Exploring the intersections of cinema
"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
The Filmlings 