204: Emerald Fennell, Tom Blyth & Rachel Zegler + Saltburn, The Hunger Games, Thanksgiving, May December, Napoleon
Nov 16, 2023
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Emerald Fennell, director of Saltburn, talks about her film. Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth discuss The Hunger Games movie. A review of Thanksgiving, May December, and Napoleon are also featured.
Tom Blyth delivers a captivating performance in 'The Hunger Games' prequel, effectively portraying the character's transformation from student to cruel leader.
'The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' stays true to the source material, immersing the audience in the gritty world of Panem and exploring themes of oppression, power, and rebellion.
Rachel Zegler's captivating performance in 'The Hunger Games' prequel, alongside Tom Blythe's nuanced portrayal of President Snow, adds depth and intrigue to the characters' relationship.
Deep dives
An exploration of the complex character of Snow and the development of his villainous nature
The prequel delves into the backstory of President Snow, showcasing his journey from a student to a cruel leader. Tom Blythe delivers a captivating performance that captures the nuances and subtleties of the character's transformation. The film showcases his struggles with morality, his tumultuous relationship with tribute Lucy Gray, and his descent into villainy.
A faithful adaptation that captures the spirit of the Hunger Games
The film stays true to the source material, faithfully capturing the world building and themes of oppression, power, and rebellion. It successfully immerses the audience in the gritty and grounded world of Panem, showcasing the struggles of the districts and the rawness of the early Hunger Games. The costumes and sets are impressively designed, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience.
Strong performances and compelling characters
Rachel Zegler delivers a captivating performance as Lucy Gray, bringing depth and authenticity to the character. Tom Blythe's portrayal of Snow is a highlight, with his nuanced performance capturing the complexity of the character. The chemistry between the actors adds an extra layer of intrigue to their relationship, keeping the audience invested in their story.
A thought-provoking exploration of relevant themes
The film tackles various themes, including politics, media influence, corruption, and the human capacity for empathy. It raises questions about power dynamics, morality, and the impact of oppressive systems. These themes resonate with real-world issues and provide a thought-provoking layer to the story.
Summary of the Podcast Episode
The podcast episode begins with a discussion of the movie 'Thanksgiving,' a slasher film centered around a black Friday massacre. The hosts find the movie to be a fun and silly experience, lacking in scares but filled with fake guts and over-the-top death scenes. They note that the film is self-aware and that the performances, including those by TikTok star Addison Rae and actor Rick Hoffman, embrace the campy tone. The hosts agree that while the film is not groundbreaking or memorable, it offers an enjoyable and entertaining experience for those looking for mindless fun. In the second part of the podcast, the hosts review the movie 'May December,' a fictionalized account of a true story. The film follows the meeting between actor Elizabeth, played by Natalie Portman, and Gracie, portrayed by Julianne Moore, who went to jail for having a relationship with a young boy. The hosts praise the performances of Portman and Moore, highlighting the nuanced dynamics between their characters. They commend the film's melodramatic and tonally complex approach, along with its thought-provoking exploration of themes related to trust, representation, and morality. Despite some minor reservations, they highly recommend 'May December' as a captivating and challenging film. The last part of the podcast features a discussion of the historical epic 'Napoleon,' directed by Ridley Scott. The hosts express their excitement for the film and its portrayal of Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power. They appreciate the scale of the battles and the attention to detail in the costumes and production design. The hosts emphasize the performances of Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon and Vanessa Kirby as Josephine, noting the complexity of their characters' relationship. They find Ridley Scott's direction to be masterful, and describe the film as a rich and immersive experience that provides both spectacle and thought-provoking exploration of power and ambition. Overall, the hosts highly recommend 'Napoleon' as a must-see film on the big screen.
Total Film
00.00– 03.45 Intro
03.50 – 25.30 Review of Saltburn with an exclusive sit-down interview with the film’s director Emerald Fennell
25.35 –54.00 Review of The Hunger Games; A Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes - including an interview with the stars of the movie; Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth
54.05 – 1.00.30 Review of Thanksgiving
1.00.35 – 1.09.30 Review of May December
1.09.35 – 1.17.30 Review of Napoleon
1.17.35 – 1.23.30 Film of the Week and the Listener’s question
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