Ep 33. "Russian Doll": 'Groundhog Day' Riff or Rip-Off?
- February 7, 2019
In the IMDbrief season 1 episode 33 titled "Russian Doll: 'Groundhog Day' Riff or Rip-Off?", host Whitney Friedlander explores the concept of time loop storytelling in film and television, specifically in the Netflix series "Russian Doll".
Friedlander begins by discussing the origins of the time loop storytelling device and how it has been used in various films throughout the years, such as " Groundhog Day" and "Source Code". While this technique has been used effectively in the past, Friedlander raises the question of whether or not "Russian Doll" is simply a rip-off of the classic Bill Murray film, or if it brings something new to the table.
Through interviews with industry experts, Friedlander examines the similarities and differences between "Russian Doll" and "Groundhog Day", including the use of death as a reset point, the exploration of personal growth and self-discovery, and the balance between comedy and drama. Friedlander also delves into the cultural and societal context of the two works, examining how "Russian Doll" subverts traditional gender and racial norms.
Additionally, the episode explores the potential implications of time loop storytelling on mental health and trauma, taking a deeper look at how the characters in "Russian Doll" cope with the repeated experiences.
Overall, "Russian Doll: 'Groundhog Day' Riff or Rip-Off?" provides a thought-provoking analysis on the use of time loop storytelling in television and film, and whether or not "Russian Doll" is a unique and innovative work, or simply derivative of its predecessors.