Blank Check with Griffin & David

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.

Dive into the chaotic world of 'Beetlejuice' as the hosts dissect Tim Burton's whimsical style and the cultural nostalgia surrounding the iconic film. They hilariously debate the film's quirks, the challenges of sequels, and the evolution of character dynamics. Musical moments, like the absurd MacArthur Park scene, spark lively discussions, while reflections on contemporary actress portrayals reveal generational shifts in cinema. With humor and insight, they balance critiques of legacy sequels alongside playful speculation about imaginary Tim Burton films.

John Hodgman, a comedian and writer best known for Judge John Hodgman, joins the discussion about David Lynch’s 1984 film Dune. They delve into the cultural impact and legacy of the film, sharing humorous anecdotes and critiques. Hodgman highlights the peculiarities of the Dune universe, including its infamous glossary and the challenges of its adaptations. The conversation contrasts Lynch’s and Denis Villeneuve’s takes on Dune, exploring themes of creativity, nostalgia, and the complexities of the source material while keeping it light and entertaining.

We’re getting in touch with our emotions this week, as Alex Ross Perry joins us to talk about Lynch’s deeply-felt, sensitively-rendered 1980 classic THE ELEPHANT MAN. Is this the most “normal” movie in Lynch’s filmography? What does “normal” mean, anyway? As with all Alex episodes, questions are posed and hotly debated, such as: What filmmakers, aside from David Lynch, made their most important work in the later part of their careers? What is the Lynch film that young people vibe with most strongly now? Did Michael Jackson actually attempt to purchase the Elephant Man’s bones? When will the Cinematrix puzzle get rid of the godforsaken “Rotten Tomatoes score” category? What does David Sims have against the famous David Foster Wallace profile of David Lynch? Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy some real nerdy merch.Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the bizarre world of David Lynch’s debut feature, where confusion meets dark humor. Explore themes of anxiety and alienation as the hosts reflect on their experiences with 'Eraserhead'. Delight in the whimsical discussion about the stork mythology surrounding baby deliveries, and laugh along with their take on the unsettling duality of enjoying animal products. Learn about Lynch's artistic roots while unraveling the surreal legacy of his work, all sprinkled with playful anecdotes and amusing insights.

Kevin Costner, the iconic actor and director known for his roles in memorable Westerns, takes center stage for a vibrant chat. They explore the fragmented storytelling of 'Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1' and the complexities of self-funding a passion project. The discussion dives into character dynamics, representation, and nostalgic ties to American narratives. Humor and critique blend as they reflect on the shifting landscape of cinema and how modern influences shape storytelling, all while sharing laughs about the absurdities of film promotion.

Dive into the twisted world of M. Night Shyamalan's latest thriller, where serial killers and father-daughter dynamics meet. Explore the chaotic fun of concerts and the hilarity of a basketball game with a quirky mascot. Unpack Josh Hartnett's surprising career evolution and dissect the psychological depths of horror cinema. Join a lighthearted journey exploring the absurdities of film marketing and the emotional intricacies that blend humor with terror, all wrapped in a vivid discussion about storytelling and audience reactions.

Chris Ryan, a writer for The Ringer renowned for his film and television insights, joins the conversation to delve into Kevin Costner's 'Open Range.' They analyze Costner's impact on Western cinema, exploring themes of isolation and emotional depth, particularly in a memorable chocolate shop scene. The hosts celebrate Robert Duvall and Annette Bening’s performances while humorously critiquing portrayals of Irish characters in the genre. They also discuss Costner's evolving career and the nostalgic significance of the Western film landscape.

Joining the conversation is Emily St. James, a film critic and cultural commentator celebrated for her sharp insights on cinema. She discusses the absurdities of Kevin Costner's 1997 flop, 'The Postman,' highlighting its bizarre plot twists—from a mule performing Shakespeare to themes of hope through the lens of communication. Emily also reflects on Kevin Costner’s impact on filmmaking, alongside a humorous critique of the film’s pacing and character dynamics, all while blending personal anecdotes with cultural commentary.

Kevin Costner joins to discuss his iconic film Dances with Wolves, his risky career choices, and the challenges of making a 3-hour epic. Topics include voiceover narration impact, career trajectories of actors, influence on Western films, behind-the-scenes challenges of filming, and comparisons to other Best Picture winners.