Podcast
In this episode we kick off with Paul announcing his new play, 'The Lifespan of a Fact'. Then we have an in-depth analysis of the film ‘Eddington', directed by Ari Aster. We explore various plot points, character motivations, social media's impact, and the film's complex themes.
In this episode we delve into the latest DC film, Superman, directed by James Gunn. They discuss their excitement for Gunn's take on the DC Universe, our impressions of the cast and the film's overall tone and stylistic choices. We also touch on various plot elements, special effects, and how the movie fares against the backdrop of other superhero films.
In this episode we dive into Jean-Luc Godard's influential 1960 film, Breathless. We discuss Godard's journey from critic to filmmaker, the unique production techniques that shaped the film, and the impact of its groundbreaking style, including the use of jump cuts and overdubbing.
Join us as we get into ‘Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning.' We analyze the movie's storyline, character development, and overall execution. We compare it to 'Dead Reckoning' and other Mission Impossible films, touching on our thoughts about the movie's pacing, action sequences, and emotional impact. Don't miss our exploration of the film's highs, lows, and everything in between!
Join us as we dive into Marvel's Thunderbolts*. We discuss the depth and complexities of the characters, the overarching themes of mental health and familial bonds, and how the movie stands out in the vast Marvel Cinematic Universe. From reflections on performances to the significance of character development, we cover how Thunderbolts shows us a little more than the last few MCU movies.
In this episode we delve into Ryan Coogler's new vampire film, Sinners. We explore Coogler's departure from conventional storytelling, discuss the film's allegory on art and commerce, and dissect the intricate performances, especially highlighting Michael B. Jordan's dual role and Delroy Lindo's masterful acting. We also debate the necessity of the film's multiple endings and reflect on the genre elements that make this film a remarkable piece.
In this episode we discuss the latest film by Alex Garland, which is co-directed and co-written with retired Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza. The movie recounts real events from Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006. We delve into its character development and its portrayal of military operations. We get into the emotional intensity of the storytelling and why this may not be a “war film”.
In this episode we dive deep into Steven Soderbergh’s latest project 'Black Bag.' The conversation extends to the storytelling prowess of screenwriter David Koepp, the complexities of character development, and the nuances of the film's cinematography and editing. We also touch on other upcoming movies from directors like Paul Thomas Anderson and Spike Lee, and examine performances by Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett.
Join us for a special episode of Actor and the Engineer where we break down our top 5 films of the year! From directing debuts to unexpected thrillers, and Oscar-worthy performances, we cover it all.
In this episode we discuss our picks for the major Oscar categories such as Adapted Screenplay, Original Screenplay, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Picture. We debate potential winners, personal favorites, and possible surprises, analyzing performances from movies like ‘Anora', 'The Brutalist', 'A Complete Unknown', and more.
In this episode we discuss the Iranian film 'Seed of the Sacred Fig.' Recommended by frequent guest Justin Arner, this movie intrigued us with its compelling story, We delve into the film's production, which was conducted in secret due to its critical stance against the Iranian government. The conversation also covers the complexities of the characters, particularly the family dynamics and the cultural constraints depicted in the film.
In this episode we delve into an in-depth discussion about Nickel Boys, directed and co-written by RaMell Ross. We explore the film’s narrative style, and the powerful storytelling derived from its poignant backdrop. We also discuss the technical aspects of filming, and the thematic depth portrayed by the actors, particularly Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. We get into speculations about the film's Oscar nominations and the impact of its crucial scenes.
In this episode we explore Brady Corbet's film 'The Brutalist.' The film centers around an architect from Budapest who survives a concentration camp and moves to the United States to rebuild his life. They discuss their impressions, emotional reactions, and the film's intricate details. They also touch on the performances by the cast, including Adrian Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce, and examine the film's unique visual and narrative style.
In this episode we dive deep into the Bob Dylan biopic, analyzing the film's approach to the music icon's life. We reflect on the unique narrative style, the performances, and the direction by James Mangold. We also explore how the film's portrayal of Dylan's music and persona may introduce new fans to the legendary artist's work.
In this episode we dive into Robert Eggers' contemporary take on the classic Dracula tale, Nosferatu. We discuss the film's homage to the 1922 F.W. Murnau film, its modern cinematic techniques, and the chilling performances by Lily Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, and Bill Skarsgård. Paul also shares his recent trip to Prague, where the movie was filmed, adding a personal touch with anecdotes about the city's Christmas markets and his own unsettling dreams. Tune in for a deep analysis of the film's cinematography, editing, and the passionate work of the cast and crew.
In this episode Paul announces his exciting new role as a director, co-directing a play with Heather Miles. The discussion then ventures into Paul's experiences and the learning curve in directing. Then we get into a detailed critique of 'Gladiator 2,' discussing characters, plot, CGI elements, and specific performances. We also touch upon other movies like 'Napoleon' and explore the intricacies of big-budget filmmaking and character development.
In this episode we delve into 'The Outrun,' starring Saoirse Ronan. Paul explains how he stumbled upon the film on IMDb and why he was drawn to it. We discuss the film's portrayal of addiction, highlighting Nora Fingscheid's direction and the non-linear storytelling, which effectively represents the protagonist's struggles with alcoholism. We also analyze Saoirse Ronan's compelling performance and the technical choices made in the film, including the use of hair color to denote time shifts. We talk about the film's subtle yet powerful storytelling and praise its non-judgmental approach to difficult subjects.
This week we get into the most recent Palme 'dOr winner, Anora. We discuss unexpected elements in the movie, and analyze its powerful performances and distinct storytelling. The conversation explores the themes, characters, and narrative twists that make this film stand out, with a special focus on the intricate dynamics between the characters and the strong, often complex, women portrayed. The episode also touches upon the filmmaking techniques and independent spirit of director Sean Baker, praising his ability to create compelling and ground-breaking cinema.
In this episode we discuss Ralph Fiennes' portrayal of a Cardinal involved in selecting the next Pope, and look at themes of faith, politics, and human flaws within the Catholic Church. We also explore the implications of the film's surprising ending and its reflection on modern societal issues. Join us as we dissect the directing choices, performances, and the intricate layers of this thought-provoking film.
In this episode, we dive deep into Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 masterpiece 'Rear Window'. We explore the film's unique visual storytelling, examining Hitchcock's innovative use of camera techniques. We discuss the film's suspenseful elements, character dynamics, Grace Kelly's standout performance, and the socio-cultural context of the 1950s. Reflecting on modern perspectives, we compare 'Rear Window' with other Hitchcock classics and contemporary films, analyzing how its themes of voyeurism align with today's social media culture. Tune in as we unravel why 'Rear Window' remains a timeless example of cinematic ingenuity.
