George Mackay, Femme, Jason Isaacs, Archie & Eileen
Dec 1, 2023
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Actor George Mackay discusses his role in the psychosexual noir 'Femme' and seeking revenge on one of his attackers. Jason Isaacs talks about playing Cary Grant in the ITV miniseries 'Archie'. An adaptation of 'Eileen' is reviewed, and Mark shares his thoughts on the film. The podcast also includes discussions about the popularity of Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear in Vietnam, the complex character of Cary Grant, and the making of 'Femme', a French indie that subverts the noir thriller genre.
Archie is a four-part series that delves into the life of Cary Grant, portraying his troubled upbringing and personal struggles, providing a raw and nuanced portrayal of a Hollywood legend behind the scenes.
Femme is a thrilling film that explores power dynamics, sexual tension, and the fragility of identity, highlighting George MacKay's versatility as an actor and solidifying his rising star status in the film industry.
Deep dives
Archie: Exploring the Troubled Life of Cary Grant
Archie is a four-part series that delves into the life of Cary Grant, played by Jason Isaacs. The series focuses on the troubled upbringing and personal struggles of the iconic actor. Growing up in an abusive and neglectful environment, Grant's childhood scars shaped his adult life. Despite his on-screen charm and charisma, he battled with feelings of being unlovable and wrestled with personal relationships. The series also explores his journey towards healing, as he discovers the power of giving love and becoming a parent. Through an immersive storytelling approach, Archie offers a raw and nuanced portrayal of a Hollywood legend behind the scenes.
Archie: The Layers of Performance in the Life of Cary Grant
Archie, a four-part series, unravels the intricacies of Cary Grant's life, portrayed by Jason Isaacs. The show examines the different layers of performance Grant engaged in, showcasing how he created and played the character of Cary Grant. While the public knew him as the suave and debonair leading man, his true self, Archie Leach, was a troubled and damaged individual. The series explores the exploration reveals the complexities of Grant's personal struggles, highlighting his abusive childhood, his battles with self-worth, and the destructive relationships that plagued his life. Through the framing device of Grant recounting his life story on stage, the series dives into the public life, private life, and secret life of this iconic actor, offering a comprehensive and intimate look into the man behind the Hollywood legend.
Film: Femme
Femme is a thriller that explores performance and identity, focusing on characters who adopt roles and personas. The film follows the story of Jules, a drag queen, who seeks revenge on Preston, a violent and mysterious individual. As their relationship develops, the lines between truth and performance blur, creating tension and uncertainty. With its neon-drenched scenes and physical performances, Femme delves into the themes of power dynamics, sexual tension, and the fragility of identity. The film keeps viewers on edge as they navigate the twilight zone of danger and performance.
George MacKay's Breakthrough Role
George MacKay shines in Femme, delivering a powerful performance as Preston. The film showcases MacKay's versatility as an actor, as he portrays a character with a complex internal struggle. With his physical transformation and remarkable portrayal of a person struggling with masculinity and sexuality, MacKay captivates audiences. His chemistry with co-star Nathan Stewart-Jarrett adds depth to their on-screen dynamic, as they navigate a dangerous game of seduction and revenge. Femme solidifies George MacKay as a rising star in the film industry, highlighting his ability to immerse himself in challenging and multifaceted roles.
It’s another bumper week for guests: Simon and Mark chat to their fave “gorgeous George” Mackay about his new psychosexual noir ‘Femme’, which sees a man who is targeted in a horrific homophobic attack seek revenge on one of his attackers, played by Mackay. They also say hello to Jason Isaacs, who is here in the studio to chew the fat and discuss his turn as Hollywood legend Cary Grant in the ITV miniseries ‘Archie’.
Mark gives his thoughts on both, along with reviewing ‘Eileen’, an adaptation of Ottessa Moshfegh’s best-selling, psychological-thriller novel about a shy young woman working at a prison when a captivating, glamorous counsellor, played by Anne Hathaway, and helps her access new facets of her personality, but may be drawing her into something more dangerous - Hathaway described it as ‘Carol’ meets ‘Reservoir Dogs’.
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