The Filmlings: Recent Episodes
The Filmlings
Long-time friends Alex Geringer and Jonathan Satchell sit down each month and analyze the intersections of cinema to find out what makes great films great.
The last of the Cahiers du Cinéma critics-turned-directors to discuss is Jacques Rivette. Alex and Jonathan take a look at his films Paris Belongs to Us (1961), L'amour fou (1969), and Céline and Julie Go Boating (1974) and discuss Rivette's obsession with the individual aspects of cinema, his blend of cinematic instinct and collaborative improvisation, and how letting go and having fun resulted in his most popular film.
Skip to:
- (38:30) – Paris Belongs to Us
- (1:02:32) – L'Amour fou
- (1:26:45) – Celine and Julie Go Boating
- (1:49:28) – Overall
- (2:03:31) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
Stay tuned for a new series about tragedy films when we return in July!
For more information, visit the blog:https://thefilmlings.com/2024/05/31/rivette/
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
One of the less well-known of the Cahiers contributors, but also one of the first to break into directing, Claude Chabrol is the subject of this week's deep dive in which Alex and Jonathan talk about his films Le beau Serge (1958), Les cousins (1959), and Les bonnes femmes (1960). We discuss Chabrol's role in getting the French New Wave off the ground as a movement, the way he uses typical genre techniques to tell personal stories, and why Chabrol could be the perfect place to start if you're trying to get into French New Wave cinema.
Skip to:
- (33:44) – Le beau Serge
- (53:14) – Les cousins
- (1:12:16) – Les bonnes femmes
- (1:25:15) – Overall
- (1:33:28) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Paris Belongs to Us (1961)
- L'amour fou (1969)
- Celine and Julie Go Boating (1974)
Episode correction: Destiny (1921) was directed by Fritz Lang, not F. W. Murnau, but the point stands. You can hear our discussion of Destiny* on Episode 42. Legendary Lang.
For more information, visit the blog:https://thefilmlings.com/2024/05/03/chabrol/
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
François Truffaut, known as "the destroyer of French cinema" during his time as a critic, is the focal point of this episode and the turning point of our series on the French New Wave. Alex and Jonathan discuss three of his many films, Shoot the Piano Player (1960), Jules et Jim (1962), and Day for Night (1973), and talk about the origins and intentions of the French New Wave, Truffaut's love for American genre films, and how he aims to make and watch films which express the emotional experiences of filmmaking itself.Skip to:(33:44) – Shoot the Piano Player(53:14) – Jules and Jim(1:12:16) – Day for Night(1:25:15) – Overall(1:33:28) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
Le Beau Serge (1958)
Les Cousins (1959)
Les bonnes femmes (1960)
For more information, visit the blog:https://thefilmlings.com/2024/04/12/truffaut
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Author, critic, teacher, moralist, and editor of Cahiers du Cinema, Éric Rohmer is this month's featured director from the French New Wave. Alex and Jonathan look at three of the six films Rohmer directed based on a series of his own short stories called the "Moral Tales" – My Night at Maud's (1969), Claire's Knee (1970), and Love in the Afternoon (1972). We discuss Rohmer's literary approach to filmmaking, the ways he builds multi-dimensional characters through extensive dialogue, and his preference for the "invisible camera" as opposed to the self-aware methods of some of his fellow French New Wave directors.
Skip to:
(32:12) – My Night at Maud's
(1:02:31) – Claire's Knee
(1:18:51) – Love in the Afternoon
(1:37:35) – Overall
(1:57:44) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
Shoot the Piano Player (1960)
Jules and Jim (1962)
Day for Night (1973)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.com/2024/03/01/rohmer
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion: https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
As we begin our dive into the directors of the French New Wave, Alex and Jonathan take a look at one of the primary disrupters from this heavily disruptive period of cinema history, the singular Jean-Luc Godard. Through three of his classic films – Vivre sa vie (1962), Band of Outsiders (1964), and Pierrot le Fou (1965) – we discuss Godard's place in the New Wave, the ways he was influenced by both classic film and literature, and how he later began to transcend his influences to reinvent his own art and use of the medium time after time.
Skip to:
(38:22) – Vivre sa vie
(1:11:25) – Band of Outsiders
(1:35:51) – Pierrot le Fou
(1:54:36) – Overall
(2:14:29) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
My Night at Maud's (1969)
Claire's Knee (1970)
Love in the Afternoon (1972)
For more information, visit the blog:https://thefilmlings.com/2024/02/02/godard
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
For the final episode of the fairy tale series, Alex and Jonathan take a look at three films that transpose classic fairy tale stories onto the setting of the modern day: The Red Shoes (1948), Ponyo (2008), and Undine (2020). We discuss how fairy tale elements can help us look at the ordinary parts of life with a new appreciation, how the form and style of a film affects the perception of the magical elements, and ways to incorporate the unknown into modern storytelling.Skip to:
- (08:58) – The Red Shoes
- (27:59) – Ponyo
- (54:53) – Undine
- (1:10:37) – Overall
- (1:20:24) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
In January we'll be starting a new series all about the French New Wave!
For more information, visit the blog:https://thefilmlings.com/2023/11/24/modern-fairy-tales/
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Today Alex and Jonathan look at three of the common ways that fairy tales are modified from their original setting to fit various modern sensibilities. We talk about the fairy tale mashup through the lens of Shrek (2001), the science fiction angle via A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001), and the misunderstood villain as portrayed in Maleficent (2014). We also discuss how to expand on and subvert fairy tale themes based on a common story bank, the need for strong creative and directorial vision, and the pitfalls of using fairy tales as a shortcut to audience appeal.
Skip to:
- (6:15) – Shrek
- (35:01) – A.I. Artificial Intelligence
- (59:23) – Maleficent
- (1:22:06) – Overall
- (1:24:33) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- The Red Shoes (1948)
- Ponyo (2008)
- Undine (2020)
For more information, visit the blog:https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2023/10/27/fairy-tales-with-a-twist
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
For as long as fairy tales have been recorded there has been a debate about whether or not they should be modified for children, so today Alex and Jonathan take up the negative side of the discussion with a look at three films with fairy tale elements that are not Disney's idea of kid-friendly: Beauty and the Beast (1946), Ugetsu (1957), Donkey Skin (1970). We discuss the history of fairy tales being told to children, how tone can compensate for unsavory elements of fairy tales without expurgating them, and where the boundaries of fairy tales and ghost stories touch.
Skip to:
- (14:47) – Beauty and the Beast
- (37:25) – Ugetsu
- (53:19) – Donkey Skin
- (1:12:34) – Overall
- (1:19:45) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Shrek (2001)
- A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
- Maleficent (2014)
For more information, visit the blog:https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2023/09/23/not-for-kids/
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
When it comes to fairy tales on film, the elephant in the room has a name: Disney. So today Alex and Jonathan go through the history of fairy tale films as told by the Walt Disney Animation Studios, starting with the first feature length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), through the "Disney Renaissance" with Beauty and the Beast (1991), and up to the modern runaway hit Frozen (2013). We discuss Disney as a monolith in the modern fairy tale storytelling landscape, the evolution of animation techniques and technology over time, and how to effectively incorporate the element of eucatastrophe into storytelling.
Skip to:
- (20:55) – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- (44:12) – Beauty and the Beast
- (1:07:52) – Frozen
- (1:39:04) – Overall
- (1:50:44) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Beauty and the Beast (1946)
- Ugetsu (1956)
- Donkey Skin (1970)
For more information, visit the blog:https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2023/09/01/disney
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
To kick off our new series about fairy tales in cinema, Alex and Jonathan do a deep dive into three adaptations of the story of Pinocchio: Pinocchio (1940), Pinocchio (2019), and Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022). We discuss the history of fairy tales, the variations of focus in each of these adaptations, and how fantasy is perceived and experienced through a variety of cinematic media.
Skip to:
- (28:32) – Pinocchio (1940)
- (51:34) – Pinocchio (2019)
- (1:13:59) – Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio
- (1:41:20) – Overall
- (1:49:54) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
- Beauty and the Beast (1991)
- Frozen (2013)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2023/7/28/pinocchio
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
To wrap up our Westerns 101 series, Alex and Jonathan take a look at the current state of the western genre through Rango (2011), Slow West (2015), and Hell or High Water (2016). We talk about ways to take the tropes of an established genre and exaggerate them for comedic effect, how to take the setting of the west and present a story with modern sensibilities, and how the themes of the classic west can be transposed on the modern day.Skip to:
- (11:40) – Rango
- (35:00) – Slow West
- (51:03) – Hell or High Water
- (1:11:52) – Overall
- (1:25:14) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
After a break in June we'll be back in July with
- Pinocchio (1940)
- Pinocchio (2019)
- Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2023/05/24/modern-west
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
A huge portion of the modern idea of what a western is can be traced back to an Italian director with an appreciation for samurai films, Sergio Leone. Today Alex and Jonathan look at his influence on the spaghetti western sub-genre with For a Few Dollars More (1965), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), Duck, You Sucker! (1971). We discuss how Leone uses backstory and pacing to build tension, the specific tropes and identifiers of the spaghetti westerns, and the increasing scale of the themes that underlie the common elements.Skip to:
- (21:18) – For a Few Dollars More
- (47:21) – Once Upon a Time in the West
- (1:04:38) – Duck, You Sucker!
- (1:21:46) – Overall
- (1:40:48) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Rango (2011)
- Slow West (2015)
- Hell or High Water (2016)
For more information, visit the blog:https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2023/04/26/leone
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
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 the parallels between chanbara and western films, the ways samurai have been mythologized in similar ways to old west gunslingers, and the construction and deconstruction of the ideals of that mythology.
Skip to:
- (10:01) – Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto
- (34:05) – Sanjuro
- (58:45) – The Sword of Doom
- (1:18:04) – Overall
- (1:26:40) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions
- For a Few Dollars More (1965)
- Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
- Duck, You Sucker! (1971)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2023/03/01/ford
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
When discussing the history of the Western genre, there is no escaping the name or work of John Ford, so today Alex and Jonathan dive in to three of Ford's landmark films: My Darling Clementine (1946), The Searchers (1956), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962). We talk about the ways Western films elevate actual historical events to the level of mythology, the themes and tropes that are presented and deconstructed through Ford's films, and how Ford uses film to pull back the mythological curtain of his own early films in the genre.
Skip to:
- (12:47) – My Darling Clementine
- (44:36) – The Searchers
- (1:04:27) – The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
- (1:20:38) – Overall
- (1:30:56) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto (1954)
- Sanjuro (1962)
- The Sword of Doom (1966)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2023/03/01/ford
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
To kick off a new series of episodes that will give an overview of the history of the western genre, Alex and Jonathan start off by talking about three early western films from the pre-sound era: The Testing Block (1920), Sky High (1922), and The Iron Horse (1924). We discuss the development of both the themes and the action of the western genre, how the early westerns lacked many of the common tropes we expect in westerns today, and how John Ford set himself apart early as one of the great western directors.
Skip to:
- (19:34) – The Testing Block
- (44:30) – Sky High
- (58:36) – The Iron Horse
- (1:25:26) – Overall
- (1:36:17) – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- My Darling Clementine (1946)
- The Searchers (1956)
- The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2023/02/01/silent-westerns
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
For the winter wrap-up episode to close out the year, Alex and Jonathan talk about four films that focus on the ways that people have to survive in freezing and desperate situations: Touching the Void (2003), The Grey (2011), Everest (2015), and Arctic (2018). We discuss ways to tell a true story through documentary and historical reenactment, as well as how fictional survival stories can use theme to varying degrees.
Skip to:
- 9:32 – Touching the Void
- 27:52 – The Grey
- 39:29 – Everest
- 1:10:26 – Arctic
- 1:27:23 – Overall
- 1:34:07 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
Stay tuned for Season 7!
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2022/12/21/icepod
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Find more info about the upcoming episode on The December Marquee:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2022/11/30/december-22/
Join us on Discord to keep up with the discussion throughout the month:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
From the very first photographs of motion, horses have been integrated with the cinema, so today Alex and Jonathan talk about different ways horses can be used to drive a story in The Black Stallion (1979), Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002), Seabiscuit (2003), and War Horse (2011). We discuss horses as both thematic metaphors and characterizations, what makes them so compelling to watch on film, and ultimately how horses reflect and amplify the virtues or vices of the human characters.
Skip to:
- 13:42 – The Black Stallion
- 31:56 – Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
- 50:12 – Seabiscuit (50:12)
- 1:10:39 – War Horse
- 1:29:27 – Overall
- 1:35:02 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Touching the Void (2003)
- The Grey (2011)
- Everest (2015)
- Arctic (2018)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2022/11/23/horses
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Find more info about the upcoming episode on The November Marquee.
Join us on Discord to keep up with the discussion throughout the month:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
To fill some time while Alex and Jonathan are on break, we're releasing a commentary track for Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) which was recorded in 2018. Going scene-by-scene through the extended edition of the film allows us to break down some of the details and nuances of the filmmaking techniques, as well as giving plenty of time for nerdy lore discussions and behind the scenes trivia.
Note: The silences in the audio have been condensed to make it play better as a podcast. If you want to download the actual commentary to listen in real time with the film, check out our Patreon.
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion: https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
This month we'll be on break, but we have a special episode for October to fill the gap so stay tuned!
Taking a step behind the curtain of classic movie magic, today Alex and Jonathan discuss the techniques and creatures brought to the screen by VFX pioneer Ray Harryhausen in Mighty Joe Young (1949), The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958), Jason and the Argonauts (1963), and Clash of the Titans (1981). We discuss the evolution of the Dynamation and Dynarama processes, the ways that his techniques influenced the effects that ended up surpassing his own, and where Dynamation might still fit in the modern cinema landscape.
Skip to:
- 15:39 – Mighty Joe Young
- 37:01 – The 7th Voyage of Sinbad
- 51:43 – Jason and the Argonauts
- 1:01:02 – Clash of the Titans
- 1:15:21 – Overall
- 1:38:58 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Commentary track for The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2022/09/28/harryhausen
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Find more info about the upcoming episode onThe September Marquee.
Join us on Discord to keep up with the discussion throughout the month:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
We are all interested in the future, which is why in this episode Alex and Jonathan take a look at some prominent entries into the time travel sub-genre of science fiction, specifically: Time After Time (1979), Back to the Future (1985), Groundhog Day (1993), and Tenet (2020). We discuss the various mechanisms for implementing time travel into a plot, how the device does or doesn't influence the deeper levels of the story, and how treating the details of time travel too seriously or too loosely might detract from the overall effect of the story.
Skip to:
- 7:37 – Time After Time
- 25:21 – Back to the Future
- 45:38 – Groundhog Day
- 1:05:05 – Tenet
- 1:33:49 – Overall
- 1:49:45 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Mighty Joe Young (1949)
- The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
- Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
- Clash of the Titans (1981)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2022/09/07/time-travel
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Find more info about the upcoming episode on The August Marquee.
Join us on Discord to keep up with the discussion throughout the month:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Another legend of Hollywood's Golden Age is the spotlight for this episode as Alex and Jonathan talk about some of the classic works of Otto Preminger: Laura (1944), Bonjour Tristesse (1958), Anatomy of a Murder (1959), and Bunny Lake is Missing (1965). We discuss how Preminger builds character driven narrative through visuals, his real and perceived image as a directorial tyrant, and how he stacks up against some of his contemporaries.
Skip to:
- 7:29 – Laura
- 24:43 – Bonjour Tristesse
- 43:54 – Anatomy of a Murder
- 59:02 – Bunny Lake is Missing
- 1:16:50 – Overall
- 1:24:59 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Time After Time (1979)
- Back to the Future (1985)
- Groundhog Day (1993)
- Tenet (2020)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2022/07/27/preminger
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Find more info about the upcoming episode on The July Marquee.
Join us on Discord to keep up with the discussion throughout the month:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Sit back and enjoy the ride as Alex and Jonathan talk through the road-trip style films of Abbas Kiarostami in Where Is the Friend's House? (1987), And Life Goes On (1992), Through the Olive Trees (1994), and Taste of Cherry (1997). We discuss the way Kiarostami blends truth and fiction, how he uses long takes to provoke deeper thought from the audience, and the detailed attention he pays to the way people interact with their environment and each other.
Skip to:
- 7:56 – Where Is the Friend's House?
- 24:33 – And Life Goes On
- 42:19– Through the Olive Trees
- 55:24 – Taste of Cherry
- 1:15:53 – Overall
- 1:31:54 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Laura (1944)
- Bonjour Tristesse (1958)
- Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
- Bunny Lake is Missing (1965)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2022/06/29/kiarostami
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Find more info about the upcoming episode on The June Marquee.
Join us on Discord to keep up with the discussion throughout the month:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
This month Alex and Jonathan fly to a mythical Nordic world and discuss the recent animated trilogy How to Train Your Dragon (2010), How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019). We discuss a brief history of dragons, ways to incorporate high stakes and family into children's movies, and adapting a sprawling fantasy world from book to screen.
Skip to:
- 16:28 – How to Train Your Dragon
- 38:56 – How to Train Your Dragon 2
- 51:36 – How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
- 1:01:44 – Overall
- 1:10:32 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Where Is the Friend's House? (1987)
- And Life Goes On (1992)
- Through the Olive Trees (1994)
- Taste of Cherry (1997)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2022/06/01/httyd
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Find more info about the upcoming episode on The May Marquee.
Join us on Discord to keep up with the discussion throughout the month:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
When it comes to acting, few names loom as large in the recent history of stage or screen as that of Laurence Olivier. Alex and Jonathan discuss his contributions to the film medium through his roles in Wuthering Heights (1939), Rebecca (1940), Richard III (1955), and Marathon Man (1976). We talk about his growth as a performer, his interactions with leading directors from various periods of film history as well as his own merits as a director, and his impact on the acting profession for anyone following in his footsteps.
Skip to:
- 19:53 – Wuthering Heights
- 35:44 – Rebecca
- 52:40 – Richard III
- 1:12:39 – Marathon Man
- 1:26:24 – Overall
- 1:34:11 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2022/04/27/olivier
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Find more info about the upcoming episode on The April Marquee.
Join us on Discord to keep up with the discussion throughout the month:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
The epic drama and action of director John Woo carries us away this month as Alex and Jonathan talk about The Killer (1989), Hard Boiled (1992), Face/Off (1997), and Red Cliff (2008). We talk about his pioneering of the "Honorable Bloodshed" genre, his distinct stylistic and thematic trademarks, and his continuing legacy on many modern directors and content creators.
Skip to:
- 8:22 – The Killer
- 23:18 – Hard Boiled
- 33:49 – Face/Off
- 50:35 – Red Cliff
- 1:12:44 – Overall
- 1:22:46 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Wuthering Heights (1939)
- Rebecca (1940)
- Richard III (1955)
- Marathon Man (1976)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2022/03/23/woo
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Find more info about the upcoming episode on The March Marquee.
Join us on Discord to keep up with the discussion throughout the month:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Watch your back because in this episode Alex and Jonathan, talk about the history of American gangster films through four classic and contemporary tales within the genre: Scarface (1932), Angels with Dirty Faces (1938), Scarface (1983), and Goodfellas (1990). We discuss the origins of gangster stories being pulled from the contemporary headlines, how the genre was affected by the strict regulations under the production code, and the resurgence of the genre through the American New Wave.
Skip to:
- 11:39 – Scarface (1932)
- 41:40 – Angels with Dirty Faces
- 1:00:18 – Scarface (1983)
- 1:19:09 – Goodfellas
- 1:37:44 – Overall
- 1:49:41 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- The Killer (1989)
- Hard Boiled (1992)
- Face/Off (1997)
- Red Cliff (2008)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2022/02/23/gangsters
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Find more info about the upcoming episode on The February Marquee.
Join us on Discord to keep up with the discussion throughout the month:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Kicking off season 6 of the podcast, Alex and Jonathan take a look at the films and careers of two oft-paired star performers: Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. We look at their films The Gay Divorcee (1934), Shall We Dance (1937), and The Barkleys of Broadway (1949), and discuss the history of each performer, the mesmerizing quality of watching performance talent on film, and the evolving taste and interests of audiences over time.
Skip to:
- 16:04 – The Gay Divorcee
- 41:42 – Shall We Dance
- 57:23 – The Barkleys of Broadway
- 1:17:43 – Overall
- 1:44:48 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Scarface (1932)
- Angels with Dirty Faces (1938)
- Scarface (1983)
- Goodfellas (1990)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2022/01/26/rogers-astaire
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Find more info about the upcoming episode on The January Marquee.
Join us on Discord to keep up with the discussion throughout the month:
https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
To wrap up Season 5, of the podcast Alex and Jonathan talk about another one of the hard-working directors of Hollywood's Golden Age, William Wyler. We're looking at four of his post-war films, The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), Roman Holiday (1953), Ben-Hur (1959), and The Collector (1965) and discussing how Wyler's war experience helped him craft intimate drama involving veterans, his iconic deep-focus visual style, and the extensive range of genres he was able to work in.
Skip to:
- 17:57 – The Best Years of Our Lives
- 50:06 – Roman Holiday
- 1:05:28 – Ben-Hur
- 1:21:12 – The Collector
- 1:34:09 – Overall
- 1:37:34 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- The Gay Divorcee (1934)
- Shall We Dance (1937)
- The Barkleys of Broadway (1949)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2021/12/22/wyler/
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Today Alex and Jonathan ask "How did Billy do it?" as we dive into the work and career of Golden Age director Billy Wilder through his films Sunset Boulevard (1950), Stalag 17 (1953), Sabrina (1954), and The Apartment (1960). We discuss the way Wilder turns a mirror back on Hollywood, the influence Ernst Lubitsch and early Hollywood had on his filmmaking, and his constant pushing of the envelope against the censors of the time.
Skip to:
- 13:21 – Sunset Boulevard
- 40:04 – Stalag 17
- 54:45 – Sabrina
- 1:06:58 – The Apartment
- 1:24:55 – Overall
- 1:35:53 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
- Roman Holiday (1953)
- Ben-Hur (1959)
- The Collector (1965)
Join us for ongoing film discussions on Discord: https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
One of the masters of world cinema, Japanese director Masaki Kobayashi, is the focus of today's episode as Alex and Jonathan talk through his epic trilogy The Human Condition I: No Greater Love (1959), The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity (1959), and The Human Condition III: A Soldier's Prayer (1961), as well as his stylistic ghost story anthology Kwaidan (1964). We discuss the cultural implications of making The Human Condition, the trajectory of Kobayashi's career, and his use of tradition and style in Kwaidan.
Skip to:
- 11:38 – The Human Condition I: No Greater Love
- 38:54 – The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity
- 53:07 – The Human Condition III: A Soldier's Prayer
- 1:10:02 – Kwaidan
- 1:28:40 – Overall
- 1:33:55 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: * Sunset Boulevard (1950) * Stalag 17 (1953) * Sabrina (1954) * The Apartment (1960)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2021/10/27/kobayashi/
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
From skateboard videos to high-budget science-fiction drama, today Alex and Jonathan track the career of Spike Jonze through his feature films Being John Malkovich (1999), Adaptation. (2002), Where the Wild Things Are (2009), and Her (2013). We talk about the building of themes and structure in meta filmmaking, what makes interesting protagonists, and the variety of projects and opportunities that Jonze contributes to.
Skip to:
- 12:25 – Being John Malkovich
- 28:58 – Adaptation.
- 39:56 – Where the Wild Things Are
- 1:00:03 – Her
- 1:23:21 – Overall
- 1:30:52 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- The Human Condition I: No Greater Love (1959)
- The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity (1959)
- The Human Condition III: A Soldier's Prayer (1961)
- Kwaidan (1964)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2021/09/29/jonze/
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
The combined creative talents of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller is one of the biggest forces in the animation industry at the moment, so today Alex and Jonathan take a look at four films they have had a hand in bringing to the big screen: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009), 21 Jump Street (2012), The Lego Movie (2014), and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). We discuss how Lord and Miller use their knowledge of popular story tropes to create comedy, what makes comedy age well or not, and what's in store for the duo in the future.
Skip to:
- 6:55 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
- 29:20 – 21 Jump Street
- 44:05 – The Lego Movie
- 1:01:47 – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
- 1:28:29 – Overall
- 1:45:47 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Being John Malkovich (1999)
- Adaptation. (2002)
- Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
- Her (2013)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2021/09/01/lord-and-miller/
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
One of the greatest physical performers of recent filmmaking, Jackie Chan is the focus of today's discussion as Alex and Jonathan look at Drunken Master (1978), Police Story (1985), Police Story 3: Supercop (1992), and The Foreigner (2017). We talk about Jackie Chan's journey finding his on-screen persona in the wake of Bruce Lee, the innovation and dedication that he put into his craft of acting and stunt performance, and the legacy he leaves on cinema even as his career isn't quite over.
Skip to:
- 16:01 – Drunken Master
- 31:29 – Police Story
- 48:54 – Police Story 3: Supercop
- 59:24 – The Foreigner
- 1:11:02 – Overall
- 1:17:27 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
- 21 Jump Street (2012)
- The Lego Movie (2014)
- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2021/07/28/jackie
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Alex and Jonathan take to the open seas today and follow the films and life of French explorer and documentarian Jacques Cousteau. We're talking about his documentaries The Silent World (1956), World Without Sun (1964), Voyage to the Edge of the World (1976), and the more recent biopic of his life The Odyssey (2016). We discuss the early foibles of Cousteau's adventures, the trail he blazed for modern conservationism, and his lasting impact on modern science-focused entertainment.
Skip to:
- 17:10 – The Silent World
- 30:58 – World Without Sun
- 43:20 – Voyage to the Edge of the World
- 55:20 – The Odyssey
- 1:08:27 – Overall
- 1:17:23 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Drunken Master (1978)
- Police Story (1985)
- Police Story 3: Supercop (1992)
- The Foreigner (1978)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2021/06/30/cousteau/
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Highlighting one of the most innovative animation studios producing content today, Alex and Jonathan look at the four feature films produced by Irish studio Cartoon Saloon: The Secret of Kells (2009), Song of the Sea (2014), The Breadwinner (2017), and Wolfwalkers (2020). We discuss the unique art style, the various cultural influences, and the ongoing work and legacy of Cartoon Saloon.
Skip to:
- 5:23 – The Secret of Kells
- 24:23 – Song of the Sea
- 37:24 – The Breadwinner
- 52:17 – Wolfwalkers
- 1:07:33 – Overall
- 1:23:39 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- The Silent World (1956)
- World Without Sun (1964)
- Voyage to the Edge of the World (1976)
- The Odyssey (2016)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2021/06/02/cartoon-saloon
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Travelling back to the Golden Age, Alex and Jonathan take a look at one of the early masters of the budding film medium, Ernst Lubitsch, through his films Ninotchka (1939), The Shop Around the Corner (1940), To Be or Not to Be (1942), and Heaven Can Wait (1943). We discuss Lubitsch's history as a German immigrant before WWII, the way he made films dealing with controversial subject matter during the Production Code, and the lasting influence of the Lubitsch Touch.
Skip to:
13:55 – Ninotchka33:26 – The Shop Around the Corner52:39 – To Be or Not to Be1:06:45 – Heaven Can Wait1:26:28 – Overall
1:43:41 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- The Secret of Kells (2009)
- Song of the Sea (2014)
- The Breadwinner (2017)
- Wolfwalkers (2020)
For more information, visit the blog:
https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2021/04/28/lubitsch/
Join our weekly movie parties on Discord: https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
We all know those movies that are so bad you just have to watch them, and today Alex and Jonathan are talking through the history of these terribly good films with Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957), Birdemic: Shock and Terror (2010), Sharknado (2013), and The VelociPastor (2018). We discuss the role intention plays in the final product of art, different approaches to a limitation of resources, and what draws us to bad movies in the first place.
Skip to:
- 11:22 – Plan 9 From Outer Space
- 31:03 – Birdemic
- 46:35 – Sharknado
- 1:06:29 – The VelociPastor
- 1:30:50 – Overall
- 1:40:17 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions
- Ninotchka (1939)
- The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
- To Be or Not to Be (1942)
- Heaven Can Wait (1943)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2021/03/31/sobaditsgood
Join our weekly movie parties on Discord: https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
For the first episode of season 5, Alex and Jonathan take a look at the many and on-going adaptations of the works of Jane Austen. The specific adaptations we'll be talking about are Sense and Sensibility (1995), Northanger Abbey (2007), Love & Friendship (2016), and Emma. (2020). We discuss the changing style of period pieces, adapting the novel format to film, and the lasting impact of Jane Austen's characters and stories on literature and film.
Skip to:
- 16:45 – Sense and Sensibility
- 37:56 – Northanger Abbey
- 46:49 – Love & Friendship
- 1:03:35 – Emma.
- 1:29:43 – Overall
- 1:37:01 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions:
- Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957)
- Birdemic: Shock and Terror (2010)
- Sharknado (2013)
- The VelociPastor (2018)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2021/03/03/austen
Join our weekly movie parties on Discord: https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF
Support the Show!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
To wrap up the fourth season of the Filmlings Podcast Alex and Jonathan take a look at three films taking different angles on the downfall of the world as we know it in 28 Days Later... (2002), Children of Men (2006), and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). We discuss apocalyptic worldbuilding, themes inherent to the apocalyptic subgenre, and various levels of complexity within the storytelling.
Skip to: 6:32 – 28 Days Later... 26:08 – Children of Men 50:18 – Mad Max: Fury Road 1:20:09 – Overall 1:28:16 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Season 5 coming February 2021
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/12/08/end-of-the-world
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
For the final installment of the Silver Screen Sports series Alex and Jonathan look at three documentaries that cover a range of sports: Tokyo Olympiad (1965), Hoop Dreams (1994), and Senna (2010). We discuss three different approaches to the creation of a documentary, the difference between fictional and non-fictional representation of sports, and the appeal of watching sport in any medium.
Skip to: 3:12 – Tokyo Olympiad 25:39 – Hoop Dreams 49:58 – Senna 1:07:02 – Overall 1:15:20 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: 28 Days Later… (2002) Children of Men (2006) Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/11/24/sport-doc/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
In another deep dive into a fairly narrow sub-genre, Alex and Jonathan crack the code on heist films by looking at Rififi (1955), Ocean's Eleven (1960), and Inception (2010). We talk about the origins and draw of heist films, the way the activity of a heist lends itself to storytelling, and how to modify the basic structure to add depth and heighten character development.
Skip to: 8:54 – Rififi 33:36 – Ocean's Eleven 46:59 – Inception 1:13:17 – Overall 1:24:39 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Tokyo Olympiad (1965) Hoop Dreams (1994) Senna (2010)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/11/10/heist/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
As a contrast to the majority of Indian film covered on the podcast so far, today Alex and Jonathan look at the works of Satyajit Ray in Pather Panchali (1955), Charulata (1964), and Nayak: The Hero (1966). We discuss what makes Ray stand out from other Indian films we’ve covered, how Ray is able to capture the specific and universal aspects of Indian life, and the importance of studying a broad range of stories.
Skip to: 7:46 – Pather Panchali 24:40 – Charulata 39:17 – Nayak: The Hero 58:44 – Overall 1:06:30 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Rififi (1955) Ocean's Eleven (1960) Inception (2010)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/10/27/satyajit/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
The Patrons voted on what contemporary female director we should talk about and the winner was Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay! So today Alex and Jonathan talk about her films Ratcatcher (1999), We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011), and You Were Never Really Here (2017). We discuss Ramsay's very personal and close-to-home debut feature, the themes of adolescence and mortality, and alternative filmmaker financing structures.
Skip to: 6:57 – Ratcatcher 31:56 – We Need to Talk About Kevin 1:00:13 – You Were Never Really Here 1:25:41 – Overall 1:37:29 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Pather Panchali (1955) Charulata (1964) Nayak: The Hero (1966)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/10/13/ramsay/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
In a long-time-coming episode, Alex and Jonathan talk about the two existing film adaptations of Elmore Leonard's short western story '3:10 to Yuma': 3:10 to Yuma (1957) and 3:10 to Yuma (2007). We discuss differences and similarities in the story between the two, ways the two films indicate changing cinematic sensibilities over fifty years, and how to respectfully remake existing material.
Skip to: 12:29 – 3:10 to Yuma (1957) 35:59 – 3:10 to Yuma (2007) 1:04:00 – Overall 1:14:59 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Ratcatcher (1999) We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) You Were Never Really Here (2017)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/09/29/yuma/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
One of the more behind-the-scenes members of the Monty Python group takes the spotlight today as Alex and Jonathan take a look at Terry Gilliam's "Imagination Trilogy": Time Bandits (1981), Brazil (1985), and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988). We talk about Gilliam's larger-than-life approach to fantasy, when his story structure lives up to the fantasy approach and when it doesn't, and his recurring struggle with creating films for various studios.
Skip to: 5:50 – Time Bandits 22:14 – Brazil 37:06 – The Adventures of Baron Munchausen 50:59 – Overall 1:04:00 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: 3:10 to Yuma (1957) 3:10 to Yuma (2007)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/09/15/gilliam/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
The seemingly small but poignant movement of the Taiwanese New Wave is in the spotlight today as Alex and Jonathan take a look at A City of Sadness (1989), Eat Drink Man Woman (1994), Yi Yi (2000). We discuss the atmospheric tone of the films, the introduction of humor to the second Taiwanese new wave, and the various family dramas depicted across these films.
Skip to: 5:17 – A City of Sadness 24:44 – Eat Drink Man Woman 40:52 – Yi Yi 1:10:04 – Overall 1:17:46 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Time Bandits (1981) Brazil (1985) The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/09/01/taiwanese-new-wave/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Following up on Episode 109 about team sports, Alex and Jonathan step into the ring and tackle three films about individual sports: Rocky (1976), Chariots of Fire (1981), and The Rider (2017). We discuss what makes an underdog story so powerful, when a sports movie falls short of being greater than the sum of its parts, and blending documentary and fiction to create a story about real inner conflict.
Skip to: 4:52 – Rocky 22:49 – Chariots of Fire 37:37 – The Rider 58:03 – Overall 1:04:27 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: A City of Sadness (1989) Eat Drink Man Woman (1995) Yi Yi (2000)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/08/18/individual-sports/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Our Patrons voted on which of the directors we touched on in our Season 1 World Tour we should do a deep dive on and the winner was the essential Japanese director Yasujirô Ozu. We look at his films Late Spring (1949), Floating Weeds (1959), and An Autumn Afternoon (1962). We talk about the common themes across Ozu's films, his use of poetic and transcendental filmmaking style, and Ozu's cinematic legacy that continues to this day.
Skip to: 12:00 – Late Spring 39:27 – Floating Weeds 1:00:28 – An Autumn Afternoon 1:15:00 – Overall 1:27:54 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Rocky (1976) Chariots of Fire (1981) The Rider (2017)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/08/04/ozu/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
The inexplicable draw towards the dark and twisted psyche of serial killers is the focus today as Alex and Jonathan talk about three films revolving around killers real and fictional, The Night of the Hunter (1955), The Silence of the Lambs (1991), and Zodiac (2007). We discuss elements that give depth to an otherwise sensational subject matter, the various portrayals of the legal process, and why we tend to be so infatuated with the darkest sides of humanity.
Skip to: 3:47 – The Night of the Hunter 27:01 – The Silence of the Lambs 45:27 – Zodiac 1:04:51 – Overall 1:10:31 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Late Spring (1949) Floating Weeds (1959) An Autumn Afternoon (1962)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/07/21/serial-killers/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Near the end of the American New Wave a group of filmmakers burst on Hollywood with a distinct style and they have since been named "The Movie Brats." Today Alex and Jonathan discuss three films from this group: Jaws (1975), Apocalypse Now (1979), The Untouchables (1987). We talk about how Golden Age Hollywood and the American New Wave impacted these films, the innovations brought to the table by the Brats, and how these directors pointed cinema to the current era of blockbusters.
Skip to: 6:44 – Jaws 36:29 – Apocalypse Now 56:58 – The Untouchables 1:16:59 – Overall 1:32:27 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Night of the Hunter (1955) The Silence of the Lambs (1991) Zodiac (2007)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/07/07/movie-brats/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Music and movies have always been linked, but today Jason Harden joins the show once again to talk with Alex and Jonathan about three films which detail the life of three modern music legends, What's Love Got to Do with It (1993), Ray (2004), and Love & Mercy (2014). We talk about when depicting a person's trauma goes too far, the appeal of seeing the creation of music on screen, and the importance of treating the narrative of real people's lives with a dose of Love and Mercy.
Skip to: 6:44 – What's Love Got to Do with It 31:11 – Ray 53:56 – Love & Mercy 1:27:09 – Overall 1:42:02 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Jaws (1975) Apocalypse Now (1979) The Untouchables (1987)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/06/23/music-biopics/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
From acting, to starting her own production company, to directing both film and television, Alex and Jonathan take a look at the extensive career of Ida Lupino in Hollywood's golden age through her work in High Sierra (1941), The Hitch-Hiker (1953), and The Trouble with Angels (1966). We discuss her popular acting persona as the femme fatale, her pioneering work in independent cinema, and the heart she brought to her later comedy work.
Skip to: 14:28 – High Sierra 29:20 – The Hitch-Hiker 49:41 – The Trouble with Angels 1:06:44 – Overall 1:12:06 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) Ray (2004) Love and Mercy (2014)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/06/09/lupino/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Dorothy Arzner is one of the largest names in the history of Hollywood's female directors, so today Alex and Jonathan look at the themes and relationships in her films Get Your Man (1927), Merrily We Go to Hell (1932), and Dance, Girl, Dance (1940). We talk about how romance differs in Arzner's films from other directors' work, how her films relate to the production code throughout her career, and ways her career has influenced directors and films to come.
Skip to: 9:16 – Get Your Man 32:47 – Merrily We Go to Hell 58:47 – Dance, Girl, Dance 1:21:17 – Overall 1:27:35 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: High Sierra (1942) The Hitch-Hiker (1953) The Trouble With Angels (1966)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/05/26/arzner/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Our Patrons voted on what silent film star we should cover and chose the great Buster Keaton! We look at three of his classic films: Sherlock Jr. (1924), The General (1926), The Cameraman (1928) and talk about the way Keaton melds comedy into various genres, hallmarks of Keaton's characters and techniques, and ways we still see his influence in modern entertainment.
Skip to: 9:02 – Sherlock Jr. 31:17 – The General 49:35 – The Cameraman 1:03:33 – Overall 1:15:51 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Get Your Man (1927) Merrily We Go to Hell (1932) Dance, Girl, Dance (1940)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/05/12/buster-keaton/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
To kick off a new mini-series of podcast episodes this season, Alex and Jonathan look at how various team sports are portrayed in the films Field of Dreams (1989), Remember the Titans (2000), and Invictus (2009). We discuss the ways sports are used in film to bring people together on various levels, the effectiveness of adding fantasy to sports movies, and what is needed to elevate a film out of the pit of cliches.
Skip to: 4:06 – Field of Dreams 32:01 – Remember the Titans 57:14 – Invictus 1:17:53 – Overall 1:28:14 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Sherlock Jr. (1924) The General (1926) The Cameraman (1928)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/04/28/team-sports/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
There haven't been a lot of movies about pandemics, yet, but today Alex and Jonathan take a look at the various ways they have been done in the past, specifically in Outbreak (1995), Contagion (2011), and Flu (2013). We talk about the ways pandemic movies suffer from having a defined genre, what they might look like in the future, and how our current pandemic is affecting the current state of filmmaking in the US.
Skip to: 4:55 – Outbreak 23:55 – Contagion 50:28 – Flu 1:11:13 – Overall 1:36:53 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Field of Dreams (1989) Remember the Titans (2000) Invictus (2009)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/04/14/pandemic-panic/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Friend of the podcast Aaron Johnson joins the show today to talk about three animated films from Europe about various animals: Watership Down (1978), The Plague Dogs (1982), and Felidae (1994). We discuss how animals are used to depict very mature thematic stories, the distinction between Martin Rosen's animation style and the classic Disney look, and ways American animation could incorporate darker thematic elements.
Skip to: 12:09 – Watership Down 35:11 – The Plague Dogs 59:00 – Felidae 1:14:50 – Overall 1:29:28 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Outbreak (1995) Contagion (2011) Flu (2013)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/03/31/brutal-beasts/
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Our Patrons recently voted on what two oft-paired actors we should cover and decided on Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan! Alex and Jonathan talk about the only three films starring the two: Joe Versus the Volcano (1990), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), and You've Got Mail (1998) and discuss the evolution of romantic comedies in the 90s, hallmarks of Nora Ephron films, and the performances of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan and Meg Ryan and Meg Ryan.
Skip to: 3:56 – Joe Versus the Volcano 25:52 – Sleepless in Seattle 48:48 – You've Got Mail 1:08:55 – Overall 1:28:05 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Watership Down (1978) The Plague Dogs (1982) Felidae (1994)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/03/17/hanks-ryan
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
As the WWII series comes to a close Alex and Jonathan take a very somber look at three documentaries looking back on the war — specifically in the areas of the Holocaust and the atomic bombing of Japan — in Night and Fog (1956), Shoah (1985), and White Light/Black Rain (2007). We discuss the different forms of storytelling voice across these films, the timely nature of their creation, and the importance of films of this nature existing at all after world-shaking events of any kind.
Skip to: 5:13 – Night and Fog 18:50 – Shoah 46:16 – White Light/Black Rain 1:03:33 – Overall 1:11:02 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Joe Versus the Volcano (1990) Sleepless in Seattle (1993) You've Got Mail (1998)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/03/03/wwii-reflection
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 drama films and war action films, and how drama films give us an intimate look into the lives and minds of those living through one of history's greatest tragedies.
Skip to: 4:36 – Paisan 25:04 – Army of Shadows 45:56 – Schindler's List 1:10:56 – Overall 1:21:00 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Night and Fog (1956) Shoah (1985) White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (2003)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/02/18/wwii-drama
Support the Show! Patreon: https://patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 different perspectives, ways that a film can raise philosophical questions while showing historical events, and the importance of war films for our historical consciousness.
Skip to: 4:36 – The Great Escape 23:54 – Come and See 39:42 – The Thin Red Line 1:02:38 – Overall 1:11:07 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Paisan (1946) Army of Shadows (1969) Schindler's List (1993)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/02/04/wwii-action
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
Moving from propaganda to three stories of the decision makers in WWII, Alex and Jonathan take a look at the bio pics 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 primarily be about recognizable figures.
Skip to: 8:36 - Patton 25:21 - The King's Speech 41:58 - Darkest Hour 1:00:36 - Overall 1:09:08 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Great Escape (1963) Come and See (1985) The Thin Red Line (1998)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/01/21/wwii-people-politics
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 about the importance of propaganda in forming an argument, ways that propaganda can backfire, and how propaganda has evolved post-WWII.
Skip to: 9:39 - Triumph of the Will 25:00 - Prelude to War 40:22 - Momotaro 52:26 - Overall 1:08:05 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Patton (1970) The King's Speech (2010) Darkest Hour (2017)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2020/01/07/wwii-propaganda
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 over time, and how Steven Spielberg was largely responsible for that.
Skip to: 5:24 - Gremlins 31:05 - Lethal Weapon 42:03 - Hook 58:19 - Overall 1:05:41 - Coming Attractions
Stay tuned for Season 4 in January!
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/12/10/not-christmas
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 that make a successful movie beyond the studio system, and the timeless appeal of tragic romance.
Skip to: 8:12 – Gone with the Wind 44:41 – Casablanca 1:03:48 – West Side Story 1:28:06 – Overall 1:35:51 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Gremlins (1984) Lethal Weapon (1987) Big (1988)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/11/26/youve-heard-this-one
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 films than most animated entertainment, the ways his animation differed from the Disney films of that time.
Skip to: 21:03 – The Secret of NIMH 44:02 – The Land Before Time 1:01:01 – Anastasia 1:19:13 – Overall 1:29:09 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Gone with the Wind (1939) Casablanca (1942) West Side Story (1961)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/11/12/bluth
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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.
Skip to: 8:37 – Halloween 32:03 – Escape from New York 49:03 – The Thing 1:13:09 – Overall 1:16:45 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Secret of NIMH (1982) The Land Before Time (1988) Anastasia (1997)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/10/29/carpenter
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 of her star power, and possible reasons why she's no longer quite as recognizable as other silent film stars like Charlie Chaplin.
Skip to: 17:37 – The Poor Little Rich Girl 36:33 – Sparrows 55:13 – Coquette 1:06:28 – Overall 1:14:54 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Halloween (1976) Escape from New York (1981) The Thing (1982)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/10/15/pickford
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 to tragedy, and her frequent difficulties working under Hollywood studios.
Skip to: 8:00 – A New Leaf 28:33 – Mikey and Nicky 52:28 – Ishtar 1:13:27 – Overall 1:19:04 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Poor Little Rich Girl (1917) Sparrows (1926) Coquette (1929)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/10/01/may
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 blends characters and themes, and various technical aspects of Huston's directing.
Skip to: 10:52 – The Treasure of the Sierra Madre 37:55 – The Asphalt Jungle 1:00:00 – The Man Who Would Be King 1:22:07 – Overall 1:34:10 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: A New Leaf (1971) Mikey and Nicky (1976) Ishtar (1987)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/09/17/huston
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 to create a successful b-movie, how a story changes with the addition of music, and how adaptation can breathe new life into otherwise forgotten media.
Skip to: 6:50 – The Little Shop of Horrors (1960) 34:02 – Little Shop of Horrors (1986) 1:02:24 – Overall 1:15:15 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) The Asphalt Jungle (1950) The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/09/03/little-shop
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 history of swashbuckling stories, common elements of the genre, and the place that swashbucklers have in modern storytelling.
Skip to: 10:54 – The Adventures of Robin Hood 32:15 – The Empire Strikes Back 59:02 – Pirates of the Caribbean 1:31:00 – Overall 1:42:21 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions VOTE NOW: https://www.patreon.com/posts/remakes-poll-28251638
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/08/20/swashbucklin
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 filmmaking for effect.
Skip to: 15:38 – Reservoir Dogs 38:57 – Inglourious Basterds 1:19:09 – The Hateful Eight 1:43:58 – Overall 1:52:40 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/08/06/tarantino
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 took advantage of the relaxed production codes, the introduction of auteur styles in American film, and how the American New Wave gave rise to the current state of blockbuster film.
Skip to: 13:37 – Bonnie and Clyde 30:40 – The French Connection 49:57 – The Deer Hunter 1:11:18 – Overall 1:25:20 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Reservoir Dogs (1992) Inglorious Basterds (2009) The Hateful Eight (2015)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/07/23/american-new-wave
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 subjects, and the ways she infuses her own personality and introspection into every film she makes.
Skip to: 7:40 – Le Bonheur 30:00 – The Gleaners & I 51:10 – Faces Places 1:07:32 – Overall 1:18:12 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Bonnie and Clyde (1967) The French Connection (1971) The Deer Hunter (1978)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/07/09/varda
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 sensibilities across his career.
EXTRA! EXTRA!
For more on Peter Jackson, we're offering a complete set of commentaries recorded by both Alex and Jonathan which cover the entire extended edition Lord of the Rings trilogy to anyone who donates at least the minimum contributions on our Patreon or Ko-fi accounts until the end of the 2019 season of the podcast!
Skip to: 6:28 – Bad Taste 27:32 – Heavenly Creatures 56:20 – They Shall Not Grow Old 1:14:30 – Overall 1:26:57 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Le Bonheur (1965) The Gleaners and I (2000) Faces Places (2017)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/06/25/jacksons-journey
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 Caudron (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 Rabbit, and how The Little Mermaid kicked off the Disney renaissance.
Skip to: 7:12 – The Black Cauldron 23:07 – Who Framed Roger Rabbit 39:55 – The Little Mermaid 1:06:05 – Overall 1:21:44 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Bad Taste (1987) Heavenly Creatures (1994) They Shall Not Grow Old (2019)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/06/11/disney-doesnt-die/
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 distinction between how we live and the values we try to pass to the next generation.
Skip to: 6:15 – The Royal Tenenbaums 27:48 – The Incredibles 54:37 – The Road 1:15:58 – Overall 1:23:56 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Black Cauldron (1986) Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) The Little Mermaid (1989)
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5YpTIzXka9w
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/05/28/family
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 encapsulate films in other genres.
Skip to: 6:37 – Lady Snowblood 27:20 – Memento 46:16 – The Revenant 1:10:56 – Overall 1:17:49 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) The Incredibles (2004) The Road (2009)
For more information visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/05/14/revenge
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 of neo-noir.
Skip to: 11:54 – The Long Goodbye 34:04 – L.A. Confidential 59:46 – Drive 1:22:19 – Overall 1:29:22 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Lady Snowblood (1973) Memento (2000) The Revenant (2015)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/04/30/neo-noir
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 in each film, and how she creates empathy for unsympathetic characters.
Skip to: 6:58 – The Virgin Suicides 35:12 – Lost in Translation 1:02:45 – The Beguiled 1:21:32 – Overall 1:29:35 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Long Goodbye (1973) L.A. Confidential (1997) Drive (2011)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/04/16/sofia-coppola
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 theme, and many behind the scenes anecdotes.
Skip to: 12:24 – Monty Python and the Holy Grail 37:33 – Life of Brian 1:00:29 – The Meaning of Life 1:18:06 – Overall 1:34:02 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Virgin Suicides (1999) Lost in Translation (2003) The Beguiled (2017)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/04/02/monty-python
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 first two, and the lasting legacy of the films in cinema history.
Skip to: 6:20 – The Godfather 44:57 – The Godfather: Part II 1:04:14 – The Godfather: Part III 1:22:56 – Overall 1:35:14 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) Life of Brian (1979) The Meaning of Life (1983)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/03/19/the-godfather
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 life and values, and how he blazed a trail for modern African American actors.
Skip to: 10:54 – A Raisin in the Sun 37:14 – A Patch of Blue 1:02:30 – In the Heat of the Night 1:25:54 – Overall 1:37:27 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Godfather (1972) The Godfather: Part II (1974) The Godfather: Part III (1990)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/03/05/poised-poitier
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 over time, and how a franchise can eventually fizzle out completely.
Skip to: 11:34 – The Pink Panther (1963) 34:16 – A Shot in the Dark 1:02:20 – The Pink Panther (2006) 1:21:56 – Overall 1:36:16 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: A Raisin in the Sun (1961) A Patch of Blue (1965) In the Heat of the Night (1967)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/02/19/pink-panther
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 monster films that the series became for many years, and how the modern iterations have attempted to bring the series back to life.
Skip to: 16:56 – Godzilla (1954) 38:24 – Godzilla vs. King Ghidora 1:03:06 – Godzilla (2014) 1:23:27 – Overall 1:46:06 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Pink Panther (1963) A Shot in the Dark (1964) The Pink Panther (2006)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/02/05/godzilla/
Support the Show! Patreon: patreon.com/thefilmlings Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 recent series of reboots takes themes from the original series and puts them in a modern context.
Skip to: 8:44 – Planet of the Apes (1968) 28:43 – Planet of the Apes (2001) 44:40 – Dawn of the Planet of the Apes 1:07:23 – Overall 1:28:16 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Godzilla (1954) Godzilla vs. King Ghidora (1991) Godzilla (2014)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/01/22/pota
Support the show! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFilmlings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 of the franchise, and how each portrayal of the character has changed his image in the public's imagination.
Skip to: 15:30 – From Russia With Love 34:48 – The Spy Who Loved Me 1:00:51 – Skyfall 1:20:11 – Overall 1:31:19 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Planet of the Apes (1968) Planet of the Apes (2001) Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2019/01/08/bond
Support the show! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFilmlings Ko-fi: https://Ko-fi.com/thefilmlings
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 of the story, and what makes the story so timeless.
We also give big announcements about season 3 of The Filmlings at the end of the episode!
Skip to: 9: 37 – A Christmas Carol (1951) 26:30 – Scrooged 39:52 – A Christmas Carol (2009) 1:04:05 – Overall 1:12:10 – Coming Attractions 1:16:18 – Announcements
Coming Attractions: From Russia with Love (1963) The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) Skyfall (2012)
For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/12/11/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 black.
Skip to: 8:05 – Blue 29:04 – White 40:23 – Red 59:44 – Overall 1:11:31 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: A Christmas Carol (1951) Scrooged (1988) A Christmas Carol (2009)
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3hDVVQuivgI
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/11/27/kolorowy-kieslowski
"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 representation of imagination.
Skip to: 5:59 – The Princess Bride 23:14 – Big Fish 40:52 – The Fall 58:26 – Overall 1:05:59 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Three Colors: Red (1993) Three Colors: White (1994) Three Colors: Blue (1994)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/11/13/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 roles, and how threads of Burton's current films can be found even in some of his earliest.
Skip to: 5:28 – Edward Scissorhands 16:52 – Sleepy Hollow 27:44 – Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street 47:14 – Overall 58:47 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Princess Bride (1987) Big Fish (2003) The Fall (2006)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/10/30/bloody-burton
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 legacy of this classic genre.
Skip to: 6:24 – The Maltese Falcon 24:51 – Double Indemnity 39:25 – Touch of Evil 1:05:23 – Overall 1:18:51 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Edward Scissorhands (1990) Sleepy Hollow (1999) Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/10/16/detectives-dames-deception
When it comes to post-sound era physical comedy, Jaques 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 able to convey specific gags in complexly choreographed wide shots.
Skip to: 7:04 – Monsieur Hulot's Holiday 22:25 – Playtime 42:49 – Trafic 57:34 – Overall 1:08:46 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Maltese Falcon (1941) Double Indemnity (1944) Touch of Evil (1958)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/10/02/tricky-tati
Alex and Jonathan dive into the history and variety of robot representation in film, specifically in 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.
Skip to: 6:55 – The Terminator 22:12 – The Iron Giant 38:59 – Ex Machina 1:00:26 – Overall 1:03:15 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Monsieur Hulot's Holiday (1953) Playtime (1967) Trafic (1971)
For more information, visit: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/09/18/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 reality and fantasy, and the specific use of color in their films.
Skip to: 12:04 – The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp 38:19 – A Matter of Life and Death 1:06:31 – Black Narcissus 1:23:34 – Overall 1:37:59 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Terminator (1984) The Iron Giant (1999) Ex Machina (2014)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/09/04/the-artsy-archers
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 actor, how the portrayal of Watson impacts our view of Holmes, and what makes Sherlock Holmes a character that continues to capture our imaginations.
Skip to: 13:39 – The Hound of the Baskervilles 39:13 – The Sign of Four 55:48 – "A Study in Pink" 1:14:51 – Overall 1:23:15 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943) A Matter of Life and Death (1946) Black Narcissus (1947)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/08/21/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.
Skip to: 7:17 – Mean Streets 34:10 – Taxi Driver 1:08:23 – Raging Bull 1:38:40 – Overall 1:45:41 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939) The Sign of Four (1987) A Study in Pink (2010)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/08/07/shooting-scorsese
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 theme, and Lean's working relationship with Alec Guinness.
Skip to: 11:02 – The Bridge on the River Kwai 30:55 – Lawrence of Arabia 53:16 – Doctor Zhivago 1:08:57 – Overall 1:19:22 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Mean Streets (1973) Taxi Driver (1976) Raging Bull (1980)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/07/24/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 on a "dot dot dot", and sequels that can be viewed on their own while also serving as a bridge in a finite story arc.
Skip to: 7:01 – Rambo: First Blood Part II 20:25 – The Matrix Reloaded 46:12 – The Dark Knight 1:04:10 – Overall 1:14:17– Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) Lawrence of Arabia (1962) Dr. Zhivago (1965)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/07/10/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 in Hollywood.
Skip to: 4:05 – The African Queen 23:51 – Charade 43:02 – Overall 52:43 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) The Matrix Reloaded (2003) The Dark Knight (2008)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/06/26/hepburn-vs-hepburn-3
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 mockumentaries outside of the feature film medium.
Skip to: 7:23 – This is Spinal Tap 21:30 – Best in Show 35:54 – What We Do in the Shadows 46:47 – Overall 56:20 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The African Queen (1951) Charade (1963)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/06/12/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, and his connection to the various characters he played in his own films.
Skip to: 9:15 – Citizen Kane 33:19 – Chimes at Midnight 45:11 – F for Fake 56:10 – Overall 1:03:27 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: This is Spinal Tap (1984) Best in Show (2000) What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/05/29/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 go in and out of cultural prominence over time.
Skip to: 3:09 – Stagecoach 19:38 – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly 36:56 – Django Unchained 50:49 – Overall 1:00:49 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Citizen Kane (1941) Chimes at Midnight (1965) F for Fake (1973)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/05/15/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.
Skip to: 4:34 – Blazing Saddles 23:11 – Young Frankenstein 37:56 – High Anxiety 53:38 – Overall 1:01:07 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Stagecoach (1939) The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) Django Unchained (2012)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/05/01/bonkers-brooks
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 character dynamics, and how each of these films relate to the background of their respective leading ladies.
Skip to: 09:44 – The Philadelphia Story 31:33 – My Fair Lady 49:59 – Overall 55:17 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Blazing Saddles (1974) Young Frankenstein (1974) High Anxiety (1977)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/04/17/hepburn-vs-hepburn-2
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.
Skip to: 3:12 – Blade Runner 24:50 – Gladiator 47:18 – Black Hawk Down 1:08:40 – Overall 1:15:33 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Philadelphia Story (1940) My Fair Lady (1964)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/04/04/scotts-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 the storytelling.
Skip to: 05:08 – Dragon Inn 23:45 – Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 37:26 – House of Flying Daggers 59:58 – Overall 1:13:53 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Blade Runner: The Final Cut (1984) Gladiator (2000) Black Hawk Down (2004)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/03/20/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.
Skip to: 4:48 – Rope 23:57 – Rear Window 59:49 – The Wrong Man 1:13:27 – Overall 1:20:44 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Dragon Inn (1967) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) House of Flying Daggers (2004)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/03/06/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 interesting, and the right way to do structural and plot twists.
Skip to: 3:45 – Strangers on a Train 27:16 – Dial M for Murder 52:22 – Psycho 1:33:25 – Overall 1:38:49 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Rope (1948) Rear Window (1954) The Wrong Man (1956)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/02/20/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 in unlikeable characters.
Skip to: 9:28 – To Catch a Thief 38:43 – The Trouble with Harry 57:41 – Vertigo 1:48:15 – Overall 1:55:09 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Strangers on a Train (1951) Dial M for Murder (1954) Psycho (1960)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/02/06/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.
Skip to: 2:40 – Spellbound 23:56 – The Birds 52:55 – Marnie 1:18:49 – Overall 1:29:01 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: To Catch a Thief (1955) The Trouble with Harry (1955) Vertigo (1958)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.com/2018/01/23/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 conceals information to the audience, and doubling down on the "wrong man/woman" plot.
Skip to: 11:12 – The Lodger 29:32 – The 39 Steps 52:55 – North by Northwest 1:19:44 – Overall 1:27:59 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions*: Spellbound (1945) The Birds (1963) Marnie (1964)
*We're switching to a biweekly schedule so look for these in two weeks!
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2018/01/09/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 use and become traditions, and what makes Christmas movies unique among cinema in general.
Skip to: 5:31 – It's a Wonderful Life 17:49 – A Christmas Story 28:00 – Die Hard 42:06 – The Muppet Christmas Carol 54:36 – Elf 1:11:52 – Overall 1:16:36 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Stay follow us on Facebook or on Twitter at twitter.com/thefilmlings to stay updated with what we're watching next year!
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/12/19/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 comedy, and being an actor's director.
Skip to: 7:07 – The Last Picture Show 22:22 – What's Up Doc? 36:03 – Paper Moon 1:01:43 – Overall 1:11:21 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: It's a Wonderful Life (1946) A Christmas Story (1983) Die Hard (1988) The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) Elf (2003)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/12/12/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.
Skip to: 8:21 – Bringing Up Baby 31:15 – Breakfast at Tiffany's 46:02 – Overall 1:00:04 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Last Picture Show (1971) What's Up Doc? (1972) Paper Moon (1973)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/12/05/hepburn-vs-hepburn-1
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.
Skip to: 16:30 – Grey Gardens 47:11 – The Thin Blue Line 1:14:31 – Grizzly Man 1:41:31 – Overall 1:53:55 – Coming Attractions
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/11/28/dauntless-documentaries
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, and how science fiction can use VFX without focusing on VFX.
Skip to: 10:33 – The Day the Earth Stood Still 32:20 – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 1:02:06 – Arrival 1:26:29 – Overall 1:35:31 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Grey Gardens (1975) The Thin Blue Line (1988) Grizzly Man (2005)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/11/21/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 creatures in entertainment.
Skip to: 25:25 – The Great Muppet Caper 50:28 – The Dark Crystal 1:14:42 – Labyrinth 1:32:24 – Overall 1:46:33 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) – Available on Netflix E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) – Available on Netflix Arrival (2016)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/11/14/happy-henson
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.
Skip to: 4:37 – Sholay 24:54 – Asoka 43:52 – Dangal 1:16:32 – Overall 1:25:03 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Great Muppet Caper (1981) The Dark Crystal (1982) Labyrinth (1986)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/11/07/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, and the universality of horror.
Skip to: 5:20 – Audition 31:12 – Ju-on: The Grudge 51:45 – A Tale of Two Sisters 1:19:38 – Overall 1:34:22 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Sholay (1975) Asoka (2001) – Available on Netflix Dangal (2016) – Available on Netflix
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/10/31/eastern-eeriness
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 his career.
Skip to: 5:23 – Destiny 21:45 – M 43:14 – The Testament of Dr. Mabuse 1:03:51 – Overall 1:16:46 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Audition (1999) Ju-on: The Grudge (2002) A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/10/24/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.
Skip to: 3:28 – The Bourne Identity 23:16 – The Bourne Supremacy 45:07 – The Bourne Ultimatum 1:01:04 – Overall 1:17:01 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Destiny (1921) M (1931) The Testament of Dr. Mabuse (1933)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/10/17/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 a poetic mindset, and creating evocative images that aren't meant to be symbolic.
Skip to: 6:39 – Ivan's Childhood 22:25 – Solaris 47:54 – The Mirror 1:04:02 – Overall 1:13:33 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Bourne Identity (2002) The Bourne Supremacy (2004) The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/10/10/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 films.
Skip to: 5:39 – Dr. Strangelove 31:07 – 2001: A Space Odyssey 50:30 – The Shining 1:22:29 – Overall 1:33:41 – Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Ivan's Childhood (1962) – Available on YouTube Solaris (1972) – Available on YouTube The Mirror (1975)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/10/03/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 adapted into the sound era of film.
Skip to: 5:56 - The Gold Rush 35:46 - Modern Times 1:03:05 - The Great Dictator 1:18:41 - Overall 1:33:47 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) The Shining (1980)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/09/26/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 stage material to the big screen, and how Branagh uses cinematic rhetoric to make Shakespeare accessible to modern audiences without updating the text.
Skip to: 4:02 - Henry V 28:03 - Much Ado About Nothing 49:42 - Hamlet 1:11:03 - Overall 1:20:24 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Gold Rush (1925 & 1942) Modern Times (1936) The Great Dictator (1940)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/09/19/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 get talk about infusing humor into darker themes, opposing mindsets and worldviews of characters, and how ambiguity can make a film more impactful.
Skip to: 7:18 - Blood Simple. 30:23 - Fargo 50:22 - No Country For Old Men 1:10:43 - Overall 1:38:08 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Henry V (1989) Much Ado About Nothing (1993) Hamlet (1996)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/09/12/body-count-coen-brothers
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.
Skip to: 8:47 - 42nd Street 27:33 - Singin' in the Rain 49:33 - La La Land 1:08:18 - Overall 1:18:25 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Blood Simple (1984) Fargo (1996) No Country for Old Men (2007) - Available on Netflix
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/09/05/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 and filming movies, and how his life and outlook is reflected in his films.
Skip to: 6:23 - It Happened One Night 26:54 - Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 48:19 - Arsenic and Old Lace 1:00:22 - Overall 1:12:47 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: 42nd Street (1933) Singin' in the Rain (1952) La La Land (2016)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/08/29/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 what goes into a good viewing experience, what makes an "open world" movie, and why it's important to watch foreign films.
Skip to: 3:35 - Hour of the Wolf 20:42 - A Touch of Zen 36:51 - City of God 48:12 - Overall 56:47 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: It Happened One Night (1934) Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/08/22/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.
Skip to: 4:19 - Close-Up 18:06 - Children of Heaven 32:33 - A Separation 49:04 - Overall 57:50 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Hour of the Wolf (1968) A Touch of Zen (1971) City of God (2002)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/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.
Skip to: 2:49 - Oldboy 25:40 - The Host 41:12 - The Good the Bad the Weird 54:33 - Overall 1:06:03 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Close-Up (1990) Children of Heaven (1997) A Separation (2011)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/08/08/kruel-korea/
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 film technique.
Skip to: 6:40 - Battleship Potemkin 29:09 - Po Zakonu 44:58 - Stalker 1:08:24 - Overall 1:23:02 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Oldboy (2003) - on Netflix The Host (2006) - on Netflix The Good the Bad the Weird (2014) - on Netflix
For more information visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/08/01/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.
Skip to: 5:14 - The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari 26:44 - Nosferatu 36:51 - Metropolis 49:14 - Overall 1:16:08 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Battleship Potemkin (1925) Po Zakonu (1926) Stalker (1979)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/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.
Skip to: 4:06 - Macario 20:02 - Amores Perros 43:28 - Pan's Labyrinth 1:03:18 - Overall 1:10:15 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) Nosferatu (1922) Metropolis (1927) - Available on Netflix
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/07/18/mexico-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, and the restraint and poeticism across Japanese art.
Skip to: 3:58 - Harakiri 20:30 - Tokyo Story 37:04 - Nobody Knows 54:33 - Overall 1:05:03 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Macario (1960) Amores Perros (2000) Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/07/11/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 what Hollywood can learn from mainstream Indian film.
Skip to: 13:54 - Mughal-E-Azam 33:19 - My Name is Khan 51:34 - Baahubali: The Beginning 1:12:54 - Overall 1:24:53 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Tokyo Story (1953) Harakiri (1962) Nobody Knows (2004)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/07/04/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.
Skip to: 11:05 - The 400 Blows 22:22 - Breathless 34:37 - Cleo from 5 to 7 51:14 - Overall 1:03: 15 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Mughal-E-Azam (1960) - Available on Netflix My Name is Khan (2010) Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/06/27/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 of World War II on filmmaking, silver linings in otherwise pessimistic films, and self-referential films.
Skip to: 7:39 - Rome, Open City 24:53 - Bicycle Thieves 42:25 - 8 1/2 1:02:46 - Overall 1:16:23 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The 400 Blows (1959) Breathless (1960) Cleo from 5 to 7 (1962)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/06/20/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.
Skip to: 4:55 - The Hidden Fortress 20:10 - Star Wars 36:46 - Overall 53:36 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Rome, Open City (1945) Bicycle Thieves (1948) 8 1/2 (1963)
Visit the blog for more information: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/06/13/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.
Skip to: 6:01 - Amadeus 25:55 - The Last Emperor 42: 06 - The Aviator 57:32 - Overall 1:04:09 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: The Hidden Fortress (1958) Star Wars (1977)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/06/06/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.
Skip to: 3:55 - King Kong (1933) 22:35 - King Kong (1976) 41:20 - King Kong (2005) 57:49 - Overall 1:09:15 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Amadeus (1984) The Last Emperor (1987) The Aviator (2004)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/05/30/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."
Skip to: 3:55 - Rashomon 22:35 - The Outrage 40:57 - Overall 55:10 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: King Kong (1933) King Kong (1976) King Kong (2005)
For more info, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/05/23/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.
Skip to: 7:45 - Baby Boom 27:41 - The Parent Trap 53:47 - The Intern 1:17:35 - Overall 1:26:54 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Rashomon (1950) The Outrage (1964)
For more information, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/05/16/maternal-meyers
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.
Skip to: 4:46 - Eraserhead 25:17 - Blue Velvet 46:12 - Mulholland Drive 1:00:09 - Overall 1:14:56 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Baby Boom (1987) The Parent Trap (1998) The Intern (2015)
For links to things we talked about, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/05/09/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 surreal art.
Skip to: 11:41 - Un Chien andalou 18:49 - L'Age d'or 32:32 - The Exterminating Angel 45:50 - The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie 56:22 - Overall 1:05:05 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Eraserhead (1977) Blue Velvet (1986) Mulholland Drive (2001) - Available on Netflix
For links to things we talked about, and to find the video recording of this episode, visit the blog: thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/05/02/bougie-bunuel/
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 from the previous films.
Skip to: 10:18 - The Shorts 19:36 - Toy Story 36:15 - Toy Story 2 53:16 - Toy Story 3 1:08:42 - Overall 1:23:00 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: L'Age d'Or (1930) The Exterminating Angel (1962) The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)
For links to things we talked about, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/04/25/toy-story/
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.
Skip to: 8:30 - Shaun of the Dead 21:38 - Hot Fuzz 32:23 - The World's End 48:11 - Overall 1:08:22 - Coming Attractions
Coming Attractions: Toy Story Toy Story 2 Toy Story 3
For links to things we talked about, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/04/18/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.
Skip to: 3:33 - Yojimbo 34:31 - A Fistful of Dollars 50:43 - Overall 1:12:32 - Coming Attractions
For links to things we talked about, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/samurai-and-sombreros-vol-2/
Plug us into your head and listen as Alex and Jonathan invite their 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 blockbusters, and the philosophical diversity of themes in Japanese film.
Skip to: 5:14 - Akira 24:51 - Ghost in the Shell 40:44 - Paprika 1:03:03 - Overall 1:11:00 - Coming Attractions
Coming up next week: Yojimbo (1961) A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
To find links to things we talked about visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/04/04/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.
Skip to: 3:13 - Sixteen Candles 23:10 - The Breakfast Club 43:23 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off 1:10:45 - Overall 1:19:41 - Coming Attractions
Next week we'll be talking about Akira (1988), Ghost in the Shell (1995), and Paprika (2006).
For more information visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/03/28/episode-12-the-high-school-hughes/
The results of our Twitter poll are in and the winning category was Samurais and Sombreros! 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.
Skip to: 5:29 - Seven Samurai 25:54 - The Magnificent Seven 50:51 - Overall 1:11:45 - Coming Attractions
For links to things that we talked about visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/03/21/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 films.
Skip to: 8:56 - My Neighbor Totoro 31:30 - Spirited Away 45:50 - The Wind Rises 58:35 - Overall 1:08:00 - Coming Attractions
For links to things we talked about, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/03/14/mystical-miyazaki/
Wes Anderson takes a perfectly framed center-stage this week as Alex and Jonathan talk Rushmore (1998), The Life Aquatic (2004), and Moonrise Kingdom (2012). We discuss self-aware storytelling, how style can divert criticism, and the recycling of iconic art.
Skip to: 6:36 - Rushmore 24:18 - The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou 43:10 - Moonrise Kingdom 57:46 - Overall 1:13:59 - Coming Attractions
To find links to things that we talked about, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/03/07/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 in what ways we should think about award shows and award winners.
Skip to: 2:12 - 12 Years a Slave 20:28 - Birdman 37:53 - Spotlight 47:44 - Overall 1:02:11 - Coming Attractions
For links to things that we talked about visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/02/28/episode-8-oscar-bait-or-the-unexpected-virtue-of-tragedy/
Our first guest, Aaron Johnson, joins Alex and Jonathan this week to talk about four major reboots of the Batman character in film: Batman: The Movie, Batman (1989), Batman Begins, and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. We discuss the influence of the comics on the films (and vice versa), stylistic changes in each adaptation, and the steady darkening of tone over time.
For links to things that we talked about visit the blog post: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/02/21/episode-7-holy-reboot-batman-feat-aaron-johnson/
For this special Valentine's Day episode Alex and Jonathan get a little sappy, looking at three film adaptations of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. We talk how to condense a novel into two hours, how "modern" adaptations age, and the changing demographic of audiences of romance stories.
For links to resources referenced in this episode visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/02/14/episode-6-pride-and-prejudice-x3/
Are you watching closely? Alex and Jonathan are this week as we look into Christopher Nolan's Following, The Prestige, and Interstellar. We talk about "temporal cross-cutting," obsessive characters, and how Nolan ranks with other directors.
To find links to things we talked about this week visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/02/07/episode-5-nothin-but-nolan/
Alex and Jonathan take to the open waters this week and look at three movies that revolve around characters who are lost at sea: Lifeboat, Life of Pi, and All is Lost. The conversation covers how technology makes this type of film more accessible, how to strip your characters from their environment to find their humanity, and if "lost at sea" can be considered its own genre.
For links to resources we referenced in this episode visit the blog post: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/01/31/episode-4-lost-at-sea/
This week Alex and Jonathan watched, and then rewatched, Primer and Upstream Color by Shane Carruth. They discuss "imply, don't tell" storytelling and not pandering to your audience.
For more information and links to things we referenced in this episode visit the blog post at: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/01/24/episode-3-carruths-cerebral-cinema/
Nihilism, cinematic rhetoric, and classic independent filmmaking take front stage this week as the guys talk about Stranger than Paradise and Broken Flowers by Jim Jarmusch.
To find links to things we talked about please visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/01/17/episode-2-jumping-into-jarmusch/
For the first ever Filmlings Podcast, Jonathan and Alex discuss three Steven Spielberg films: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Always, and Lincoln. Topics include starting your film with a summary of the film to follow, making even non-crucial characters feel real, and the incredible career of one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.
For info referenced in podcast see blog post here: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2017/01/10/episode-1-starting-with-spielberg/