Blank Check with Griffin & David

David Rees, known for his podcast 'Going Deep,' joins the discussion with humorous anecdotes and critical insights. They explore David Lynch's avant-garde masterpiece 'Inland Empire,' reminiscing about its emotional impact and Lynch's unique artistry. Rees shares memories of his first viewing, while the conversation highlights themes of identity and dreams. They delve into Laura Dern's legacy and the film's haunting narratives, creating a heartfelt celebration of creativity and the personal connections formed through cinema.

Leslye Headland, a talented writer and director known for her engaging works like "Bachelorette" and "Sleeping With Other People," joins to dissect the labyrinth of David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive." They dive into Hollywood's whimsical complexities, from casting controversies to the film's dreamy narrative structure. The conversation meanders through memorable anecdotes, actor dynamics, and touches on the nostalgic thrill of watching Lynch's film under the influence, blending humor with a haunting exploration of identity and the surreal nature of Los Angeles.

Contemplating Robert Zemeckis' latest film, the hosts dive into unexpected themes like dinosaurs and Benjamin Franklin's offspring, questioning its emotional depth. They share personal disappointments in cinematic experiences affected by current events and discuss the challenges of adapting literature to screen. The critique extends to Zemeckis’ evolution as a filmmaker, highlighting a shift in audience expectations and the impact of digital tech on storytelling. A thoughtful analysis reveals missed narrative opportunities, all wrapped in a mix of humor and honest reflection.

Dana Stevens, a distinguished film critic and writer for Slate, joins the conversation to explore David Lynch’s poignant film, The Straight Story. They delve into the surprising emotional depth of Lynch’s work and the mesmerizing career of Richard Farnsworth. Expect discussions about Americana, unexpected character portrayals, and the charm of old theaters. Additionally, they share personal anecdotes about their cinematic experiences and reflect on the film’s unconventional storytelling methods, contrasting heartfelt moments with humor throughout the journey.

In this engaging conversation, David Lowery, acclaimed filmmaker behind 'A Ghost Story', joins to dissect David Lynch's 'Lost Highway'. They ponder if it's Lynch's most visually stunning work or just an elaborate headache. The duo explore its links to the O.J. Simpson trial, the transformative power of character performances, and how the film plays with the concept of identity. They also reflect on Lynch's cinematic evolution and the emotional resonance of surreal storytelling, making connections to the jazz world and the art of film itself.

Hallie Meyer Shire, a filmmaker and daughter of renowned director Nancy Meyers, joins to discuss the bizarre potential of Joker sequels and cinematic dreams. They dive into the complexities of character portrayals, especially Michael Keaton's multifaceted roles, and critique the missed opportunities in the Joker films. The conversation also swirls around industry trends, the charm of shallow narratives, and personal anecdotes that offer a reflective look at the evolution of storytelling in film.

In this discussion, filmmaker Arkasha Stevenson, known for directing The First Omen, shares how David Lynch's unsettling film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me shaped her filmmaking journey. She recounts the impactful experience of discovering Lynch's work and the deeper themes surrounding Laura Palmer's transformation from object to a complex character. The conversation dives into how the film navigates trauma, societal indifference, and the emotional weight borne by its characters, all while highlighting Lynch's unique directorial choices.

If we told you this was the first time we’d covered a Nicolas Cage movie on the podcast - would you believe us? Well, baby - it’s true. And what a movie it is! The luminous Tatiana Maslany returns to talk about David Lynch’s smokin’ hot outlaw romance WILD AT HEART - a film that won the Palme d’Or and took Lynch away from the set of Twin Peaks. Get ready for lots of Cage career discussion (a favorite topic of Griffin Newman), a bunch of actor speak, and multiple “hey, did you know David Lynch was a fan of the Wizard of Oz?” asides.Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter, Instagram, Threads and Facebook! Buy some real nerdy merchConnect with other Blankies on our Reddit or DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eva Anderson, a former resident of the Twin Peaks filming location, shares her unique insights into the show’s cultural impact. She humorously critiques the infamous diner cherry pie and reflects on the show's legacy within Middle America. The discussion explores the deep-rooted connections between its characters and the eerie atmosphere crafted by David Lynch. Throughout, they delve into Agent Cooper's quirky personality and the surreal narrative style that defined a generation, all while enjoying delightful banter about local dining and nostalgic anecdotes.

Jamie Loftus, a comedian and author known for her insightful takes on pop culture, joins the conversation to dissect David Lynch's 'Blue Velvet'. The dialogue dives into Kyle MacLachlan’s star persona and explores Lynch's fascination with Americana, all while questioning how such a disturbing film remains so captivating. They also reflect on the complex character dynamics, themes of vulnerability, and societal critiques woven throughout the narrative, wrapped in Loftus's signature humor and sharp observations.