The Big Picture ‘A House of Dynamite’ Is Ready to Explode
21 snips
Oct 27, 2025 
Adam Nayman, a film critic known for his insights into contemporary cinema, joins discussions on the complexities of Kathryn Bigelow's ‘A House of Dynamite,’ highlighting its compelling first act and the weaknesses of its later stages. The conversation then shifts to Kelly Reichardt's ‘The Mastermind,’ where they explore Josh O'Connor's captivating performance as an art thief wannabe, the film's critique of male vanity, and its ironic humor. Nayman emphasizes Reichardt's unique cinematic style and her thoughtful engagement with audience expectations.
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Moviegoing Is Becoming Eventized
- Cinemas are becoming eventized with premium formats like 70mm IMAX driving targeted, higher-spend audiences.
- Niche, passionate fanbases (anime, rep cinema) now sustain theatrical windows more than broad casual discovery.
Enthusiasts Replace Casual Discovery
- Audiences now plan fewer outings but will spend more when they care deeply about the material.
- This creates concentrated markets where enthusiasts support premium formats and repeat viewings.
Premium Formats Mirror Collecting Culture
- Film exhibition now resembles collecting or live events where scarcity and format matter more than mass reach.
- Expanding premium venues outside coasts signals studios and chains are optimizing for those enthusiasts.
