THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (2001)

Welcome to the start of our Lord of the Rings miniseries! We kick things off with the first film of Peter Jackson’s trilogy, which marks the beginning of Frodo’s quest and introduces us to the main players and themes of the books/films. We welcome Bennett Eckert (MIT) and Rebecca Kuang (Yale) to consider what makes Jackson’s trilogy such a powerful and successful adaptation, and explore how on (Middle) earth he managed to make these films. We explore the film’s central themes while discussing Tolkien’s pessimistic view of history and the endless lore he infused into his stories. Find out who would try to use the ring and become corrupted by it, and who would refuse it, in this adventure-filled episode!

I am ready to go home.

Frodo Baggins

                 

JURASSIC PARK (1993)

It’s time to visit Jurassic Park! We discuss the tenuous relationship between science/art and commerce, while thinking about the relationship between order, chaos, and personal responsibility. Does Spielberg see a bit of himself in Hammond, the doomed entrepreneur who wants to bring magic to the masses? It’s a movie about procreation and playing god, but also coming to terms with limitations. Justin goes on a rant about why night time shooting doesn’t look as good as Jurassic Park did over 25 years ago, and Laura reflects on the sheer size of that triceratops poo. 

Which of these looks better to you?

Hold on to your butts.

Ray Arnold

                 

CLOSER (2004)

Join us and Carly Severn (KQED San Francisco) to talk about Mike Nichols’ 2004, super emo and eminently re-watchable melodrama, Closer. It’s a game of sexy Tetris between four hot people, but also a contrapuntal reflection on appearance and reality, and also a movie about two dudes who can’t get over the fact that the women they’ve slept with have slept with other men. We somehow hit on nice guy-isms, the film’s use of elision, love, passion, and Damien Rice. Also, did you know that many of the photographs in Anna’s studio and apartment are of famous philosophers?! Check it out!

Steve Pyke’s photographs of philosophers:

Thank you for your honesty. Now fuck off and die, you fucking slag.

Larry

                 

NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)

Today we’re joined by friend of the show Adam Kane to discuss Hitchcock’s bombastic spy thriller North By Northwest! We discuss film’s confusing setup, symbolism (and Hitchcock’s refusal to read into this film), the demand not to ask silly questions, how old Cary Grant’s character is supposed to be, the many MacGuffins, the many love triangles, Mount Rushmore, and Saul Bass himself. This episode is sponsored by Crop Duster Assassins Ltd. — if you need to take someone out and you want to do it in the least efficient way possible, give them a call!

Call it my woman’s intuition, if you will, but I’ve never trusted neatness. Neatness is always the result of deliberate planning.

Leonard

                 

SULLY (2016)

Join us to talk about the Miracle on the Hudson with friend Chris Kaiser (Columbia University / the podcast Said and Done)! We delve into Eastwood’s hatred of bureaucracy and tease apart his complex feelings towards individualism and collective heroism. Is the film dripping with gay subtext? We explore the semiotics of a mustache and wonder what goes into Sully/Skiles slash-fiction. We also consider the possibility that, through his filmmaking, Eastwood is helping us repair our relationship to our own history. Also, Clint hates computers more than anyone who has ever lived. Welcome aboard!

Can we get serious now?

Sully

                 

REPO MAN (1984)

The life of a repo man is intense, which is why we invited friend Toby Levers to join us to talk about Alex Cox’s punk rock satire Repo Man! We discuss the film’s influence and influences, as well as how it manages to mash together genres in a style all of its own, fashioning the spirit of suburban punk on to a social critique of ex-hippy middle class malaise and the inherent contradictions of rebellion. We chew on the obscure wisdom of Miller (played by the magnificent Tracey Walter) before riding away into the night in a glowing green Chevy Malibu. 

You’re fuckin’ right I’m Plettschner! Arnold Plettschner! Three times decorated in two world wars! I was killing people while you were still swimming around in your father’s balls! You little scumbag! I worked five years in a slaughterhouse, and ten years as a prison guard in Attica!

Plettschner

                 

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (2004)

It is with clear eyes and love in our hearts that we dive into this classic football parable from the aughts with friend and returning guest Edward Lewis. We discuss the role of suffering in achievement, the paradox of youth, and the cycles that shackle us to our communities. We think about regret and expectation, and above all share our love for the film, which has since been eclipsed by the TV show of the same name. Come toss the football and punt when you should go for a touchdown, it’s Friday Night Lights! 

It’s real simple: you got two more quarters and that’s it.

Coach Gary Gaines

                 

TOP GUN (1986)

We stuff into a tiny F14 cockpit with Sean Burns (WBUR’s The ARTery) and fly into the danger zone to discuss why Top Gun is a sports film that forges a new American myth with dazzling imagery and zero subtlety. We consider the view that Tom Cruise is America’s son and get into the trenches with Kelly McGillis to unpack their love triangle with Val Kilmer’s Iceman. Also discussed: the effects of g-forces on the human body, what our callsigns would be, and why 80s American jingoism is quaint and endearing. Take my breath away why don’t you??? Let’s go! 

I’m going to need a beer to put these flames out. Yo! Great Mav, real slick.

Maverick

                 

IT FOLLOWS (2012)

Not to be downers, but, everything alive must die. This is something the kids from David Robert Mitchell’s devastating horror film must come to terms with, as they are stalked by a demonic entity that, no matter where they are, is constantly walking towards them. We sit down with Alison Willmore (Vulture / New York Magazine) to discuss how the film works as an allegory for social class, capitalism, personal trauma, sexual politics, and manages to channel both existential dread and the experience of a panic attack all at once. We wonder how to avoid the creature, what its scariest incarnation is, and whether a tale this bleak can have a happy ending after all.

Wherever you are, it is walking straight for you.

Hugh / Jeff

                 

NATIONAL TREASURE (2004)

We sit down with Nicolas Cage expert Keith Phipps (author of The Age of Cage) to discuss the second highest grossing film of Cage’s career (second only to its sequel). We consider the point at which this film lands in the arc of Cage’s career, and how he draws on his well of acting experience to craft a character that blends elements of conspiratorial mania and fifth grade boy scout energy, selling the four-quadrant appeal of a movie about treasure hunting and historical preservation to both children and adults alike. We wonder what makes the film’s portrayal of patriotism appealing and then explore what could have been for Cage, concluding with some recommended overlooked Cage films to explore!

We’re more like treasure protectors.

Benjamin Franklin Gates