‘Monkey Man’ Is Here! Plus, the Top Five 21st Century Directorial Debuts.
Apr 5, 2024
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Dev Patel discusses his directorial debut film 'Monkey Man' focusing on unique action scenes and behind-the-scenes studio management. The hosts then dive into the best 21st-century directorial debuts, sharing insights and preferences while infusing humor and banter.
Dev Patel's 'Monkey Man' showcases unique action and studio management challenges.
Todd Field's 'In the Bedroom' explores grief and resilience in American suburbia.
Ben Affleck's 'Gone Baby Gone' establishes him as a promising director in crime drama.
Deep dives
Palm Springs - A Delightful Streaming Rom-Com Success
Palm Springs, directed by Max Barbakow, captivated audiences with its unique take on the romantic comedy genre. Released in 2020 during the pandemic, the film stood out amidst a wave of similar attempts at reinventing the rom-com formula. With charming performances and a cleverly crafted narrative, Palm Springs became a memorable addition to the streaming era of romantic comedies.
In the Bedroom - A Searing Portrait of Tragedy and Community
Todd Field's debut film, 'In the Bedroom,' delves into the agony of American suburbia in the aftermath of a tragic event. Boasting outstanding performances from actors like Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek, the film navigates the delicate dynamics within a family and its community with a literary depth that sets it apart. 'In the Bedroom' remains a singular and impactful exploration of grief and resilience.
Gone Baby Gone - Ben Affleck's Impressive Directorial Debut
Ben Affleck made a mark in the directorial sphere with 'Gone Baby Gone,' delivering a gripping crime drama that showcased his storytelling chops. The film, released in 2007, established Affleck as a promising filmmaker, with subsequent projects further solidifying his directorial career. 'Gone Baby Gone' remains a standout in Affleck's filmography and a testament to his talent behind the camera.
The Babadook - Jennifer Kent's Cult Horror Classic
Jennifer Kent's directorial debut, 'The Babadook,' emerged as an instant cult classic in the horror genre, blending psychological depth with supernatural horror. The film's artful storytelling and atmospheric tension set it apart from traditional horror fare, earning praise for Kent's distinct directorial vision. 'The Babadook' introduced Kent as a filmmaker to watch, sparking anticipation for her future projects.
A Star is Born versus Ex Machina
The podcast discusses the film 'A Star is Born' directed by Bradley Cooper. The hosts highlight the accuracy of their initial assessment of the movie as a perfect and whole film. They compare it to an elevation of Cooper's filmmaking techniques. In contrast, the hosts also delve into 'Ex Machina' directed by Alex Garland, noting its exploration of AI influence and toxic masculinity, praising it as a sobering account that serves as one of their favorite movies.
Top Movie Picks: The Virgin Suicides and Get Out
The podcast features a debate on movie selections, focusing on 'The Virgin Suicides' directed by Sofia Coppola. The hosts emphasize its masterful debut at Cannes and its eligibility despite release date considerations. Additionally, 'Get Out' by Jordan Peele is highlighted for its impactful debut, described as a profound announcement in filmmaking. The hosts express anticipation for Peele's future work and discuss the cultural significance of his transition from sketch comedy.
Sean and Amanda dig into the successes and shortcomings of this week’s biggest release at the box office: Dev Patel’s directorial debut, ‘Monkey Man’ (1:00). They discuss, among other things, the unique action put to screen and the movie’s rumored behind-the-scenes studio management. Then—after casually losing their sanity for 15 minutes in the middle of the podcast—they discuss the best directorial debuts of the 21st century (42:00).
