The ‘Barbie’ Freak-Out, Oscar Nominations Mailbag, and ‘The Zone of Interest’
Jan 26, 2024
02:00:44
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The hosts discuss controversial Oscar nominations and disappointments, the predictability of the Oscars, and their predictions for the best actress category. They also explore the blind spots of the Academy Awards, debate the best debuts and breakthrough performances in film, and discuss potential nominees for the Oscars. Additionally, they admire Sophia Coppola and discuss various films and documentaries they have seen, including a horror movie and a documentary about a young boy's life. Lastly, they delve into a scene from a film that explores the director's intention of making it a reminder of the current world's shift towards a fascistic approach and the ignorance of death and toxicity.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast discussed notable Best Picture lineups from different years, highlighting their quality and impact.
There has been an increase in films using the Academy (1.37:1) aspect ratio, with varying opinions on its effectiveness.
The episode highlighted several notable films showcased at Sundance, covering themes such as trans identity, ghost stories, and historical figures.
The hosts analyzed 'The Zone of Interest,' discussing its unconventional structure and deliberate avoidance of visually depicting the Holocaust.
The hosts praised 'The Zone of Interest' for its daring and thought-provoking exploration of historical denial and its impact on audience expectations.
Deep dives
The greatest best picture lineup of all time
There have been several remarkable Best Picture lineups throughout history, but one of the most commonly cited is the lineup from 1975, which included films like 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' 'Barry Lyndon,' 'Dog Day Afternoon,' 'Jaws,' and 'Nashville.' Another notable lineup is from 1968, which featured films such as 'In the Heat of the Night,' 'Bonnie and Clyde,' 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner,' 'The Graduate,' and 'Doctor Doolittle.' Additionally, the lineups from 1939 ('Gone with the Wind,' 'Dark Victory,' 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,' 'The Wizard of Oz,' and 'Ninety-Three's 'Schindler's List,' 'The Fugitive,' 'The Piano,' 'In the Name of the Father,' and 'The Remains of the Day.') are also highly regarded for their quality and impact.
The rise of the Academy aspect ratio
There has been a noticeable increase in films embracing the Academy (1.37:1) aspect ratio in recent years. This trend is seen in films like 'Astertois City,' 'Poor Things,' 'Sylkburn,' and 'Maestro.' It appears that filmmakers are deliberately adopting this aspect ratio to give their movies a sense of importance and artistic quality. However, opinions on the effectiveness of this approach vary. Some believe that the use of the Academy ratio can enhance the visual style and storytelling, while others view it as a superficial attempt to differentiate a film from the rest. Ultimately, whether this trend continues or fades remains to be seen.
Pre-Sence
Pre-Sence is a new film by Steven Soderbergh. It is a ghost story told from the perspective of a spectral being.
Will & Harper
Will & Harper is a documentary featuring Will Ferrell and his friend Harper as they go on a cross-country journey exploring trans identity and the relationship to the culture we consume.
The Outrun
The Outrun stars Saoirse Ronan and is generating buzz as a potential Best Actress contender. It follows the story of a woman navigating trans identity and the challenges it presents.
Superman
Superman is a powerful documentary that tells the story of Christopher Reeve, the actor who portrayed the iconic superhero and his life after a tragic accident.
Sundance Recap
These are some of the notable films showcased at Sundance, featuring new works from esteemed directors and thought-provoking documentaries. They cover a range of themes including trans identity, ghost stories, and historical figures.
Summary of Podcast Episode
The podcast episode discussed various films, including a horror movie with a slow cinema approach, a documentary about a young boy with a muscular degenerative disease who found solace in an online gaming community, and a movie about a family living near Auschwitz during World War II. The episode highlighted the unique storytelling techniques and emotional impact of these films. The podcast hosts also shared their thoughts on the Oscar-nominated film 'The Zone of Interest,' discussing its artistic approach, the use of sound design, and the controversial decision to portray the story without visually depicting the Holocaust. They acknowledged the film's challenging nature and its potential impact on viewers. The hosts expressed their admiration for the director's vision and the technical proficiency of the movie. Overall, the episode provided an insightful discussion about these thought-provoking films and the artistic choices made by their respective directors.
The Zone of Interest
The hosts delved into a detailed analysis of 'The Zone of Interest,' an unconventional film based on a novel by Martin Amos, set near Auschwitz during World War II. They discussed the film's unique structure, emphasizing its focus on the mundane lives of a family living near the concentration camp. The hosts highlighted the film's intentional avoidance of visually depicting the horrors of the Holocaust, using sound design and other subtle cues to create an unsettling atmosphere. They debated the effectiveness of this approach and acknowledged that it might not resonate with all viewers. The hosts also examined the metaphysical elements of the film, such as flash-forward scenes and the protagonist's struggle with evil. While admitting that 'The Zone of Interest' might not appeal to everyone, the hosts praised its daring and thought-provoking exploration of historical denial and the consequences of such denial. They discussed its Oscar nominations and the film's impact on audience expectations for historical movies.
Sean and Amanda open the mailbag to answer lingering questions about the Oscar nominations, including the growing fervor around Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig’s failure to be nominated for ‘Barbie,’ why ‘The Iron Claw’ received no nominations, which film could surprise at the awards, and more (1:00). Then, Sean gives a quick recap of what he saw at the Sundance Film Festival (1:13:00) before they finally do a full deep dive into Jonathan Glazer’s ‘The Zone of Interest’ (1:22:00).