The Big Picture

In this engaging discussion, Chris Ryan, co-host of The Watch podcast and film aficionado, joins the hosts to reflect on the profound loss of David Lynch, examining his unique impact on cinema and storytelling. They explore Lynch's distinctive style and his cultural legacy, while also diving into the current Oscar nominations and the emotional stakes behind them. The conversation wraps up with a lively review of 'Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,' analyzing Gerard Butler's performance and debating the film's standing compared to its predecessor.

Sean and Amanda discuss the latest out of the guild award nominations and what it portends for Oscar chances (1:00). They then look ahead to the rest of 2025 and share their 25 collectively most anticipated movies of the year (31:00), including new films from favorites of the show like Paul Thomas Anderson, Wes Anderson, Richard Linklater, Bong Joon-Ho, Steven Soderbergh, and Luca Guadagnino, as well as long awaited follow-ups from exciting young directors like Chloe Zhao, Celine Song, Joseph Kosinski, and more.Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsSenior Producer: Bobby WagnerVideo Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Halina Reijn, a talented writer-director of the film 'Babygirl,' dives into her exploration of sexual themes and power dynamics in this engaging discussion. She shares insights on building chemistry among stars Nicole Kidman and Antonio Banderas, emphasizing the importance of humor in an erotic thriller. The hosts also dissect the film's mixed reception and highlight the evolution of Kidman's iconic roles, showcasing her range as an actress. Reijn's passion for storytelling and cinematic artistry shines through in this captivating conversation.

Join Joanna Robinson, a film expert and host of House of R, as she dissects the 2025 Golden Globes alongside Sean and Amanda. They dive into standout films like 'The Brutalist' and 'Emilia Pérez,' sharing surprises over weaker performances from 'Anora' and 'Wicked.' The trio reflects on the evolving awards landscape, the role of social media in shaping perceptions, and even dips into celebrity dynamics with a playful take on Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. With humor and insight, they explore the future of Hollywood's awards scene.

Amanda returns to share her thoughts on movies and shows during her parental leave. The hosts dive into Golden Globe predictions, analyzing potential winners and standout performances. They discuss the cultural impact of 'Wicked' and explore nostalgia through family favorites like 'Paddington.' Exciting plans for a yearlong project showcasing the best films of the century are revealed. Humor abounds as they debate animated features, awards-season surprises, and engage in lighthearted banter about adaptations and personal cinematic preferences.

Adam Nayman, a film critic known for his sharp insights, joins Brady Corbet, the ambitious writer-director of 'The Brutalist,' and actor Adrien Brody, celebrated for his nuanced performances. They explore groundbreaking storytelling techniques, including the film's chapterized structure and its rich thematic connections to identity and familial ties. Corbet shares the creative journey and unique challenges of the production, while Brody reveals what drew him to the role and the technological innovations behind the film's striking visual style.

Join Chris Ryan and Rob Mahoney as they explore the dark and captivating world of Robert Eggers, the visionary director behind the new ‘Nosferatu.’ They dive into the history of vampires in cinema, the emotional depth of horror, and share their top five vampire films. Eggers discusses his creative choices, the themes of vampire storytelling, and the challenges of adapting such a classic. With a mix of humor and insight, they reflect on the evolution of vampire myths and what makes them so enduring in film today.

Sean is joined by Chris Ryan, a film enthusiast from The Ringer, and Mallory Rubin, a devoted Bob Dylan fan. They delve into ‘A Complete Unknown,’ discussing Timothée Chalamet's vibrant performance and the emotional complexities of Dylan's love life. The duo reflects on Dylan's impact on culture, critiques the film's portrayal of his artistic depth, and explores how his music captures a pivotal era. They also highlight the chemistry between Dylan and Johnny Cash, offering insights into the film's emotional resonance and audience reactions.

Join film critic Joanna Robinson from The Ringer and visionary filmmaker RaMell Ross as they dive into the highs and lows of 2024's movie landscape. They discuss the buzz around the new 'Superman' and explore the unique style of Ross's 'Nickel Boys'. Robinson and Ross share insights on evolving film trends, the impact of adaptations, and the shifting dynamics of celebrity culture. Their engaging conversation also touches on personal artistic journeys and how sports influence storytelling, offering a refreshing take on the intersection of cinema and life.

Join cinema legends James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd as they reflect on the 40th anniversary of ‘The Terminator.’ They discuss the challenges they faced early in their careers and how the film's groundbreaking elements reshaped the industry. Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, and their colleagues spotlight underseen cinematic gems of 2024, exploring emotional depth and cultural resonance in films like 'Dee Dee' and 'Good One.' The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of film and the importance of championing hidden treasures in a blockbuster-driven market.