The Iron Giant - Verbal Diorama

Episode 17

The Iron Giant

Published on: 31st August, 2019

If you've downloaded this because you've seen The Iron Giant - big pat on the back and well done for doing so! Take a listen as I go on an almighty rant about why people under-appreciate animation and why The Iron Giant contradicts the myth that animation is just for children, whilst also being a master-class in animation, theme, characters and voice talent.


If you've downloaded this because you haven't seen The Iron Giant, but trust what comes out of my mouth, I'm going to say..... PLEASE WATCH THE IRON GIANT! And then come back and listen for all the reasons above. It saddens me you haven't seen it, but I understand why. 1999 was incredibly saturated for excellence in cinema. But this..... this is worth the watch. If you only trust me once, trust me on this.


This is not just animation. Animation is never just animation. The Iron Giant proves more so than any animated feature that to class animation as "just" animation is plain and simply idiotic.


Animation is not a genre.


Animation is everything.


The Iron Giant is a masterpiece.


Bravo Brad Bird. You clever amazing man. I might just love you more than Keanu..... (maybe not, but it's close!)


Pete Townshend's A Friend of a Friend animated video for 1989's The Iron Man is at https://youtu.be/LpiYXRt5MyM


I would love to hear your thoughts on The Iron Giant! You can get in touch on

Twitter @verbaldiorama

Instagram @verbaldiorama

Facebook @verbaldiorama

YouTube @verbaldiorama

Letterboxd @verbaldiorama


or you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:

verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com


You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!


Buy yourself a copy of The Iron Giant for my birthday. Genuinely all I could ever want.


My website is at https://verbaldiorama.com


Thanks to the following for their co ntributions to this episode:


Twitter peeps

@MoviesAtTheMatt

@HeresSandy

@LaunchingTPilot

@FeministHotdog

@20thCenturyGeek

@agirlherhorror

@RobertC46302033


Instagram folk

@itsnotjoe

@thethirstpod


Next up? Well you'll have to listen to find out, so go do the Wright thing..... ;-)


Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song

Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe Facebook

Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)


Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios.



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About the Podcast

Verbal Diorama
The award-winning podcast celebrating the history and legacy of movies you know, and movies you don't.
The award-winning podcast celebrating the history and legacy of movies you know, and movies you don't.

Have you ever wondered how your favourite movies were made? Hosted by Em, Verbal Diorama takes you behind the scenes to discover the extraordinary stories of cast and crew who bring movies to life.

Movies are tough to make, and this podcast proves how amazing it is that they actually exist. From Hollywood classics to hidden gems, each episode explores the history, legacy, and untold stories that make cinema magic.

Ear Worthy 2024 Best Movie Podcast Winner | Golden Lobes 2025 Earworm Award Nominee | Ear Worthy 2025 Best Movie Podcast Nominee

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About your host

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Em .

Hi! I'm Em. I created Verbal Diorama in 2018, and launched the podcast in February 2019 to rapturous applause and acclaim.... from my cat Jess.

The modus operandi of Verbal Diorama is simple: movies are tough to make! The coming together of a team of people from all walks of life to make something to entertain, delight and educate us for 90+ mins is not an easy task, and yet so many succeed at it. That must be something to celebrate.

I'm here to do just that - to celebrate movies. Their history and legacy, and why they remain so special to so many of us.

Episodes are audibly book ended by Jess. She sadly passed away in March 2022, aged almost 18. She featured in many episodes of the podcast, and that's why you can hear her at the end of every episode. The role of official feline producer is now held by the comparatively quieter Evie and Peggy.

I love podcasts, and listen to many, but never my own.

I unashamedly love The Mummy (1999) and Grease 2. I'm still looking for a cool rider.