Episodes

We witness George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” and discuss: Cinematography, blue night, speed ramps, and packing the frame; Story & writing, fatal moments, henchmen fodder; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “If you’re not a race driver, stay the hell home. Don’t come here and grumble about going too fast. Get the hell out of the race car if you’ve got feathers on your legs or butt. Put a kerosene rag around your ankles so the ants won’t climb up and eat that candy ass.“ – Dale Earnha...

We follow the white rabbit through The Wachowskis’ “The Matrix” and discuss: Cinematography, slomo, cheap b-roll, fight choreography; Story & writing, world-building cool sh*t through story structure; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “I think that technologies are morally neutral until we apply them. It’s only when we use them for good or for evil that they become good or evil.“ – William Gibson Notes & References: The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Music referenced: Maggie Rogers, Po...

We time travel to Richard Linklater’s “Before Midnight” and discuss: Story & writing, how the conversations have shifted; Production differences from previous Before films, having kids on set; is it okay to use people in your life for writing material?; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.“ – Friedrich Nietzsche Notes & References: Mise-en-scéne Children on set – labor laws change between states, but in C...

We show up to Richard Linklater’s “Before Sunset” and discuss: Cinematography, framing; Wardrobe, creating fresh looks without switching outfits; Directing, changing energy for contrast, blocking; Story & Writing, topics of conversation, good excuses to do things; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Did you know that the human voice is the only pure instrument? That it has notes no other instrument has? It’s like being between the keys of a piano.“ – Nina Simone Notes & References: P...

We talk through Richard Linklater’s “Before Sunrise” and discuss: Cinematography & directing, benefit of long takes for actors; Story & writing, 3-dimensional characters, keeping the conversation fresh; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Travel is rich with learning opportunities, and the ultimate souvenir is a broader perspective.“ – Rick Steves Notes & References: “Threads” music video short film Kim Krizan iMDB Stone Temple Pilots “Interstate Love Song” (and there is no drum fill,...

We secretly inspect Hwang Dong-hyuk’s “Squid Game” and discuss: Iconography of Squid Game; Netflix business model, pros and cons; Odds ‘n ends of the story & writing, ATM PIN significance, is there capitalism commentary, the value of a human life; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “If you owe your bank a hundred pounds, you have a problem. But if you owe a million, it has [the problem].“ – John Maynard Keynes Notes & References: So reports are that Squid Game brought almost $900M to N...

We run a lap around season 2 of Jason Sudeikis’ “Ted Lasso” and discuss: Highlights & lowlights from season 2; Missed opportunities; Nicely written characters, complex characters and relationships; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “The spirit of envy can destroy; it can never build.“ – Margaret Thatcher Notes & References: Referee murdered by player, the player is then beheaded on the field *”consenuating” is not a word, sometimes I not word so güd Watch us on YouTube! This Week’s ...

We take all the time in the world with Daniel Craig’s “No Time To Die” and discuss the: Resourcefulness of Bond; Summoning characters & red herrings; Future of Bond; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “History is moving pretty quickly these days, and the heroes and villains keep on changing parts.” – Ian Fleming Notes & References: Why is Ralph pronounced “Rafe”? (wiki) Cinematlas.com – Cool movie cross-referencing resource! Eon productions is a family affair (the company that owns ...

We sandwalk through Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” and discuss: Cinematography, day-for-night scenes; Writing & directing, the voice, visions; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “You philosophers are lucky men. You write on paper and paper is patient. Unfortunate Empress that I am, I write on the susceptible skins of living beings.” – Catherine the Great Notes & References: “Jodorowsky’s Dune” trailer HR Giger had some cool ideas for Dune, specifically Harkonnen Castle Catherine the Grea...

We bathe in Robert Eggers’ “The VVitch” and discuss: Killing children in movies; Cinematography, natural lighting, setting up a new location; Story & writing, sitting on a moment, and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Betrayal is the only truth that sticks.“ – Arthur Miller Notes & References: Shot in Kiosk, Ontario (wiki) Oregon Trail (video game) is an old video game about settlers in the 1800s Nyckelharpa (wiki) Discussing the music of The Witch The Element Choir in action (VERY COO...

We take a bite of Zack Snyder’s “Dawn of the Dead” remake and discuss: Austin City Limits recap from 1:04 – 17:33; Entertainment value, iconic moments; Cinematography and editing, little details; Story & writing, iconic moments, smooth exposition; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “A zombie film is not fun without a bunch of stupid people running around and observing how they fail to handle the situation.“ – George Romero Notes & References: Black Pumas “Colors” // “Fast Car” cover...

We open the door to “Let the Right One In” and discuss: Cinematography, hiding adults in the frame; Story & writing, classic vampire rules, using failure to propel the story; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.“ – Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven Notes & References: Hoyt van Hoytema (iMDB) iMDB has some interesting notes about the story and Eli’s characte...

We virtually experience Spielberg’s “Ready Player One” and discuss: cinematography, packing the frame, and cheating for the camera; story & writing; special guest Ricky Holm, founder of immersive technology creative agency Chocolate Milk & Donuts; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad.“ – Shigeru Miyamoto Notes & References: Ricky’s immersive technology creative agency Chocolate Milk & Donuts Ricky’s Instagram Robert Ro...

We set our sights on Denis Villeneuve “Sicario” and discuss: cinematography and pacing; what the walls in Sicario can tell us about the story; writing & story, the rule of repeats, and complex perspectives in Sicario; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “See, if you look at the drug war from a purely economic point of view, the role of the government is to protect the drug cartel. That’s literally true.“ – Milton Friedman Notes & References: MeatFrappe’s incredible Reddit weight-loss p...

We interlink with Denis Villeneuve’s “Blade Runner 2049” and discuss: Building on the original’s visuals, ideas, et al; Story and writing, Joi as exposition and expansion of what it means to be human; Special guests Christopher Menges and Cassandra Lopez who work at Weta Workshop and worked on the miniatures of Blade Runner 2049; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “To be born is to have a soul, I guess.” – Lt. Joshi Notes & References: Follow Chris Menges on Instagram @christophermen...

We test Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” and discuss: Styling the Future, the visuals and world-building of Blade Runner; Story & writing, the pacing, and meaning of the story; And other such stuff and things and stuff. “Just because something bears the aspect of the inevitable, one should not, therefore, go along willingly with it.“ – Philip K. Dick Notes & References: The Millenium Falcon repurposed as a building Rutger Hauer’s improv’d line – the rain in the scene does not sound like it playe...

We try our hardest with “Rudy” and discuss: turning a small story into a big story; dramatizing real life, how movie lies can communicate the truth to the viewer; And other such stuff and things and stuff. “Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which, in prosperous circumstances, would have lain dormant.“ – Horace, the Roman poet Notes & References: Rudy fact vs fiction, and origins – “…A brother of their friend overheard Rudy telling his Notre Dame tale and alerted the filmmakers of ...

Yes, we linger on “Meet Joe Black” and discuss: Establishing characters; Pacing and how it can reveal character; Cinematography, the shadow of death, Bill’s one-candle wish; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Many people die at twenty five and aren’t buried until they are seventy five.“ – Benjamin Franklin Notes & References: The Numbers – film research tool Susan’s eye light Watch us on YouTube! This Week’s Recommendations: The post Ep 154: “Meet Joe Black” appeared first on The ...

We paddle through Eugene & Dan Levy’s “Schitt’s Creek” and discuss: Cinematography: sitcom lighting; Story & writing: the setup, the situation and why it works, characters and performances, deep dive into the arc of Alexis; the Overton window, expanding cultural acceptance of once-provocative ideas; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “In the end a film can look lousy but work because of a great performance but not the other way round. That’s something always worth remembering.” – Roger...

We whisper about Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life” and discuss: cinematography, recreating childhood, symbolism of shadows; grace vs nature; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe.“ – Carl Sagan Watch us on YouTube! This Week’s Recommendations: Todd recommends Disney World! The post Ep 152: “The Tree of Life” appeared first on The Pestle.

We sneak through John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place Part II” and discuss: Cinematography, framing horror for a PG-13 movie; Story & writing, differences between part 1 and 2; Why sequels are hard; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.“ – Helen Keller Notes & References: Aaron D. Alexander – iMDB, Instagram Watch us on YouTube! This Week’s Recommendations: The post Ep 151: “...

We gotta see about Gus Van Sant’s “Good Will Hunting” and discuss: story & writing, Boston as a character, character driven vs plot driven, the climax & ending; mood, and music; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” – Robin Williams Notes & References: “The Problem with Mary’s Room” George Dantzig accidentally solves unsolved math problems Wes’ favorite graffiti in Austin The story behind the “Never Give Up” graffiti in ...

We summon Disney’s “Aladdin” and discuss: Story & writing, pushing the story forward, theme; Notes from the screenwriters; Wes reveals the first movie he ever saw in theaters; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “I think 2-D animation disappeared from Disney because they made so many uninteresting films. They became very conservative in the way they created them. It’s too bad. I thought 2-D and 3-D could coexist happily.“ – Hayao Miyazaki Notes & References: Wordplayer.com: Establishin...

We seize Robin Williams’ “Dead Poets Society” and discuss: cinematography, spinning cameras; story and writing, what’s in a name?; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun Conspiring with him how to load and bless With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run;” – John Keats Notes & References: John Keats Wes’ favorite podcasts in rotation: Blocked & Reported, Reason Roundtable, Freakonomics, Scriptno...