M Night Shyamalan, the legendary filmmaker known for his unique thrillers, joins the conversation to delve into the inspiration behind his new film, 'Trap,' and its complex father-daughter dynamics set against a musical backdrop. He shares insights into his influences, including 'The Exorcist,' and discusses the challenges of portraying emotional depth in suspenseful narratives. There's also lively discussion around film reviews, including the re-release of 'Caligula,' and an entertaining look at cinematic competitions.
M Night Shyamalan shares insights into his creative process and themes of family within his latest film, Trap.
The podcast features a discussion on the historical significance of cigarettes, highlighting societal changes in attitudes toward tobacco use.
Listeners are engaged with the results of the World Cup of Tom Hanks, showcasing the popularity of 'Toy Story' over 'Apollo 13'.
Deep dives
The Importance of VPNs
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Cigarettes and Historical Context
The discussion touches on the historical significance of Gitanes and Gauloises cigarettes, revealing that the latter is now produced in Poland rather than France. This transition aligns with a nostalgic look at the past, emphasizing both patriotic associations and the dangers of smoking. The speakers reflect on the glamorized perception of cigarettes from yesteryear, despite the harmful statistics that have emerged regarding their health impacts. This exploration provides insight into societal changes in attitudes toward smoking and tobacco use.
Film Reviews and Anticipation
The episode features an anticipation of upcoming film reviews, including 'Caligula: The Ultimate Cut' and 'Rebel Moon Part II.' The excitement around 'Caligula' stems from its reissue, which promises fresh perspectives on a notorious classic. Listeners can expect insights into the independent British film 'Skye Peele,' diversifying the week’s cinematic offerings. Moreover, the inclusion of M. Night Shyamalan as a special guest adds an extra layer of intrigue to the episode.
World Cup of Tom Hanks Results
The episode announces the results of the World Cup of Tom Hanks, where 'Toy Story' triumphs over 'Apollo 13' with a vote distribution of 64% to 36%. This outcome highlights the audience's affection for 'Toy Story,' often regarded as a revolutionary animated film, compared to Hanks's iconic role in 'Apollo 13.' The event serves not only as a fun competition but also as a reminder of Hanks's significant contributions to cinema. The presenters emphasize their appreciation for audience participation in selecting these favorites.
Rebel Moon Part II Review
The review of 'Rebel Moon Part II: The Scar Giver' critiques its overused tropes and lack of originality, likening it to a Star Wars spin-off. The film fails to engage due to its lengthy runtime and clichéd storytelling, focusing on space fascists and rebels with little depth. The reviewer expresses frustration with the characters and their development, finding them unmemorable and superficial. Despite its attempts at grandiosity, the film is criticized for being boring and tedious, prompting the reviewer to question the need for a potential third installment in the series.
We have a VERY special guest this week. The legendary thrill-maker M Night Shyamalan comes on to talk all things Exorcist, family and his process behind his new release, Trap, starring Josh Hartnett. This was a great chat, so there’s even more in our premium episode. Plus, we review Caligula’s re-issue and get into some more results from our World Cups of Tom Hanks and 1984. Meryl Streep to come next week... also a special guest appearance from The Redactor. We also review the cracking Sky Peals, a head-twister in which a gas station attendant starts to believe he’s descended from an alien race.
Timecodes (relevant only for the Vanguard - who are also ad-free!):
Caligula Review – 12:03
M Night Shyamalan interview – 26:07
Sky Peals Review – 44:32
Rebel Moon Part II: The Scargiver Review – 50:19
World Cup of 1984 Results – 57:53
Tom Hanks World Cup Results 1:00:35
You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo
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