Exploring the intersections of cinema
Continuing through our exploration of WWII, Alex and Jonathan turn the focus to the civilian level in Europe and look at the dramatic films Paisan (1946), Army of Shadows (1969), and Schindler's List (1993). We discuss the uniqueness of films being made in the immediate aftermath of the war, the difference in tone between war… Continue reading Episode 104. WWII: Drama
In the third installment of our World War II series we finally get to the films showing the actual conflict across the various fronts of the war in The Great Escape (1963), Come and See (1985), and The Thin Red Line (1998). We talk about how WWII action films present the horrors of war from… Continue reading Episode 103. WWII: Action
Moving from propaganda to three stories of the decision makers in WWII, Alex and Jonathan take a look at the biopics Patton (1970), The King's Speech (2010), and Darkest Hour (2017). We talk about how each film balances the politics with the subject, the evolving style of biopics, and why biopics from WWII seem to… Continue reading Episode 102. WWII: People and Politics [Video]
Season 4 of the podcast is kicking off with a deep-dive into the cinema before, during, and after World War II. For the first installment Alex and Jonathan look at the propaganda of the war in Triumph of the Will (1935), Why We Fight: Prelude to War (1942), and Momotaro, Sacred Sailors (1945). We talk… Continue reading Episode 101. WWII: Propaganda
To end the fourth season of the show Alex and Jonathan talk about three films that relate to Christmas but might not be considered your traditional "Christmas movie:" Gremlins (1984), Lethal Weapon (1987), and Hook (1991). We talk about what really makes a Christmas movie, how formerly niche genres have slowly crept into the mainstream… Continue reading Episode 100. Not Quite Christmas
After nearly a hundred episodes, Alex and Jonathan finally get around to some of the biggest films in cinema history, specifically in the romance genre. We take a look at Gone with the Wind (1939), Casablanca (1942), and West Side Story (1961) and discuss the effect of the studio system on large budget productions, elements… Continue reading Episode 99. You’ve Probably Heard of this One Before
Friend of the podcast Jason Harden joins the show once again to talk with Alex and Jonathan about the animation of Don Bluth in The Secret of NIMH (1982), The Land Before Time (1988), and Anastasia (1997). We discuss Bluth's beginnings with his short film Banjo the Woodpile Cat (1979), the darker tone in his… Continue reading Episode 98. The Bluthian Blues Feat. Jason Harden
In the spirit of Halloween, Alex and Jonathan look at the works of John Carpenter, one of the most iconic names in the contemporary horror genre. We watch Halloween (1978), Escape from New York (1981), and The Thing (1982) and discuss the origins of modern horror tropes, world-building, and stellar practical effects. https://youtu.be/ByIWMC9i000?si=aM2BkPqPeoMeTV16 https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DTuqTLf5rdfATTmuY6Yqo?si=dVrMLM07S_Sx2qNGNEk3Iw Also… Continue reading Episode 97. Creepy Carpenter
Our Patrons voted on which silent film star we should cover, so today Alex and Jonathan look into Mary Pickford's incredibly influential career in front of and behind the camera. We watch The Poor Little Rich Girl (1917), Sparrows (1926), and Coquette (1929) and discuss the "little girl" persona often portrayed by Pickford, the extent… Continue reading Episode 96. Pickford’s Power: The First Queen of Hollywood
Heavens! Today Alex and Jonathan wrap up the Films de Femmes series and look at the varied career of the well-rounded filmmaker and entertainer Elaine May in her films A New Leaf (1971), Mikey and Nicky (1976), and Ishtar (1987). We talk about her background in improvisational comedy, her range of directing styles from comedy… Continue reading Episode 95. Films de Femmes Trois: Elaine May
The grand human dramas of Golden Age director John Huston are the topic today as Alex and Jonathan look at The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948), The Asphalt Jungle (1950), and The Man Who Would Be King (1975). We talk about how Huston incorporates real life experience into his writing and directing, how he… Continue reading Episode 94. Huston’s Hollywood
Our Patrons voted recently on what film remake they'd like to hear more about so Alex and Jonathan get into the weird world of Roger Corman's sci-fi classic The Little Shop of Horrors (1960) and Frank Oz's musical remake Little Shop of Horrors (1986). We talk about the way Roger Corman mixes comedy and horror… Continue reading Episode 93. Little Shop of Remakes
The swashbuckling genre takes Alex and Jonathan from medieval England to the Caribbean to a galaxy far far away as we look at The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003). We talk about the… Continue reading Episode 92. Swashbucklin’ Cinema
Jonathan sits down with Hayden Chauffe today to discuss the career of the modern filmmaker's filmmaker, Quentin Tarantino, in the films Reservoir Dogs (1992), Inglourious Basterds (2009), and The Hateful Eight (2015). We talk about Tarantino's literary story structure, the controversies that tend to follow his films, and the way he breaks various rules of… Continue reading Episode 91. Quintessential Quentin Feat. Hayden Chauffe
After the studio system ended in the 1960s a new era of American cinema was born known as the American New Wave. Today Alex and Jonathan take a look at three milestones of that era: Bonnie and Clyde (1967), The French Connection (1971), and The Deer Hunter (1978). We talk about how Bonnie and Clyde… Continue reading Episode 90. The American New Wave
Continuing our series focusing on female filmmakers, Alex and Jonathan take a look at the narrative and documentary career of French New Wave pioneer Agnes Varda in her films Le Bonheur (1965), The Gleaners & I (2000), and Faces Places (2017). We talk about Varda's capacity for biting social commentary, her empathy for her documentary… Continue reading Episode 89. Films de Femmes Deux: Agnes Varda
Alex and Jonathan trace the ever-maturing career of Peter Jackson through his films Bad Taste (1987), Heavenly Creatures (1994), and They Shall Not Grow Old (2018). We discuss the potential that young filmmakers can show in early, low-budget films, how Jackson adds his fantasy flare to a true-crime story, and the evolution of his dramatic… Continue reading Episode 88. Jackson’s Journey
Resident animaniac Aaron Johnson joins Alex and Jonathan today to talk about a very particular period in the history of Disney animation in The Black Cauldron (1985), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), and The Little Mermaid (1989). We talk about how The Black Cauldron almost killed Disney, the homages and innovations of Who Framed Roger… Continue reading Episode 87. Disney Doesn’t Die Feat. Aaron Johnson
Our Patreon family has come together to choose the topic this week, so Alex and Jonathan are looking at just that, family, in The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), The Incredibles (2004), and The Road (2009). We talk about dysfunctional families, the way films help us to open up and become closer to our family, and the… Continue reading Episode 86. Family Feud [Video]
Revenge is a universal motivator and today Alex and Jonathan take a look at how it also works to create great stories in Lady Snowblood (1973), Memento (2000), and The Revenant (2015). We talk about the various conclusions about revenge in each movie, creating films that transcend gimmicks, and revenge as an "archegenre" that can… Continue reading Episode 85. Wreaking Revenge
As a follow up to last season's episode on classic film noir, Alex and Jonathan travel through the evolution of the modern subgenre of neo-noir in The Long Goodbye (1973), L.A. Confidential (1997), and Drive (2011). We discuss ways that noir themes cross over into neo-noir, the ways neo-noir uses violence, and the changing aesthetics… Continue reading Episode 84. The New Noir
In the first of a series of episodes focusing on the cinematic contributions of female directors, Alex and Jonathan look at the career of Sofia Coppola in The Virgin Suicides (1999), Lost in Translation (2003), and The Beguiled (2017). We talk about Coppola's atmospheric style, the way she presents the relationship between men and women… Continue reading Episode 83. Films de Femmes: Sofia Coppola
According to our recent poll for our Patrons, today Alex and Jonathan discuss the ridiculous filmography of British comedy group Monty Python: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Life of Brian (1979), and The Meaning of Life (1983). We discuss the hallmarks of Monty Python's comedy, various ways to create sketch-based films around a… Continue reading Episode 82. Mighty Preposterous Monty Python
Benjamin Angrisano joins Alex and Jonathan once again, this time to take a look at one of the most famous of all film trilogies: The Godfather (1972), The Godfather: Part II (1974), and The Godfather: Part III (1990). We talk about the thematic resonance of the series, the ways the third film differs from the… Continue reading Episode 81. An Episode You Can’t Refuse Feat. Benjamin Angrisano
For the first episode to focus on an actor as such, Alex and Jonathan look at three influential leading roles played by Sidney Poitier in A Raisin in the Sun (1961), A Patch of Blue (1965), and In the Heat of the Night (1967). We discuss how acting becomes highlighted in a film which is adapted from the stage, the ways that Poitier's roles reflect his own… Continue reading Episode 80. Poised Poitier
For the final installment of the Serious Series, Alex and Jonathan talk about three films of the Pink Panther comedy franchise: The Pink Panther (1963), A Shot in the Dark (1964), and The Pink Panther (2006). We discuss about how the focus of the franchise changed with the reception of the first film, the way the character of Inspector Clouseau becomes more distinct… Continue reading Episode 79. SERIOUS SERIES 4: Precocious Pink Panthers
A true giant of film history is our focus this week as Alex and Jonathan take on three films from different eras of the Godzilla franchise: Godzilla (1954), Godzilla vs. King Ghidora (1991), and Godzilla (2014) (with a special shoutout to Shin Godzilla (2016)). We talk about the post-war fears in the themes of the original film, the campy… Continue reading Episode 78. SERIOUS SERIES 3: Gargantuan Godzilla Generations
Alex and Jonathan are thrown into the madhouse world of Pierre Boulle's Planet of the Apes this week as we look at three reboots of the popular franchise: Planet of the Apes (1968), Planet of the Apes (2001), and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014). We talk about how the original series balanced spectacle and thematic weight, where the 2001 adaptation misses the mark, and how the most… Continue reading Episode 77. SERIOUS SERIES 2: Primate Planet Pandemonium
To kick off Season 3 of the podcast, Alex and Jonathan are starting a series of episodes about some of cinema's most influential and long-last film series. First up is the James Bond franchise with From Russia with Love (1963), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), and Skyfall (2012). We talk about the origins of the James Bond character, the consistent elements… Continue reading Episode 76. SERIOUS SERIES 1: Being Bond, James Bond
As the holidays approach and the second season of The Filmlings Podcast comes to an end, Alex and Jonathan take a look at three different adaptations of Charles Dickens' classic story in A Christmas Carol (1951), Scrooged (1988), and A Christmas Carol (2009). We discuss adaptations driven by performance, shock value, and graphics appeals, why each of us love different versions… Continue reading Episode 75. A Charles Carol
In a special video episode, Alex and Jonathan discuss the highly stylized and thematic films of Krzysztof Kieślowski, specifically his Three Colors Trilogy: Three Colors: Blue (1993), Three Colors: White (1994), and Three Colors: Red (1994). We talk about conveying emotion through visual rhetoric, connecting films through theme rather than narrative, and movies that stick with you long after the fade to… Continue reading Episode 74. Kolorowy Kieślowski [Video]
"Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles..." This week Alex and Jonathan discuss three movies about the act and importance of storytelling: The Princess Bride (1987), Big Fish (2003), and The Fall (2006). We discuss the various ways that stories impact our lives, crafting a plot structured around a story-within-a-story, and creating a visual… Continue reading Episode 73. Tall Tales
In proper Halloween spirit, Alex and Jonathan invite Jason Harden back to the podcast to talk about some of the darker films by director Tim Burton: Edward Scissorhands (1990), Sleepy Hollow (1999), and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007). They discuss the way Tim Burton blends dark and whimsical tones, the evolution of Johnny Depp's… Continue reading Episode 72. Bloody Burton Feat. Jason Harden
Diving into maybe the darkest genre in film-history, Alex and Jonathan take a look at the moral complexity of film noir in The Maltese Falcon (1941), Double Indemnity (1944), and Touch of Evil (1958). We talk about the increasing darkness of the subject matter as the period goes on, common elements like the femme fatale, and the continuing… Continue reading Episode 71. Detectives, Dames, and Deception
When it comes to post-sound era physical comedy, Jacques Tati's character Monsieur Hulot is an inspiration that still resounds today. Alex and Jonathan take a look at the complex scenarios created in Monsieur Hulot's Holiday (1953), Playtime (1967), and Trafic (1971). We talk about traits of the Hulot character, how Tati built a miniature city, and how he is… Continue reading Episode 70. Tricky Tati
Alex and Jonathan dive into the history and variety of robot representation in film today. Specifically we're talking about: The Terminator (1984), The Iron Giant (1999), and Ex Machina (2014). We discuss the range of robots from violent villains to compassionate characters, the transition from divinely-inspired to human-made, and how robot stories help us anticipate the future. https://youtu.be/78T6P9U2ggo?si=SX2wUJKXF_PnRWK8… Continue reading Episode 69. A Robotic Retrospective
Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's directing team known as "The Archers" is the topic of discussion today as Alex and Jonathan take a look at The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943), A Matter of Life and Death (1946), and Black Narcissus (1947). We talk about the way the Archers formed and resolved to make films, how they blend… Continue reading Episode 68. The Artsy Archers: A Portrait of Powell and Pressburger
The game is afoot this week as Alex and Jonathan take a look at three adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous detective, Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939), The Sign of Four (1987), and Sherlock's "A Study in Pink" (2010). We discuss the different personality traits of Sherlock Holmes that are emphasized in each… Continue reading Episode 67. Hundreds of Holmes
Returning guest Benjamin Angrisano joins Alex and Jonathan to discuss the early film collaborations between director Martin Scorsese and actor Robert DeNiro in Mean Streets (1972), Taxi Driver (1976), and Raging Bull (1980). We talk about the American New Wave, recurring themes in Scorsese's work, and DeNiro's ability to adapt to different roles. https://youtu.be/QQfcqkttOAo?si=DvtBhc3n5x8vLvEK https://open.spotify.com/episode/62J5HieIjzVbVkBsdRACn0?si=AI5gsDxZQQe1JfdNaTFlog Also on… Continue reading Episode 66. Shooting Scorsese Feat. Benjamin Angrisano
From the frost-bitten landscape of Russia, to the sand-swept dessert of Arabia, David Lean takes Alex and Jonathan across the globe today as we talk about The Bridge on the River Kwai (1959), Lawrence of Arabia (1965), and Doctor Zhivago (1965). We discuss the dichotomy of intimate character studies in grand political settings, using film technique to convey… Continue reading Episode 65. Lengthy Lean
When a film is successful, the natural next step is to make another one, which may or may not also be successful. Today Alex and Jonathan talk about the varying quality of sequels and look at Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), The Matrix Reloaded (2003), and The Dark Knight (2008). We discuss the repeatability of sequels, ending… Continue reading Episode 64. Sequel Syndrome
For the final episode in the Hepburn vs. Hepburn series, Alex and Jonathan discuss The African Queen (1951) starring Katharine Hepburn, and Charade (1963) starring Audrey Hepburn. We talk about Katharine's return to Hollywood and career after being "over the hill," Audrey's ability to mix comedy and fear, and how these films mark the end of an era… Continue reading Episode 63. Hepburn vs. Hepburn: Round 3 – Stay Alive
Following up podcast Episode 47: Dauntless Documentaries Alex and Jonathan take on the spin-off genre of mockumentaries and look at This is Spinal Tap (1984), Best in Show (2000), and What We Do in the Shadows (2014). We talk about the origins of the genre, benefits non-fiction filmmaking can gain from the documentary format, and the appeal of… Continue reading Episode 62. Mounting Mockumentaries
One of the biggest names in film history is the subject of today's podcast as Alex and Jonathan discuss the ups and downs of the career of Orson Welles and look at Citizen Kane (1941), Chimes at Midnight (1965), and F for Fake (1973). We talk about the legacy of Citizen Kane, the many controversies Welles' was involved in,… Continue reading Episode 61. Wunderkind Welles
In a long overdue genre episode, Alex and Jonathan take a journey through the western films of Hollywood's history and talk about Stagecoach (1941), The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966), and Django Unchained (2012). We discuss the various themes explored in westerns over time, controversies associated with western depictions of race, and the ways that specific genres… Continue reading Episode 60. Wild Westerns
Aaron Johnson, the podcast's inaugural guest, joins Alex and Jonathan again today to discuss the parodical world of Mel Brooks in Blazing Saddles (1974), Young Frankenstein (1974), and High Anxiety (1977). We talk about Brook's way of parodying different forms of film, using meta-humor, and his split love for directing and performing. https://youtu.be/l40qYhFTzO4?si=nC-a8_9Rgx5-8Vv8 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4oJRfqwRHXzSB2tZYTTiQL?si=7kq8nqTvScG1AkYLobeZFw Also on iTunes Skip… Continue reading Episode 59. Bonkers Brooks Feat. Aaron Johnson
The listeners responded to our latest Twitter polls to decide what films Alex and Jonathan should discuss starring Katharine and Audrey Hepburn, and the result was two films both directed by George Cukor: The Philadelphia Story (1940), and My Fair Lady (1964). We discuss what it means to be a "woman's director," how Cukor approaches various romantic… Continue reading Episode 58. Hepburn vs. Hepburn: Round 2 – The Cukor Corner
Alex and Jonathan are entertained this week by the wide variety of genres that Ridley Scott has been able to tackle as we watch Blade Runner (1982), Gladiator (2000), and Black Hawk Down (2001). We talk about how Scott incorporates themes into blockbuster entertainment, his technical fingerprint across genres, and his continuing body of work and influence. https://youtu.be/Jt62Na5Rm9k?si=xk6a-LUumREfmce9 https://open.spotify.com/episode/3XapyzvXgDo80nbtAxxvSW?si=IZIe-9UHSsuxu3gtpzDc7g Also on… Continue reading Episode 57. Scott’s Scope
Taking a quick break from American film this week, Alex and Jonathan head back to China and examine three landmark film of the wuxia genre: Dragon Inn (1967), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), House of Flying Daggers (2004). We talk about the traditions of wuxia, the poeticism of the genre, and the various uses of visual effects to aid… Continue reading Episode 56. Waxing Wuxia
At the final stop of the Hitch-Hike Alex and Jonathan look at the versatility and expertise of Alfred Hitchcock's technical prowess in Rope (1948), Rear Window (1954), and The Wrong Man (1956). We discuss Hitchcock's one-take experiment, his ultimate cinematic metaphor, and filming true events. https://youtu.be/6o-zCMTyb0A?si=9D3I5GNpa7PONM_4 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LMm5Xew3ZPrHJ5MzSw3Wt?si=OkK0ROCVTpCMX_uiFd2PlA Also on iTunes Skip to: Rope (4:48), Rear Window (23:57), The Wrong Man (59:49),… Continue reading Ep 55. THE HITCH-HIKE: The Hitchcock Touch
The better the villain, the better the picture. Alex and Jonathan put this phrase to the test as they look at the sinister side of Hitchcock's films and discuss the bad guys of Strangers on a Train (1951), Dial M for Murder (1954), and Psycho (1960). We talk about driving a film through its antagonist, keeping dialogue-heavy films… Continue reading Ep 54. THE HITCH-HIKE: Villains
Not all protagonists are good role models. Today Alex and Jonathan look at characters that defy the typical ideas of heroism in Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief (1955), The Trouble with Harry (1955), and Vertigo (1958). We discuss what makes an antihero, the prevalence of antiheroes in comedy films, and how to keep an audience engaged with unlikeable characters. https://youtu.be/IS2OL5UoL30?si=fv0G9ttN0QlCldgU… Continue reading Ep 53. THE HITCH-HIKE: Antiheroes
Blondes, brunettes, and mothers are the focus today and Alex and Jonathan look at the various portrayals of women in the Alfred Hitchcock films Spellbound (1945), The Birds (1963), and Marnie (1964). We discuss the different roles that women fill in Hitchcock's films, retelling a similar story while reversing gender roles, and appropriate/effective treatment of actors on set.… Continue reading Ep 52. THE HITCH-HIKE: The Women
To kick off season two of the podcast, Alex and Jonathan are taking five episodes to examine the work and themes of the great Alfred Hitchcock. Today we look at Hitchcock's "wrong man" theme in The Lodger (1927), The 39 Steps (1935), and North by Northwest (1959). We discuss spy thrillers with comedic tone, when Hitchcock reveals and… Continue reading Ep 51. THE HITCH-HIKE: The Wrong Men
For the season one podcast finale, Alex and Jonathan take a look at five of the most classic and beloved Christmas films: It's a Wonderful Life (1946), A Christmas Story (1983), Die Hard (1944), The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), and Elf (2003). We talk about what makes a Christmas movie, how Christmas movies portray and become traditions, and what makes… Continue reading Episode 50. Concluding with Christmas
Last week's Bringing Up Baby (1938) was a big influence on this week's director spotlight, Peter Bogdanovich. Alex and Jonathan take a look at his three major hits The Last Picture Show (1971), What's Up Doc? (1972), and Paper Moon (1973). We discuss Bogdanovich's early communication and friendship with the great directors of the Golden Age, creating a modern screwball… Continue reading Episode 49. Bibliographic Bogdanovich
A friendly feud finally comes out in the open as Alex and Jonathan discuss the wonderful talents of the two most famous Hepburns: Katharine and Audrey. We watch Bringing Up Baby (1938) and Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) and discuss the jokes of screwball comedies, each actress' typical persona, and controversial aspects of old movies. https://youtu.be/agv0q19NTWA?si=Nkrs0GbnzgWKidbn https://open.spotify.com/episode/5jXVmOjLfyfN27RB75XcWG?si=fIrJU9rRSFCT8TH9IdXpkw Also… Continue reading Episode 48. Hepburn vs. Hepburn: Round 1 – Cat Fight
In a special video episode, Alex and Jonathan sit down to talk about three documentary films: Grey Gardens (1975), The Thin Blue Line (1988), Grizzly Man (2005). We talk about the ways documentaries speak to the audience, how to structure true events into a compelling narrative, and how documentary subjects are portrayed by the filmmakers. https://youtu.be/r0Gkra63j-A https://open.spotify.com/episode/7xleOG9XkksbMaiElklCZV?si=JdL4xnw9Q3iKSEXPPRCvcw Also… Continue reading Episode 47. Dauntless Documentaries [Video]
It's not a new genre this week but a couple of new species that Alex and Jonathan take a look at with three alien films: The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Arrival (2016). We talk about how good science fiction comments on humanity in every era, the difference between science fiction and science fantasy,… Continue reading Episode 46. Amiable Aliens
Friend of the podcast, Hayden Chauffe, returns to talk with Alex and Jonathan about the feature film works of one of his biggest influences, Jim Henson: The Great Muppet Caper (1981), The Dark Crystal (1982), Labyrinth (1986). We talk about the history of Henson's puppet work, building fantasy worlds in miniature, and the modern use of muppets and… Continue reading Episode 45. Happy Henson Feat. Hayden Chauffe
Alex and Jonathan make the first of many rounds into the colorful and exciting world of Bollywood cinema with Sholay (1975), Asoka (2001), and Dangal (2016). We talk about how India takes the western genre to new heights, keeping historical epics on-target, and the skills and shapes actors can adopt to make a film more believable. https://youtu.be/KefSnkwmRb4?si=0WmJWp-u0JI_ta5X https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gewjtFp37spK3MDbYuTwM?si=mYRJkdZAS_6zdi47jufGfQ Also… Continue reading Episode 44. The Bollywood Beat
It's the spookiest time of the year, and this week Alex and Jonathan invite special guest Emily Geringer to discuss three hallmark horror films from Japan and Korea: Audition (1999), Ju-on: The Grudge (2002), and A Tale of Two Sisters (2003). We discuss manipulating time to build mystery and suspense, how a compelling story can transcend recycled cinematic elements,… Continue reading Episode 43. Eastern Eeriness Feat. Emily Geringer
As Halloween approaches, Alex and Jonathan return to the shadowy films of German Expressionism with Fritz Lang's Destiny (1921), M (1931), and The Testament of Dr. Mabuse (1933). We talk about the influence of German fairy tales on German Expressionism, the introduction of sound in Lang's films, and how Lang crafts social commentary over time. https://youtu.be/6YAlBhmBPe4?si=SVftTT2Bv2_rpEHV https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Mje5t6TcoWJVT0dRZIX8P?si=NHgl9rRIQnuvDbkKijhXew Also… Continue reading Episode 42. Legendary Lang
Alex and Jonathan return to some childhood favorite films with the Jason Bourne trilogy, specifically The Bourne Identity (2002), The Bourne Supremacy (2004), and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007). We discuss subjective storytelling through cinematography, two directors creating a cohesive story over three films, and how a realistic spy series contrasts with other popular action franchises. https://youtu.be/bJjQGcDksgY?si=BS93XvtcQ1iOpsN7 https://open.spotify.com/episode/426cpE3dKpPcvCckHAQonw?si=zn45yu6qTAyvuEiZJcqJbQ Also on… Continue reading Episode 41. Bourne Beat by Beat
In the first episode to circle back to the World Tour series, Alex and Jonathan give a closer look to the work of legendary Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky with the films Ivan's Childhood (1962), Solaris (1972), The Mirror (1975). We discuss how Tarkovsky uses textured images and sound to make his worlds feel true to life, approaching filmmaking with… Continue reading Episode 40. Trancing Tarkovsky
Follow us into a meticulous and colorful maze of cinema this week as we talk about the unique works of Stanley Kubrick: Dr. Strangelove or: How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1965), The Shining (1980). We discuss Kubrick's demanding directing style, his various approaches to story adaptations, and atmospheric versus plot-centric… Continue reading Episode 39. Kinaesthetic Kubrick
Charlie Chaplin won our most recent Twitter poll about the silent film stars of Hollywood, so Alex and Jonathan take a look at three of the Tramp's most iconic appearances: The Gold Rush (1925 & 1942), Modern Times (1936), and The Great Dictator (1940). We talk about the universality of physical comedy, Chaplin's technical innovations, and how he… Continue reading Episode 38. Charming Chaplin
Words, words, words.–Hamlet (Act II, Scene II) Some of the most famous words in history are the basis of the films Alex and Jonathan are looking at today as we get into Kenneth Branagh's adaptations of William Shakespeare's Henry V (1989), Much Ado About Nothing (1993), and Hamlet (1996). We talk about directing from an acting background, adapting… Continue reading Episode 37. Branagh and the Bard
Benjamin Angrisano, long-time friend of the Filmlings and Coen Brother's enthusiast, joins Alex and Jonathan to talk about some of the Coen's darker films: Blood Simple. (1984), Fargo (1996), and No Country for Old Men (2007). We talk about infusing humor into darker themes, opposing mindsets and worldviews of characters, and how ambiguity can make a film more… Continue reading Episode 36. Body Count Coen Brothers Feat. Benjamin Angrisano
This week Alex and Jonathan dance into new territory as we discuss three landmark musicals in film history: 42nd Street (1933), Singin' in the Rain (1952), and La La Land (2016). We discuss technical innovations of early musicals, the lasting legacy of the musical's Golden Age, and the current and potential future state of the movie musical. https://youtu.be/MQ_G2TKIpkQ?si=IU59b-UVHG5D8Bpl… Continue reading Episode 35. Meta Musicals
Back in America after a long series abroad, Alex and Jonathan look at the life and work of all-American director Frank Capra with It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), and Arsenic and Old Lace (1944). We talk about the limitations and creativity that came from the Hays Code, innovations Capra made in directing… Continue reading Episode 34. Classic Capra
As the World Tour comes to an end, Alex and Jonathan make a few final stops on the way home to talk about the further reaches of world cinema. We stop in Sweden with Hour of the Wolf (1968), in Taiwan with A Touch of Zen (1971), and in Brazil with City of God (2002). We talk about… Continue reading Ep 33. WORLD TOUR: Last Layovers
As the World Tour starts to wind down, Alex and Jonathan make a stop in Iran to look at the small, personal films Close-Up (1990), Children of Heaven (1997), and A Separation (2011). We talk about portraying compassion in film, movies without a "bad guy," and the self-sufficiency of Iranian cinema. https://youtu.be/sedViVwMkHY https://open.spotify.com/episode/0MXVUpi83bw2hdEuLwj0Dc?si=BFDqbM8STHWdZDBSnJDIog Also on iTunes Skip to: Close-Up (4:19),… Continue reading Ep 32. WORLD TOUR: Introspective Iran
The World Tour carries Alex and Jonathan to South Korea this week where we look at Oldboy (2003), The Host (2006), and The Good the Bad the Weird (2008). We discuss elements that make up neo-noir films, mixing tones, and the pervasive violence of Korean film. https://youtu.be/Ek_Kwo-lK9g?si=99SFdlD1Kni_pUI4 https://open.spotify.com/episode/0dfVosdMnMZBEvJnDwlTTs?si=9OVQ9sEbStGGqSNUcie1Aw Also on iTunes Skip to: Oldboy (2:49), The Host (25:40), The Good the… Continue reading Ep 31. WORLD TOUR: Kruel Korea
As Dostoyevsky once wrote: "All true Russians are philosophers." This week Alex and Jonathan head to Russia and look at three legendary and formative filmmakers with Sergei Eisenstein's Battleship Potemkin (1925), Lev Kuleshov's Po Zakonu (1926), and Andrei Tarkovsky's Stalker (1975). We talk the various forms and uses of montage, the Kuleshov effect, and filmmaking outside the bounds of traditional… Continue reading Ep 30. WORLD TOUR: Russian Ruminations
This week Alex and Jonathan go way back and take a look at German Expressionism with The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), Nosferatu (1922), and Metropolis (1927). We talk about the theatricality of early film, conventions of German Expressionism, and why the influence of German Expressionism will never fade. https://youtu.be/EXGdzfqrWpE?si=BEdusu0FDxvq3bil https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ZLT0JDFxwYZXNRKd57KJs?si=5laV0WDoTsGStRLbr7WRhw Also on iTunes Skip to: The Cabinet of Dr.… Continue reading Ep 29. WORLD TOUR: Dunkel Deutschland
Alex and Jonathan head south of the border this week to talk about three Mexican films: Macario (1960), Amores Perros (2000), and Pan's Labyrinth (2006). We talk the significance of a story within the story, the international influence of Quentin Tarantino, and how Hollywood has benefitted from Mexican filmmakers. https://youtu.be/0Z2GQtBgVS8?si=-l46IgjiN0Lxjh5R https://open.spotify.com/episode/10mkMiqKGd55NivWuoBRX1?si=ICfO5XgwRFKS8RnB1bfKiA Also on iTunes Skip to: Macario (4:06), Amores Perros (20:02),… Continue reading Ep 28. WORLD TOUR: México Macabro
It's back to Japan this week for Alex and Jonathan, but not for anime or Akira Kurosawa. We take a look at three other directors with Masaki Kobayashi's Harakiri (1963), Yasujirô Ozu's Tokyo Story (1952), and Hirokazu Koreeda's Nobody Knows (2004). We discuss various kinds of family drama in Japanese films, the distinction between "big" and "small" movies,… Continue reading Ep 27. WORLD TOUR: Japan Juxtaposed
This week the World Tour carries Alex and Jonathan to India and the world's largest combined film market where we look at the Kollywood film Mughal-E-Azam (1960), the Bollywood film My Name is Khan (2010), and the Tollywood film Baahubali: The Beginning (2015). We talk the history and scope of Indian cinema, film rhetoric turned up to 11, and… Continue reading Ep 26. WORLD TOUR: India Inundation
Following on the heels of Italian Neorealism came the French New Wave, so Alex and Jonathan take a trip to France and discuss three films from this explosive movement: The 400 Blows (1959), Breathless (1960), and Cleo from 5 to 7 (1962). We talk about stylistic innovations, semi-autobiographical filmmaking, and the origins of auteur theory. https://youtu.be/OY0F9TMMygk?si=MV5S_F2prKs_7Hxj https://open.spotify.com/episode/4CJK6AQRIO6W7JQ04359fH?si=E7piDjVwRRCWez4MW058Fw Also on iTunes… Continue reading Ep 25. WORLD TOUR: France Fraiche
Alex and Jonathan say ciao to America this week as we embark on the first stage of our new ten-week World Tour series! Our first stop is Italy where we take a look at the Italian neorealism films Rome, Open City (1945) and Bicycle Thieves (1948) and the post-neorealism film 8 1/2 (1963). We talk about the effect… Continue reading Ep 24. WORLD TOUR: Italia Infelice
Alex and Jonathan reach for the stars in the final part of the samurai series as we look at Akira Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress (1958), and George Lucas' Star Wars (1977). We discuss the difference between adaptation and inspiration, the amorphous definition of "original," and factors that create lasting cultural impact. https://youtu.be/wtV-42VeV2o https://open.spotify.com/episode/1HPpIfmQWMBsH7tRfOOLyb?si=5a82LY9tQpaMHHFx1koRew Also on iTunes Skip to:… Continue reading Episode 23. Samurai in Space
Where is the line between story and history? That's the question as Alex and Jonathan take a look at three great films about three great historical figures: Amadeus (1984), The Last Emperor (1987), and The Aviator (2004). We talk about factual accuracy versus dramatic license, cinematic portrayal of flawed lives, and the uniqueness of film's distinct documentary and biopic genres. https://youtu.be/t4II98za6hs?si=mNe8I8DdXHVPf66R… Continue reading Episode 22. Brilliant Biopics
The greatest of all American movie monsters takes center stage this week as Alex and Jonathan discuss King Kong (1933), King Kong (1976), and King Kong (2005). We talk about keeping the heart of a remake, the evolution of visual effects, and modern legends. https://youtu.be/s88f7QFX7Ds?si=Z8hsJ4t5KkQocOA9 https://open.spotify.com/episode/0BkLx7IcJDk4bNtpxRGeIZ?si=v1QNLsUqTuqqdz9jJUQ8sg Also on iTunes Skip to: King Kong (1933) (3:55), King Kong (1976) (22:35), King… Continue reading Episode 21. Klash of the Kongs
In the third installment of our Samurai and Sombreros series, Alex and Jonathan look at Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon (1950) and it's western genre adaptation The Outrage (1964). We talk Rashomon's technical innovations, what makes a work stand the test of time, and examples of the "Rashomon Effect." https://youtu.be/Mio9gL2gD_k https://open.spotify.com/episode/130wpDISsx7Cf0YaMEhm1N?si=157gFAAtTfiwQ7X2S7qhTA Also on iTunes Skip to: Rashomon (3:55), The Outrage (22:35), Overall (40:57), Coming Attractions (55:10)… Continue reading Episode 20. Samurai and Sombreros Vol. 3
Guest Andrea Millard joins Alex and Jonathan this week to talk about the career of writer/director Nancy Meyers with Baby Boom (1987), The Parent Trap (1998), and The Intern (2015). We talk female protagonists, growing from a writer to a director, and refining development of themes over time. https://youtu.be/zFIXbsq_7-c?si=VZgm2yzlp4CJePyK https://open.spotify.com/episode/5p2FKKg2TVpci9ibYk1gAQ?si=KIOWE0AJQb22xi2-Wl1Q4Q Also on iTunes Skip to: Baby Boom (7:45), The Parent Trap (27:41), The Intern (53:47), Overall (1:17:35), Coming… Continue reading Episode 19. Maternal Meyers Feat. Andrea Millard
This has all been pre-recorded. Bringing last week's surrealism discussion into the modern day, Alex and Jonathan take a look at three films by contemporary surrealist David Lynch: Eraserhead (1977), Blue Velvet (1986), and Mulholland Drive (2001). We discuss the Lynch's use of color and sound, varying degrees of surrealist influence, and atmospheric storytelling. https://youtu.be/KEX2VSgZN0E?si=7o51_oScPuCN_878 https://open.spotify.com/episode/35I65LJCuyFJEkpJOJUSOW?si=jUhKQfn7RKOzRtF1zlwlCw Also on iTunes… Continue reading Episode 18. Lying Lynch
Social conventions are broken and non-sequiturs abound in our movies this week as Alex and Jonathan discuss Luis Buñuel's L'Age d'or (1930), The Exterminating Angel (1962), and The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972), with Un Chien andalou (1929) thrown in for good measure. We talk the social temper tantrum of the Surrealists, scene-driven plots, and the ripple effect of… Continue reading Episode 17. Bougie Buñuel [Video]
Reach for the play button! This week Alex and Jonathan cover the first true series of films on the podcast with the listener-suggested Toy Story trilogy: Toy Story (1995), Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010). We talk the evolution of computer animated film, children's entertainment that isn't childish, and sequels that build on the story advancements… Continue reading Episode 16. Toy Story or: How Alex Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Pixar
Grab some ice cream and switch off with us this week as Alex and Jonathan talk through Edgar Wright's Three Flavors Cornetto Trilogy: Shaun of the Dead (2004), Hot Fuzz (2007), and The World's End (2013). We talk blending genres, what makes a "thematic trilogy," and comedy with layered dimensions. https://youtu.be/no0w-st8P1w?si=dlz_9i82y66d6GvQ https://open.spotify.com/episode/6EpcADKbhhdFs0UeKsHrgv?si=MQ8uSiNURg2lWlwAjQgzQw Also on iTunes Skip… Continue reading Episode 15. Cornetto Crash Course
Once again we pit sword-masters against gunslingers in part two of our Samurai and Sombreros series. This week Alex and Jonathan discuss Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo (1961) and Sergio Leone's A Fistful of Dollars (1964). We talk about tonal changes in adaptations, visual character development, and varied uses of violence and humor. https://youtu.be/LpTGp0zlTZA https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bQ4rPmsJFwAwwiIRQVJq0?si=spsjROY4Ro6djX_z9n3KDw Also on iTunes Skip to: Yojimbo (3:33), A Fistful… Continue reading Episode 14. Samurai and Sombreros Vol. 2
You're not dreaming, we have a new podcast! Plug us into your head and listen as Alex and Jonathan invite friend Jason Harden to the show to talk about three Japanese cyberpunk films: Akira (1988), Ghost in the Shell (1995), and Paprika (2006). We talk about the impact of hand-made animation, the influence of anime on western… Continue reading Episode 13. Cyberpunk Chaos Feat. Jason Harden
Let us be your vehicle to escape your problems this week as Alex and Jonathan talk through three of John Hughes' high school films: Sixteen Candles (1984), The Breakfast Club (1985), and Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986). We discuss how comedy ages, use and critique of stereotypes, and unique character dynamics in a high school setting. https://youtu.be/t_5sJRhqxTQ?si=D2zwSVq6OCeIUGwX… Continue reading Episode 12. The High School Hughes
Don't bring a six-shooter to a katana fight. Samurai and Sombreros won our recent Twitter poll so Alex and Jonathan take a look at Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai (1954) and its western adaptation The Magnificent Seven (1960). We talk about archetypal stories, cultural influence on art, and using inspiration to create a new and distinct work. https://youtu.be/UFiZSP-1jDY… Continue reading Episode 11. Samurai and Sombreros
In our first exclusively animation episode, friend of the podcast Hayden Chauffe joins Alex to talk about three films by Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki: My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Spirited Away (2001), and The Wind Rises (2013). We discuss the unique possibilities of animation, children's entertainment that doesn't sugar coat the world, and reflection of Miyazaki's life in his… Continue reading Episode 10. Mystical Miyazaki Feat. Hayden Chauffe
Wes Anderson takes a perfectly framed center-stage this week as Alex and Jonathan talk Rushmore (1998), The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), and Moonrise Kingdom (2012). We discuss self-aware storytelling, how style can divert criticism, and the recycling of iconic art. https://youtu.be/SegPA0QxRWk?si=IxW2352l9ECaegdX https://open.spotify.com/episode/2OYVsgkQPFzcUuQvsbIQC7?si=Ew4f77vBRzywtutjZ_58ug Also on iTunes Skip to: Rushmore (6:36), The Life Aquatic (24:18), Moonrise Kingdom (43:10), Overall Notes (57:46), Coming… Continue reading Episode 9. The Whimsy and Woe of Wes Anderson
In honor of the Oscars this past weekend Alex and Jonathan take a look back at the last three Best Picture winners at the Academy Awards: 12 Years a Slave (2013), Birdman (2014), and Spotlight (2015). We discuss what kinds of films tend to seek out and win awards, the techniques these films employ, and… Continue reading Episode 8. Oscar Bait or (The Unexpected Virtue of Tragedy)
What makes sound, and is informative? The Filmlings film analysis podcast! Alex and Jonathan welcome their first guest, Aaron Johnson, to the podcast to talk about four major reboots of the cinematic portrayal of Batman: Batman: The Movie (1966), Batman (1989), Batman Begins (2005), and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016). We talk about how the comics influence the… Continue reading Episode 7. Holy Reboot, Batman! Feat. Aaron Johnson
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a film buff in possession of some film knowledge must be in need of a film analysis podcast... Alex and Jonathan get a little sappy in this special Valentine's Day episode where we take a look at three (very) different film adaptations of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice:… Continue reading Episode 6. Pride and Prejudice (x3)
Alex and Jonathan are watching closely this week as we examine Christopher Nolan's technique and themes in Following (1998), The Prestige (2006), and Interstellar (2014). We discuss Nolan's "temporal cross-cutting" technique, obsessive characters, and how he ranks with other top directors. https://youtu.be/4hLxEDOeM4s?si=sSgqlFYvISyvcThW https://open.spotify.com/episode/1SuhQcIYhvUdQo6Wrn5RAP?si=g7Rd6pVEQ2C61Exs81nYjw Also on iTunes Resources referenced in this episode: Christopher Nolan on Following Interstellar Timeline Infographic Christopher Nolan Interview with Newsnight… Continue reading Episode 5. Nothin’ But Nolan
The Filmlings 