The Esau McCaulley Podcast
Best Movies of 2024 with NY Times Film Critic Alissa Wilkinson
Dec 12, 2024
Alissa Wilkinson, a New York Times film critic renowned for her keen insights, discusses her journey into film critique and reveals her top movie picks for 2024. The conversation spans the cultural impact of cinematic storytelling and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in blockbuster filmmaking. They explore faith themes in horror films, examining how they illuminate belief and doubt. Plus, Alissa shares cherished Christmas movie memories, blending nostalgia with a heartfelt reflection on what makes these films resonate.
42:41
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Quick takeaways
- Alissa Wilkinson's unique background in homeschooling and documentaries shaped her distinctive perspective as a film critic, emphasizing storytelling's educational aspects.
- Wilkinson highlights the challenge of transforming her passion for film into a full-time job, where commercial pressures can overshadow artistic integrity.
Deep dives
Alyssa Wilkinson's Homeschooling Influence
Alyssa Wilkinson shares her unique perspective on growing up homeschooled, particularly in the 90s. Her television diet primarily consisted of documentaries, particularly those by Ken Burns, which shaped her interests and expectations of storytelling. Although she occasionally watched sitcoms like 'Felicity' during visits to friends or relatives, her formative years were spent immersed in what she describes as 'boring' media, emphasizing a more educational slant. This background influenced her identity as a movie critic, providing her with a distinctive lens through which to view film and media.
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