The Big Picture

Craig Brewer, filmmaker behind "Hustle & Flow" and "Song Sung Blue," joins to share his journey in the film industry. He reveals the significance of music in his work, detailing how Memphis's musical heritage shapes his storytelling. Brewer recounts the lengthy casting process for Kate Hudson, emphasizing her genuine charm and relatability. The conversation also touches on the emotional depth of his latest project, exploring themes of regional authenticity and working-class narratives in Hollywood.

Dive into the world of ambition and greed with a deep exploration of 'There Will Be Blood.' Discover why Daniel Day-Lewis delivers an unforgettable performance, and how the film's gothic, Western blend challenges cinematic norms. The hosts debate character motivations, touching on themes of capitalism and religion, while reflecting on its Academy Award fate. With a nod to PTA's unique style and influence, they also recommend films that resonate with this cinematic masterpiece.

Filmmaker Josh Safdie joins to discuss his much-anticipated film, 'Marty Supreme,' starring Timothée Chalamet. Known for hits like 'Uncut Gems,' Safdie shares the immense pressure he faced after its success. He reveals how a thrift-store find inspired the film and the vibrant world of table tennis. The conversation dives into themes of fate and ambition, as well as Chalamet’s perfect fit for the lead role. Safdie also reflects on whether this film marks a new creative chapter for him as a director.

The hosts dive into a teaser for Alejandro Iñárritu’s 'Digger' and debate its festival prospects. They analyze Bradley Cooper's baffling 'Is This Thing On?' and James L. Brooks' disappointing 'Ella McKay,' critiquing their storytelling and performances. The conversation turns to the top ten overlooked films of 2025, highlighting gems like 'Eternity' and 'Volcanizadora.' Expect discussions on comedy, poignant dramas, and quirky narratives that deserve a watch!

The announcement of the Oscars moving to YouTube in 2029 sparks a debate about its implications. A trailer reaction for Spielberg's upcoming sci-fi film showcases its mixed CGI effects. The hosts dive deep into 'Avatar: Fire and Ash,' praising stunning action while critiquing its pacing. Discussion also includes the film's themes of fatherhood and ecology. Plus, they explore Oscar shortlists and power rankings, noting surprises in the Best Casting category and shifting contenders for the 2025 awards.

Join Chris Ryan, a savvy Ringer contributor, as he dives into a lively movie draft reflecting on 2022's cinematic gems. The trio shares their unique experiences emerging from quarantine and explores how COVID reshaped the film landscape. Chris makes a strong case for 'Top Gun Maverick' in the Oscar category, while Amanda defends 'Tar' for its gripping storytelling. The banter flows as favorites like 'Nope' and 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' are debated, making for a fun exploration of memorable films from the year.

Rian Johnson, an acclaimed filmmaker known for the Benoit Blanc mysteries, discusses his latest project, ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.’ He shares insights into his storytelling process, highlighting the parallels between murder mysteries and themes of faith and moral restoration. Johnson reveals his evolving relationship with religion and why he was captivated by Josh O’Connor’s performance. The conversation touches on his collaborative filmmaking approach and the importance of engaging protagonists in crafting compelling mysteries.

Join Joanna Robinson, a savvy film journalist, and Kleber Mendonça Filho, a Brazilian filmmaker, as they dive into the emotional depths of Chloe Zhao's adaptation of 'Hamnet.' They explore the film's powerful themes of grief and its contrasting responses. Kleber also shares insights on his film 'The Secret Agent,' discussing his creative journey and the unique decision to write the lead for Wagner Moura. Plus, they reveal their top performances of 2025, including standouts like Jesse Buckley and Amanda Seyfried.

Noah Baumbach, a renowned filmmaker known for his character-driven dramas, joins the conversation to discuss his latest film, Jay Kelly, which stars George Clooney and Adam Sandler. He shares insights into his reluctance to revisit past works and reveals why Clooney was the perfect fit for his character. The talk shifts to Adam Sandler's diverse career, highlighting his evolution from comedy to drama. Baumbach also reflects on the emotional layers of stardom and mentors within his stories, providing a fascinating glimpse into his creative process.

In this engaging discussion, acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi shares insights about his film 'It Was Just an Accident' and its creation under challenging constraints. He reveals his unique method for casting, focusing on physical presence and societal representation. The conversation dives into his balance of humor and serious themes, making heavy subjects more approachable. Panahi also reflects on the importance of memory in storytelling and expresses his desire to tackle war in his next project, reinforcing his commitment to social issues.