The Big Picture
The Summer Movie Preview Game. Plus: David Cronenberg on ‘The Shrouds.’
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The podcast discusses new Oscar voting rules that mandate Academy members to watch all nominated films to ensure integrity.
- A new award for casting directors has been introduced at the Oscars, recognizing their vital role in filmmaking.
- The hosts predict box office performance for upcoming summer movies, reflecting on trends and audience preferences in cinema.
- David Cronenberg's film 'The Shrouds' is explored, highlighting its themes of grief and complex human emotions intertwined with technology.
- Conversations revolve around the challenges filmmakers face in producing original work amidst franchise dominance and streaming pressures.
Deep dives
Introduction of a New Era
The podcast introduces a new phase in the host's career as he expands from the 90s music scene into the 2000s. This transition involves the launch of an updated series that will explore 60 songs that define the 2000s, drawing attention to significant musical acts like The Strokes, Rihanna, and Kanye West. The title change signifies a broader exploration of music history, moving beyond the initial decade and allowing for a fresh examination of the next pivotal era in popular music. This shift sets the tone for an engaging conversation about the evolution of music and its cultural implications.
Conversations on Grief
A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing themes of grief, particularly in relation to summer movies and the influence of personal experiences. The hosts reflect on how grief can shape narrative arcs and character development within films, enhancing viewers' emotional experiences. They introduce an upcoming conversation with renowned director David Cronenberg, emphasizing his recent work that examines grief and the impacts of technology on human relationships. This intertwining of personal loss and cinematic storytelling reveals a deep exploration of emotional themes that resonate with audiences.
New Oscar Rules and Voting Requirements
The podcast dives into the newly announced rules for the Oscar voting process, highlighting that voters are now mandated to watch all nominated films to cast their votes. This shift seeks to assure thoroughness and integrity in the voting process, raising questions about the practicality of this requirement for those in various positions within the industry. Discussions arise around the potential for voters to bypass viewing by employing assistants or using screening portals, shedding light on the changing dynamics of evaluating cinematic excellence. These updates provoke thought about how the awards may evolve and what this means for future films.
The Introduction of the Casting Oscar
A significant focus of the podcast is on the introduction of a new Oscar category for casting, which aims to recognize the crucial role casting directors play in filmmaking. This new award will allow casting directors to be acknowledged for their contributions to film, thus shifting the spotlight onto an often-overlooked aspect of production. The process for nominations will include an artistic evaluation to shortlist candidates based on their creative collaboration during the casting phase. This change reflects a growing awareness of the importance of recognizing all facets of filmmaking within the Academy Awards.
Reflections on Streaming vs. Theatrical Releases
Throughout the episode, the conversation frequently touches on the tension between streaming and theatrical releases, especially regarding the attendance of film critics and regular audiences. The hosts ponder the implications of streaming culture on the film industry and the viewing experience, discussing how many theatergoers may prefer the convenience of home viewing over traditional cinema. They express concerns regarding the future of theater attendance and how this might affect critical engagement with films. This ongoing tension speaks to a broader conversation about the transformation of cinematic experiences in the digital age.
Box Office Predictions and the State of Summer Movies
The hosts engage in an entertaining tradition of predicting the potential box office performance of upcoming summer films as they navigate the current landscape of cinema. They share their insights into the financial prospects of various high-profile releases while evaluating previous summers' successes and failures. There is a palpable sense of competition as they take educated guesses based on market trends and cultural attractions, contributing to a lively exchange about the blockbuster films of summer. Their predictions reflect an understanding of audience preferences, adjusting their expectations based on various factors affecting ticket sales.
Exploring Contemporary Filmmaking Challenges
Conversations shift towards the evolving challenges filmmakers face in securing funding and producing original work in a landscape dominated by franchises and streaming platforms. The hosts discuss how many directors struggle to create unique stories that resonate with personal experiences amid industry pressures. They reflect on how the responsibility of telling meaningful stories heightens when dealing with themes like grief or technological concerns, particularly emphasizing the need for innovative approaches. This talk intersects with evolving trends in Hollywood, underlining how contemporary filmmakers must navigate their artistic visions while remaining commercially viable.
The Role of Technology in Storytelling
Technology plays a crucial role in both the discussion surrounding the film industry and its representation in the films themselves. The conversation touches upon how contemporary narratives increasingly involve technological themes, leading to a blending of dystopian elements with personal stories. The hosts highlight how films explore these changing dynamics and how they can influence our understanding of relationships with technology, often focusing on individuals grappling with loss and connection. This fascination with the intersection of technology and human experience continues to be a fertile ground for filmmakers and storytellers alike.
David Cronenberg's Impact and Legacy
In anticipation of the conversation with David Cronenberg, the hosts reflect on his significant contributions to cinema and the themes present in his works. There is excitement surrounding his exploration of complex human emotions, particularly in conjunction with technological themes, as evidenced in his newest film. Cronenberg's unique perspective on subjects like grief, loss, and identity resonates with audiences and critics, providing a rich backdrop for conversation. His legacy as a filmmaker is celebrated, highlighting the relevance of his work in today's cinematic landscape.
Conclusion of the Pod
The episode concludes with a balancing act of celebrating the grandeur of cinema while grappling with new realities in the movie industry. The hosts express gratitude for their insightful conversations, the engaging topics presented, and the depth they explored throughout the hour. As they close out this installment, there is a sense of anticipation for the next episode and the chance to further dissect the intricate layers within contemporary filmmaking. The tone remains optimistic, celebrating the potential for unique storytelling in the ever-evolving cinematic world.
Sean and Amanda briefly react to some Oscars news, including a rule requiring Academy members to watch the movies and the details surrounding the new Casting and Achievement in Stunt Design award (1:34). Then, for the first time, they play the Summer Movie Preview Game, in which they predict the box office and Metacritic score for every major summer movie release in 2025 (16:27). Later, Sean is joined by Adam Nayman to give a brief “state of the movies” before discussing David Cronenberg’s newest body horror film, ‘The Shrouds.’ They talk about its complicated and moving portrayal of grief, praise Vincent Cassel for his excellent performance, and create a “Cronenberg starter pack” for those who aren’t very familiar with the director’s filmography (1:25:06). Finally, Sean is joined by the great David Cronenberg to discuss ‘The Shrouds.’ They talk about his decision to cast Cassel in an unusual and challenging role, why he hates shooting on film and would never return, and his long-term creative collaboration with composer Howard Shore (2:06:43).
Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins
Guests: David Cronenberg and Adam Nayman
Producer: Jack Sanders
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