Blank Check with Griffin & David

They dig into Sam Raimi’s return to small-scale, pulpy filmmaking and what that means for his career. Conversation centers on Rachel McAdams’ likability and survival skills and Dylan O’Brien’s surprise heel turn. There’s lively breakdowns of the plane-crash staging, boar hunt mayhem, moral ambiguity on a stranded island, and a twisty modernist mansion reveal.

They ride through Train Dreams, discussing its quiet lead performance, adaptation choices, and visual style. They dig into Sundance’s shifting identity, how premieres shape awards buzz, and the festival’s move toward mainstream clout. They debate Netflix’s long quest for Best Picture credibility and how streaming is changing which films get made and awarded.

Emily Yoshida, writer and critic known for Shogun coverage and hosting First To Breakfast, dives into Lynne Ramsay's Morvern Callar. They unpack Samantha Morton’s unconventional star quality. Conversations hit grief, music as narrative through mixtapes, Ramsay’s visual style and shooting choices, and the film’s moral ambiguity and tonal shifts.

Join in as the hosts delve into the Oscar nominations, highlighting the astonishing 16 nods for Sinners underlining its awards momentum. They debate the cinematography of Hamnet and Train Dreams while revealing the complexities of Oscar voting and timing. Expect discussions on surprising omissions like Delroy Lindo and the unexpected Best Picture nomination for F1, which managed to impress voters with its star power and technical appeal. The collapse of Wicked: For Good also sparks intriguing industry insights. Get ready for a lively awards-season analysis!

Dive into the gritty world of 1970s Glasgow with a striking film that explores childhood, guilt, and the complexity of growing up. The hosts dissect Lynne Ramsay's powerful storytelling and her emotional approach to filmmaking, highlighting unforgettable scenes and the film's social context. They share insights on the challenges of imitating Scottish accents and discuss Ramsay's unmade projects, illustrating her unique place in cinema. Join the conversation on how art reflects the harsh realities of life, all while unpacking the heartfelt connections of its characters.

David Sims, a film critic from The Atlantic and co-host of the Blank Check podcast, joins to dive deep into Chloé Zhao's Hamnet, which emerged as a surprise winner at the Golden Globes. They explore what makes a film an 'Oscar villain,' dissecting past examples and Hamnet's potential to muddle the awards season. Sims shares his mixed feelings on the film's heavy themes of grief while discussing how its storytelling compares to the source material. They also touch on the backlash against Zhao, her directing career, and the competitive landscape of this awards season.

Dive into the whirlwind of Park Chan-wook's latest film, where a unique blend of satire, masculinity, and capitalism takes center stage. The hosts rave about its tonal juggling and eye-popping visuals, with cheeky nods to viral trends and personal anecdotes along the way. Explore themes of family loyalty and societal pressures, while enjoying a sprinkle of dark humor and slapstick moments. Plus, don't miss their take on pop culture tangents, including nostalgic musings and a fascinating Chevy Chase profile!

Griffin Newman, an actor and host/executive producer, joins the discussion after a memorable night at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards. They dive into the nuances of awards campaigning, particularly focusing on Timothée Chalamet's strategic moves for his film "Marty Supreme." The conversation explores the shifting dynamics of the Academy, the film's resonant themes, and how Chalamet's internet savvy positions him as a potential A-list anchor. Spoiler alerts follow as they unpack Marty's ambiguous ending and its deeper implications.

The discussion kicks off with a lively debate about Bradley Cooper's latest film featuring a mixed bag of reviews. They dive into behind-the-scenes anecdotes from a dinner with Cooper, questioning the film's identity as a divorce drama or a comedy. The hosts critique the authenticity of stand-up portrayals and discuss the chemistry among supporting characters. Peyton Manning's surprising performance and the film's pacing issues also come under scrutiny. Tune in for insights on comedy culture and a peek at Cooper's future projects!

Dive into the peculiar world of the awards season as Richard Lawson and Alison Willmore explore the Oscars landscape! They share festival tales, including unforgettable screenings and their first encounters at Cannes. The duo discusses how social media and industry dynamics shape the Oscars race, along with the subtle art of critical influence. Get insights into eligibility rules for foreign and animated films, while reflecting on the importance of festivals like Cannes and Venice in setting the stage for potential winners.