The Big Picture

Ethan Hawke, an acclaimed actor known for powerful performances, joins forces with veteran filmmaker Richard Linklater, famous for his innovative storytelling. They explore their latest collaboration, 'Blue Moon,' highlighting its emotional depth and artistic challenges. The duo reflects on their creative journey, discussing the unique decision-making behind Hawke's portrayal of Lorenz Hart. They also share insights on the future of cinema in an algorithm-driven age, emphasizing the importance of human connection and community in moviegoing.

Cultural commentator Van Lathan joins acclaimed filmmaker Edgar Wright to dive into the disappointing fall movie season. They discuss the mixed reception of Wright's adaptation of Stephen King's The Running Man, analyzing its uneven tone and memorable action sequences. The conversation shifts to the magic of the sequel, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, as they highlight Rosamund Pike's standout role and speculate on its box office potential. Wright shares insights on filmmaking challenges and his approach to creating thrilling action while staying true to the source material.

Dive into the heart of Greta Gerwig's 'Lady Bird,' hailed as a defining millennial movie. Unpack its rich mother-daughter dynamics and the complexities of its confident protagonist. Explore Gerwig's rise as a filmmaker and the film's unique nostalgic setting. Appreciate the film's subtlety in portraying class struggles and personal aspirations. Reflect on the powerful performances, especially by Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf, while comparing its impact to iconic coming-of-age films. Don't miss the insights into its notable awards journey and thematic ties to Gerwig's other works.

Chris Ryan, a film critic and frequent guest, joins to explore 'Predator: Badlands,' the latest in the franchise. They discuss the film's unique perspective, centering on a sympathetic Yautja protagonist, and how Elle Fanning's performance humanizes the narrative. The pair delve into Dan Trachtenberg's filmmaking style, highlighting his innovative action set pieces and the film's successful box office launch. They also rank the 'Predator' films, affirming the original's status while navigating through the series' highs and lows.

Rob Mahoney, a film critic and festival expert, joins the discussion to dive into Guillermo del Toro’s 'Frankenstein,' highlighting the film's mixed reviews and its captivating second half focusing on the creature's tale. They explore its unique visual efforts and the emotional depth of Jacob Elordi's performance. The conversation then shifts to Lynne Ramsay’s 'Die My Love,' where Mahoney and the hosts laud Jennifer Lawrence's remarkable portrayal, reflecting on motherhood's complexities and the film's stylistic brilliance.

The hosts dive into the surreal world of 'Mulholland Drive,' exploring Naomi Watts' breakthrough performance and the film's rich tapestry of Americana and European surrealism. They reflect on its eerie dreamlike structure, discussing theories and interpretations that make it endlessly fascinating. Highlights include a chilling diner scene, the haunting Silencio sequence, and Lynch's unique relationship with actresses. The conversation emphasizes the film's emotional depth and its status as a gateway to surrealist cinema.

Join film expert Chris Ryan as he dives into 1989's cinematic gems and shares critical insights. The discussion kicks off with reactions to Disney’s refusal of Soderbergh’s Star Wars pitch. Chris passionately highlights the cultural significance of 'Do the Right Thing' while weighing in on the output of Taylor Sheridan. The trio drafts iconic films from 1989, including heartfelt moments from 'Field of Dreams' and the timeless charm of 'When Harry Met Sally.' They also indulge in nostalgia with classics like 'Indiana Jones' and 'Ghostbusters II,' revealing their lasting impact.

This week, acclaimed filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos dives into his new film, 'Bugonia,' featuring performances by Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone. He discusses the unique challenges of shooting in VistaVision and how it influences storytelling. The conversation also highlights the film’s critique of performative corporate language and its connections to contemporary anxieties. Lanthimos reflects on the complexities of communication in today's world and shares insights about casting neurodivergent talent, enriching the film's narrative.

The hosts dive into Wong Kar-wai’s ‘In the Mood for Love,’ exploring its lyrical mood rather than dialogue. They celebrate its stunning cinematography and the film's profound influence on filmmakers and visual culture. The discussion ventures into the themes of longing and unrequited romance, examining the characters' emotional restraint and the evocative use of color and fashion. They also reflect on the film's ambiguous ending and its critical legacy, comparing it to other celebrated romantic films.

Adam Nayman, a film critic known for his insights into contemporary cinema, joins discussions on the complexities of Kathryn Bigelow's ‘A House of Dynamite,’ highlighting its compelling first act and the weaknesses of its later stages. The conversation then shifts to Kelly Reichardt's ‘The Mastermind,’ where they explore Josh O'Connor's captivating performance as an art thief wannabe, the film's critique of male vanity, and its ironic humor. Nayman emphasizes Reichardt's unique cinematic style and her thoughtful engagement with audience expectations.