Two highly acclaimed features: Celine Song's Past Lives + Alena Lodkina's Petrol
Aug 23, 2023
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This podcast explores two highly acclaimed films: 'Past Lives', which delves into migration and identity in America, and 'Petrol', a psychedelic exploration of mystical themes. The filmmakers discuss the personal backgrounds that influenced their films, as well as the experimental and autobiographical elements in their storytelling. Collage in filmmaking is also examined, highlighting the uncertainty and effectiveness of this technique.
The American Shot in film theory saves time and money by eliminating the need for individual close-up shots.
The transnational nature of films and TV shows allows for the exchange of ideas and influences across borders.
Deep dives
The portrayal of the American Shot in film theory
The podcast discusses the concept of the American Shot in film theory, which refers to a wide mid-shot where two or more actors can share the screen simultaneously. It explores how this shot saves time and money in filmmaking, as it eliminates the need for individual close-up shots. The podcast also highlights the influence of the American Shot in Westerns, where it allows viewers to see both the cowboy's face and gun holsters. It emphasizes that the American Shot is not exclusive to American cinema, but has transcended geographical boundaries.
Exploring migration and identity in the film 'Past Lives'
The podcast features an interview with Celine Song, the director of the film 'Past Lives'. The film follows the story of Nora, a playwright who is in love with two men, her Jewish American husband and her childhood sweetheart from Korea. The film explores the experience of migration and contrasts the child's self with the adult self, as well as the home country with the adopted one. The podcast highlights the themes of the film, including the idea that people may still carry childhood emotions and that intimate relationships involve a constant effort to understand each other.
The transnational nature of films and TV shows
The podcast discusses the concept of films and TV shows being both national and transnational. It suggests that ideas and influences can travel across borders, and that the Western genre, for example, has spread beyond its American origins. It mentions the film 'Past Lives' as an example of a transnational film, as it involves directors and actors from different countries working together. The podcast emphasizes the productive tension between national and transnational elements in movies and TV shows.
The film 'Petrol' and its exploration of self-exploration and relationships
The podcast features an interview with Elena Lodkina, the director of the film 'Petrol'. The film portrays the story of Eva, a Russian Australian film student who becomes infatuated with a bohemian performance artist named Mia. The interview delves into the autobiographical elements of the film and how it navigates themes of self-doubt, confusion, and the limits of understanding oneself and others. It highlights the film's use of surrealism, collage methodology, and the interplay between reality and imagination. The podcast also mentions the universal aspects of the film, such as the exploration of girl crushes and the complexities of relationships.
We meet the filmmaker behind Past Lives, labelled one of the best films of the year and a frontrunner for awards seasons, plus, Alena Lodkina on her acclaimed feature Petrol.
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