Slate News Culture Gabfest: Cate Blanchett Is a Sexy Super Spy
Mar 23, 2025
The hosts dive into the new film featuring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender, discussing its mix of espionage and romance. They analyze the humor and drama in the Hulu series 'Deli Boys,' where two siblings unexpectedly inherit a crime syndicate. Reflections on the impact of a famous memoir on writing and personal growth lead to lively debates about literary ambition. Finally, a passionate endorsement of 'A French Village' showcases its intricate storytelling set against a WWII backdrop, making it a must-watch.
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Black Bag: More Relationship Than Espionage
- Black Bag, starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender, is a spy thriller centered on a married couple.
- The film prioritizes their relationship and trust dynamics over national security.
Soderbergh's Choice of Lead Actors
- Julia Turner found the actors' lack of chemistry puzzling, given Soderbergh's skill with eroticism.
- She questions the portrayal of the central couple as a glamorous power couple admired by other spies.
Control in a World of Deceit
- The film argues that in a world of spycraft, steely control is essential for a successful marriage.
- Other characters falter due to their inability to maintain this control, unlike the leads.
