Arts & Entertainment with Chris & Randall

Chris and Randall discuss their favorite Turkeys — or artistic failures — in honor of Thanksgiving.

Topics discussed include:

Hackers (1995)
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rn2cf_wJ4f4

Death Race 2000 (1975)

"Fire By Night — Family First"
https://youtu.be/YeCbBbPT0wY

Andy Kaufman
I'm from Hollywood (1989)

Iggy Pop - The Passenger (Official Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fWw7FE9tTo

David Hasselhoff – The Passenger [Official Video]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKdKU6p78TQ

William Shatner singing
Rocket Man
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lul-Y8vSr0I
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH06aNXWb8U

Bon Jovi - Wanted Dead Or Alive (Official Music Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRvCvsRp5ho

Airplane! (1980)

recorded November 19, 2021

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Randall talks to Chris about one of his favorite fine artists, Marcel Duchamp.

Topics discussed include:

photography's influcence on painting
traditional European oil painting, pre-photography
Johannes Vermeer
Impressionism
early life
Cubism
Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2
Armory Show of 1913
Eadweard Muybridge
Futurism
Picasso
Dadism or Dada
Readymade
Fountain
Andy Warhol
Pop art
L.H.O.O.Q.
The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even
mobile (sculpture)
Erratum Musical
Chess
Robert Rauschenberg
Jasper Johns
His Twine
Twelve Hundred Coal Bags Suspended from the Ceiling over a Stove
Given: The Waterfall, 2. The Illuminating Gas (Étant donnés: 1° la chute d'eau / 2° le gaz d'éclairage)

recorded November 17, 2021

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Chris and Randall cover the Pros and Cons of different ways to get trained in professional creative writing: novels, sketches, screenplays, stage plays, and TV scripts.

recorded November 3, 2021

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Chris and Randall discuss their favorite horror comedies — spoiler free!

IMDB list of good horror comedies: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls508197149/

Chris' top 5:

Young Frankenstein (1974)
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello meet Frankenstein (1948)
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
What We Do In the Shadows (2014)
Werewolves Within (2021)

honorable mention:

The Witches (1990)
The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967)
Attack the Block (2011)
Scream 2 (1992)
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Adams Family Values (1993)

Randall's top 5:

Evil Dead II (1987)
Zombieland (2009)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
They Live (1988)
Trollhunter (2010)

honorable mention:

One Cut of the Dead (2017)
A Bucket of Blood (1959)
Eating Raoul (1982)
Society (1989)
This is the End (2013)

Topics discussed include:

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
black comedy vs parody vs spoof
comedy vs horror

recorded October 20, 2021

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Randall talks to Chris about how Squid Game is ideologically aligned with Marxist thought.

Topics discussed include:

Saturday Night Live sketch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWdHPMhy270
Other shows that tackle class conflict: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls550916663/
A Christmas Carol
https://labornotes.org/blogs/2021/10/real-life-auto-strike-behind-runaway-netflix-hit-squid-game
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludlow_Massacre
the relationship between capitalism and gambling
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/beautiful-minds/the-role-of-luck-in-life-success-is-far-greater-than-we-realized/
How voluntary is participation in the capitalist system?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobson%27s_choice
Marxist view of criminality
the Marble Game
212 Mi-nyeo -- the seductress
the guards
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_consciousness
the Front Man
the VIPs
"All for ourselves and nothing for other people, seems, in every age of the world, to have been the vile maxim of the masters of mankind." —Adam Smith
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-wealth-reduces-compassion/

recorded October 20, 2021

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Chris and Randall explore the problem of representation when casting Jewish actors in Jewish roles.

Sarah Silverman on Jewface:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll6Ob4369vI
https://omny.fm/shows/the-sarah-silverman-podcast/jew-face-iron-dome-mr-mom

Topics discussed include:

Transparent (series)
https://time.com/6101055/jewish-women-not-cast-in-jewish-roles/
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sarah-silverman-jewface_n_615c2c20e4b0487c85637d71
Kathryn Hahn as Joan Rivers
https://forward.com/schmooze/416935/all-the-celebrities-you-really-really-thought-were-jewish-but-arent/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-uk-comedians-message-that-jews-dont-count-rings-true-across-the-pond/
Everybody Loves Raymond (series)
Shine (1996)
Jews in Hollywood
Schindler's List (1993)
Rachel Weisz
Selma Diamond
Uncut Gems (2019)
Mad About You (series)
Chapter Two (1979)
Playing Shylock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwRj8B1dXfk
Starsky & Hutch (series)
Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
America Crime Story (series)
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
American Crime Story S02: The Assassination of Gianni Versace (2018)

recorded October 13, 2021

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Chris & Randall ask Bill Gucwa about his days making trailers for major studios.

Trailers mentioned include:

Frequency (2000)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdACpDDpIUs

The Majestic (2001)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHZldxzY1h0

Alien (1979)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ2Jx_EaZOo

Independence Day (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwyqXHV3SaI

Where the Wild things Are (2009)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcBPzqxBnRU

Tonight, Tonight (music video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOG3eus4ZSo

House of Gucci (2021)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGi3Bgn7U5U

No Time To Die (2021)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_gD9-Oa0fg

Dune (1984)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzUlXEyvJeA

Dune (2021)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g18jFHCLXk

Dune (2021, China)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQLHDyDRWUQ

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urRkGvhXc8w

Psycho (1960)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTJQfFQ40lI

Operation Mincemeat (2021)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naactPCbIgQ

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
https://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-devil-wears-prada/23758/video/R5oAU1Yi/

Jaws (1975)
https://prod-admin.tcm.com/video/178878/jaws-original-trailer

recorded October 6, 2021

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Chris and Randall discuss movie and TV adaptations of works from other mediums. When do they work? When do they fail? How and why does this happen?

Topics discussed include:

Dear Evan Hansen (2021)
fanboy-ism
screen vs stage
Rent (2005)
Chicago (2002)
Grease (1978)
My Fair Lady (1964)
Betrayal (1983)
Doubt (2008)
Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
Starship Troopers (1997)
Dune (1984)
This is Where I Leave You (2014)
The Great Gatsby (1949, 1974, 2013)
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Apt Pupil (1998)
Stand by Me (1986)
comic book adaptations
Watchmen (2009)
Dick Tracy (1990)
Sin City (2005)
300 (2006)
Ironman
Wolverine
Spider-Man
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Batman Returns (1992)
The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015)
The Princess Bride (1987)

recorded September 29, 2021

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Chris and Randall discuss parasocial relationships in pop culture.

https://www.vox.com/22663143/john-mulaney-olivia-munn-pregnant-parasocial-relationships-kylie-jenner

recorded September 22, 2021

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Chris and Randall discuss the arts & entertainment of amusement parks.

Relevant links:
https://www.disneyplus.com/series/the-imagineering-story/6ryoXv1e1rWW
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVo63lbKHjC04KqYhwSZ_Pg

Topics discussed include:

history of amusement parks
pleasure gardens
Tivoli Gardens
Lake Compounce
World's Fair of 1851
Crystal Palace
World's Columbian Exposition
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Santa Claus Land
Santa's Workship
Clifton's Cafeteria
Crossroads of the World
Tam O'Shanter
Knott's Berry Farm
Calico
Disneyland
Six Flags
Disney World
Epcot Center
Coney Island
Playland Park
Six Flags Great Adventure
It's a Small World After All
Sea World San Diego
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

recorded September 15, 2021

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Chris and Randall discuss how Hollywood comedic talent hasn't had any new blood lately.

"The young kids are going to the movies to see people their parent's age act like they're their age and it's working right now." —Randall

Topics discussed include:

City Slickers (1991)
Free Guy (2021)
Cruela (2021)
The Ben Stiller Show (series)
Mr. Show (series)
Liar Liar (1997)
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
School of Rock (2003)
The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)
The Hangover (2009)
Clueless (1995)
Borat (2006)
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
Lady Bird (2017)
Booksmart (2019)
Deadpool (2016)
The Suicide Squad (2021)
counter culture
Easy Rider (1969)
Risky Business (1983)
Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood (2019)
Knives Out (2019)
Parasite (2019)
romantic comedies
Roger Corman
Tyler Perry
generation gap
Annie Korzen
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasocial_interaction
The Economics of Superstars: https://www.jstor.org/stable/1803469
the printing press

recorded August 25, 2021

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Chris asks Randall if he thinks photography is art.

Randall's photography site: https://www.rjmillsphotography.com/

Topics discussed include:

history of photography
eyes vs. photographs
Picasso
camera obscura
Johannes Vermeer
Garry Winogrand
Ansel Adams
photography as fine art

recorded August 11, 2021

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ep68: Our Mtv Youth

Chris and Randall discuss growing up watching MTV.

The first two hours of the debut of MTV in 1981
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJtiPRDIqtI

Topics discussed include:

MTV original concept
early VJs
early MTV format
Alan Hunter
Mark Goodman
Martha Quinn
Nina Blackwood
J.J. Jackson
Album-oriented rock
Eagles
I want my MTV
Smells Like Teen Spirit
120 Minutes
http://www.mtv.com/news/1671285/smells-like-teen-spirit-nirvana-120-minutes/
Matt Pinfield
Origin of music videos
Video Killed the Radio Star
Pat Benatar
Madonna
Borderline
Michael Jackson
Thriller
Cyndi Lauper
Duran Duran
ZZ Top
Michael Nesmith
Rodney Bingenheimer
Fake Plastic Trees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5h0qHwNrHk
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Decline_of_Western_Civilization_Part_II:_The_Metal_Years

recorded August 11, 2021

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Chris and Randall discuss 3 recent Netflix comedy specials which have become much talked about:
Neal Brennan: 3 Mics (2017)
Hannah Gadsby: Nanette (2018)
Bo Burnham: Inside (2021)

Associated articles:
https://www.nickiswift.com/417092/how-whitney-cummings-thinks-representation-should-be-handled-in-hollywood-exclusive/?fbclid=IwAR2oQuSWaOl7ANg1PuuyvxvRkGsbtL06ufktHe8RRdqJjvkEUtFnP_HJBiE
https://www.vulture.com/2018/09/the-nontraditional-stand-up-special-takeover.html?fbclid=IwAR3PGOsl_MPGJP5N0mqRzucFnsy_oDeCfAaumxlpVy6eoCVVHaxjLq7Y53A

Topics discussed include:

Richard Pryor: Live in Concert
HBO stand-up specials
Netflix stand-up
economics of stand-up
https://www.nickiswift.com/418683/whitney-cummings-reveals-how-netflix-has-changed-comedy-forever-exclusive/?utm_campaign=clip
https://www.jimcoughlin.com/
Neal Brennan: 3 Mics (2017)
Hannah Gadsby: Nanette (2018)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_tail
Bo Burnham: Inside (2021)

recorded August 4, 2021

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Chris and Randall discuss the 1992 TV series, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.

Young Indiana Jones Chronicles - Ep 17: Vienna, November 1908 - Restored
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WTFxKUldiU

Young Indiana Jones Chronicles - Ep 29: Palestine, October 1917 - Restored
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PICt-Uq1aCQ

George Lucas and Rick McCallum Discuss the Young Indiana Jones Series
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxCjvNpd1MI

Topics discussed include:

Indiana Jones movies
George Lucas
Star Wars universe
The Mandalorian (series)
Amazing Stories (series)
Miami Vice (series)
"Cinematic"
My Girl (1991)
A Little Romance (1979)
Frank Darabont
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Twin Peaks (series)
Harrison Ford

recorded July 28, 2021

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Chris explains to Randall his love of jigsaw puzzles.

Recommended Puzzle Companies:

Clemtoni
Galison
Pomegranate
Re-Marks
Ravensburger
White Mountain

Topics discussed include:
history of jigsaw puzzles
construction
choosing the perfect puzzle
Barnes & Noble
puzzle lighting
puzzle strategies
flow state
puzzle addiction

recorded July 7, 2021

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Chris and Randall discuss the aesthetics of pizza.

Topics discussed include:

Neopolitan pizza
history of pizza
Lombardi's Pizza
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
Sally's Apizza
pizza making
toppings
pizza restaurants
Chuck E. Cheese
Miceli's
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Di Fara Pizza
Masa of Echo Park Bakery & Cafe
800 Degrees
Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Home Alone 1 & 2 (1990, 1992)
Pizza Man (1991)
Breaking Bad (series)

recorded July 7, 2021

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ep63: The mystery of Boba Fett

Chris and Randall wonder who created Boba Fett.

A brief timeline of Boba Fett's creation that we put together:

1) Ralph McQuarrie makes an illustration of an elite stormtrooper possibly inspired by the Rocket Man serials (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_the_Rocket_Men): https://www.flyguy.net/post/96362912107/boba-fett-concept-art-by-joe-johnston-and-ralph

2) Joe Johnston puts a costume together based on the sketch: https://www.starwars.com/video/meet-boba-fett

3) George Lucas writes a 10-page outline for The Story of the Faithful Wookiee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsNwP_1kTZQ&t=2s

4) Frank Nissen of Nelvana makes sketches and storyboard for The Story of the Faithful Wookie

5) John Celestri of Nelvana works on Boba Fett for The Story of the Faithful Wookiee

6) Norman Reynolds designs the costume for The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Evolution of Boba Fett: https://visual.ly/community/Infographics/entertainment/evolution-boba-fett

Good article: https://www.theringer.com/movies/2019/11/8/20953924/star-wars-boba-fett-design-the-mandalorian

recorded July 7, 2021

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Chris and Randall discuss the various aesthetics surrounding the US holiday, Independence Day or the Fourth of July.

Topics discussed include:

history of the holiday
Randall's experience of marching band
Pacific Palisades July 4th Parade
patriotic music
aesthetics of parades
aesthetics of 4th of July parties
history of fireworks
aesthetics of fireworks
fireworks in Los Angeles
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks
Schoolhouse Rock, 4th of July: https://youtu.be/NrNjo0liRKU
1776 (1972): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COGmVpHWr7s
"The Egg" from 1776: https://youtu.be/ds4dv4IS0PM

recorded June 30, 2021

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Chris and Randall discuss what they're looking forward to and what they've attended so far since the start of the pandemic.

Topics discussed include:

the end of pandemic restrictions
Zoom
podcasting
Zoom shows
Mensa
Bill Burr
getting back on stage

recorded June 1, 2021

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