Episodes

In this episode we discuss: the theme of The Last Jedi; a little visual analysis; we have an interview with Dr. Steven Vance, a planetary chemist and astrobiologist with JPL NASA to discuss space, Europa, exploring our solar system and so much more! “There is perhaps no better a demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world.” – Carl Sagan Notes & References: Europa Clipper Dr. Vance Research Paper: Seismology of icy ocean worlds In-press paper from ...

In this episode we discuss: the time travel of Rian Johnson’s “Looper”; editing; theme; the future; and much more! “If the Universe came to an end every time there was some uncertainty about what had happened in it, it would never have got beyond the first picosecond. And many of course don’t. It’s like a human body, you see. A few cuts and bruises here and there don’t hurt it. Not even major surgery if it’s done properly. Paradoxes are just the scar tissue. Time and space heal themselves ...

In this episode we tackle JJ Abrams’ Star Wars The Force Awakens and discuss: Deus Ex Machina storytelling; camerawork & visual analysis; Kylo Ren, JJ Abrams; and much more! Visual Analysis (camerawork) https://thepestlepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/SW-7-salvage.mp4 Here’s an example of dressing up a shot. The action is simple, we’re watching a slice of Rey’s life as she takes her salvaged goods from her hovercraft/speeder thing. The camera move is simple, we’re on a dolly track s...

In this episode we discuss: the camerawork and visual technique of Jon Favreau’s Chef; Chef as a metaphor; we interview chef Aaron; and much more! Visual Analysis (camerawork) https://thepestlepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Chef-Opening.mp4 Chef is largely shot with locked off frames. When we’re in the kitchen cooking, however, everything moves and pops a little bit more. Easily the most evident in the opening scene. The editing here is faster, we’re popping around the kitchen, the...

In this episode we tackle Zach Braff’s indie hit “Garden State” and discuss: the camerawork and editing; visual gags; when performances make the film; the impact this film had on us personally; and much more! Analysis Visual Gags As far as visual gags go, this one is very easy to grasp and get a laugh out of. His shirt blending in with the background gives a quick immediate sense of disorientation and realization, a very fast tension & resolution that makes up most of comedy. https://the...

In this episode we discuss Alex Garland’s directorial debut “Ex Machina”: Artificial Intelligence with special guest Byron Reese, host of Gigaom’s Voices in AI podcast; camerawork and visual storytelling techniques; the symbolism of Ex Machina; and much more! Check out Byron’s podcast: Gigaom’s Voices in AI Pre-order Byron’s book on Amazon: The Fourth Age: Smart Robots, Conscious Computers, and the Future of Humanity Visual Analysis: https://thepestlepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/...

In this episode we take on Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight” and discuss: the camerawork and technique of shooting in one room; we weigh in with a special guest about Tarantino’s use of the N-word; and much more! Big shout out to Shomari for joining us so last minute. It got lost in the episode that the use of the N-word did in fact bother Shomari, which is what drove him to research it in the first place, but that ultimately while he didn’t agree with Tarantino’s logic he could live w...

In this episode we discuss Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and discuss: Good villains; Epic failures as a story device; origin stories; and much more! Notes & References: Four Quadrants This Week’s Recommendations: The post Ep 20: “Spider-Man: Homecoming” appeared first on The Pestle.

In this episode we discuss Netflix’s “Stranger Things”: the title sequence of Stranger Things; the composition & camerawork; pacing, themes, differences between seasons 1 & 2, and much more! We can see here that the framing has left an empty space on the right as if someone is missing, perhaps representing his daughter. This could also create some dread, as if the monster could fill that space up at any moment. Nancy & Jonathan sit beneath a tiger mural, considering going after the Demogorg...

In this episode we have special guest Joe Howes with us to discuss: the lighting of Edgar Wright’s “Scott Pilgrim vs the World”; transitions; sound design; and much more. “I think one of the things that really separates us from the high primates is that we’re tool builders. I read a study that measured the efficiency of locomotion for various species on the planet. The condor used the least energy to move a kilometer. And, humans came in with a rather unimpressive showing, about a third of ...

In this episode we discuss: the symbolism of La La Land; Technicolor; the 180º rule; music and Hollywood; being an artist, and pursuing your dreams; and much more. “The way I look at a musical, you are commenting on the human condition no matter what you do. A musical may be light and frivolous, but by its very nature, it makes some kind of social comment.” – Gene Kelly Notes & References: Technicolor wiki – Wizard of Oz This Week’s Recommendations: The post Ep 17: “La La Land” appeare...

In this episode we discuss: The Overture of 1812; James McTeigue & The Wachowskis; Hugo Weaving & Natalie Portman’s amazing performances; the meaning of V for Vendetta, terrorism, patriotism, politics; and much more. “In a time of universal deceit – telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” – George Orwell Notes & References: Thomas Paine: “He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that w...

In this episode we discuss: the theme of Stephen King’s “It”; camerawork and editing techniques; horror dramas; child actors; and much more. “Even bad guys (most of them, anyway) see themselves as good—they are the heroes of their own lives. Giving them a fair chance as characters can create some interesting shades of gray—and shades of gray are also a part of life.” – Stephen King Notes & References: Easter eggs you may have missed This Week’s Recommendations: The post Ep 15: Stephen K...

In this episode we check out Edgar Wright’s “Baby Driver” and discuss: Edgar Wright’s style; foreshadowing; editing on set; the opening scene and the title sequence; and much more. “Maybe directors who are more interested in realism and naturalism come from cities, where they see things on their doorstep every day. But growing up as a kid in a very pretty but ever-so-slightly boring town, where not a great deal happened, encouraged me to be more escapist, more imaginative, and more of a da...

In this episode we discuss Danny Boyle’s scifi film “Sunshine” and discuss: the colors of Sunshine; Danny Boyle’s style vs David Fincher; the film’s theme; foreshadowing; and much more. “Truthfully, I can only say I was driven to make the film, that these images came to me and I did not question them. My only defence is: ‘Forgive me, for I know not what I do.’ I am the wrong person to ask what the film means or why it is as it is. It is a bit like asking the chicken about the chicken soup....

In this episode the Coen Brothers cult classic hit “The Big Lebowski” and discuss: the Coen Brothers; the human comedy of The Big Lebowski; Philip Seymour Hoffman; the real antagonist; and much more. “If the material is challenging, it forces you to challenge yourself when handling it.” – Joel Coen Notes & References: Scott Graham on Instagram (or is it instaGRAHAM ohhhhh! …yeah.) The Wind + The Wave (Scott’s band) The Big Lebowski 9/11 Conspiracy Theory The Big Lebowski screenplay This...

In this episode we check out Gareth Edwards’ “Rogue One” and discuss: the cinematography of Rogue One; FX & set design; war; and much more. Wes’s additional thought: I really loved my friend Justin’s thoughts about the lack of character development, but after recording our episode and continuing to chew on this film I do completely agree with him, but war movies aren’t about character development as much as character revealment. In any film you should hope to see characters tested, but part...

In this episode we take a look at David Fincher’s “The Social Network” and discuss: the audio & music of The Social Network; Aaron Sorkins tropes; David Fincher’s cinematography style; ways the plot is subtly underscored; Sean Parker’s role in the movie; and so much more. “Trying to guess what the audience wants and then trying to satisfy that is usually a bad recipe for getting something good.” – Aaron Sorkin Notes & References: Shania Twain records three versions of her 2002 album “Up!”...

In this episode we check out Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower” and discuss: adapting Stephen King novels. The differences between The Gunslinger book and The Dark Tower movie. Moments of ineffective filmmaking. Enhancing the hero and villain. Girbaud vs Faded Glory, and much more! “Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win.” – Stephen King This Week’s Recommendations: The post Ep 9: “The Dark Tower” appeared first on The Pestle.

In this episode we look at the comedy classic “Clue” and discuss: turning a board game into a comedy Making exposition fun Camera work that plays into comedy The nature of comedy “What no one understands: ideas are a dime a dozen. An idea has no real value. It’s all about the execution of the idea.” – John Landis References: Clue was filmed on a set! Cold Towne Theater (Austin, Tx) – go see some live comedy! Go see our guest Joe Parsons at Master Pancake @ the Alamo Drafthouse Dan Harmon’...

In this episode we dive into Christopher Nolan’s WWII film “Dunkirk” and discuss: the artwork of Dunkirk; the true enemy; the nature of tension, and the ways it shows up; Nolan gives good context, and much more! “Every film should have its own world, a logic and feel to it that expands beyond the exact image that the audience is seeing.” – Christopher Nolan References: Calgary veteran of Dunkirk attends the film This Week’s Recommendations: The post Ep 7: “Dunkirk” appeared first on The P...

We take a look at Michael Bay’s latest robot movie “Transformers: The Last Knight” and discuss: The Extremes of Transformers Acting (in a bad movie) FX Respecting the audience & the world of your film And much more! “Creativity is an energy. It’s a precious energy, and it’s something to be protected. A lot of people take for granted that they’re a creative person, but I know from experience, feeling it in myself, it is a magic; it is an energy. And it can’t be taken for granted.” – Ava Duv...

In this episode the indie thriller “Whiplash” and discuss: Music & Jazz, tension & resolution; The colors of Whiplash; We debate the merits of Fletcher’s teaching techniques; and much more. “I always say that if I have another success, I’ll enjoy it more, but you don’t really.” – Danny Boyle Notes & References: Damien Chazelle article on making the short film & getting the film made Michael Phelps trains for five straight years Kawhi Leonard was the 15th pick in the NBA draft This Week’s...

In this episode we check out James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and discuss: Incongruity; The importance of a title sequence; Comparing intro & title sequences from Guardians 1 & 2; Wasteful FX; The colors of Guardians of the Galaxy 2; What is the theme of Guardians 2?; For the record, Zoe Saldana’s name was totally mispronounced, sometimes reading off the page can get a little rushed. Wes’s additional thought: I love the use of white as we touch on in the show, and what occur...