The hosts discuss Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon', its battle scenes, and their disappointment with the movie. They delve into the historical context of 'great men' movies and share their top five in the genre. They also touch on sex in the late 18th and early 19th century, the concept of greatness, and upcoming movies. Additionally, they discuss campaigning efforts in the film industry and casual Thanksgiving conversations.
The podcast explores Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon' and discusses its impressive battle scenes, but highlights that the movie falls short of expectations.
'Great men' movies are discussed, highlighting how films like 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford' and 'Malcolm X' deconstruct the idea of heroism and reveal the complexities of influential historical figures.
The impact of family dynamics on shaping great men is explored through films like 'Lion in Winter' and 'Amadeus', emphasizing the interplay between personal history and individual greatness.
Deep dives
The Wedding Scammer: Hunting a Con Man
The podcast follows the host's pursuit of a con man, covering scams, heartbreak, and the investigative process.
Exploring the Life of Napoleon
The podcast delves into the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, highlighting his rise to power, his military conquests, and the complexities of his character.
Analyzing Ridley Scott's Film 'Napoleon'
The podcast episode reviews Ridley Scott's film 'Napoleon', discussing its dual narrative structure, impressive battle sequences, and Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Napoleon.
Understanding Great Men Movies
The podcast explores the concept of 'great men movies' and their portrayal of influential historical figures, touching on the complexities of these characters and the filmmakers' perspectives.
Films that Deconstruct the Idea of Great Men
This podcast episode explores films that deconstruct the idea of great men and takes a critical look at their flaws and complexities. One film discussed is 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,' which challenges the notion of heroism and reveals the flawed nature of its characters. Another film mentioned is 'Malcolm X,' which portrays the tragic and complicated life of a significant figure in American history. The episode also touches on 'Citizen Kane,' which pioneered the subgenre of films that reveal the hidden truths behind seemingly great individuals.
The Role of Family in Shaping Great Men
A discussion in this podcast centers around the impact of family dynamics on shaping great men. The film 'Lion in Winter' is highlighted as an example that explores how family relationships and upbringing can greatly influence a person's character. The podcast also mentions 'Amadeus,' a film that delves into the relationship between two great men and the effect of jealousy and rivalry. These films shed light on the complex interplay between personal history and the greatness of individuals.
Sean, Amanda, and Chris explore the high highs of Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon’—in particular the battle scenes—while trying to sort through their feelings on why the movie doesn’t come together as a whole quite how they hoped it would (1:00). Then, they try to place ‘Napoleon’ in the historical context of “great men” movies and share their top five in the genre (40:00).
