Sibling Cinema: Recent Episodes
Dennis Bartel
Welcome to Sibling Cinema! Dennis and Bonnie are siblings and we're here to talk movies! Dennis is an obsessive cinephile and Bonnie is a super casual movie watcher. In this series we are embarking on a countdown of the Academy Award Best Picture winners. A couple months ago, Dennis embarked on a rewatch of all 94 Best Picture winners. Yes, you read that right--it's a rewatch. Dennis is something of a completionist and long ago he completed a watch of all the Best Picture winners (but he's still only seen 519 of the 581 nominees). He wanted to shore up his ranking list of the best Best Picture
We’re nearing the end of Alfred Hitchcock’s early period. This week, we take a look at his third sound film, Murder!. The film involves a murder among a travelling acting troupe. One young actress is convicted, but a juror begins to have second thoughts and takes up his own investigation.
Details: Produced by John Maxwell for British International Pictures in 1929. Screenplay by Alfred Hitchcock and Walter Mycroft, based on the novel Enter Sir John by Helen Simpson. Starring Norah Baring, Herbert Marshall, Esme Percy, Edward Chapman and Phyllis Konstam. Cinematography by John J. Cox.
Ranking: 40 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It’s also fun. And it’s a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranking lists from critics, fans, and magazines Murder! got 761 ranking points.
For the fourth consecutive week, we review an early silent film by Alfred Hitchcock. For those out there who are tiring of silent movies, don’t worry there’s only one left after this! The Ring is another love triangle as a sideshow boxer gets a big break, but at the expense of his relationship with his girlfriend.
Details: Produced by John Maxwell for British International Pictures in 1929. Screenplay by Alfred Hitchcock. Starring Carl Brisson Lillian Hall-Davis and Ian Hunter. Cinematography by John J. Cox.
Ranking: 41 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It’s also fun. And it’s a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranking lists from critics, fans, and magazines, and will be going through Alfred Hitchcock’s films from “worst” to “best.” The Ring got 675 ranking points.
For our third straight silent Hitchcock film, we discuss The Manxman. This 1929 melodrama is the story of two childhood friends from the Isle of Man whose bond is pushed to the limits by their affections for the town barmaid.
Details: Produced by John Maxwell for British International Pictures in 1929. Screenplay by Eliot Stannard based on the novel of the same name by Hall Caine. Starring Carl Brisson, Malcolm Keen, Anny Ondra, and Randle Ayrton. Cinematography by John J. Cox.
Ranking: 42 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It’s also fun. And it’s a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranking lists from critics, fans, and magazines, and will be going through Alfred Hitchcock’s films from “worst” to “best.” The Manxman got 616 ranking points.
We continue to plug our way through the lesser-known entries in Hitchcock’s filmography. Downhill was new to both of us. It’s the story of an idealistic young and wealthy college student who falls from grace after he takes the blame for the misdeeds of his friend.
Details: Gainsborough-Emelka Pictures, 1927. Produced by Michael Balcon. Written by Eliot Stannard, based on the play by Ivor Novello and Constance Collier. Starring Novello, Robin Irvine, Isabel Jeans, Ian Hunter and Lillian Braithwaite. Cinematography by Claude McDonnell.
Ranking: 43 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It’s also fun. And it’s a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranking lists from critics, fans, and magazines, and will be going through Alfred Hitchcock’s films from “worst” to “best.” Downhill got 583 ranking points.
We turn our attention to Alfred Hitchcock’s first feature film, The Pleasure Garden. This movie follows two nightclub dancers whose careers and love lives take starkly different directions. There’s also a very wise dog.
Details: Gainsborough-Emelka Pictures, 1925. Produced by Michael Balcon. Written by Eliot Stannard, based on the novel by Oliver Sandys. Starring Virginia Valli, Carmelita Geraghty, Miles Mander, and John Stuart. Cinematography by Baron Ventimiglia.
Ranking: 44 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It’s also fun. And it’s a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranking lists from critics, fans, and magazines, and will be going through Alfred Hitchcock’s films from “worst” to “best.” The Pleasure Garden got 426 ranking points.
The subject of this week’s podcast is Rich and Strange. Emphasis on the strange—though that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Also known as East of Shanghai, this follows a middle-class couple who get to travel the world in luxury, thanks to a sudden inheritance. But it turns out their journey takes them on test of their relationship. Bonnie and Dennis break down this early sound Hitchcock movie.
Details: Rich and Strange was released in 1931 by British International Pictures. Produced by John Maxwell. Script was written by Mrs. Hitchcock, Alma Reville. Starring Joan Barry, Henry Kendall, Percy Marmount, Betty Amann, and Elsie Randolph. Cinematography by John M. Cox and Charles Martin.
Ranking: 45 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It’s also fun. And it’s a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranking lists from critics, fans, and magazines, and will be going through Alfred Hitchcock’s films from “worst” to “best.” Rich and Strange got 419 ranking points.
We take a brief pause from our Hitchcock countdown this week with our first Chaplin Checkpoint. Bonnie had never seen a Chaplin movie before. We start with his hit 1921 comedy The Kid. The Tramp takes in an abandoned baby, who grows into an adorable child, played by Jackie Coogan.
Counsin Jenny joins us as our special guest co-host!
In this episode we discuss Hitchcock’s early talkie, The Skin Game. Based on a popular play at the time, this 1931 drama deals with the feud between two wealthy families in England.
Details: The Skin Game was released in 1931 by British International Pictures. Produced by John Maxwell. Script was written by Alfred Hitchcock and Alma Reville based on John Galsworthy’s play. Starring Edmund Gwenn, Helen Haye, C.V. France, Jill Esmond, and Phyllis Konstam. Cinematography by John M. Cox.
Ranking: 46 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It’s also fun. And it’s a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranking lists from critics, fans, and magazines, and will be going through Alfred Hitchcock’s films from “worst” to “best.” The Skin Game got 411 ranking points.
In this episode we discuss another silent Hitchcock movie, Easy Virtue, a 1927 (maybe 1928?) melodrama about a free-spirited woman who marries into a judgmental family that probes into her past.
Details: Easy Virtue was released in 1928 by Gainsborough Pictures. Produced by Michael Balcon. Script was written by Eliot Stannard based on Noel Coward’s play. Starring Isabel Jeans, Franklyn Dyall, Robin Irvine, Violet Farebrother, and Ian Hunter. Cinematography by Claude McDonnell.
Ranking: 47 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It’s also fun. And it’s a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranking lists from critics, fans, and magazines, and will be going through Alfred Hitchcock’s films from “worst” to “best.” Easy Virtue got 401 ranking points.
This week we return to Hitchcock’s silent era with The Farmer’s Wife, a comic romance set in the rural English country side.
Details: The Farmer’s Wife was released in 1928 by British International Pictures. Produced by John Maxwell. Screenplay by Alfred Hitchcock, adapted from Eden Phillpotts’ play. Starring James Thomas, Lillian Hall Davis, Gordon Harker, Maud Gill, and Louise Pounds. Cinematography by John J. Cox.
Ranking: 48 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It’s also fun. And it’s a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranking lists from critics, fans, and magazines, and will be going through Alfred Hitchcock’s films from “worst” to “best.” Number Seventeen got 397 ranking points.
This week we talk about Hitchcock’s shortest movie, Number Seventeen. This 1932 crime movie is set in an abandoned house where a criminal enterprise is up to some shenanigans.
Details: Number Seventeen was released in 1932 byBritish International Pictures. Produced by John Maxwell from a screenplay by Alma Reville (aka Mrs. Hitchcock), Alfred Hitchcock, and Rodney Ackland, based on J. Jefferson Farjeon’s play. It stars John Stuart, Anne Grey, Leon M. Lion, Barry Jones, Donald Calthrop, Ann Casson and Henry Caine. Cinematography byJohn J. Cox.
Ranking: 49 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It’s also fun. And it’s a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranking lists from critics, fans, and magazines, and will be goingthrough Alfred Hitchcock’s films from “worst” to “best.” Number Seventeen got 373 ranking points.
We make our first visit to Hitchcock’s silent era with Champagne from 1928. It’s a star vehicle for British silent film star Betty Balfour. She plays an heiress who defies her father with an on-again-off-again romance. There’salso a mysterious gentleman who keeps crossing her path. It’s a riches to rags to riches story of sorts. Hitchcock himself hated it, listen in to hear what we thought of it.
Details: Champagne released in 1928 by BritishInternational Pictures. Produced by John Maxwell from a Screenplay by EliotStannard, story by Walter C. Mycroft. Stars Betty Balfour, Jean, Bradin, Theo von Alten and Gordon Harker. Cinematography by John J. Cox.
Ranking: 50 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlorgame. It’s also fun. And it’s a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranking lists from critics, fans, and magazines, and will be goingthrough Alfred Hitchcock’s films from “worst” to “best.” Champagne got 327 ranking points.
In the mid-1930’s, Alfred Hitchcock picks a rather unusualassignment: Waltzes from Vienna, an adaptation of an operatic musicalabout Johann Strauss Jr.’s composition of The Blue Danube. Although Hitch tookout most of the play’s music, it’s still the closest we’ll ever get to aHitchcock musical. We watched this obscure film and actually have a pretty fundiscussion about this movie we were both kinda dreading.
The Details: Waltzes from Vienna, released 1934 by TomArnold Production. Produced by Tom Arnold, screenplay by Alma Reville and GuyBolton, adapted from Bolton’s play. Starring Esmond Knight, Jesse Matthews,Edmund Gwenn, Fay Compton, and Frank Vosper.
Ranking: 51 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlorgame. It’s also fun. And it’s a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregatedover 70 ranking lists from critics, fans, and magazines, and will be goingthrough Alfred Hitchcock’s films from “worst” to “best.” Walzes from Vienna got313 ranking points and is in second-to-last last place.
Our journey through the filmography of Alfred Hitchcockbegins with what is arguably his most maligned film, Juno and the Paycock. It’sthe adaptation of a famed Irish play about a poor Dublin family whose bonds aretested when they anticipate a large inheritance. We watched it so you don’thave to, and we discuss it all here.
The Details: Juno and the Paycock, released 1930 by British International. Produced by John Maxwell, screenplay by Alfred Hitchcock andAlma Reville, adapted from the Sean O’Casey play. Starring Sara Allgood, EdwardChapman, Marie O’Neill, and Sidney Morgan.
Ranking:52 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It’s also fun. And it’s a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranking lists from critics, fans, and magazines, and will be going through Alfred Hitchcock’sfilms from “worst” to “best.” Juno and the Paycock got 167 ranking points and is in last place.
An introductory episode in which we discuss what we have in store for our third season of Sibling Cinema. Stay tuned!
WHIPLASH
We conclude this series with the tenth anniversary of Whiplash. The breakthrough film for director Damien Chazelle, starring Miles Teller as an ambitious jazz drummer at an elite school, and his attempts to gain the favor of a viciously exacting band leader played be J. K. Simmons.
Season 2, Episode 9: ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND
For our penultimate episode in this series, we take a look at Michel Gondry's 2004 romantic sci-fi comedy Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, starring Jim Carey and Kate Winslet.
Next week we finish off this series with the ten-year-old jazz band thriller Whiplash..
Season 2, Episode 8: TRUE LIES
We continue our ten-part series where we take a deep dive into a film celebrating a milestone anniversary this year.
1994 is an iconic year: Forrest Gump vs Pulp Fiction vs Shawshank Redemption at the Oscars and The Lion King breaking box office records. We're keeping it light though, with James Cameron's spy comedy thriller True Lies, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Next week we finally get into the 21st century with 2004's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Season 2, Episode 7: GHOSTBUSTERS
We continue our ten-part series where we take a deep dive into a film celebrating a milestone anniversary this year.
This week, we dial into Iven Reitman's 1984 smash hit Ghostbusters. You all know it: Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Sigourney Weaver Bernie Hudson, Slimer, the great Ray Parker song, dogs and cats living together.
How does it hold up at 40? Tune in to see what we think.
Next week we turn to 1994 with the action comedy True Lies.
Season 2, Episode 6: THE CONVERSATION
We continue our ten-part series where we take a deep dive into a film celebrating a milestone anniversary this year.
This week, we wiretap into the 1974 classic surveillance thriller, The Conversation. It's directed by Francis Ford Coppola and stars Gene Hackman in one of his signature roles. It turns 50 this year. And, hey, Ghostbusters turns 40 this year, so tune in next week for that.
Season 2, Episode 5: A HARD DAYS NIGHTWe continue our ten-part series where we take a deep dive into a film celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. Today's subject is the 60th anniversary of Beatlemania with the Beatles' first movie A Hard Days Night. Next week, we bust into the 70s for the 50th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola's The Conversation.
Season 2, Episode 4: SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERSWe continue our ten-part series where we take a deep dive into a film celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. Today's subject is the hit musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. It's directed by Stanley Donen, who directed Singin' in the Rain. Next week, we will turn our attention to 1964 and discuss the Beatles romp A Hard Day's Night.
Season 2, Episode 3: LAURA
We continue our ten-part series where we take a deep dive into a film celebrating a milestone anniversary this year.
Today's subject is the 80th anniversary of film noir classic Laura. Directed by Otto Preminger, this twisty mystery stars Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb, and Vincent Price. Next week, we will turn our attention to 1954 and discuss the musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Season 2, Episode 2: IMITATION OF LIFE
We continue our ten-part series where we take a deep dive into a film celebrating a milestone anniversary this year.
Today's subject is the 1934 melodrama Imitation of Life. Directed by John Stahl, this movie stars Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers in an interracial friendship of two single mothers. The film has since been overshadowed by its 1959 remake, but it makes for a fascinating look at some of the social mores of society 90 years passed. Next week, we will turn our attention to 1944 and select a film turning 80, Otto Preminger's film noir classic, Laura.
Season 2, Episode 1: SHERLOCK JR.
Welcome to our new mini-season, a ten-part series where we take a deep dive into a film celebrating a milestone anniversary this year.
We start off with Sherlock Jr. the 1924 Buster Keaton classic that turned 100 years old earlier this year. Next week, we will turn our attention to 1934 and select a film turning 90, and so on until we finish the series with a 10-year-old movie.
Come back next week as we dive into the 1934 version of Imitation of Life.
We're winding down our very long first season with a two part season finale. We look back at all the Best Picture winners we've covered and select the best of the best.
Tune in next week for our new season. We have a ten-part series featuring films celebrating a decennial anniversary this year. First up, the 100th anniversary of Buster Keaton's 1924 classic Sherlock Jr.
We're winding down our very long first season with a two part season finale. We look back at all the Best Picture winners we've covered and select the best of the best.
Tune in next week for Part II!
Episode 69: THE GODFATHER
Our countdown comes to an end after a year and a half, give or take. We're talking about one of the giants of American cinema, Francis Ford Coppolla's The Godfather.*
The iconic cast includes Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, James Caan, Abe Vigoda, John Cazale, and Talia Shire. Does it really deserve the number one spot? Listen in and see what we think.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 68: CASABLANCA
This week we travel to Morocco in the midst of World War II. Then part of unoccupied France, hundreds of refugees wait for their chance to fly to their freedom. This is, of course, Casablanca, one of the most cherished classic films.
Join us as we dig into Michael Curtiz's grand romantic thriller, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, and Paul Henreid. It's the runner-up on our countdown. Come back next week for the GOAT, Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 67: LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
This week we discuss David Lean's sprawling 1962 historical epic, Lawrence of Arabia. Peter O'Toole stars as British WW1 officer, TE Lawrence, who gains fame by uniting Arab tribes against the Ottoman Empire. The huge supporting cast is headlined by Omar Sharif, Anthony Quinn, Alec Guinness, and Claude Raines.
It won Best Picture over To Kill a Mockingbird. We debate that and its placement here as number 3 on our countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
Come back next week as we play it again with Casablanca.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 66: THE GODFATHER, PART II
For this week's episode, we dive into Francis Ford Coppola's epic crime sequel, The Godfather, Part II. Al Pacino returns to the role of Michael Corleone. Also returning, John Cazale, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and Talia Shire. Joining the cast for this installment we have, among many others, Lee Strasberg, Michael V. Gazzo, and Robert De Niro, who plays a young Vito Corleone in a flashback timeline. Lots of characters, lots of plot and lost to discuss.
The Godfather, Part II won Best Picture for 1974 and ranks here as number 4 on our countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
Come back next week for another entry with lots of characters, lots of plot, and lots to discuss, David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 65: SCHINDLER'S LIST
Steven Spielberg's passion project, Schindler's List, was released at the end of the year 1993. This harrowing 3+ hour Holocaust epic was a surprise box office hit and racked up a slew of awards. Then-unknown Liam Neeson starred in the title role as materialistic German businessman in Poland during World War II. He's a self-serving war profiteer, but as conditions worsen for his Jewish workforce, he ultimately choses to shield them from the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps.
Ben Kingsley co-stars, as well as another then-unknown, Ralph Fiennes, who delivers a chilling performance as notorious war criminal Amon Goethe.
It won Best Picture and ranks here as number 5 on our countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
Come back next week as we keep our friends close, but The Godfather, Part II closer.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 64: ALL ABOUT EVE
I don't feel like writing a description. It's good, watch it.
It ranks here as number 6 on our countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
Come back next week as we talk all about Schindler's List.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 63: ON THE WATERFRONT
Marlon Brando delivers one of his most iconic performances in Elia Kazan's 1954 thriller, On the Waterfront. Karl Malden, Rod Stieger, Eva Marie Saint and Lee J. Cobb also star.
It ranks here as number 7 on our countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
Come back next week as we talk all about All About Eve.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 62: THE APARTMENT
Be a mensch and listen in to this week's podcast as we dissect Billy Wilder's 1960 classic, The Apartment. Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine star as a couple of New Yorkers navigating romantic and office politics.
It ranks here as number 8 on our countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
Come back next week for the number seven contender, Elia Kazan's On the Waterfront from 1954.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 61: ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST
For this week's podcast we watched the 1975 classic One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Directed by Milos Foreman, this adaptation of Ken Kesey's highly regarded novel stars Jack Nicholson as Randle (yes, that's how it's spelled) McMurphy.
In one of his most iconic roles, Nicholson's antiestablishment beatnik is sent to a mental health facility to assess his competency to serve his prison sentence. He clashes with the facility's rigid warden, Nurse Ratched, played here by Louise Rainer. Brad Douriff, Will Sampson, Danny DeVito, and Christopher Lloyd play the other inmates with whom McMurphy bonds.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest won Best Picture in a stacked year, and ranks here as number 9 on our countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
Come back next week for the number eight, Billy Wilder's 1960 masterpiece The Apartment.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 60: PARASITE
Listen in this week as break into the top ten with the 2019 South Korean film Parasite. It's our second straight movie about the conflict between rich and poor, but that's probably the extent of its similarities to It Happened One Night. Well, that and the fact that they're both great.
Song Kang Ho plays the head of a very poor family in Seoul. Their prospects begin to turn around as they infiltrate a very wealthy household one-by-one. And then things take a turn.
Parasite was the first and so far only non-English language film to win Best Picture. It ranks #10 on our countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
Come back next week for the number nine, Milos Foreman's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 59: IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT
Come hitch a ride with us as we revisit Frank Capra's classic screwball comedy, It Happened One Night. Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert star in this rich mouse/poor mouse comic road movie from the early sound era.
It beat out eleven other nominees to win the Best Picture prize for 1934 and ranks #11 on our countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
Come back next week as we jump ahead more than eighty years for Bong Joon Ho's 2019 dark comedy Parasite.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 58: THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
We journey back to the end of the Second World War for this week's podcast. Frederic March, Dana Andrews, and Harold Russell star as three service men returning home from war in William Wyler's The Best Years of Our Lives. The men confront their own wounds as well as the changes in a society that had moved along without them. The classic drama also features Teresa Wright, Myrna Loy, Cathy O'Donnell and Hoagie Carmichael.
Break out your hankies and join us (but see the movie first!). The Best Years of Our Lives won the Best Picture prize for 1946 and ranks #12 on our countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
Come back next week for the granddaddy of Romantic Comedies, Frank Capra's It Happened One Night from 1934.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 57: THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
This week we delve into Jonathan Demme's 1991 thriller The Silence of the Lambs. Jodie Foster plays an FBI student tasks with interviewing the infamous serial killer Hannibal the Cannibal Lector, in the hopes of gathering clues to help find an at-large killer.
Lector is, of course, played by Anthony Hopkins in perhaps his most iconic role. Not for the faint of heart, The Silence of the Lambs won the Best Picture prize and ranks #13 on our countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
Come back next week for a bit of a change of pace, The Best Years of Our Lives from 1946.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 56: GONE WITH THE WINDWe've got a big one for you this week. One of the most popular, controversial, and discussed films of all time, Gone With the Wind has without a doubt made an indelible impression on movie history. Coming at the peak of the Hollywood Golden Age, it's a grand and epic saga based on the Margaret Mitchell blockbuster.
We did into the movie itself and its complicated legacy in this, one of our longest, episodes. Vivien Leigh stars as Scarlett O'Hara, a strong-willed Southern Belle in the years before, during and after the American Civil War. Clark Gable is the scandalous rouge, Rhett Butler. Also starring are Olivia de Havilland, Leslie Howard, Thomas Mitchell (no relation to Margaret) and Hattie McDaniel, who made history as the first person of color to win a competitive Oscar.
This movie won Best Picture for the watershed year of 1939. It ranks #14 on our countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
Come back next week for our discussion of The Silence of the Lambs.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 55: ANNIE HALLThis week's episode takes us to New York City in the mid-Seventies. Woody Allen wrote, directed and starred in this semiautobiographical comedy about a comedian reflecting on his recently defunct romance with a quirky aspiring singer. Allen plays the lead, Alvy Singer, and Diane Keaton gives a career-defining performance in the title role.
This is the movie that beat Star Wars for the 1977 Best Picture prize, and it ranks #15 on our countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 54: THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAITake a trip with us to Southeast Asia in the midst of World War II, as a British Colonel faces off against his Japanese captor in David Lean's adventure epic The Bridge on the River Kwai. Released in 1957, the film tells the story of Col. Nicholson and Col. Saito, two head strong men who butt heads as the British Prisoners of War are forced to build a rail bridge over the Kwai River.There's also an American, Shears, who reluctantly joins a commando squad to hike through the jungle to blow up the bridge.Starring Alec Guiness, William Holden, and Sessue Hayakawa, The Bridge on the River Kwai racked up seven Oscars (TM), including Best Picture. It ranks #16 on our countdown.Be sure to look out for us again next week for a discussion of Annie Hall.Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.What is this list?We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 53: MOONLIGHT
I'm going to refrain from making "La La Land-no oops-Moonlight" jokes in the episode description. There's plenty of that silliness in the episode. If you don't know what that means, just listen in and we'll tell you all about it.
Aside from all the talk of Oscarcast goofs, we do actually get into a pretty in depth discussion on this very serious, very personal drama, following a young boy becoming a man in an impoverished section of Miami.
Moonlight shocked the industry by winning the Best Picture Academy Award (TM) for 2016. It ranks #17 on our countdown.*
Come back again next weekas we whistle and march our way into David Lean's 1957 epic The Bridge on the River Kwai.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 52: UNFORGIVEN
We're delving into Unforgiven this week. Clint Eastwood's 1992 revisionist Western is about an aging, supposedly reformed gunslinger who mounts his saddle for one last hit job. The film explores vengeance and the consequences of violence. Eastwood is joined by a stellar cast that includes Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Saul Rubinek and Richard Harris. It won four Oscars including Best Picture.
Unforgiven ranks #18 on our countdown.*
Come back again next weekfor a discussion on Barry Jenkins' 2016 drama Moonlight.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 51: AMADEUS
This week we're making one final trip to the 1980s for Milos Foreman's Amadeus. F. Murray Abraham stars as Salieri, the Austria court composer who recounts his rivalry with the brash young genius, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, played by Tom Hulce.
Tune in for our debate over whether the movie is about Mozart or Salieri. It won Best Picture for 1984 and ranks #19 on our countdown.*
Come back again next weekas we dive into another Clint Eastwood movie, Unforgiven. Join us then to find out if we liked it any better than Million Dollar Baby.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 50: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
Not really a Halloween movie, but pretty scary nonetheless. This week we talk about the Coen brothers' lone Best Picture winner, No Country for Old Men. Released in 2007, it follows Josh Brolin as Llewelyn Moss, a Texas man on the run from a deadly assassin, Anton Chigur, played menacingly by Javier Bardem. Tommy Lee Jones plays the weary lawman desperately trying to keep the evil at bay.
No Country for Old Men ranks #20 on our countdown.*
Come back again next week. We get into the 'teens with the highest-ranking Best Picture winner of the 1980s, Amadeus.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 49: WEST SIDE STORY
Could it be? Yes, it could. Something's coming, something good. You don't have to wait. Bernstein. Sondheim. Robbins/Wise. It could only be West Side Story, and we've got a podcast all about the 1961 film version. Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer star as star-crossed lovers, but it's Rita Moreno who steals the show as Anita.
West Side Story won the Best Picture award, plus a ton of other bling at the Oscars (TM) for that year. It ranks #21 on our countdown.*
Come back again next week. We've got our tracking devices set for the Coen brothers' No Country for Old Men.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 48: REBECCA
Last night, we dreamt we went to Manderley again . . . but we really we just watched a classic movie about it. The 1940 Alfred Hitchcock mystery Rebecca is the subject of our podcast this week. Joan Fontain plays a timid young woman who married a mysterious, wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, played by Laurence Oliver. When she returns to his famed estate, Manderley, the newly wed must confront long-buried secrets, the memories of a dead wife, and a creepy housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers (Judith Anderson).
Rebecca is based on the best-selling novel by Daphne Du Maurier. Itwas released in 1940 and won the top prize at the Oscars (TM) for that year. It ranks #22 on our countdown.*
Come back again next week as we rumble our way into 1961's West Side Story.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
SPECIAL EPISODE: THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987)
This week we're taking a brief break from our countdown of Best Picture winners to talk about a movie that got nowhere near Best Picture when it was released in 1987. It's the The Princess Bride directed by Rob Reiner and based on the book by William Goldman.
Why you ask are we breaking form this week? That's not your concern. Just buckle up for a lively discussion of this beloved movie and also listen for Bonnie's account of her recent run-in with one of the cast.
We'll get back to our countdown next week with Amadeus.
Episode 47: THE DEER HUNTER
This week, we discuss our final Vietnam film, Michael Cimino's 1978 epic The Deer Hunter. Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage play three steel town friends whose lives are changed forever when they depart for Vietnam.
Also starring Meryl Streep, The Deer Hunter won the Best Picture Oscar for 1978. It ranks #23on our countdown.*
Join us next week for Alfred Hitchcock's only Best Picture winner, Rebecca from 1940.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 46: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING
Join us for this week's podcast as we simply walk into Mordor with Frodo, Sam and Gollum, and also check in with the myriad of other characters in this final installment of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings adaptation.
Return of the King was released in 2003 and won the top prize at the Oscars (TM) for the year. We also watchedthe previous installments, The Fellowship of the Ring from 2001 and The Two Towers from 2002, so we will discuss those as well. This is Bonnie's first time through the fantasy series. Press play to hear more.
Based on the final volume of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic fantasy opus, The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King ranks #24 on our countdown.*
Join us next week for another war film, 1978's The Deer Hunter.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 45: ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930)
This week, we discuss the oldest movie remaining: the Best Picture winner from the third Academy Awards (TM) ceremony covering the years 1929-1930.
All Quiet on the Western Front is an early sound film based on Erich Maria Remarque's 1929 German novel. The film follows very young men who eagerly sign up for service in World War I. They soon come face to face with the horrors of war. Lewis Milestone directed this classic antiwar film.
All Quiet on the Western Front ranks #25 on our countdown.*
Join us next week as we jump ahead to 2003 for the fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 44: ROCKY
We're heading back to the 1970's, with John Avildsen's 1976 classic underdog tale, Rocky.
Written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, this story of a Philadelphia-based, down-on-his-luck boxer who gets the opportunity of his life from heavy-weight champ Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). Rocky's changing fortunes also impact his inner circle: girlfriend Adrian (Talia Shire), his coach Mickey (Burgess Merideth), and Adrian's brother Paulie (Burt Young).
Rocky won the Best Picture Academy Award (TM) for 1976 against some fierce competition and ranks #26 on our countdown.
Join us next week for the 1930 version of the war epic All Quiet on the Western Front.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 43: THE DEPARTED
This week we discuss the 2006 crime thriller The Departed, which may or may not be Bonnie's first Martin Scorsese movie.
The film stars Leonardo Di Caprio and Matt Damon facing off as double agents straddling both sides of the law. The star-studded cast also features Jack Nicholson as a Boston mob boss, Vera Farmiga as a state psychiatrist, plus Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg, and Alec Baldwin as law enforcement officers.
The Departed ranks #27 on our countdown.
Join us next week for the boxing classic, Rocky.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 42: THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Join us for a discussion of the beloved musical The Sound of Music.
Robert Wise directs this film adaptation of Rogers and Hammerstein's final musical about the Von Trapp family in Austria in the last golden days of the 1930s.
Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer star. It won the Best Picture Academy Award (TM) for 1965, and ranks #28 on our countdown. Tune in to see how we think it holds up and which of us did their homework.
Join us next week for The Departed,which may or may not be a ghost story.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 41: MIDNIGHT COWBOY
We've made it into the twenties on our Best Picture countdown and get to chew over John Schlesinger's polarizing 1969 drama Midnight Cowboy. This is our third episode on a Dustin Hoffman film, following Rain Man and Kramer vs. Kramer. Hoffman plays Ratso Rizzo, a lowlife con man, and Jon Voigt shares the lead as Joe Buck, a naive Texas whose dreams are dashed in the Big Apple.
A sordid tale of a couple of men on the lowest rung of society, is it a humanistic masterpiece or just a slog? Turn in to find out our takes on Midnight Cowboy.
Itranks at number 29 on our Best Picture Countdown, so it can't be all bad, right? Join us next week for The Sound of Music,* which is pretty much the same movie.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 40: 12 YEARS A SLAVE
The subject of this week's podcast episode is Steve McQueen's harrowing depiction of slavery in the American antebellum South. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Solomon Northrop, a free man from Pennsylvania who gets kidnapped and sold into slavery. Based on an actual slave narrative, the film also stars Lupita Nyong'o, Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Fassbender.
Itranks at number 30 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 39: THE FRENCH CONNECTION
We make another visit to the 1970s for this week's episode. The French Connection is a gritty crime drama that turned Gene Hackman into a leading man in 1971. Hackman plays Detective Popeye Doyle, a decidedly unglamorous narcotics investigator in New York City. He partners with Roy Scheider in an attempt to uncover a heroine smuggling operation.
Known for its iconic car chase, The French Connection ranks at number 31 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
BONUS: EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE
Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert's 2022 sci-fi comedy/drama/adventure is the subject of this bonus episode. It is not part of our Best Picture countdown, because it won the Best Picture Oscar after we started this thing.
It stars Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu and Jamie Lee Curtis, in the story of a laundromat owner who's life gets turned upside down when she discovers a multiverse. It's zany and grounded at the same time, and a rather offbeat film to be an Academy Awards juggernaut. How does it hold up against the other Best Picture winners? Tune in to find out.
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 38: IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT
1967 was a volatile year, and its Best Picture winner, Norman Jewison's In the Heat of the Night was a volatile picture in many ways. Rod Steiger plays a small-town Mississippi police chief who reluctantly accepts the help of a Philadelphia detective played by Sidney Poitier to solve the murder of a local VIP.
The detectives clash with each other, but more significantly, clash with the town's deep-seated racism. It dealt with hot-button issues in its day. Join us as we discuss how relevant it still is today.
It ranks at number 32 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 37: SPOTLIGHT
Our special guest star Lindsey is back by popular demand! She joins Bonnie and Dennis to break down the Best Picture Oscar winner from 2015, Tom McCarthy's Spotlight.
The film follows the investigative reporting by a team of Boston Globe journalists as they uncover the sex abuse crisis in the Catholic Church in the early 2000s. Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, and Rachel McAdams head up a stellar ensemble cast.
How does Spotlight measure up to the other great journalism movies, like All the President's Men? We discuss that and more in this week's podcast.
It ranks at number 33 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 36: FORREST GUMP
We are back with another classic. Robert Zmeckis's 1994 smash hit Forrest Gump. It cleaned up at the box office and the Academy Awards, beating out stiff competition like Pulp Fiction and The Shawshank Redemption.
Tom Hanks was at his peak as Forrest, as he takes us on a tour of 20th Century American history, along with Gary Sinise as Lt. Dan and Robin Wright as Jenny. How well does it hold up? Tune in as Bonnie and Dennis discuss.
It ranks at number 34on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 35: BEN-HUR
We are back with another William Wyler picture. This is our second of the three Best Picture winners directed by Wyler. Perhaps his most famous production, the 1959 Biblical epic Ben-Hur features Charleton Heston as the title character. Based on Lew Wallace's 1880 novel, Ben-Hur cleaned up with 11 Oscars (TM) including Best Picture.
How well does it hold up? Listen along as Bonnie and Dennis discuss.
Perhaps surprisingly, it ranks at number 35 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 34: THE STING
Director George Roy Hill reunites with his Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford in The Sting, the winner of seven Oscars including Best Picture for 1973. Like Butch and Sundance, The Sting is an old-timey buddy picture fueled by charm and vibes, relying heavily on the charisma of its leads and the appeal of its period setting. The Sting trades in Butch Cassidy's Old West setting for Depression-era Chicago, as a pair of likable con artists try to pull off a massive con against a powerful mob boss.
Who doesn't love The Sting? Well . . . there's at least one! Find out more in this week's episode as Bonnie and Dennis dissect this 70s classic.
It ranks at number 36 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 33: THE LOST WEEKEND
Writer/Director Billy Wilder is famous for his witty, cynical comedies, but his first Best Picture winner is the very serious expose on alcoholism, The Lost Weekend. Ray Milland stars as a writer whose life spirals out of control during a whiskey-fueled bender. It was the Academy Award winning Best Picture from 1945.
Bonnie and Dennis caught up with The Lost Weekend and discuss their thoughts. It ranks at number 37 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 32: TITANIC
The one and only Titanic is the subject of this week's episode. At the time of recording, we had no idea it would be in the news. James Cameron's romantic historical epic from 1997 is a movie Bonnie loves to hate. Did it improve on a rewatch? Tune in to find out! Starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio as the young lovers, Titanic won the Best Picture Academy Award over some stiff competition. It ranks at number 38 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 31: FROM HERE TO ETERNITY
Join hosts Bonnie and Dennis as they dive into the classic film, "From Here to Eternity," directed by Fred Zinneman, in the latest episode of Sibling Cinema. Prepare to be transported to the shores of Hawaii as they unravel the loyalties and betrayals of American servicemen and their love interests in the months leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. With thought-provoking discussions of the film's themes, Bonnie and Dennis navigate the intricacies of the film's characters and relationships, shedding light on the enduring appeal of "From Here to Eternity." Tune in to Sibling Cinema as they explore whether the film deserves the enduring legacy it holds.
From Here to Eternity won the Best Picture Academy Award for 1953, and ranks at number 39 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Episode 30: THE HURT LOCKER
Get ready for a fiery episode of Sibling Cinema as hosts Bonnie and Dennis lock horns in a heated debate over the war thriller, "The Hurt Locker." Will they find common ground or stand firmly on opposing sides? Explore the storytelling, suspense, and the extraordinary performance of Jeremy Renner that propelled "The Hurt Locker" to win multiple Academy Awards. Is the film an unflinching portrayal of the Iraq War and its psychological toll on bomb disposal experts, or does its authenticity and the ethical questions it raises lack substance. Tune in to Sibling Cinema as Bonnie and Dennis spar over the merits and shortcomings of the Kathryn Bigelow-directed war flick.
It won Best Picture of 2009, and ranks at number 40 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Embrace the delightful eccentricities of "You Can't Take It With You" as Sibling Cinema brings you a whimsical episode like no other. Join hosts Bonnie and Dennis as they unravel the enchanting world of this classic Frank Capra comedy. Will they be swept away by the endearing quirkiness of the film or find themselves questioning its enduring popularity? Through lively discussions, they delve into the heartwarming story, led by an exceptional ensemble cast that includes Jean Arthur, James Stewart, and Lionel Barrymore. Explore the witty dialogue, the timeless themes of love and pursuing one's passions, and the effortless chemistry among the characters. Discover the film's profound impact on audiences and its triumphant capture of the human spirit amidst societal conventions. Tune in to Sibling Cinema as they delve into the whimsy, heart, and enduring appeal of "You Can't Take It With You" and unravel its timeless magic.
It won Best Picture of 2000, and ranks at number 42 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Prepare for an epic journey as Sibling Cinema dives into the enthralling world of "Gladiator." Join hosts Bonnie and Dennis as they unlock the secrets behind Ridley Scott's sweeping historical epic starring Russell Crowe. In this exhilarating episode, the siblings grapple with the grandeur and spectacle of the film, leaving you on the edge of your seat wondering whether they succumb to its charms or remain unconvinced. Explore the mesmerizing cinematography, larger-than-life battle sequences, and the unforgettable performances that earned "Gladiator" critical acclaim. Witness the raw intensity of Russell Crowe's iconic portrayal, the mesmerizing Joaquin Phoenix as the treacherous Commodus, and the remarkable ensemble cast that breathes life into ancient Rome. Uncover the film's historical accuracy, its immersive world-building, and its influence on the sword-and-sandal genre. Tune in to Sibling Cinema as they dissect the captivating triumphs and potential pitfalls of "Gladiator," shedding light on its enduring legacy.
It won Best Picture of 2000, and ranks at number 42 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Step into the complicated world of war as hosts Bonnie and Dennis dissect the riveting but challenging Vietnam War drama, "Platoon," in the latest episode of Sibling Cinema. Oliver Stone's critically acclaimed tour-de-force, starring Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, and Tom Berenger, raises thought-provoking questions about loyalty, morality, and the harrowing realities of combat. Join Bonnie and Dennis as they navigate the complex terrain of this Academy Award-winning film, keeping you guessing until the end whether it left them captivated or questioning its merits. Discover the film's atmospheric cinematography, the depth of its performances, and its place in the annals of war cinema. Tune in to Sibling Cinema as they unravel the mysteries behind the impact of "Platoon" and explore its enduring legacy.
It won Best Picture of 1986, and ranks at number 43 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Join us for a discussion of Delbert Mann's directorial debut Marty.It won the Best Picture Oscar for 1955, a watershed movie year that brought the world Disneyland and James Dean. It ranks at number 44 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
This week, we return to the 21st Century with the 2008 Best Picture Academy Award winner Slumdog Millionaire. This Danny Boyle flick is number 45 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
We are back with the 1941 Best Picture, How Green Was My Valley.It's the only Best Picture winner directed by the great John Ford, beating some very stiff competition. But this lovely film holds its own we think. It ranks at number 46 on our Best Picture Countdown.*
Spoiler Alert: We talk about the movie in its entirety, so if you haven't yet seen it, check it out. Or not. That ball is in your court.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Our first full episode on a 50's movie is here with the 1951 Best Picture, An American in Paris.This nifty Gene Kelly musical, directed by Vincent Minelli, lands at number 47 on our Best Picture Countdown.* Break out your tap shoes and sing along!
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
We've reached the halfway point of our Countdown of the Best Picture winners, and before we get to the top 47, we take a look back at some of our favorites from the bottom 47.
We have another serious drama this week with Robert Redford's Ordinary People. It won Best Picture for 1980. Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Timothy Hutton star as a dysfunctional wealthy family in the Chicago suburbs. Judd Hirsch plays the psychiatrist helping Hutton's character with his depression. It is #48on our Best Picture Countdown.* Enjoy!
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
This week we take another look at the Best Picture winner from 1979, Kramer vs. Kramer.Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman headline this divorce drama directed by Robert Benton. It falls at #49 on our Best Picture Countdown.* Let us know what you think!
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
We have another special guest this week! Laura, Bonnie's eldest daughter joins us to discuss the Best Picture winner from 2020, Nomadland. Chloe Zhou's drama about a van-dwelling widow, played by Frances McDormand, is #50 on our Best Picture Countdown.* This one is another split decision.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
We cover some heavy topics this week as we dig into Clint Eastwood's 2004 boxing drama, Million Dollar Baby. Eastwood also stars as a trainer, with Hilary Swank as his rising star boxer, and Morgan Freeman playing his closest confidant. It won the Best Picture Academy Award for 2004, and somewhat surprisingly, finishes at number 51 in our countdown.
What is this countdown?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
We've been counting down the Academy Award winners for Best Picture from worst to best.* 94 movies in total (we made the list prior to the Oscars held in 2023), and we got all the way down to number 52 before we got anything from the 1970s.
Patton is the film. Released in 1970, it's a biopic of WWII General George Patton, played by George C. Scott. Franklin Schaffner directs.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
This week, we come in with some spicy takes, discussing the 53rd entry in our countdown of Best Picture winners. The movie is American Beauty,* the somewhat polarizing suburban satire starring Kevin Spacey and Annette Benning, and directed by Sam Mendes.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
This week, we tackle Barry Levinson's 1988 drama Rain Man. The movie, which features Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman as estranged brothers--one a cocky yuppie and the other a sweet-natured austic savant, ranks at #54 on our countdown* of Best Picture winners.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
The Artist is a 2011 silent movie directed by Michel Hazanavicius. Set in Hollywood during the dawn of the Sound Era, the film stars Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo. It ranks #55 on our countdown* of Best Picture winners.
*What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and its Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
We are going all the way back to 1935 for this week's podcast. Mutiny on the Bounty only won one Academy Award that year, but it was for Best Picture. This is #56 in our countdown of Best Picture list, based on our unscientific blind ranking. Check out our trailer or its description for further details on the list.
Directed by Frank Lloyd and starring Clark Gable, Charles Laughton, and Francois Tone, Mutiny on the Bounty is based on a book series that's based (somewhat loosely) on the true story of the Bounty, an 18th Century British ship. The ship is helmed by Captain Bligh (Laughton), whose authoritarian tactics test the loyalties of his crew.
We have our very first guest host this week! Bonnie's daughter Lindsey joined us to dissect Alejandro González Iñárritu's Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance. The film is the somewhat divisive winner of the Best Picture Oscar for 2014. We discuss the year in film that was 2014 and Birdman as part of our unscientific ranking of the films that won Best Picture, from worst to best. Birdman perches here at #57.
Richard Attenborough's biographical epic Gandhi is the focus of this week'spod. It's the Best Picture Oscar winner from a stacked year, 1982. It's ranked number 58 on our countdown of the best Best Picture Academy Award winners. For more information on the countdown we're using, check out our Description or give a listen to our Trailer.
A spicy episode this week as we argue about the merits of the most recent Best Picture winner, Sian Heder's CODA. It's ranked number 59 on our countdown of the best Best Picture Academy Award winners. For more information on the countdown we're using, check out our Description or give a listen to our Trailer.
Segments by timestamp:
- 0:00 - Introduction
- 3:16 - The other nominees
- 35:36 - Discussion of CODA
- 1:18:00 - What's next and conclusion
For this Bonus episode, we take a look at the films nominated by the Academy for Best Picture of 2022. Part one was recorded a few days before the announcement, and part two was recorded after the announcement.
This week, we talk about 2012 and its Best Picture winner, Argo, directed by and starring Ben Affleck. It's ranked number 60on our countdown of the best Best Picture Academy Award winners. For more information on the countdown we're using, check out our Description or give a listen to our Trailer.
Segments by timestamp:
- 0:00 - Introduction
- 7:07 - The other nominees
- 18:18 - Discussion of Argo
- 54:16 - What's next and conclusion
Yeah . . . this is a long episode--but hey it's less than half as long as the movie we're discussing. This episode is all about 1990 and its Best Picture winner, Kevin Costner's Western epic Dances With Wolves. It's ranked number 61 on our countdown of the best Best Picture Academy Award winners. For more information on the countdown we're using, check out our Description or give a listen to our Trailer.
Segments by timestamp:
- 0:00 - Introduction
- 7:30 - 1990's sleeper hits
- 22:00 - The other nominees
- 41:00 - Discussion of Dances With Wolves
- 1:19:00 - What's next and conclusion
This week we talk about The King's Speech, Tom Hooper's biographical film that beat out a stacked 2010 line-up. It's ranked number 62 on our countdown of the best Best Picture Academy Award winners. For more information on the countdown we're using, check out our Description or give a listen to our Trailer.
Segments by timestamp:
- 0:00 - Introduction
- 2:25 - The other nominees
- 40:50 - Discussion of The King's Speech
- 1:03:00 - What's next and conclusion
This week Bonnie and Dennis discuss Fred Zinneman's 1966 film A Man for All Seasons. It's ranked number 63 on our countdown of the best Best Picture Academy Award winners. For more information on the countdown, see our Description or check out our Trailer.
Segments by timestamp:
- 0:00 - Introduction
- 3:53 - The Production Code
- 20:40- The other nominees
- 30:30 - Discussion of A Man for All Seasons
- 1:01:00 - What's next and conclusion
This week's movie is Chicago, Rob Marshall's 2002 film version of the Kander and Ebb musical. It's ranked number 64 on our countdown of the best Best Picture Academy Award winners.
Segments by timestamp:
- 0:00 - Introduction
- 2:30 - Background on Miramax
- 12:10 - The other nominees
- 27:45 - Discussion of Chicago
- 54:25 - What's next and conclusion
We covered Shakespeare in Love in our early bonus episode, "Worst of the Best, Part 2." It was part of our survey of the bottom 25 movies on our countdown of the Academy Award Best Picture winners. It was ranked number 77. Since then, Bonnie has finally seen the film, so we decided to record a special bonus episode to discuss our thoughts on it.
This week, we tackle Hamlet, Laurence Olivier's 1948 adaptation of the William Shakespeare classic. It's ranked number 65 on our countdown of the best Best Picture Academy Award winners.
Segments by timestamp:
- 0:00 - Introduction
- 4:00 - 1948 and the Paramount cases
- 13:10 - The other nominees
- 29:05 - Discussion of Hamlet
- 1:09:51 - What's next and conclusion
This week's movie is the classic musical My Fair Lady, the Best Picture winner from 1964. Bonnie and Dennis dive into to this one as they continue their countdown of Best Picture winners. This is number 66th according to our non-authoritative list. Enjoy.
Bonnie and Dennis discuss Mrs. Miniver, 1942's Best Picture winner, ranked 67 of 94 on our unofficial ranking of Best Picture winners.
Bonnie and Dennis discuss the Best Picture winner of 1987, The Last Emperor. It's ranked 68 of 94 on our unofficial ranking list with 32.9488 points.
Bonnie and Dennis dive into the first-ever Best Picture winner, Wings. It's ranked 69 of 94 on our unofficial ranking list with 31.645 points.
The second part of our Introductory episode is an overview of the Best Picture winners ranked number 70 to 82 on our rankings list.
What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Why group these together rather than giving each its own episode?
We deal with this in our Trailer and Description as well, but in short: Dennis had already started this as a personal project, and was already 25 films deep before we decided to do it as a podcast. We talked about starting over, but ultimately decided to do an overview of numbers 70 through 94, and then do an episode a week for each of the remaining films. We may cover some or maybe even all of these films on future bonus episodes.
The first part of our Introductory episode is an overview of the Best Picture winners ranked number 83 to 94 on our rankings list.
What is this list?
We explain it in more detail in our Trailer and Description, but as a high-level answer: we aggregated several different lists that rank the ninety-four winners of the Best Picture Academy Award in a rough attempt to get a consensus. It is not intended to be rigorous or definitive. It's just a framework to guide our journey through cinema history.
Why group these together rather than giving each its own episode?
We deal with this in our Trailer and Description as well, but in short: Dennis had already started this as a personal project, and was already 25 films deep before we decided to do it as a podcast. We talked about starting over, but ultimately decided to do an overview of numbers 70 through 94, and then do an episode a week for each of the remaining films. We may cover some or maybe even all of these films on future bonus episodes.
Welcome to Sibling Cinema! Dennis and Bonnie are siblings and we're here to talk movies! Dennis is an obsessive cinephile and Bonnie is a super casual movie watcher. In this series we are embarking on a countdown of the Academy Award Best Picture winners. A couple months ago, Dennis embarked on a rewatch of all 94 Best Picture winners. Yes, you read that right--it's a rewatch. Dennis is something of a completionist and long ago he completed a watch of all the Best Picture winners (but he's still only seen 519 of the 581 nominees). He wanted to shore up his ranking list of the best Best Picture winners, but the problem is so many of them have become cold storage. The only logical solution was to watch all 94 again. To break up the monotony of binging 94 movies, Dennis thought it would be fun to watch them from worst to best, based on consensus. There's a lot of rankings out there, but all of them have some issues, and there really is no definitive ranking. To create a framework, he aggregated seven different lists and also added in some bonus points for those Best Picture winners that feature on select Best-of-all-time rankings. He made an Excel sheet, but hid the rankings so that the process would be a surprise. Starting at number 94, Dennis typed in 94 on the spreadsheet to reveal the movie's title, watched the movie, wrote a review, and then went back to the spreadsheet to reveal number 93. That's where Bonnie comes in. In our conversations over the last couple of months, Dennis had shared progress on the project, and Bonnie insisted that this has to be a podcast. By the time we decided to go ahead with it, Dennis was already up to #70. Rather than go back to the beginning, we decided we'd do a special mega episode discussing the bottom 25, and then start a weekly podcast. Dennis and Bonnie will both watch the next movie on the list and then get together to discuss it. Don't take the list itself too seriously, it's just there as a fun framework. We hope you enjoy!