Kermode & Mayo’s Take

Dive into the whirlwind of awards season highlights! Discover unique films like 'Emilia Pérez' that blend genres and explore Bob Dylan's cinematic legacy. Get insider insights on the art of casting, including innovative talent discovery techniques, and learn about the significance of awards nominations. Hear anecdotes from renowned filmmakers and actors as they discuss the challenges and triumphs behind their creative processes. Plus, prepare to impress at your Oscars watch-party with all the latest buzz!

This week’s guest is Peter Sarsgaard, acclaimed actor known for both indie gems and blockbusters. He dives into his role in 'September 5', a gripping drama about the Munich Olympics massacre and the ethical dilemmas faced by reporters covering such tragedy. The conversation reveals the complexities of portraying real events in film, along with his experiences working with wife Maggie Gyllenhaal. Alongside this, the hosts review the quirky animated feature 'Dog Man', exploring its humor and appeal to younger audiences.

In this captivating discussion, Chris Sanders, director of the Oscar-nominated ‘The Wild Robot’ and voice of Stitch from Disney, shares his unique insights into animation. He delves into the stunning blend of hand-drawn and CG animation in his films, emphasizing the emotional power of character development. Chris explores the deep human connections represented by robot characters like Roz, revealing how they mirror our complexities. He also reflects on the nostalgia tied to beloved animated figures, celebrating the joy they bring to fans.

Brady Corbet, Oscar-nominated director of 'The Brutalist', shares insights into his acclaimed film that captures the life of architect László Tóth post-Holocaust. He discusses the artistic process behind the movie, which earned 10 Oscar nominations, and how architecture influences cinematic storytelling. Brady also tackles the ethics of AI in film, emphasizing the need for genuine representation in an evolving industry. Expect a fascinating blend of inspiration, personal narrative, and the complexities of modern filmmaking!

Dive into the intricate world of film embargoes and their effect on critics, illustrated by a recent Mel Gibson thriller. Explore how these policies shape film reception, alongside a gripping critique of Mark Wahlberg's misleading role and the film's execution. The discussion doesn't shy away from cinematic violence, tackling disappointing performances and convoluted plots. This podcast reveals the highs and lows of Hollywood, offering a fascinating take on the art of filmmaking and audience expectations.

This week's guests are acclaimed British filmmaker Mike Leigh, known for his naturalistic storytelling, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, a revered dramatic actress. They delve into their new film 'Hard Truths,' exploring the complexities of Pansy, an angry woman grappling with grief and isolation. Mike shares his unique improvisational methods for developing characters, while Marianne discusses the humor intertwined with Pansy's struggles. They also touch on the poignant themes of immigration highlighted in 'The Brutalist,' revealing insights into modern cinematic storytelling.

James Mangold, the acclaimed director behind hits like 'Walk the Line' and 'Logan,' joins to discuss his latest film, 'A Complete Unknown.' The conversation dives into the challenges of portraying Bob Dylan's complex early life, including his tumultuous relationships with music legends. Mangold shares insights on Timothée Chalamet's performance and the film's depiction of Dylan's rise amid iconic moments, like the infamous ‘Judas!’ performance at Newport. The episode also features reviews of the latest releases, adding to the engaging film discourse.

Stephen Knight, a legendary film and TV writer known for works like Peaky Blinders and Locke, joins Ben Bailey Smith for a deep dive into his illustrious career. They discuss Knight's latest biopic, Maria, exploring the creative process and its themes of self-reflection. The conversation also touches on how his humble beginnings in comedy shaped his writing style. Plus, he spills some exciting gossip about the anticipated Peaky Blinders movie, making this a must-listen for fans of his storytelling!

Jesse Eisenberg, acclaimed for his roles in The Social Network, and Kieran Culkin, known for Succession, dive into their new comedy-drama, A Real Pain. The film follows two mismatched cousins on a journey through Poland, where they confront their Jewish heritage and complicated familial bonds. Eisenberg shares insights on writing and directing, while Culkin humorously discusses his social filter—or lack thereof. They also reflect on representing historical trauma in storytelling, blending humor with poignant themes.

Happy New Year from Mark, Simon, The Redactor and the rest of us on the Take Team! We’re kicking off 2025 with a top-drawer guest—’Nosferatu’ director Robert Eggers. He tells Simon about his new remake of the1922 silent classic, originally by German expressionist director F.W. Murnau, in which Bill Skarsgård’s vampire nobleman terrorises a town in pursuit of Lily-Rose Depp’s Ellen, the object of his desires. They chat about his longtime fascination with the story, creating a monster for a modern vampire movie, and a sprinkling of the occult... Will Nosferatu meet Mark’s high standards for horror? Find out if he thinks it has bite—or whether it’s just a little bloodless? More reviews too of ‘‘We Live in Time’, the time slip rom-com starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh that crashes its lovers into each other’s lives (literally)—and ‘Nickel Boys’, a formally innovative new drama charting the friendship of two young inmates at a sinister reform school in Jim Crow era Florida. Listen back to last week’s episode to hear Simon’s interview with its director, RaMell Ross. Plus another chance to hear the best of our guests from the year behind us, and the best of Mark’s reviews from the drooling raves to the Kermodean rants for the ages. Looking at you ‘Megalopolis’.... Review: Nickel Boys – 03:03 Review: We Live In Time – 49:39 Best of the guests: 09:51 Best of the reviews: 54:14 Interview: Robert Eggers – 23:19 You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts To advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices