A collaborative exploration of cinematic rhetoric.
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… Continue reading Episode 140. One and Only Olivier
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. Also on iTunes Skip to: Rope (4:48), Rear Window (23:57), The Wrong Man (59:49), Overall (1:13:27), Coming… Continue reading Ep 55. THE HITCH-HIKE: The Hitchcock Touch
The better the villain, the better the picture. Alex and Jonathan put this phrase to the test as they look at the sinister side of Hitchcock's films and discuss the bad guys of Strangers on a Train (1951), Dial M for Murder (1954), and Psycho (1960). We talk about driving a film through its antagonist, keeping dialogue-heavy films… Continue reading Ep 54. THE HITCH-HIKE: Villains
Not all protagonists are good role models. Today Alex and Jonathan look at characters that defy the typical ideas of heroism in Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief (1955), The Trouble with Harry (1955), and Vertigo (1958). We discuss what makes an antihero, the prevalence of antiheroes in comedy films, and how to keep an audience engaged with unlikeable characters. Also… Continue reading Ep 53. THE HITCH-HIKE: Antiheroes
Blondes, brunettes, and mothers are the focus today and Alex and Jonathan look at the various portrayals of women in the Alfred Hitchcock films Spellbound (1945), The Birds (1963), and Marnie (1964). We discuss the different roles that women fill in Hitchcock's films, retelling a similar story while reversing gender roles, and appropriate/effective treatment of actors on set.… Continue reading Ep 52. THE HITCH-HIKE: The Women
To kick off season two of the podcast, Alex and Jonathan are taking five episodes to examine the work and themes of the great Alfred Hitchcock. Today we look at Hitchcock's "wrong man" theme in The Lodger (1927), The 39 Steps (1935), and North by Northwest (1959). We discuss spy thrillers with comedic tone, when Hitchcock reveals and… Continue reading Ep 51. THE HITCH-HIKE: The Wrong Men
The Filmlings 