Delving into Sofia Coppola's influential filmmaking career and her unique style. Exploring the emotional resonance in her films and the power of music cues. Critiquing the shortcomings of one of her movies and discussing aging and relationships in 'On the Rocks'. Ranking her movies and teasing upcoming discussions on new releases.
Sofia Coppola's 'On the Rocks' is a small-scale romantic comedy exploring themes of marriage and middle age.
Coppola's film 'The Bling Ring' sacrifices good taste for a trashy look and lacks character chemistry.
Her short film 'Lick the Star' showcases early talent but lacks the depth of her feature films.
'A Very Murray Christmas' embodies Coppola's style with a talented cast delivering a heartwarming holiday tale.
Deep dives
The Bling Ring
The Bling Ring is ranked as number 9. The film doesn't fully come together and lacks the chemistry between characters. It sacrifices Sophia Coppola's good taste for a trashy look, and thematically it feels thin, lacking the personal touch found in her other movies. While it has some intriguing elements, it falls short in comparison to the rest of her filmography.
The Beguiled
The Beguiled is ranked as number 8. While it has its moments and is funny, it doesn't feel totally cohesive or personal. The decision to set the film during the Civil War and eliminate the black slave character raises questions about historical accuracy and thematic relevance. While technically well done, it doesn't fully deliver like her other works.
Lick the Star
Lick the Star is ranked as number 7. This short film showcases Coppola's early talent and delves into the dynamics of teen girls. While it is interesting and well-executed, it lacks the depth and personal touch of her feature films.
A Very Murray Christmas
A Very Murray Christmas is ranked as number 6. It embodies Coppola's signature style and brings together a talented cast in a cool setting. While it may not have the same impact as her feature films, it is a heartwarming holiday tale that brings joy and humor.
Exploring the Filmmaker's Christmas Special
The speaker emphasizes the idea of every great filmmaker having the opportunity to make their own Christmas special as part of their contract with Netflix. They suggest that these specials can take various forms, such as cooking shows, singing specials, or even featuring muppets. The speaker expresses their desire to see Christmas specials from renowned directors like Brian De Palma and David Fincher, highlighting the creative potential that such specials could offer.
On the Rocks: A Quasi Rom-Com About Marriage and Middle Age
The podcast highlights the film 'On the Rocks' as a small-scale romantic comedy about the complexities of marriage and middle age. The speaker notes that the movie may not have been a perfect fit for traditional movie theaters, but it thrives within the context of home viewing. The film explores themes of marriage, connection, and fear of middle age with perceptive insights. It also features a standout performance by Bill Murray, who the speaker believes is exceptionally portrayed in the movie.
Somewhere: A Look at Isolation and Parental Relationships
The podcast showcases 'Somewhere' as a misunderstood masterpiece that delves into themes of isolation and parental relationships. The movie follows the life of an actor who feels adrift in his success. The speaker notes that the film draws inspiration from European cinema of the 60s and 70s and highlights Sofia Coppola's ability to capture the essence of characters who struggle with connections. They particularly appreciate the chemistry between Bill Murray and Elle Fanning and commend Coppola's talent for spotting and working with talented actors.
With Sofia Coppola's new film 'On the Rocks' arriving this weekend on Apple TV+, Sean and Amanda are convening to discuss her work as one of the greatest filmmakers of her generation. They discuss her career, her family's creative history, and what makes her the embodiment of cinematic cool.