why 'the iron claw' makes you emotional

So excited to be sharing with you all a video essay about one of my favorite films of 2023: The Iron Claw.
With stellar performances from actors such as Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White, The Iron Claw is definitely a film worth checking out. The story here is so touching and everyone gives their best to these roles.
In this video, I dive deep into how The Iron Claw tackles emotion and utilizes restraint. I'm incredibly proud of how this one turned out and it's easily some of my best work to date.
Hope y'all find it insightful and enjoy!
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Video Shot On-
• Panasonic LUMIX G7
Audio Recorded On-
• Samson Q2U
Timecodes-
0:00- 1. not your average biopic
2:42- 2. utilizing restraint
6:59- 3. a scene-by-scene analysis
11:59- 4. paying off the message
14:57- 5. bringing it home
17:22- 6. art over accuracy
18:18- 7. outro
#theironclaw #jeremyallenwhite #makingmediamatter

[@sarahhenry564]

This movie made me go through a very physical grieving process for…a family of 80s wrestlers??? I’ve never been more surprised and devastated in my life. Great video!

[@beefy45]

I highly recommend watching the dark side of thr ring episode about the von erich family. It’s a good watch

[@khaldub]

Yes, the world of pro wrestling has some fairly devastating tales.

[@LosVagos808]

the true story is even worse. They didn't even talk about their other brother who also ended his own life.

[@bigschnozz5946]

I was already in tears but the part that really had me choking trying not to let out a sob was the end with Kevin, his kids and the lines "I used to be a brother" and "we'll be your brothers". Insanely good acting from Zac Efron in this film.

[@jaime667]

Same thing her😭

[@YOUU-TOUBERR]

wait is this sarcasm?

[@Bruce_M00SE]

It made me sad at first but then happy to see him running around with his kids and able to move on to a degree into his life as a father. He went through so much and is stronger for it and would never put his kids through the same struggles as his dad.

[@bigschnozz5946]

@@Bruce_M00SE 100% agreed

[@bigschnozz5946]

@@YOUU-TOUBERR no why would it be?

[@azzu12]

Absolutely maddening how this film got no awards buzz given it’s better than 95% of the movies that won last year

[@bajorekjon]

Too many straight yt guys to win an award. Awards are given out for diversity, not merit or artistic achievement

[@badaxtion1878]

@@bajorekjonoh BROTHER. Oppenheimer Won best Actor, picture and Emma stone won best actress. Stop it with the victim mentality, snowflake

[@caliwarrenhomstuck83]

You perfectly described why I thought this film felt so different from other biopics. It wasn’t really about telling the story of this amazing wrestling family and how they made it to the top. It was about THEM, the people and their dynamic as a family. The film didn’t focus too much on the matches, the training process, or the fame aspect. All of that is in the background of a far more emotional story, that I feel like many viewers, especially men, can relate to.

[@brianwalsh1339]

As someone who does know the full context behind the “Von Erich curse” I can sort of understand why the filmmakers cut out some things. This story’s sad enough without Fritz’s eventual slide into madness due to brain cancer, Kevin’s mother leaving Fritz, and the suicide of the youngest brother, Chris (who isn’t even featured in the movie)

[@stoneloitfellner]

I haven't been able to talk with many people about it. I felt the timeline and pacing was pretty far off from the real timeline and inturn got a little confusing. I also feel not touching on some of these things impacts the movie in a bad way. If you are telling this story tell the story. I actually feel for a 2 hour movie it felt somewhat rushed. Maybe I just need to rewatch it? Curious how you feel about these things

[@michaelplz9069]

​@stoneloitfellner so if the movie felt rushed why would the film makers try and shove more tragedy into it. I feel it would cheapen these moments a bit and make it so sad it becomes less impactful. That's just how I see it

[@stoneloitfellner]

@@michaelplz9069 it felt rushed because the timelines were all wrong including the motorcycle crash. They framed it as if it was the same night he won the belt. Things happened in rapid pace and it was jarring that’s what I mean by rushed. They didn’t take the time to properly tell the story and leaving out major events I just don’t see how that’s a plus

[@contentm3893]

How long did Fritz fall into madness? I think they messed up the timeline and could have told a better story if the timeline was correct. Jerry Jarret didn't buy the company until 1989 and they had been cross promoting up in Memphis for a while. They didn't really show Kerry falling apart very well and missed story arch's that could have shed light on what really happened and how the family was really dealing the issues that lead to Kerry's suicide.

[@stoneloitfellner]

@@contentm3893I agree with this completely.

[@dougersonify]

I grew up with 3 brothers and a hard ass dad. This movie had me crying at the end. The parallels I saw hit me especially hard. Being a man is having to suffer in silence and imagining the pain Kevin must have felt hurt in a special way.

[@ambriaashley3383]

I am sorry ❤ I so wish the world was different but by sharing your story you are changing it, one word at a time ❤ thank you so much

[@ItsMeShaniceG]

When Kevin told his boys that he was sad because he wasn’t a brother anymore and they hugged him and said “we’ll be your brothers” 😭 oh man… my heart 💔

[@TheLongestTake]

I saw this on a snowy night and had to go for a walk after watching this.

[@YOUU-TOUBERR]

hahahhahah

[@brookebonetti6253]

real

[@thatsthamove]

The end where he’s like, “I “was” a brother, but not anymore” got me. Made me think about all of my generation going before me and how I don’t think I could handle that

[@Shay416]

Picked this movie because it was the only movie playing with seats available. Left speechless. Not the first date kinda movie lol.

[@michelloons]

any movie can be a first date movie if you're brave enough lol 😄

[@w.iraheta3769]

If this would have been a first date movie she would have seen me cry like a baby at end. 😅

[@InMyOpinion005]

@@michelloonswhat point do u make a move 😭

[@makaylamitchell9240]

i think the ending made cry so much because i honestly picture heaven this angelic place where it’s so beautiful and you have true joy. and the way they portrayed the brothers meeting again broke me in the best way possible.

[@UGuessin]

I watched this movie five times since it came on HBOMAX. This movie was an emotional roller coaster and really deserved more recognition. Zac Efron did such a great job he fully immersed himself into this character. I recommended this movie to others.

[@mattkenney3359]

I definitely have felt the pressure to not cry as a man or show excessive displays of emotion. I went to see this movie with my fiancé and at the climax when Kevin finds his dead brother and imagines them all reuniting, I broke out into sobbing tears. Even though this movie wrecked me, I thought it was so beautiful and recommended it to everyone I talked to, proudly telling them how it made me weep.

[@MoMo-cf1qn]

damn you’re so spot on about the restraint aspect. In a way I feel like the film kinda teaches you how to repress as you follow kevin and all the ways he removes himself. Like him, you expect more shoes to drop and know how to react accordingly, as was so lovingly taught by his father. However, that doesn’t account for the immense weight of each “shoe” and how that weight will refuse to let up as long as it is not acknowledged. Like I really thought I was gonna make it through the whole thing without even a single tear, kind of unconsciously internalizing fritz’s philosophy, but seeing kevin let himself shed some of that weight, actually allowing himself to feel how crushing each loss was, reminded me that I could do the same and that’s when I absolutely lost it

[@IfIhadaheartx]

This is such a great way to explain it. You’re completely right, the repression makes the emotional climax so much more intense.

[@saljbe]

Wow. What a wonderful job dissecting this movie. Makes complete and total sense, I was wondering why this movie felt so different. The movie wouldn’t let you grieve bc they didn’t grieve.

[@zhanehenderson24]

This movie should have gotten a Oscar or been in the nominations. Great movie. I was in the movies trying so hard to hold my tears in 😂😂😂

[@ShinyHunterSolyu]

This movie makes me emotional cause it brings back memories of my older cousin who was more my older brother than anything. Him and my other cousin were big wrestling fans. So when my older cousin died almost 5 years ago, we put over his grave a WWE champion belt. He died at age 33… he didn’t get to meet my kids. I still have my other cousin whom I love just as much, but losing my cousin was the closest to losing a brother. Zach Efron deserved more for this and well the movie in general.

[@summerrose791]

I hated that most of the interviews people were only asking questions about their body transformations instead of the story itself

[@abby-py1wf]

this movie didn’t get talked about nearly enough, amazing video u really made some points I didn’t think about before!!!

[@adrianr87]

This essay takes me back to your Nope essay. Beautifully put together. love love love

[@makingmediamatter]

Really appreciate that compliment! So happy you enjoyed it

[@crico314]

off topic, but I love your profile pic

[@adrianr87]

@@crico314 likewise!

[@Gabriel_Oliver]

The Iron Claw was my favorite 2023 film, even though I watched tons, and you expertly put into words why I related to so much off this film so strongly I cried in a cinema for the first time ever. The restraint it shows somehow making the film more grounded and real feeling, putting you uncomfortably close to the situations Eric is in but still far enough away that you feel like you're dissociating with him. The funeral scenes in particular hit home for feeling dead on to some personal experiences and the way I remember those days. As someone with horrendous family luck (not this bad but so bad that we do get joked about being cursed), it really hit home. Thanks for this video essay the 20 minutes flew by. Gonna be re-watching this tons.

[@makingmediamatter]

Such kind words, thank you for watching and I really appreciate the insight you provided here.

[@thecolourrose9022]

It tackles mens mental health and how extreme and suppressive it is seeing as at the end zac is allowed to cry but still feels embarrassed about it such a beautiful film

[@BatLanterns439]

You can tell when Kevin's kids tell him that everyone cries how relieved he feels. He was probably waiting his entire life for someone to tell him that its okay to be vulnerable. It's okay to be human.

[@2kmaj]

I admire how you are able to put how this movie works and makes you feel into words. My favorite movie of last year!

[@jeffwilkins4236]

This was beautiful. This movie was my favorite of 2023. As a new father, hearing my childs voice right after the film caused a breakdown in my car. Thank you for examining this film, and I hope it encourages more people to see it.

[@chocolate_chipp_00]

This film had me and the boys in tears.

[@jackedwards3069]

It felt like I was watching the family and not a story about the family, the performances and tone set like you said about restraint feels very real human reactions

[@natz9729]

this movie was so beautifully made it made me sob like a baby :( just the thought of ever losing my siblings is enough to make me weep

[@Mccpotinc]

The whole movie made me very emotional and the end even made me tear up a little. I am very close with my brother so all of the brotherly themes and tragedies really got to me. The part that got me the most was the end when the kids say that they’ll be their dad’s brother. I had the same thing happen when I was a kid with my dad who lost his brother when he was 19. My dad saw me and my brother playing and started crying saying that it reminds him of when he was little and had a brother and he said that we are his brothers now. My brothers middle name is the name of my uncle and who passed and my middle name is my dads. I never really got it until now that we are my dad and his brother together again. This is a great movie and deserves all the praise it gets.

[@Someguywithalotoftism]

I watched it last night and I just cannot stop feeling the movie. I cried and then I cried again just now at a damn cafe lol

[@itssosarahh]

So excited that you talked about Iron Claw. I loved that movie - so heartbreaking and beautifully wrought, as is your essay!

[@makingmediamatter]

Thank you!

[@peachl3503]

NO FRRR!!!! Tremendously well done movie that displays male mental health in an authentic and gracious light

[@YellowDia]

Your video essays are so beautifully put together with so much effort, genuine insight and thought it’s such a pleasure to watch.

[@jazmynnv5831]

I am crying again just watching this video essay and reliving the movie. It’s funny because I held back my tears in the theatre for the most part and sobbed in the car after. You’ve perfectly illustrated here what watching the movie is like and it makes me appreciate the craft of it so much more.

[@makingmediamatter]

So happy you found something special in my video and the film

[@xDIAMONDDOGx579]

This movie and your review, reminded me of just how hard it is to be a man and a brother today. Thank you for that.

[@chadtate6580]

As someone who had the "men don't cry" mindset drilled into me at a young age, I couldn't agree more and this film hit me hard. I didn't shed a single tear at my mom's funeral for fear of appearing weak, so that "everyone cries" had me balling like a baby.

[@JuanMartinez-wh2ct]

Excellent analysis! Especially on the structure. I loved this movie just as much as you did 😊

[@shizzymcreepy52]

just commenting something cause I love this channel and wish it was bigger - ur killing it girl

[@makingmediamatter]

Thank you, that’s so kind of you to say!!! Appreciate the support

[@janiceferdinand8612]

I didn’t understand the magical realism moment.I didn’t think of it as Kevin hoping for that for all his brothers. Thank you for allowing me to look at this scene differently.

[@victorialccunha]

loved the video so muchhhh the way you spoke about it, and explained it so well, made me feel like i was watching it [specially the final scene] all over again love from brazil 🇧🇷💜💜💜

[@djgaben6187]

Knowing a good majority about the family and their tragic past, I was still caught off guard with the emotional moments. Everyone was fantastic

[@shannonhall9094]

Great commentary. This movie really surprised me, and your analysis really paints the picture as to why. I still carry the movie with me. Fantastic work.

[@p.e.t.e.r.u5919]

My God. I love this analysis.

[@Corpo_Recruiter]

What a beautiful analysis.

[@brandonbennett6278]

Lost my dad and brother to covid a couple years ago. Me and my brother were extremely close. And I'm a man who is not going to show emotion or tears in public. I had my private moments though. This movie caused me to have a couple of those moments. But I dont feel like its a toxic male trait to be tough and not show tears. I had family members that needed a rock to hold on to and I took that as my responsibility. I got my emotions out in private and Im good with that.

[@willowisnotweeping]

i haven't even seen the film and just watching your explanation of the end and at the the end there; I cried my eyes out xD

[@domferretti]

Probably rhe biggest snub job since The Dark Knight. Efron was incredible. Direction and cinematography was top notch. Damn shame but everybody involved with this film should be incredibly proud.

[@greyfirewolf1228]

I had the amazing experience of watching this on a Tuesday afternoon following the opening weekend. The theater was empty and I was all by myself, and when I heard the gunshot with KerryI just broke down sobbing uncontrollably in the theater and continued sobbing up until the end of the credits. For reference, the last time I cried from a place of intense emotion was like a year and half before this film came out, but this film had that profound of an impact on me. I wanted to thank you for helping me put a finger on just what led up to that release of emotion both in the film and in myself. I think I’m going to be thinking about the impact of “restraint” for a while. Amazing video!!

[@makingmediamatter]

Thank you for the kind words!!!

[@marcsaravia8241]

I watched the iron claw with my dad 2 days after his sister past it was the first time I saw him tear up

[@camisnotokay6623]

this video is amazing!!! your writing and editing is superb!! thank you for making such a great video about this film, it feels like you were able to perfectly articulate the beauty in this film

[@sawlfo]

What a great analysis! It made me tear up by the end!

[@JohnnysChingaderas]

I dealt with death and suicide in my family and personal myself, i had no clue what my wife and I were getting into when we watched this film, this movie triggered me so hard, lets just say it was a bad night at home. This was a good film and shows the heart aches behind an entire family, this movie is a must watch.

[@kameronbasseri1953]

Incredibly insightful analysis , masculinity in this film was hard to watch for me because of what the father did to his family psychologically and emotionally, well done keep it up’ !

[@reezyfbaby]

This was amazing to watch.

[@Royinszki]

im in love with this channel now

[@Sc19869]

The ending when he’s crying seeing his kids play football made me shed some tears and actually felt his pain.

[@asher9754]

great video, I subbed! also only watching this movie once was enough it had such an intense impact on me emotionally.

[@hannahbray7065]

I really loved your analysis on this! Especially the great visualization/explanation of the differences between the typical biopic and Iron Claw.

[@makingmediamatter]

Thank you!

[@nero3k]

This movie emotionally wrecked me in a way I wasn’t expecting. I watched it with my wife and daughter. They both know that I’m a crier with any movie that focuses on family. I knew the story going in, but the scene at the end with Jack Jr pushed me to a place I never expected. I’ve never dealt where tragedy like that, but it hit me so hard I had to leave the room. I don’t know that’ll I’ll watch it again, but it is a great movie.

[@toddsigvertsen29]

This is a fucking great break down of this film. It felt different and i couldnt really figure out why until i listened to this

[@maotero98]

This was such an intelligent and well articulated analysis of this film. Thank you for this

[@dogman6687]

I also missed a lot of movies in 2023, but im glad i saw this one in theaters

[@eliselaw5927]

This is one of the best essays / analysis surrounding this wonderful film! It was such a snub from the Oscars

[@theligerloverman]

i love how you make me interested in movies i usually would not care about. first sleep away camp now this

[@makingmediamatter]

Happy I could get you interested in a film that I think it amazing! Thank you

[@Thatcaramelchic]

When I say I broke down at the end of this movie I mean I BROKE DOWN 😭. It was tears of joy I don’t know this family so to find out that the “curse” did not get him and he is still alive and married with 13 grandchildren my goodness I don’t think I have ever cried so much at a movie in my life. I’m also pregnant so I’m sure that played a part as well.

[@JKRJ14]

Beautiful video essay. I learned so many things from your analysis. Made some notes as well. Thank you for making this.

[@mourndogs]

First of all, I don't know how the algorithm hasn't scooped you up and thrown a few hundred thousand subs at you yet, your videos are so well crafted and thoughtful. And secondly, as a big crier myself, I have to admit that I broke down at the brother's reunion scene with Jacky, but the final scene had my best friend and I both ugly crying.

[@otto.castro]

Thank you for your essay!!

[@goody82az]

This movie is so excellant, I expect to see it get some nominations for the talented actors and filmmakers who made it.

[@developingtank]

Awesome breakdown. This is the first video I’ve seen of yours and I look forward to checking out others.

[@Marelynn.]

Great commentary, I haven’t seen the film but even watching this video makes me heartbroken, I didn’t know any about the real story but see the topics in the film been managed in a very introspective manner without missing any context about the real story makes me feel like this would be the best biopic

[@hbkslazyeye8865]

Love your vids, keep up the good work

[@michaelboyer7253]

Massive thanks

[@ddwow566]

You are amazing! I couldn’t put my finger on it, but you encapsulated everything I was thinking perfectly

[@jamiea.m.3037]

This was a great analysis. Thanks!

[@ComptonCrypto]

Your analysis was amazing dude, instant sub!

[@islamkhalil2243]

I watched on the plane and didn’t expect those outcomes… definitely had me depressed

[@andrewa.koerner8343]

When I saw The Iron Claw, I ducked out to use the bathroom right after the scene with David throwing up in the bathroom, made a joking tweet about how the things seem to be looking up for these Von Ericks, and came back to find David had died offscreen in the few minutes I was gone, and that just about sums up the emotional pacing of this movie.

[@calmcmeekin3491]

I went into this movie with full knowledge of the history and story of the Von Erich family. I'd heard blurbs, watched some of their matches, and even heard quotes from the family including *that* quote from Kevin. I still left the movie a complete mess and in tears. It's such a shame that it came out so late and wasn't that widely marketed because I thought that Efron deserved a Best Actor nod at the Oscars. It's genuinely one of the most well made sports movies of all time

[@epcotman32]

Zac Efron should have at least won best actor.

[@valeriebeauchamp2263]

*trigger warning* After the passing of my aunt by her own unaliving, and before that the passing of my dad by cancer.. I found myself unable to cry or feel anything, when thinking of it.. then it became in general with my emotions (like I'm blocked.. but it feels more like an adrupt cut, there's the build up but no release) like I can't be present with the reality.. At first I felt shame and disgust with myself, to not feel anything, like how can you say that you loved them, shouldn't I be crying?.. when I first heard the news of my aunt I was at work .. and my boss wanted me to continue working (this is patriarchy).. don't know why, but I tried first.. then i took the day off after a minute.. but I feel like this fucked me up.. I didn't have a safe space to express my emotion.. and at that point didn't have a lot of friends I could trust because I kept putting an emotional barrier to portecting me from getting hurt I guess, but the result is I didn't have nobody, not even a safe space at home because of a living condition with my roomates.. I remember one time after showering I burst into ugly tears, this was months after her passing, and even there I restrained myself because I didn't want my roomates to hear me.. but as work on myself, go to therapy, face the darker parts of myself, I connect more and more with my emotion, found better solution for myself.. I cry a bit more day by day as I creating the safe space my emotion deserve to be released and felt. take care of yourselves y'all.

[@makingmediamatter]

Thank you for sharing that experience, it’s something I can certainly relate to in some ways. Emotional repression can really affect anyone and it’s such a tough thing to dispel, happy to hear you’re taking steps to heal from those experiences and moving into a brighter space.

[@ms3801]

I am so sorry for your loss. Grief is such a strange process I hope you’ll be very gentle with yourself.

[@spectre1004]

Fantastic video. This is one of the only films that have made me cried.

[@tjtg00]

great analysis of a great movie! excellent work

[@beefy45]

I took my parents, younger brother and my gf. The truck ride home was really quiet as we processed our emotions. My dad has a 5 brothers and i have 2. It really hit us in the feels

[@danielaguizar]

this was an excellent review 👏 following

[@rawthoughtzllc7731]

Brilliant synopsis...Keep striving...Keep enlightening!

[@Mattyp24]

Excellent video. Informative concise and interpretative

[@stink..]

Ohh good point about the intro to the movie being like a mission statement for the rest of the movie. I didn’t even think of that. It changes everything for me

[@willsmith5519]

Loved this movie. This analysis was beautiful

[@ViciousPancakes]

Such a good dissection of this film, really made me want to rewatch it once it comes out on streaming. This video is so well put together btw, you make me wish I actually knew how to do motion graphics 😭

[@makingmediamatter]

I really appreciate the compliment and I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this one! The motion graphics were definitely something I tried to focus on with this one

[@juancuellar6361]

this is so quality, how is this creator not more popular

[@makingmediamatter]

So kind of you to say!!! The grind don’t stop so I hope to get there one day!

[@mbe102]

I'm not sure I could watch this movie... but I'm grateful you took the time to analyze it and share your thoughts.

[@EJD339]

I find most biopics boring but this was one of the few that had me interested the entire time. The chemistry between the actors was so cool to see. It legit felt like these people were a family.

[@jessesvictory]

beautiful movie and great video!

[@johnrogers398]

Great video!

[@darklinaendgame]

This video made me cry!! Subscribed. About to watch your video about Nope, one of my favorite movies.

[@makingmediamatter]

Wow, it means a lot to hear you got so much from the video, thank you for the support!

[@RockSmith-rl9qr]

I've watched the ironclaw twice once in the movies and once at home with my wife. Both times I've ended up breaking down and crying. I love wrestling I'm 35 years old I've been watching it pretty much my entire life. Needless to say I've got some personal baggage tied up into this somehow that connects right in my feels. But when Kevin's sons go up to him at the end and say we'll be your brother's dad gets me every single time. Really is a great movie but a depressing movie I don't think I'll watch anytime soon again

[@damo2597]

This movie hits home

[@oydkart6823]

You definitely gained a fan today🎉