Isaac Butler, the talented author of 'The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act' and host of 'The Craft of Acting,' brings his cinematic insights to the discussion. They dive into Brady Corbet's 'The Brutalist,' exploring themes of ambition and artistry while analyzing Adrian Brody’s complex character. The panel critiques the Netflix holiday hit 'Carry On,' debating its entertaining yet flawed nature. They also engage in a lively 'Movie Club' segment, sharing reflections on overlooked films and personal cinematic experiences.
The Brutalist explores the life of László Tóth, illustrating the struggles and ambitions of a Holocaust survivor turned architect in America.
Carry On, while entertaining with thrilling moments, critiques the predictability of its plot and reliance on familiar genre tropes.
Isaac Butler's new series on the Criterion Channel reveals the intricacies of acting through candid discussions with well-known actors, inspiring aspiring performers.
Deep dives
The Brutalist's Cinematic Ambition
The film 'The Brutalist', directed by Brady Corbet, showcases an ambitious narrative centered on Laszlo Toth, a Jewish-Hungarian architect after World War II, played by Adrian Brody. The film is notable for its sweeping scale, mirroring grand cinematic epics, complete with lavish visuals and a stunning score that enhances its emotional depth. The story unfolds as Toth navigates his new life in America, dealing with personal challenges while working on a troubled architectural project commissioned by a wealthy tycoon. Despite its impressive filmmaking techniques and storytelling aspirations, opinions on its overall effectiveness vary, with some critics calling it a beautiful but flawed effort, struggling under its own grand ambitions.
Exploring Carry On's Formulaic Structure
The Netflix film 'Carry On' presents a thrilling yet predictable narrative as TSA agent Ethan Kopech, played by Taron Egerton, finds himself in a life-or-death situation involving a terrorist plot during the busy holiday travel season. The plot's execution is marked by high tension but is often criticized for lacking depth, relying on common genre tropes and contrived conflict to propel the story forward. Despite its shortcomings, including issues with character development, it succeeds as a piece of entertainment that fits neatly into the holiday viewing roster, allowing viewers to enjoy its action without heavy investment. Jason Bateman's performance as the antagonist adds a layer of engaging smarm, highlighting a contrast between Ethan's bumbling innocence and the danger surrounding him.
Insights from Isaac Butler's Acting Series
Isaac Butler introduces his new series on the Criterion Channel, focusing on the craft of acting as it features insightful discussions with respected actors, including an in-depth conversation with Ethan Hawke. This series aims to unravel the complexities of acting and how famous actors perceive their craft and careers throughout various stages. By engaging in these personal dialogues, the series promises to inspire viewers and provide a behind-the-scenes look at the intricacies of performance art. Encouraged by the unique perspectives shared in this series, many aspiring actors might find valuable lessons and inspiration for their own creative endeavors.
Reflections on 2024 Movie Club
The 2024 Movie Club serves as an annual gathering for critics to exchange thoughts on their favorite films of the past year, fostering a rich dialogue about trends and standout performances. Critically acclaimed films touch on a mix of genres and themes, showcasing the cinematic diversity present despite industry challenges like the recent Hollywood strike. Notable discussions backtrack to the uniqueness of influential films, highlighting the cultural significance of lesser-known titles alongside mainstream offerings. As critics engage in friendly disagreements, the conversations offer insights into the cinematic landscape, enriching viewers' understanding of movie artistry and recommendations for future watches.
A Nostalgic Dive into Classic Film
The rewatch of 'My Cousin Vinny' brings a fresh appreciation for its sharp wit and engaging performances, particularly from Marisa Tomei and Joe Pesci, who brilliantly navigate the comedic nuances of legal drama. As viewers rediscover the film's clever writing and character depth, it highlights the strengths of 90s cinema, where storytelling and humor harmoniously intertwine. Alongside this, 'Three Men and a Baby' reveals its dated yet charming portrayal of three bachelor friends adapting to unexpected parenthood, showcasing the absurdity of 80s masculine stereotypes. The nostalgia of these films serves to remind viewers of the evolution of storytelling and character representation in modern cinema, further engaging new generations in cinematic history.
On this week’s show, it’s an all-movie week! Isaac Butler — author of The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act and host of the new Criterion Channel series, The Craft of Acting — sits in for Stephen Metcalf. First, the panel explores The Brutalist, director Brady Corbet’s two-part epic following the life of László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a Hungarian-born Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust then emigrates to the United States. Then, the three unpack Carry-On, an action thriller set in Los Angeles International Airport. It’s a well-made film with a dumb concept, and smashed Netflix records over the holiday. Finally, it’s that time of year again: Dana leads the panel through Slate’s Movie Club 2024, a cherished tradition in which she chats with other critics over email about the year in cinema. (Read her first post, here.)
In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the all-movie theme continues, as the three spoil The Brutalist.
