I enjoyed this piece quite a bit. The thought of this giant, ramshackle blanketman capturing the hearts of a college campus gave me hope for the future of America, but also gave me trepidation. Just how real did Giantman look? When I picture a 9 foot tall creature using a blanket as clothing, I can't help but also see the knees, hear the sneezing of the guy below. Who could believe in Giantman? Just how serious were the classroom discussions of Giantman? Where is Tufts? I guess there was something even real-er about Giantman, something that him being an actual Giant man might destroy, something that connects to the very fabric used to create the blanket we all wear. Only criticism: if this appears anywhere other than This American Life, it would be difficult for me not to compare it to said show.
Fun stuff, well-edited. I like the DIY aspect here. Only critique is that the narrator's voice is too low at times. I like Giantman, just like I like anything that gives me free butterscotch candies. I would see Giantman if he came to my neighborhood. And if Electric Fun Machine wanted to write me a theme song, I would let them.
I’m sure Giantman is a metaphor for something— in fact, it might just be a metaphor for everything. It’s inspiring. Hillary Frank makes good radio with pretty much nothing-- none of that fancy ProTools or bourgeois pause button stuff-- just ideas, talent and a good story. Careful volume fades have made us soft. Perhaps not enough radio stories end with an abrupt stop. It’s sort of Brechtian—DIY, punk—just like Giantman himself.
Giantman reminds me of another TAL "the good ole college days" story. It was about how some answering machine message about a guys Mom ranting about the student and the Little Mermaid.
There is something about college that allows for these fast-as-wildfire events, like a flash-mob. A college is basically an introverted community. Every college student should have a story like this. I'm trying to remember mine.
I like this experimental style, but I think this story would work great read in front of a audience, too.
Comments for Giantman
Produced by Hillary Frank
Other pieces by Hillary Frank
Rating Summary
4 comments
Nate Keeley
Posted on January 25, 2005 at 03:34 PM | Permalink
Review of Giantman
I enjoyed this piece quite a bit. The thought of this giant, ramshackle blanketman capturing the hearts of a college campus gave me hope for the future of America, but also gave me trepidation. Just how real did Giantman look? When I picture a 9 foot tall creature using a blanket as clothing, I can't help but also see the knees, hear the sneezing of the guy below. Who could believe in Giantman? Just how serious were the classroom discussions of Giantman? Where is Tufts? I guess there was something even real-er about Giantman, something that him being an actual Giant man might destroy, something that connects to the very fabric used to create the blanket we all wear. Only criticism: if this appears anywhere other than This American Life, it would be difficult for me not to compare it to said show.
Justin Grotelueschen
Posted on October 17, 2004 at 09:18 AM | Permalink
Review of Giantman
Fun stuff, well-edited. I like the DIY aspect here. Only critique is that the narrator's voice is too low at times. I like Giantman, just like I like anything that gives me free butterscotch candies. I would see Giantman if he came to my neighborhood. And if Electric Fun Machine wanted to write me a theme song, I would let them.
Jonathan Goldstein
Posted on February 16, 2004 at 03:19 PM | Permalink
Review of Giantman
I’m sure Giantman is a metaphor for something— in fact, it might just be a metaphor for everything. It’s inspiring. Hillary Frank makes good radio with pretty much nothing-- none of that fancy ProTools or bourgeois pause button stuff-- just ideas, talent and a good story. Careful volume fades have made us soft. Perhaps not enough radio stories end with an abrupt stop. It’s sort of Brechtian—DIY, punk—just like Giantman himself.
Hans Anderson
Posted on December 09, 2003 at 09:24 PM | Permalink
Review of Giantman
There is something about college that allows for these fast-as-wildfire events, like a flash-mob. A college is basically an introverted community. Every college student should have a story like this. I'm trying to remember mine.
I like this experimental style, but I think this story would work great read in front of a audience, too.