The Big Picture

Join Bryan Curtis, a media and culture commentator, and actor Sebastian Stan, known for his role as Bucky Barnes and recently portraying Trump, as they delve into cinematic brilliance. They explore highlights from the New York Film Festival, discussing standout entries and the complexity of films like 'The Brutalist.' Curtis shares insights on 'The Apprentice,' examining Trump's rise and connections with Roy Cohn. Stan reflects on his acting choices, the evolution of characters, and the intriguing journey bringing 'The Apprentice' to life.

Chris Ryan, a contributor to The Ringer known for his sharp insights, joins forces with Jon Caramanica, pop critic at the New York Times and host of Popcast. They delve into Jason Reitman's film ‘Saturday Night,’ exploring its take on the origins of 'Saturday Night Live' and the challenges of capturing its iconic nature. The duo also ranks their top five backstage movies, discussing the intrigue behind the scenes. Later, Jon reviews the unique Lego-animated Pharrell Williams biopic ‘Piece by Piece,’ analyzing its effectiveness in portraying his prolific career.

Chris Ryan, a writer and podcaster for The Ringer, joins Sean and Amanda for a lively draft of 1996 films. They reminisce about their cinematic memories from the year, sharing humorous childhood anecdotes related to movies and youth sports. The trio dives deep into iconic films like 'Fargo,' 'Independence Day,' and 'Trainspotting,' discussing their cultural impact and personal connections. Expect nostalgic reflections, playful banter, and a spirited debate over which films truly defined the cinematic landscape of 1996!

Van Lathan, known for his insightful take on pop culture, dives into the divisive ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, dissecting its musical style and societal commentary. He examines the current landscape of moviegoing and how social media shapes audience engagement. Joining later, Greg Jardin shares insights from his debut film ‘It’s What’s Inside’, discussing its sci-fi thrills and unique narrative choices. The conversation explores the evolving perceptions of cinema and the complexities of audience reactions in today’s polarized film culture.

Dive into the ambitious yet tangled narrative of Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis,' featuring insights on its unique journey, mixed reviews, and the disconnect between expectation and reality. The discussion also highlights memorable moments from a cinematic screening and explores the criteria for a Coppola Hall of Fame, showcasing both legendary hits and infamous flops. Further, there’s a lively debate on themes of gender representation in film and the distractions of modern entertainment, all wrapped in engaging anecdotes and humor.

In this engaging conversation, Josh Cooley, the talented director of 'Transformers: One' and 'Toy Story 4,' shares his insights into the vibrant world of animation. He discusses the challenges and creative processes behind making animated films and his journey from Pixar to new adventures. The dialogue dives into themes of non-biological relationships and the character origins within the Transformers franchise. Additionally, they touch upon the recent film 'Wolfs' featuring Brad Pitt and George Clooney, debating its charm beyond star power.

In this engaging conversation, Coralie Fargeat, a celebrated writer and director known for her provocative body horror films like 'Revenge,' discusses her latest work, 'The Substance,' starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. She delves into her early influences in body horror and shares insights on the creative process behind crafting unsettling narratives. The conversation touches on themes of body image, societal pressures, and the psychological implications of beauty standards—all through the lens of cinema's unique ability to challenge perceptions.

Chris Ryan and Zach Baron join the conversation, with Chris being a Ringer colleague known for his engaging film analysis, and Zach recently profiling Brad Pitt and George Clooney. The guests draft their favorite films from these iconic actors and delve into their unique friendship, sharing humorous anecdotes and insights from their careers. They also explore the impact of streaming on cinema and reminisce about memorable moments from their recent trip to France, blending nostalgia with playful banter in a lively cinematic discussion.

In this discussion, film critic Adam Nayman, known for his sharp insights, joins Sean and Amanda to recap standout films from the Toronto International Film Festival. They explore audience favorites, the potential Oscar contenders like 'The Life of Chuck', and navigate through themes of illness and privilege in cinema. The trio also dives into the anticipation for the psychological thriller 'Baby Girl' starring Nicole Kidman, while predicting nominees for the 2025 Oscars. Expect laughs along with thought-provoking discussions about this year's film landscape!

Join James McAvoy, the star of 'Speak No Evil,' alongside director James Watkins and film critic Chris Ryan, as they dive into the eerie depths of psychological horror. They explore why remaking the film was essential, tapping into humanity's darker sides. Prepare for a lively discussion on movies that evoke a desperate need to escape danger, with their top picks sure to resonate. The conversation shifts from character complexities to personal anecdotes, all wrapped in humor, making it a thrilling watch for horror fans.