National Treasure with Harry Marks - Episode 36

Independence Day Special NEW Episode! You’ve seen the memes. You’ve heard the line: “I’m gonna steal the Declaration of Independence.” If you’re anything like me, that alone might’ve convinced you National Treasure wasn’t for you. I thought it was going to be overly patriotic, too Disneyfied, or worse—Nicolas Cage screaming about ancient glasses. I was wrong. In this special July 4th episode, I sit down with the one and only National Treasure superfan, Harry Marks, to dig into the movie’s historical roots, wild character chemistry, and why this film manages to be both brilliantly smart and hilariously dumb—in the best way possible. We unpack everything from cultural impact and historical accuracy (or lack thereof), to the underrated brilliance of Cage’s quiet sincerity and the thrill of puzzle-box storytelling. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a skeptic like I was, there’s something here for you. 📌 Follow the show, rate it if you loved it, and share it with someone who still thinks The Da Vinci Code is peak treasure cinema. 📖 Check out Harry’s books: ➡️ Cabinet of Curiosities – Buy Here ➡️ Library at the Center of the Earth – Buy Here For more from Harry, visit: linktr.ee/hcmarks 🗺️ Up for an adventure? Try the Green Mountain Adventure Challenge 00:00 Why Might Someone Not (Think) They’ll Like National Treasure? 05:59 Welcome to the Episode! 08:40 Historical Context and Authenticity 11:28 Character Dynamics and Performances 14:16 Comparisons to Other Films 17:02 Engaging with History and Adventure 19:53 Cultural Impact and Legacy 24:23 Exploring Mystery Genres 28:05 The Evolution of Adventure Films 31:47 Cultural Reflections in Treasure Hunting 35:41 Nicolas Cage's Subtle Performance 40:19 The Impact of Historical Context on Film 49:23 Historical Accuracy in Film: A Double-Edged Sword 53:41 The Art of Storytelling: Balancing Fact and Fiction 58:48 Casting the Next Nicolas Cage: The Future of Movie Stars 01:03:07 Cinematography and Set Design: Crafting Visual Narratives 01:05:48 Favorite Scenes: Moments that Captivate