With The Last of Us Part II just three days away from us, we have a new podcast episode regarding the first game and its cast and crew. In this episode we have host Christian Spicer talking to writer/creative director Neil Druckmann, Troy Baker (Joel's VA/mocap), Ashley Johnson (Ellie's VA/mocap) and art director Erick Pangilinan.
Firstly, we have Neil mentioning how Bill is another example of how to survive in this world, as well as a representation of Joel's inner belief that if he doesn't get attached to anyone, he can't suffer any grief. Also, according to Troy, his relationship with Joel was more of a "weed dealer" than a friend. They merely did favors to one another.
Both Druckmann and Troy congratulate the actor who plays Bill, William Earl Brown, he was the one who gave Bill a soul and also who decided on his sexuality. Neil asked him to give a meaning to the word "partner" in the script and he came to the conclusion it was a romantic bond.
Druckmann admits that at first, he didn't think about representation, but as people came to him and Naughty Dog, talking about how meaningful that was, he started paying more attention to it and he understands the importance of seeing yourself on screen. Ultimately, diversity brings better stories, in his words.
Erick Pangilinan, the art director explains that it's his job to manage the project from start to finish in everything that involves its art. They wanted to make the world beautiful and bright, in contrast with how cruel this world is. For that, they researched on how nature would take over everything and tried to make it appealing aesthetically.
One of the words they used to describe Joel for casting was "unarticulate"; he has trouble expressing himself because he has buried his feelings inside long ago. So, when they find Frank's body the best he can do to comfort Bill is to say "that's tough", even if he understands the feeling of losing someone you love. To Joel, Bill is a reminder to not get attached to anyone, because feelings will screw you up, in Baker's words.
According to Neil, the scene in the car, where Ellie and Joel talk about comics and a porn magazine was the first scene that was ever written and also what was used to cast Joel and Ellie and, to Ashley Johnson, this is a very important moment because it's light and funny and the game is heavy. She also finds it interesting because she would never have that sort of conversation with her dad and it just shows how Joel and Ellie's relationship is different. Ellie pretends she doesn't understand why "the pages are stuck together", and Joel has a little moment of panic where he thinks he'll need to have "the talk" with her, but she's just joking. She has raised herself, so she knows these things. Johnson also thinks that getting to share your sense of humor with another person is something that requires trust and the fact Joel and Ellie can joke around each other shows that they're growing closer.
Another pivotal moment to Joel and Ellie's relationship is when he finally gives her a gun. Ashley thinks it's very realistic that he didn't just let her have it from the first moment, unlike other games. Ellie is a 14 year-old and when Joel finally lets her shoot, it shows how much their relationship has developed and that he has trust in her. She also didn't want Ellie to feel like a burden; but to have some autonomy, even if she's just 14, a request that she passed on to Neil and he accepted it.
Moving on to the next session, we have Henry and Sam. Druckmann explains the importance of the bond between Ellie and Sam, because despite the horrific scenario, it's important to find levity and simple things to enjoy, especially at their age. Together, they can just be kids and keep their innocence.
Neil also comments on how Henry is very protective of Sam and there's a lot of truth in the fact he looks to protect his brother more than allowing him to express himself, which is why he won't let Sam take the toy robot, but Ellie understands that kids need some escapism and steals the robot for him.
Druckmann calls Tess, Bill and the brothers "cautionary" tales for Joel. Tess being an example of how you may end up dead when you're too idealistic, Bill of how lonely you can get if you drive everyone away and Henry and Sam represent his biggest fear: losing the person you love.
Troy would carry a piece of concept art to set everyday with him, a sketch of Joel and Ellie by the fire, showing a moment of levity between the two characters. That's where they were always trying to get to, but never managed and the scene where Joel and Henry are talking about motorcycles.
Ashley believes that, at the end of the day, what we all want is some kind of human connection and that's very important to Ellie because she doesn't have games, movies or soccer. All she has are her connections to other people.She gets attached to the Fireflies, because in her head, they're trying to save these human connections.
The podcast ends with the scene where Sam and Henry both die, leaving the listener with a heavy feeling in their chest.
Next week, we'll talk about Jackson County and the epic argument scene between Joel and Ellie, stay tuned! ;)
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