The Big Picture The Movie Business Freak-Out Mailbag and ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,’ With Rian Johnson!
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Dec 16, 2025 Rian Johnson, an acclaimed filmmaker known for the Benoit Blanc mysteries, discusses his latest project, ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.’ He shares insights into his storytelling process, highlighting the parallels between murder mysteries and themes of faith and moral restoration. Johnson reveals his evolving relationship with religion and why he was captivated by Josh O’Connor’s performance. The conversation touches on his collaborative filmmaking approach and the importance of engaging protagonists in crafting compelling mysteries.
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Rob Reiner As A Touchstone For Studio Craft
- Rob Reiner's films represent a pinnacle of American studio filmmaking that shaped the hosts' tastes and cultural understanding.
- His work blends emotional clarity and craftsmanship to create movies people repeatedly share and cherish.
Awards Voting Is Personal, Not Political
- Academy members vote for movies they love or friends, not as an economic punishment against studios.
- Don't expect the Warner/Netflix deal to significantly change Oscar voting patterns.
Franchise Slate Alone Won't Save Theaters
- 2026's heavy franchise slate will determine theatrical health but isn't the whole story.
- Original films by proven filmmakers still matter as a counterbalance to IP fatigue.
