Blank Check with Griffin & David

Shirley Li, a journalist at The Atlantic, joins to dive deep into the Coen brothers' film Hail, Caesar! The conversation explores the film's delightful Technicolor cinematography and the standout performances of Channing Tatum and Alden Ehrenreich. They discuss Tatum's impressive tap dance training for a musical scene, alongside insights into Alden's breakout role. Additionally, the complexities of the plot, including Hollywood politics and the character of Eddie Mannix, showcase the film's humorous yet profound reflections on the industry. Expect laughs and keen analysis!

Rachel Zegler, an actor and singer known for her role in West Side Story, shares her admiration for Inside Llewyn Davis. She dives into the Coen Brothers' fascination with failure and how Llewyn’s character reflects a thwarted artist's journey. The discussion highlights Oscar Isaac’s preparation and unique musical performance, as well as the film's cold cinematography. Zegler also touches on the film's impactful cat symbolism and its resonant themes, linking her experience with the film to her own stage work in Evita.

The discussion dives into Kathryn Bigelow's latest film, A House of Dynamite, highlighting its peculiar presidential podcast references that dilute the suspense. They explore Bigelow's career trajectory, the film's script origins, and whether the repetitive structure limits its storytelling. Other topics include casting choices, standout performances, and Bigelow's distinct filmmaking style. Expect debates on potential endings for a nuclear thriller and the film's chances for award nominations as they navigate through recent industry trends and pop culture.

Join comedian Stavros Halkias, a prominent Greek-American entertainer, as he dives into the Coen Brothers' True Grit. They praise Hailee Steinfeld's breakout performance and dissect Jeff Bridges' unique take on Rooster, contrasting it with John Wayne’s portrayal. The conversation also touches on the Coens’ brilliant adaptation of Charles Portis' novel and their commitment to character depth, while getting sidetracked by an unexpected love for the CBS show Watson. Expect plenty of laughs and insightful commentary on film and pop culture!

Marc Maron, a renowned comedian and podcaster known for his show WTF, joins the conversation to explore the Coen brothers' film, A Serious Man. He shares a humorous anecdote about auditioning for the lead role and reflects on the complexities of Jewish identity. The discussion dives into Old Testament themes, the significance of casting choices, and how small acting moments contribute to realism. Maron highlights how the film’s moral inquiries resonate with personal experiences, making for a deeply engaging and poignant dialogue.

Fran Hoepfner, a film writer and critic known for her work with Fran Magazine and Vulture, joins the hosts to dissect the Coen brothers' chaotic dark comedy, *Burn After Reading*. They explore the film's blend of humor and absurdity, highlighting George Clooney's unique comedic role and John Malkovich's captivating performance. The trio dives into the film's commentary on D.C. culture, its genre subversions, and the tailoring of roles for major actors. Expect laughs as they unravel the delightful madness of the movie and its unforgettable moments.

Leslye Headland, a talented writer-director and playwright, joins the discussion to dive deep into No Country for Old Men. The conversation explores Anton Chigurh's menacing physicality and the philosophical implications of his coin toss. Leslye shares her emotional connection to dark cinema, and the group examines the film’s unusual structure and its chilling absence of a traditional score. The Coen brothers' faithful adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel is also scrutinized, highlighting the cinematic choices that amplify the narrative's dread.

Connor Ratliff, an actor and podcaster known for creating 'Dead Eyes,' dives into the quirky world of Tom Hanks and the Coen Brothers' 'The Ladykillers.' They discuss Hanks' transformative 'Weird Hanks' phase and how this film marks the end of his box-office success. Ratliff also introduces the term 'mooseporting,' a concept for reassessing flops, sparking conversations about the film's controversial humor and its impactful performances. Get ready for a blend of insights, laughter, and a touch of nostalgia!

In this entertaining dialogue, guest Katey Rich, a film critic and writer from Vanity Fair, dives into the quirks of 'Intolerable Cruelty,' featuring Clooney and Zeta-Jones at their prime. They unravel why the film flopped, debating if it was too mean or simply overshadowed by Clooney's dazzling smile. The discussion flits from Clooney's directorial missteps to memorable performances by Richard Jenkins, alongside a humorous exploration of Hollywood's evolving comedic landscape. Expect laughs along with a few surprising insights!

Join writer and film critic Jordan Hoffman as he dives into the mysteries of 'The Man Who Wasn't There.' He shares theories about its themes of alienation, communication struggles, and the complexities of identity. Expect a humorous twist as Jordan suggests Beethoven's later life struggles could even reflect the film’s emotional depth. The conversation blends personal anecdotes with critiques of film narratives, exploring how societal expectations shape cinematic characters, all wrapped in witty banter and engaging insights!