Exploring the intersections of cinema
In one of the saddest episodes of the show (besides Episode 105), Alex and Jonathan look at films in which the protagonists struggle to navigate circumstances outside of their control with three tragedy classics: Ikiru (1952), Grave of the Fireflies (1988), and Titanic (1997). We discuss Aristotle's conception of the reversal of fortune – known… Continue reading Ep 165. TRAGEDIES of Fate
As we continue our journey through the history of the western genre, Alex and Jonathan take a detour to Japan to discuss an era of chanbara (samurai) films that bridge the gap from classic westerns to spaghetti westerns. We're talking about Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto (1954), Sanjuro (1962), The Sword of Doom (1966). We discuss… Continue reading Ep 150. WESTERNS 101: Westerns of the Rising Sun
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
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
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
The Filmlings 