In this Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman dig up five cinematic gems that either complement or correct Sahara’s sunbaked chaos. From notorious box office bombs to globe-trotting adventures, these films tackle desert escapism, colonial absurdity, and character chemistry with sharper storytelling and far less Steve Zahn thirst. Also, Tintin.
Films Discussed:
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National Treasure (2004)
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Ishtar (1987)
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Gunga Din (1939)
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The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
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The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
Topics Covered:
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National Treasure as the domestic Da Vinci Code with Nicholas Cage and map-based dad logic
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Ishtar and Sahara as case studies in studio interference and misunderstood misfires
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Gunga Din as proto-boy-hangout cinema filtered through colonialist baggage
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The Man Who Would Be King and why you shouldn’t let your friend become a god
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Tintin as the platonic ideal of globe-trotting adventure and Spielberg flexing with full flair
Key Takeaways:
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Chemistry and character trump camel count
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Some flops flop for good reason—others are buried treasure
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Colonialist satire can age weirdly—but still frame genre evolution
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Never underestimate a Belgian boy reporter with a dog
Listener Prompt: What’s your go-to treasure hunt movie? And has any desert adventure ever topped The Mummy? Let us know using #MovieMemoryMachine.
Support the Show! Help keep Movie Memory Machine ad-free and artist-owned! Here’s how you can support us:
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Become a Patreon supporter – For as little as $1/month, you get access to bonus content for all shows on the Grunt Work Podcast Network. Join at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
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Leave a rating and review – On Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
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Like, follow, and share on social media – We’re @MovieMemoryMachine on YouTube and @MovieMemoryPod on Letterboxd.
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Tell a friend – Word of mouth is how we grow.
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Join our Discord – Vote on whether films stay in modern memory or are left forgotten. Visit https://www.moviememorymachine.com for access.
Follow Us: 🌐 Website: https://www.moviememorymachine.com 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieMemoryMachine 🎞️ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/moviememorypod/
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