How Did This Get Made? Shoot 'Em Up
Feb 27, 2026
They dig into the film's cartoonish, over-the-top action and its Looney Tunes energy. Conversation centers on a bizarre brothel sex-and-shootout sequence and the lactation theme. They also roast Paul Giamatti's unsettling villain turn and Clive Owen's deadpan, carrot-wielding quirks. Politics of the fan vote and marketing missteps get comedic attention too.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Director Sold Movie With A 17 Minute Storyboard Reel
- Michael Davis sold Shoot 'Em Up with an animated sizzle reel of thousands of storyboard drawings called 'John Woo's wet dream.'
- Paul Scheer recounts Michael Davis used a 17-minute drawing reel to get the film financed and defined every shot.
Casting Made The Tone Ambiguous
- Casting Clive Owen as the deadpan lead created tonal ambiguity that confused some viewers.
- Jason Mantzoukas and Paul note Owen's serious presence makes the film feel both like Bugs Bunny antics and a straight action hero.
Paul Giamatti Plays A Disturbingly Committed Villain
- Paul Giamatti gives a grotesque, committed villain performance that grounds the film's creepier elements.
- Paul and June describe a scene where Giamatti loudly seeks 'every wet nurse, lactating hooker and mammary on tap in the city.'
