The Big Picture

Guests Chris Ryan, Bill Simmons, and Van Lathan join hosts Sean and Amanda for a draft of the best Denzel Washington movies. They discuss Denzel's rise to fame, his impact on black culture, and their favorite films from his career. The speakers also share personal train travel anecdotes and debate movie genres while drafting their picks. They touch on interracial romance on screen and discuss films like 'The Magnificent Seven' and 'Pelham 1, 2, 3'. The chapter concludes by highlighting Denzel's range and the diverse roles he has taken on in his filmography.

In this mega mailbag extravaganza, the hosts reflect on reaching their 600th episode, discuss comfort movies, the changing landscape of independent filmmaking, and their choices for a hypothetical dinner party. They also talk about favorite on-screen couples, expressing honest opinions, movie set time travel, Martin Scorsese, and fictional bars and restaurants.

David Fincher, Sofia Coppola, Michael Mann, Yorgos Lanthimos, Bradley Cooper, Ryusuke Hamaguchi discuss movies at Telluride and Venice Film Festivals, their Oscar predictions, and their experiences at the festivals. Topics include favorite films, upcoming movies, film premieres, genre films, early Oscar predictions, and notable attendees at the festivals.

Chris Ryan joins Sean and Amanda for a movie draft of the best films from 2006. They discuss nostalgic movie picks, movie theater etiquette, reflections on 'The Devil Wears Prada' influence, creative choices in filmmaking, Nancy Meyers films, Sam Shepard plays, various movie recommendations, indie movies, actors, and podcasts. The conversation includes banter about driving experiences, favorite movies, and future plans.

Director Emma Seligman joins the hosts to discuss her new comedy 'Bottoms'. Other topics include the success of 'Red, White and Royal Blue', the cultural significance of TMNT, and the unexpected success of 'Sound of Freedom' and its connection to the QAnon movement.

Oliver Stone returns to Vietnam with 'Born on the Fourth of July'. 'Forrest Gump' and 'Dead Presidents' prove that '90s audiences aren't ready to leave Vietnam. Films discussed include 'Running on Empty', 'Dogfight', and 'Heaven and Earth'.

Exploring the impact of Vietnam mania in the 80s through movies like Platoon and Hamburger Hill. The making of Full Metal Jacket and its chilling atmosphere. The Vietnam War's influence on late 80s pop culture through music, video games, and TV shows. The contrasting portrayals of war in Good Morning Vietnam and Casualties of War. The dark and controversial film, Casualties of War, and its lasting impact. The objectification of Vietnamese people, particularly women, in Western Vietnam War movies.

Exploring Oliver Stone's challenges in making a Vietnam War film, casting the right actors for 'Platoon', the impact of war on individuals, a technical advisor's journey training actors, reflecting on war experiences and changing perspectives, and the challenges faced during filming in the Philippines.

Troubled big-screen vet John Rambo launches an unlikely movie franchise in the 80s. The podcast explores the impact of Vietnam War movies and the journey of a war veteran in society. It also discusses the efforts to build a memorial for Vietnam veterans, the production of 'First Blood', and Ronald Reagan's views on Vietnam.

The podcast explores the arduous production and impact of 'Apocalypse Now' on American culture. It delves into the challenges faced by Francis Ford Coppola, the chaotic production process, and the mixed reviews received by the film. It also discusses the challenges of making the war movie 'Go Tell the Spartans' and the emotional toll experienced by Coppola.