Ep 24. WORLD TOUR: Italia Infelice

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…

Episode 23. Samurai in Space

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. Also on iTunes Skip to: The Hidden…

Episode 22. Brilliant Biopics

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. Also…

Episode 21. Klash of the Kongs

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. Also on iTunes Skip to: King Kong (1933) (3:55), King Kong (1976) (22:35), King Kong (2005)…

Episode 20. Samurai and Sombreros Vol. 3

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." Also on iTunes Skip to: Rashomon (3:55), The Outrage (22:35), Overall (40:57), Coming Attractions (55:10) Resources referenced in…

Episode 19. Maternal Meyers Feat. Andrea Millard

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. Also on iTunes Skip to: Baby Boom (7:45), The Parent Trap (27:41), The Intern (53:47), Overall (1:17:35), Coming Attractions (1:26:54)…

Episode 18. Lying Lynch

This has all been pre-recorded. 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. Also on iTunes Skip to: Eraserhead (4:46), Blue…