film analysis

MOVIE DISCUSSION:

@terrorificlady

Brandy, the Terrorific Lady herself, joins Melvin to discuss one of John Carpenter's more offbeat entries into the world of cinema, Prince of Darkness! From the combination of religion and science, to discussions on cosmic, otherworldly fears, and even fun comparisons to the other two films in Carpenter's soft "Apocalypse Trilogy", Brandy and Melvin discuss all sorts of topics within this fun, brisk episode!

Topics:

•  (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes of Horror Movie Trivia with Brandy, the Terrorific Lady! Brandy answers a wide-range of horror film trivia while also using the questions as prompts for discussion! Tune in, you might learn something new! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Brandy talks about "Retro Horror School", a discussion series on horror flicks from the 1970s through the 2010s.
• Melvin wasn't a fan of Prince of Darkness the first time he watched it. This time around? Things were much different, and he's excited to share his newfound thoughts.
• In terms of John Carpenter's filmography... is Prince of Darkness confusing?
• A lot of John Carpenter's films leading to this point include a lot of graphic, visceral violence. Prince of Darkness not so much.
• Ranking the soft-titled John Carpenter "Apocalypse Trilogy".
• Interpretations on the ending, and how the tv-edit drastically changes the plot.
• Prince of Darkness creates an "archeological horror" story built around science and religion, not science vs. religion, which makes it unique.
• "Apocalypse Trilogy" endings: which would you prefer to live in?

Recommendation:

• Fan of horror? Build up that physical media collection! Shop ebay.com, visit thrift stores, and flea markets!
• The Strangeness (1985) (Movie)

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Jake Serwin & Ian Rhine, hosts of the preeminent Clint Eastwood podcast Pod Casty For Me return to discuss one of the finest studio comedies of the 90s, "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" starring Mike Myers. 

We discuss the film as both a product of broader ambient 60s nostalgia in the decade and an extension of Mike Myers deep personal affinity for the cultural output of the era. Then, we talk about the film itself as cultural juggernaut, and why Austin Powers and the Mike Myers brand felt inescapable. Finally, we talk about the film's lasting legacy and the way it in no small part shaped the trajectory of the James Bond franchise (and maybe a few others). 

Listen and Subcribe to Pod Casty For Me.

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Our theme song is "Mirror" by Chris Fish 

In this video, we're diving into the world of espionage and action with our review of "Argylle." Directed by Matthew Vaughn and starring Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell, and Bryce Dallas Howard, "Argylle" is a high-octane spy thriller that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Join us as we discuss the film's plot, performances, action sequences, and more. 

If you're a fan of spy movies, action-packed thrillers, or just looking for a fun and entertaining film to watch, "Argylle" is definitely worth checking out!

Don't forget to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more movie reviews and entertainment content. And as always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Enjoy the review!

#Argylle #HenryCavill #MovieReview

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CREDITS
Special Credits To: Mixkit

Track: Light it Up Boy
Track: This is what I'm fighting for
Track: Mr BB

Artist: Michael Ramir C.

New York-based filmmaker and producer Chadd Harbold joins to discuss the 1994 Tim Burton biopic 'Ed Wood', a sincere, loving portrait of the titular filmmaker and his band of Hollywood misfits coming together to make oddball, outsider B-movies that remain enduring works to this day.

We discuss Tim Burton as filmmaker, the increasingly diminishing returns of his artistry, and why Ed Wood stands as perhaps his finest achievement. Then, we talk about Martin Landau's Oscar-winning turn as the horror legend Bela Lugosi, lovingly depicted in the film flaws and all. Finally, we ponder the current state of American filmmaking, and ask, 'Is there still a route by which an Ed Wood could make these movie on the outskirts today, and if so, would anybody be able to see them?'

Follow Chadd Harbold on Twitter.

Stream Chadd's film Private Property on Hulu.

Stream Colin West's Linoleum, produced by Chadd, on Hulu.

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Our theme song is "Mirror" by Chris Fish. 

Get access to this entire episode as well as all of our premium episodes and bonus content by becoming a Hit Factory Patron for just $5/month.

Matt Bors & Ben Clarkson, creators of the excellent sci-fi/action satire graphic novel 'Justice Warriors' join to talk about one of our main guys - Paul Verhoeven (aka Pauly V) and his landmark sci-fi/action satire 'Total Recall' starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and based on the Philip K. Dick story "We Can Remember it for You Wholesale". 

We discuss the film's long gestation period under several different producers and directors, most notably as a project for Hit Factory fave David Cronenberg. Then we go long on the film's startling prescience, it's themes of revolution against the extractive brutalist of an imperialist force, and Verhoeven's metatextual commentary on filmic reality as psycholgical mirror and wish fulfillment fantasy. Elsewhere, we discuss the dire 2012 Len Wiseman remake starring Colin Farrell and how it betrays and insults its audience by stripping away any and all subtext. 

Check out Matt & Ben's graphin novel, Justice Warriors.

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Follow Ben Clarkson on Twitter. 

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Our theme song is Mirror by Chris Fish. 

MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Kathryn joins Melvin in discussing one of Wes Anderson's most celebrated films, The Royal Tenenbaums. The two enjoy discussing it's silly-yet-serious family drama, the effects of negligent parenting, and the absurdity of that scene involving a pop-song and a bathroom mirror. But most of all, the two enjoy discussing the idea that it's never too late to do the right thing.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing Asteroid City, Wes Anderson's latest film. Melvin asks Kathryn about Wes Anderson's ever-meticulous and quirky style, whether he's getting better with each movie or too hands-on, how the actors feel about playing such understated characters, and so much more. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• In their married couple, Kathryn is the spouse that watches Wes Anderson flicks. So, Melvin asks Kathryn about Anderson's portrait-like style, dead-pan humor, and favorite tropes.
• Melvin, "Everything's extravagant, but the family problems are 100% relatable."
• Watching Royal's maturation throughout the film is truly satisfying, and it's a delight to see him go from selfish leech to curiously caring father/grandfather.
• Discussing a few characters from the film, their dynamics, and what makes them different.
• As Henry Sherman shows kindness and respect to each of the Tenenbaums, each character has a moment of reflection wherein they see something better than they had as children.
• Eli Cash: To Be Pitied.
• Because Margot Tenenbaum has constantly been introduced as "adopted", it's no wonder she spent her life carelessly searching for where she belongs.
• Chas spends his time chasing safety and security likely in response to the lack of safety and security he felt with Royal while growing up.
• Discussing that scene with Richie.
• The symbolism of Richie's bird and learning to safely coexist.

Recommendations:

• Purchase an External 4K Blu-ray Player for your PC so you can watch region-free films via VLC player, digitally store materials, and so much more!
• Pursue self-care with good, old hobbies and other simple enjoyments.

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!

• Early access to uncut episodes
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• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

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Episode Summary

Much like family dynamics and intergalactic diplomacy, Lilo & Stitch (2002) is a complicated movie. Erin and Rachel surf through the topics of Hawaiian culture and representation, colonialism, and Elvis. 

Episode Bibliography

Bell, J. (2023, August 13). The Meaning Behind The Song: He Mele No Lilo by Disney. Old Time Music. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-he-mele-no-lilo-by-disney/

Byrne, E. (2012). Forgetting Hawai’i: The role of Hawai’i in narratives of Barack Obama’s legitimacy. Comparative American Studies: An International Journal, 10(2), 188-199. doi: 10.1179/1477570012Z.00000000014

Casley, E. (2016, November 4). 'Lilo & Stitch,''Moana,' and Disney's Representation of Indigenous Peoples. Colonialism – Bitch Flicks. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://colonialismbitch1.rssing.com/chan-58124034/article14.html

Cheng, E. (2007). Family, race and citizenship in Disney’s Lilo and Stitch. In N. Scott (Ed.), Monsters and the Monstrous : Myths and Metaphors of Enduring Evil (pp. 123-132). Brill. 

Chow, E. T. (2018). The Sovereign Nation of Hawai'i: Resistance in the Legacy of "Aloha 'Oe". SUURJ: Seattle University Undergraduate Research Journal, 2(15). https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1020&context=suurj

Corliss, R. (2002, June 16). Stitch in Time? TIME.com. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,263026,00.html

Cronin, B. (2020, March 29). See How 9/11 Caused a Dramatic Change to the Ending of Lilo & Stitch. CBR. Retrieved November 12, 2023, from https://www.cbr.com/lilo-stitch-9-11-edit/

Dudley, S. (2023, June 16). The Story Room: The Making of Lilo and Stitch (Full Documentary). YouTube. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YKrFytA4Zg

Ebert, R. (2002, June 21). Lilo and Stitch movie review & film summary (2002). Roger Ebert. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/lilo-and-stitch-2002

Ebiri, B. (2022, October 19). An Oral History of 'Lilo & Stitch,' A Hand-Drawn Miracle. Vulture. Retrieved November 25, 2023, from https://www.vulture.com/2022/10/an-oral-history-of-lilo-and-stitch-a-hand-drawn-miracle.html

Ebiri, B. (2022, October 19). An Oral History of 'Lilo & Stitch,' A Hand-Drawn Miracle. Vulture. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.vulture.com/2022/10/an-oral-history-of-lilo-and-stitch-a-hand-drawn-miracle.html

El-Mahmoud, S. (2022, April 21). Lilo & Stitch 20 Years Later: How The Disney Film Authentically Captured Hawaiian Culture With Tia Carrere's Help. Cinemablend. Retrieved November 12, 2023, from https://www.cinemablend.com/interviews/lilo-and-stitch-20-years-later-how-the-disney-film-authentically-captured-hawaiian-culture-with-tia-carreres-help

Fiamma, A. (2022, July 19). Intervista a Chris Sanders, il regista di "Lilo & Stitch". Fumettologica. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://fumettologica.it/2022/07/intervista-chris-sanders-lilo-stitch/2/

Filoi, R.  (2022). Disney, Little Women, and Me. American Journal of Economics and Sociology, 81(1), 225-237. doi: 10.1111/ajes.12453

Fiorini, E. (2023, May 05). “Lilo and Stitch”: A film that is both wacky and gut wrenching. University Wire. 

Gahrett, L. (2022, August 18). Big Break. Corvallis Gazette-Times, 41.

Gleiberman, O. (2002, June 28). Lilo & Stitch. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://ew.com/article/2002/06/28/lilo-stitch-3/

HB1986. (n.d.). Hawaii State Legislature. Retrieved January 5, 2024, from https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2022/bills/HB1986_.HTM

Holmes, A. (2020, March 25). Yes, Disney Apparently Edited A Lilo And Stitch Scene, And Fans Are Freaking. Cinemablend. Retrieved November 12, 2023, from https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2493332/yes-disney-apparently-edited-a-lilo-and-stitch-scene-and-fans-are-freaking

Ho‘omanawanui, K. (2013). Mo'olelo as Social and Political Action: Responding to Jack Zipes (De-Disneyfying Disney) and Waziyatawin (From the Clay We Rise). ScholarSpace.com. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/70717b02-d55c-49f5-a735-b9f1f2c595d0/content

Howe, D. (2002, June 21). 'Lilo' May Leave Kids in Stitches. The Washington Post. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2002/06/21/lilo-may-leave-kids-in-stitches/919a6f5a-267a-4e55-ae5f-aabc00bc4bd3/

Lilo and Stitch: proof that Disney can get it right. (2011). Feminist Disney. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://feministdisney.tumblr.com/post/11134614957/lilo-and-stitch-proof-that-disney-can-get-it

Lilo & Stich: Hawaiian Native Child Welfare. (2013, May 6). nerdwearingpearls.tumblr.com. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://nerdwearingpearls.tumblr.com/post/49776740089/lilo-stich-hawaiian-native-child-welfare

Lilo & Stitch. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilo_%26_Stitch

Mazo, A., & Pender-Cudlip, B. (Directors). (2018). Dawnland: A Documentary about Cultural Survival and Stolen Children [Film]. Upstander Project. https://upstanderproject.org/films/dawnland

McCarthy, T. (2002, June 16). Lilo & Stitch. Variety. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://variety.com/2002/film/awards/lilo-stitch-1200549065/

McKnight, U. (2008). The African in America: Race and the politics of diaspora. African Identities, 6(1), 63-81. doi: 10.1080/14725840701830881

Moore, R. (2002, June 25). ACTORS STITCH A PERFECT FIT WITH THEIR HAWAIIAN ROOTS. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2002/06/25/actors-stitch-a-perfect-fit-with-their-hawaiian-roots/

Ness, M. (2016, October 27). Aliens and Family Values: Lilo and Stitch. Tor.com. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.tor.com/2016/10/27/lilo-and-stitch/

Perea, K. (2015). Girl cartoons second wave: Transforming the genre. Animation: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 10(3), 189-204. DOI: 10.1177/1746847715608561

Perea, K. (2018). Touching Queerness in Disney films: Dumbo and Lilo & Stitch. Social Sciences, 7(11), 225. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci7110225

Puig, C. (2002, June 20). 'Stitch' will keep you in stitches. usatoday.com. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/enter/movies/2002/2002-06-21-lilo-stitch.htm

Radulovic, P. (2021, September 16). Lilo & Stitch: How Disney’s animated classic was made cheap and in secret. Polygon. Retrieved November 25, 2023, from https://www.polygon.com/features/22675483/lilo-and-stitch-disney-animation-chris-sanders-dean-deblois

Ryan, T. (2002, January 17). Voices from the Islands. Honolulu Star-Bulletin Features. Retrieved November 12, 2023, from https://archives.starbulletin.com/2002/01/17/features/index.html

Sanders, C., & DeBlois, D. (Directors). (2002). Lilo & Stitch [Film]. Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Strausfogel, S. (2002, August 19). "A Stitch in time...: set on Kauai, Disney's animated film 'Lilo & Stitch' promises to boost interest in the islands, especially the Garden Isle, as a family destination. (On Location)." TravelAge West, 37(31),  pp. H-4+. 

Turan, K. (2002, June 21). A Welcome Break From Disney Formula. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jun-21-et-turan21-story.html

Wallace, D. (2016, December 2). “Moana” is Turning Culture into Cash—Here's Why it Matters for Hawai'i. HONOLULU Magazine. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://www.honolulumagazine.com/moana-is-turning-culture-into-cash-heres-why-it-matters-for-hawaii/

Yasuoka, M. Y. (2021). Hawai’i/Hawaii: Alterity, space, and the settler imaginary. [Master’s thesis, University of Illinois at Chicago]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Just in time for Sundance festivities and a whole new cycle of 'May December' discourse, we're back to discuss Todd Hayne's 1991 debut feature 'Poison'. Both the winner of the Best Feature Award at the aforementioned Park City festival and a characteristically controversial release from the filmmaker, 'Poison', based in part on the works of queer author Jean Genet, is a gripping triptych of tales (subtitled "Hero", "Horror" and "Homo" respectively) shot and edited in distinct styles and formats and brimming with righteous fury, contemplation, and provocation around the subject of queer identity in the wake of the AIDS crisis of the 1980s.

We discuss the film's narrative gambit, and how it layers each entry in the triptych atop one another in brilliantly considered ways to achieve thematic continuity even as each element interrupts the work's stylistic coherence. Then, we discuss the controversy surrounding the film and how it became a culture war issue amongst right-wing figures and politicians seeking to undermine the National Endowment for the Arts. Finally, we talk about the most recent controversies and discourse surrounding Hayne's most recent work 'May December', and why many well-intentioned viewers aren't as far removed from the reactionary critics of the filmmaker's work from years past.

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Our theme song is "Mirror" by Chris Fish. 

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Aaron is joined by Jordan Fish and Ray Tintori of the preeminent Coen Bros. podcast, To The White Sea, to discuss the chilly, snow-capped neo-noir 'A Simple Plan', directed with uncharacteristic restraint by master stylist and Coen Brothers collaborator Sam Raimi.

We discuss the career of Sam Raimi and the techniques he employs here to generate the unsettling, stern tone of the film. Then, we talk about the long gestation period of the project, and its many iterations attached to various directors (including Mike Nichols, John Dahl, and Ben Stiller!). Finally, we unpack the similarities and differences between Raimi's vision of the snowbound, Midwestern morality tale and that of his pals Joel & Ethan Coen in their 1996 landmark 'Fargo'.

Listen & Subscribe to To The White Sea 

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Our theme song is "Mirror" by Chris Fish

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Universally beloved Vulture critic and Hit Factory all-star Roxana Hadadi returns to close out Denzember with a hefty chat about Mira Nair's 1991 romantic drama 'Mississippi Masala', a story of identity, the generational pursuit of belonging, and the possibility of new futures through the radical expression of love without boundaries. 

We discuss the career of the undersung Nair, from her start as a documentarian through her more recent narrative features like 'The Namesake' and 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist'. Then we discuss the film's wholly singular voice and level of representation; how it refuses simple binaries about a diverse set of cultures, and why extricating a white perspective allows the story to detail difficult realities of non-white experiences. Finally, we discuss the film's impossibly alluring romantic thread between Denzel Washington and first-time performer Sarita Choudhury and the honesty that can be revealed through the pairing of a veteran actor's craft and a non-actor's authenticity. 

Roxana's Top 5 Denzel Washington Performances:

Honorable Mentions: The Pelican Brief, Much Ado About Nothing

1. Mississippi Masala

2. Malcolm X

3. Man on Fire

4. The Mancuiran Candidate

5. Inside Man

Aaron's Top 5 Denzel Washington Performances:

Honorable Mentions: Philadelphia, Crimson Tide

1. Malcolm X

2. Training Day

3. Deja Vu

4. Flight

5. The Tragedy of Macbeth

Carlee's Top 5 Denzel Washington Performances:

Honorable Mentions: Malcolm X, The Hurricane

1. Ricochet

2. Crimson Tide

3. Training Day

4. Flight

5. Mississippi Masala

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Our Denzember theme song is "FUNK" by OPPO.

New York-based writer Ashley Reese joins us for our a very special Christmas installment of Denzember as we discuss Penny Marshall's 1996 romantic comedy 'The Preachers Wife'.

We discuss the film as a metatextual exploration of Denzel Washington's celebrity image as well as part of Whitney's second leg as an international superstar and actress. We also discuss the film's monumental soundtrack, sung by Whitney herself, an album that remains the best selling gospel record of all time. Finally we discuss the flattening effect of family films of the era (especially those produced by Touchstone/Disney) and how they tend to flirt with societal issues while reaffirming the system that causes them.

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Our Denzember theme song is "FUNK" by OPPO.

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Denzember continues with GQ Senior Editor Frazier Tharpe II joining us to discuss Jonathan Demme's 'Philadelphia', one of the first major Hollywood films to take on the AIDS crisis. Far from a simple "issues picture", the movie overcomes many of its retrograde positions and dubious narrative decisions through the combination of Demme's masterful skill behind the camera and two powerhouse lead perfromances from Denzel and Tom Hanks (in a role that would net him his first Oscar win). 

We track the career of Jonathan Demme, from his time in the Roger Corman stable through his massive hit 'The Silence of the Lambs', and the bold decision to tackle 'Philadelphia' as a project. Then, we discuss the two seismic performances from Hanks and Washington, and how each bring their star-power and career arcs to the roles in vital ways. Finally, we discuss some of the many controversial creative decisions that went into the making of the film, how some might be handled today, and why the film still resonates in spite of these components.

Frazier's Top 5 Denzel Washington Performances:

1. Malcolm X

2. Man on Fire

3. Training Day

4. Flight

5. Out of Time

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Our Denzember theme song is "FUNK" by OPPO.

Chapo Trap House and Movie Mindset's very own Will Menaker stops by to help celebrate Denzember and discuss Carl Franklin's 'Devil in a Blue Dress', based on the inaugural Easy Rawlins mystery novel of the same name by author Walter Mosley. It's a stylish period noir made by a filmmaker and team seemingly uninterested in reproducing the aesthetic trappings of classic film noir, instead opting for a rich and colorful evocation of parts of 1940s Los Angeles rarely seen in the movies.

We discuss the career of Carl Franklin, as well as this film's thematic links to his 1992 neo-noir masterpiece One False Move. Then, we discuss the movie's thoughtful subversions of classic film noir, exploring the conditionality of freedom and access to the American Dream for Black Americans in postwar era South Central Los Angeles. Elsewhere, we continue our discussion on Denzel as actor and offer praise to his performance in addition to the movie's supporting performances from a scene-stealing Don Cheadle and the stunning, underrated Jennifer Beals.

Will's Top 5 Denzel Reaction GIFS:
1. Fallen
2. Flight
3. Denzel Door Slam
4. Training Day
5. Denzel Awards Face

Will's Top 5 Denzel Washinton Performances (Spike & Tony-Inclusive)
1. Man of Fire
2. Malcolm X
3. Unstoppable
4. He Got Game
5. Glory

Will's Top 5 Non-Spike & Tony Denzel Washington Performances (Unranked):
1. Glory
2. Devil in a Blue Dress
3. Ricochet
4. Philadelphia
5. The Tragedy of Macbeth

Follow Will Menaker on Twitter.

Listen to & support Chapo Trap House on Patreon.

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Our Denzember theme song is "FUNK" by OPPO.

Writer, editor and podcaster Edward Ongweso Jr. returns to the show to kick off Denzember, a monthlong celebration of our greatest living actor, with a conversation about Spike Lee's seminal 1992 biopic 'Malcolm X'. It stands as one of Lee's most triumphant achievements and one of Denzel Washington's very best performances as one of the most significant figures of 20th century America.

We discuss the film's trouble gestation period, taking nearly 30 years to get to the big screen then courting controversy throughout its production. We also discuss the film's portrait of Malcolm X and offer our readings of Spike's ultimate intention - presenting a fractured portrait that embraces the many sides of the man and the many ideologies and sects that claim him. Finally, we talk about the film's noteworthy detractors, including social critic and theorist bell hooks, who makes a compelling case that the film ultimately fails to bring a meaningful portrait of Malcolm to the big screen.

Read bell hooks's review of Spike Lee's 'Malcolm X' at Artforum.

Edward's Top 5 Denzel Performances:
1. Malcolm X (1992)
2. Fences (2016)
3. Training Day (2001)
4. The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)
5. Philadelphia (1993)/The Hurricane (1999)

Follow Edward Ongweso Jr. on Twitter.

Listen & Subscribe to This Machine Kills.

Read Edward's Substack The Tech Bubble.

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Our Denzember theme song is "FUNK" by OPPO.

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Creator of the "eventually, forever" newsletter and film twitter heavy Adam Sullivan joins us to discuss the brilliant Hayao Miyazaki and his 1992 film 'Porco Rosso'. Initially conceived as a short film exclusively for in-flight guests of Japan Airlines, the film eventually grew in ambition and scope and now stands as one of Miyazaki's most underrated, visually transcendent masterpieces. 

We discuss the film's many classic Hollywood touchpoints, including the films of Howard Hawks, Victor Fleming, and John Ford and how these influences create a sense of fantasy more grounded that other Miyazaki works. Then, we discuss the film's setting amidst the rising tide of fascism in the Adriatic and its connection to the moving character portrait at its core. Finally, we discuss how 'Porco Rosso' (perhaps more than any other film) suggests some of the director's late period affinities in works like 'The Wind Rises'.

Plus: We talk Miyazaki's latest work 'The Boy & The Heron', which we have all had the chance to see ahead of its wide release in the US Friday, 12/8/23. 

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Read and subscribe to Adam's newsletter "eventually, forever".

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Our theme song is "Mirror" by Chris Fish 

Get access to this entire episode as well as all of our premium episodes and bonus content by becoming a Hit Factory Patron for just $5/month.

We contracted the services of Jake Serwin, co-host of America's premier Clint Eastwood podcast Pod Casty For Me, to take on a pair of films about a professional assassin having a crisis of conscience after botching his most recent job.

First up, we talk The Replacement Killers, Antoine Fuqua's first feature and Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun-fat's Hollywood debut, pairing him with recent Oscar winner Mira Sorvino for an extremely American riff on Hong Kong's Heroic Bloodshed genre, popularized by Chow and The Replacement Killers' executive producer John Woo. 

Then we wade in to David Fincher's latest film for Netflix, 'The Killer'. It's a sharp, potent thriller hybrid that spits copious venom at our hyperconnected modern existence, hustle culture, and the gig economy while also functioning as a kaleidoscopic reflection on Fincher's entire career and ethos as a filmmaker. 

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Our theme song is "Mirror" by Chris Fish 

Journalist and writer Séamus Malekafzali returns to the program for a lengthy conversation about Martin Scorsese's 1995 crime epic 'Casino'. Initially viewed by critics and audiences as a retread of Scorsese's masterful crime saga 'Goodfellas', the film has since been reevaluated as a masterpiece in its own right - one enriched by the director's late period films and preoccupations.

We discuss the film's dizzying construction, effectively evoking the glitz and glam of the Vegas strip through extended montages and voiceover (an effect masterfully rendered by Scorsese's deft hands as a director, a firecracker script with co-writer Nicholas Pileggi, and the brilliant editing of longtime Scorsese collaborator Thelma Schoonmaker). Then, we examine the brilliant, career-defining performance of Sharon Stone as Ginger McKenna. It's a role that deserves every possible accolade, and strikes a note that no one but Stone could conceivably achieve. Finally, we discuss the film as capitalist allegory, and how Scorsese thoughtfully weaves commentary on the corporate centralization of the American economy and its steady collapsing of the middle class.

We also offer some thoughts on Scorsese's latest, 'Killers of the Flower Moon', and the evolution of the director's views on capitalism, corruption, and consequence.  

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Read Séamus's Substack on Middle East politics.

Read & Listen to Burnt Nitrate, Séamus's explorations of lesser-known and lesser-discussed films.

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Our theme song is "Mirror" by Chris Fish. 

Chicago-based academic and horror obsessive Peter Raleigh joins to discuss reliable journeyman director Peter Hyams and his 1997 creature feature, 'The Relic'. Maligned critically and a failure at the box office upon its initial release, the film has endured as an example of the tactile, sturdy genre work of the 90s with capable hands on both sides of the camera, including brilliant creature designs from legendary special effects guru Stan Winston.

We discuss the film's impressive balancing act, managing to glide over a host ludicrous genre tropes and plot holes with ease while maintining a keen pacing and immersion. Then, we praise the excellent directorial work of Hyams, who serves here as his own cinematographer and generates a mesmerizing, impressionistic array of horror imagery in stark, dimly lit spaces galore. Finally, we discuss the delights of the monster movie, its flattening of distinctions among people that make for compelling survival thrills, and why the sensibilities of the decade were uniquely attuned to the subgenre.

Watch the 35mm trailer for The Relic.

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Our theme song is "Mirror" by Chris Fish. 

Episode Summary

Join Erin and Rachel on the Scare Floor for a discussion of Monsters, Inc. (2001). The impressive animation, clever world building, strong performances, and high joke density adequately compensate for some outdated fatphobic, classist, and misogynist beats. Under director Pete Docter, Pixar has officially hit their stride with this critically acclaimed box office smash. 

Episode Bibliography

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Ebert, R. (2001, November 2). Monsters, Inc. movie review & film summary (2001). Roger Ebert. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/monsters-inc-2001

FilmIsNow Movie Bloopers & Extras. (2022, April 25). MONSTERS, Inc. (2001) | Making of CGI Featurette. YouTube. Retrieved October 1, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfIIvaSzE1g

Gaura, M. A. (2002, November 9). Sonoma artist claims 'Monsters, Inc.' a rip-off / Suit says... SFGATE. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/sonoma-artist-claims-monsters-inc-a-rip-off-2772969.php

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Kinzler, K. D., & DeJesus, J. M. (2013). Northern = smart and Souther = nice: The development of accent attitudes in the United States. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 66(6), 1146-1158. DOI: 10.1080/17470218.2012.731695

KSCG Guy. (2022, June 6). Filmmakers Roundtable | Monster's Inc. YouTube. Retrieved October 17, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2FTV7lI254

Mitchell, E. (2001, November 2). FILM REVIEW; Monsters of Childhood With Feelings and Agendas (Published 2001). The New York Times. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/02/movies/film-review-monsters-of-childhood-with-feelings-and-agendas.html

Monsters, Inc. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved October 1, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsters,_Inc.

Monsters, Inc. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved October 18, 2023, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0198781/

Monsters, Inc. (n.d.). Box Office Mojo. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0198781/

Ness, M. (2017, April 27). Fur, comedy, and lawsuits: Monsters, Inc. Tor.Com. https://www.tor.com/2017/04/27/fur-comedy-and-lawsuits-monsters-inc/

Pixar Animation Studios. (n.d.). Pixar Animation Studios. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.pixar.com/feature-films/monsters-inc

Shiels, M. (2002, November 14). Monsters Inc faces 'copying' lawsuit. BBC News. Retrieved 10 10, 2023, from https://web.archive.org/web/20080204172819/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2477593.stm

Snetiker, M. (2016, November 2). Monsters Inc: Pete Docter dives deep into movie's legacy and creation, 15 years later. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 17, 2023, from https://ew.com/article/2016/11/02/monsters-inc-anniversary-pete-docter/

Taylor, C. (2001, November 2). Monsters, Inc. Salon.com. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.salon.com/2001/11/02/monsters_inc/