

The Big Picture
The Ringer
Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins review the movies you need to see. Plus: Top 5s, Movie Drafts, Oscars analysis, and more, featuring a rotating cast of Ringer colleagues like Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and Bill Simmons.
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
Dec 20, 2023 • 1h 30min
‘Maestro’: Holy Sh*t. Plus, the Top 10 Performances of 2023.
The hosts discuss their top 10 performances of 2023, featuring Beyonce's role in Renaissance and Sandra Holler's roles in Anatomy of a Fall and The Zone of Interest. They dive deep into Bradley Cooper's 'Maestro', analyze its craftsmanship, emotional impact, and explore its meaning. They also discuss his intense Oscar campaign and hopes for his future projects.

Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 20min
The 2020 Movie Draft
Chris Ryan, movie critic and podcast host, joins hosts Sean and Amanda for a draft of the best movies of 2020. They discuss their movie picks, the movie 'Mank' and its reception, must-watch films on Hulu, and their dislike for cyclists.

4 snips
Dec 15, 2023 • 1h 40min
‘Wonka’ and the Timothee Chalamet Movie Star Playbook. Plus: Jonathan Glazer on ‘The Zone of Interest.’
Jonathan Glazer, director of 'The Zone of Interest,' discusses recreation in film, interpretive sound design, their other collaborations, and more. Also, the hosts share their thoughts on the movie 'Wonka,' the musical performance of Shalomie, Hugh Grant's performance, presenting musicals as non-musicals in trailers, live-action children's movies, Timothee Chalamet's career choices, and Jonathan Glazer's collaboration process in the film industry.

20 snips
Dec 13, 2023 • 2h 24min
‘The Boy and the Heron’ and Top Five Miyazaki Movies. Plus: An ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ Deep Dive.
Andy Greenwald and Charles Holmes join the hosts to discuss Hayao Miyazaki's films and their personal experiences with his work. They explore the challenges of introducing certain movies to young children and share their top five Miyazaki movies. The hosts delve into a movie that won the Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival and discuss its intricate plot revolving around truth and different perspectives. They also analyze the personality traits of a character in a film and delve into the disorienting opening and unsettling conversation in another movie. The chapter focuses on the investigation surrounding Sandra's husband's murder and the complex relationship between a mother and her son in a film. Overall, they provide entertaining insights into various films and themes.

Dec 11, 2023 • 1h 56min
Julia Roberts (!) and Sam Esmail on ‘Leave the World Behind.’ Plus: Golden Globes Snubs, Surprises, and WTFs.
Julia Roberts and Sam Esmail discuss 'Leave the World Behind' and Golden Globe nominations, including controversy and changes in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. They delve into the challenges of adapting the book into a movie, their desire to bring back disaster films, and reflections on the current state of the world. They also share their thoughts on frustrating the audience, filming experiences, and their obsession with TV shows. Plus, they talk about working with Netflix, the state of movies, and their excitement for upcoming films.

Dec 8, 2023 • 1h 40min
The Power of ‘Godzilla Minus One’ and an Awards Season Mega-Mailbag
The hosts of 'The Big Picture' discuss the surprise box office hit 'Godzilla Minus One' and the film's themes. They also answer audience questions about the Oscars and update their Best Picture power rankings.

6 snips
Dec 5, 2023 • 1h 33min
The Top Five Movies of 2023
Chris Ryan and Adam Nayman join Sean and Amanda to discuss the top movies of 2023, covering a variety of genres and filmmakers. They debate their choices, highlight unique franchises, and talk about the challenges of finalizing their lists. The hosts also delve into specific films like 'The Taste of Things', 'May, December', 'Past Lives', 'The Zone of Interest', and an extraordinary animated film. They share their toughest cuts, impressive storytelling, and briefly touch on a controversial writer and French courtrooms. Overall, an entertaining and insightful episode.

6 snips
Dec 1, 2023 • 1h 50min
The Aggressive Majesty of ‘May December’ and Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’
Wesley Morris joins Sean and Amanda to discuss their thoughts on 'May December' and its potential for awards season. They also express their love for Beyoncé's concert film 'Renaissance' and praise its impressive technical feats.

12 snips
Nov 27, 2023 • 1h 44min
‘Saltburn’: Iconic or Disastrous? Plus: Alexander Payne!
Director Alexander Payne joins the podcast to discuss his film 'Holdovers' and reuniting with Paul Giamatti. The hosts also share thoughts on Disney's 'Wish', analyze Emerald Fennell's 'Saltburn' and their top five big swing movies, and explore filmmaking techniques and atmosphere in movies.

Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 26min
‘Napoleon’ and the Top Five "Great Men" Movies
The hosts discuss Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon', its battle scenes, and their disappointment with the movie. They delve into the historical context of 'great men' movies and share their top five in the genre. They also touch on sex in the late 18th and early 19th century, the concept of greatness, and upcoming movies. Additionally, they discuss campaigning efforts in the film industry and casual Thanksgiving conversations.