Speed Racer (2006)

The Wachowskis & the Cinema of Fluidity (Part 4)

After the completion of the MATRIX trilogy, the Wachowskis took a short break from directing to write and produce V FOR VENDETTA for James McTeigue, but it wouldn't be long before they were back directing again, for their much-anticipated follow-up to their groundbreaking franchise.

Their choice for a follow-up was a surprising one. In 2008, the Lana and Lilly Wachowskis released SPEED RACER, a kid-friendly live action adaptation of a 1960s Japanese cartoon.

The results were divisive and the film received poor reviews and was a financial failure at the box office. But in the years since its release, SPEED RACER has garnered a significant cult following and is often called the Wachowskis most underrated and misunderstood film.

In this episode, we'll track the long journey that the property took to the big screen, how the Wachowskis got involved, and how they created the film's unique visual look. 

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Theme Song: "There's Still a Little Bit of Time, If We Hurry and I Mean Hurry" by Slasher Film Festival Strategy.

This episode was written, produced and edited by Gary Horne, Justin Bishop, and Todd A. Davis.