
Isaac Butler
Cultural critic, theater director, and author of "The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act."
Top 5 podcasts with Isaac Butler
Ranked by the Snipd community

Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 13min
The Brutalist’s Outsized Ambition
Isaac Butler, the talented author of 'The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act' and host of 'The Craft of Acting,' brings his cinematic insights to the discussion. They dive into Brady Corbet's 'The Brutalist,' exploring themes of ambition and artistry while analyzing Adrian Brody’s complex character. The panel critiques the Netflix holiday hit 'Carry On,' debating its entertaining yet flawed nature. They also engage in a lively 'Movie Club' segment, sharing reflections on overlooked films and personal cinematic experiences.

May 21, 2025 • 1h 2min
Culture Gabfest: Can Tim Robinson Save Friendship Edition
Isaac Butler, author of 'The Method', joins the discussion to unravel the hilarity of Tim Robinson's film 'Friendship', exploring themes of male loneliness and the cringe comedy genre. They also dive into the impact of Jerry Springer on reality TV and cultural discourse, questioning whether we are facing a decline in cultural standards. The conversation touches on contrasting views of cultural pessimism versus optimism, examining the implications for artistic expression in today's society while also reflecting on the complexities of adapting humor from sketch to screen.

Mar 2, 2025 • 1h 13min
Culture Gabfest: The Oscars Go Streaming
Isaac Butler, the insightful author of "The Method" and a host at Criterion Channel, joins Oscar heavyweight Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. They dive into the emotional impact of the film 'I'm Still Here,' showcasing its narrative depth and societal relevance. The duo discusses the evolving dynamics of film distribution, particularly the Oscars' relationship with streaming platforms, and the importance of preserving cultural institutions and artistic expression amidst political challenges.

Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 13min
The Oscars Go Streaming
Isaac Butler, an acclaimed author and host of the Criterion Channel series, joins Bill Kramer, the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. They dive into the rising buzz around the Brazilian film 'I'm Still Here' and its poignant portrayal of resilience during dictatorship. The discussion extends to the NEA's struggles under political pressure and the need for cultural institutions to adapt amidst challenges. They also contemplate how the Oscars can evolve for a streaming audience while embracing diversity and modern storytelling.

Mar 17, 2022 • 1h 8min
The madness behind The Method
Isaac Butler, a cultural critic and theater director, dives deep into the fascinating evolution of method acting, tracing its journey from post-revolution Russia to modern-day cinema. He discusses the emotional demands and authenticity challenges actors face today, alongside the changing perceptions of masculinity in film. The conversation also touches on the shifting landscape of film consumption and the intense measures actors take for Oscar recognition, calling for a return to storytelling integrity.