Isaac Butler

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.

This week, Sam Adams, a senior writer at Slate, and Isaac Butler, an esteemed theater critic, join the discussion. They dive into Paul Thomas Anderson's provocative film, One Battle After Another, analyzing its mix of stoner comedy and serious themes. The trio also explores the innovative family comedy Long Story Short, examining its emotional shifts and narrative style. Finally, they tackle Broadway's economic woes, discussing the challenges of flipped musicals and the rising costs of production. It’s a lively chat packed with cultural insights!

This week, Isaac Butler, author of The Method, joins the discussion. They explore the 1990s crime film Caught Stealing featuring Austin Butler, spotlighting its unique blend of humor and grit. The panel shifts to The Thursday Murder Club adaptation, examining challenges in portraying aging characters. They also delve into A24's artistic impact, discussing their innovative approach amidst industry changes and the potential risks of AI in filmmaking. This lively conversation is filled with nostalgic reflections and critical insights into modern cinema.

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.

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.