects and makeup in the movie, including the connection between it and Lord of Illusions through Steve Johnson. They compared it to Silver Bullet, concluding that Silver Bullet was better despite Gary Busey’s presence in Transmutations. The conversation also covered production details like the sloping corridor set and optical effects used in the movie.

Film Location and Production Planning

José and Ryan discussed filming locations, noting that costs and logistics led to filming at the Fox Backlot in LA instead of San Francisco. They analyzed various movie scenes, including action sequences, character dynamics, and set details, while also discussing the technical aspects of water and bullet effects in filmmaking. The conversation included references to other films and characters, and they explored ideas for creating graphics comparing monsters from different movies.

Big Trouble in Little China Analysis

José and Ryan discussed various aspects of the film “Big Trouble in Little China,” including specific scenes, character backgrounds, and production details. They analyzed the film’s tropes, such as the door scene, and discussed deleted scenes and the roles of actors like Kim Cattrall and Dennis Dun. The conversation also touched on the film’s set design, miniatures, and monsters, as well as the background of the music video for “Dolly Dagger” featuring James Hong.

Movie Production Discussion Meeting

José and Ryan discussed various aspects of a movie, including character backgrounds, plot details, and special effects. They talked about actors’ roles, such as Susie Pai’s transition from cheerleading to modeling and acting, and Carter Wong’s casting due to his Thai boxing skills. They also analyzed specific scenes, props, and effects, including the Bog of Eternal Stench and the Guardian puppet, noting the significant effort and cost involved in creating certain elements.

Movie Effects and Production Analysis

José and Ryan discussed various aspects of a movie, focusing on specific scenes, special effects, and the making of certain elements. They analyzed the fight sequences, visual effects like the Guardian monster, and noted the use of animatronics and remote-controlled elements. They also commented on the cartoony nature of some scenes and the challenges of creating certain effects within budget constraints.

Big Trouble in Little China Discussion

José and Ryan discussed the movie Big Trouble in Little China, analyzing its special effects, characters, and story elements. They compared it to other horror films like Rawhead Rex and Hellraiser, expressing a preference for Big Trouble in Little China. The conversation then shifted to planning future content, including a Book Club of Blood discussion on The Body Politic and potential 1987 horror movie selections for voting. They also briefly discussed the use of AI in content creation and its impact on documentary-style videos.

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