54 Director’s Cut (2015)

"Is 54 the disco inferno we deserved, or did Harvey Weinstein douse the flames? Spoiler: It’s not Saturday Night Fever."

 

Episode Description

This week, Landen and Truman don their finest polyester to dive into 54 (1998), the infamous Studio 54 biopic starring Ryan Phillippe, Salma Hayek, and Mike Myers. From the party scenes to the post-production drama, they unpack how Harvey Weinstein turned what could have been a queer cinema classic into a straight-laced trainwreck. With plenty of disco ball jokes and deep dives into 70s hedonism, this episode asks: Is the director’s cut worth the hype?

 

Major Cast and Crew

• Director: Mark Christopher
• Writers: Mark Christopher
• Main Cast:
  • Ryan Phillippe as Shane O'Shea
  • Salma Hayek as Anita
  • Mike Myers as Steve Rubell
  • Breckin Meyer as Greg
  • Neve Campbell as Julie Black

 

Film Synopsis

A young gas station attendant (Ryan Phillippe) gets swept into the glamorous, drug-fueled world of Studio 54, working as a bartender for the club’s eccentric owner, Steve Rubell (Mike Myers). As his relationships crumble and the IRS tightens its grip on Rubell’s empire, Shane must choose between the allure of disco debauchery and a more grounded life.

 

Episode Highlights

• Comparing 54 to Boogie Nights: the similarities, the scandals, and the disco-ball-sized differences.
• Mike Myers’ surprisingly poignant performance as Studio 54 owner Steve Rubell.
• Why the theatrical cut of 54 feels like a disco floor with no lights or music.
• An exploration of the film’s post-production drama and the infamous Harvey Weinstein edits.
• The bittersweet potential of the director’s cut: What could’ve been for queer cinema.

 

Special Guest: Louis Jordan

We’re thrilled to welcome Louis Jordan to this week’s episode! Louis, a former journalist, broke the story of 54’s legendary director’s cut in a 2014 article that ignited a renewed appreciation for the film. If you love deep dives into forgotten stories, check out his podcast Mother Murderer Podcaster for more incredible tales. Listen to Mother! Murderer! Podcaster here!

 

What’s your favorite movie about the 70s, and does 54 deserve another spin on the turntable? Share your thoughts with us in the comments or on social media!

Enjoyed the episode? Tell us what you think by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your thoughts in future show notes!

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