The Big Picture One Mailbag After Another, and the Updated PTA Movie Rankings
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Sep 29, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Adam Nayman, a film critic and author, shares insights on Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film, 'One Battle After Another.' He highlights Benicio Del Toro's standout performance and the influence of Jonathan Demme. Writer and podcaster Andy Greenwald adds a personal touch with anecdotes from his viewing experiences. They dive into the film's box office success, explore the emotional resonance of parenting themes, and debate the distinct characteristics that define a 'PTA movie,' making for a lively conversation!
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Box Office Is Short-Term, Legacy Lasts
- Sean and Amanda argue box office matters as a short-term barometer but not the final judge of a film's cultural value.
- They stress long-term revenue and legacy (awards, forever-movie status) can vindicate expensive, risky films.
Big Studio Money Runs On Relationships
- Sean outlines how relationships inside studios and cultural partnerships (e.g., TCM) enabled PTA to secure big studio money.
- He frames One Battle as a product of corporate relationship-building and mutual cultural investment, not pure market logic.
VistaVision Screening Broke Midway
- Sean describes the VistaVision screening that broke 40 minutes in and forced a switch to DCP, explaining the visible loss compared to film projection.
- He says the first 40 minutes on VistaVision were the best version he saw, and he wants another full-format viewing.
