Ep 395 - Thunderbolts*
The Actor and The Engineer Podcast
Join us as we dive into Marvel's Thunderbolts*. We discuss the depth and complexities of the characters, the overarching themes of mental health and familial bonds, and how the movie stands out in the vast Marvel Cinematic Universe. From reflections on performances to the significance of character development, we cover how Thunderbolts shows us a little more than the last few MCU movies.
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Ep 394 - Sinners
The Actor and The Engineer Podcast
In this episode we delve into Ryan Coogler's new vampire film, Sinners. We explore Coogler's departure from conventional storytelling, discuss the film's allegory on art and commerce, and dissect the intricate performances, especially highlighting Michael B. Jordan's dual role and Delroy Lindo's masterful acting. We also debate the necessity of the film's multiple endings and reflect on the genre elements that make this film a remarkable piece.
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Ep 393 - Warfare
The Actor and The Engineer Podcast
In this episode we discuss the latest film by Alex Garland, which is co-directed and co-written with retired Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza. The movie recounts real events from Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006. We delve into its character development and its portrayal of military operations. We get into the emotional intensity of the storytelling and why this may not be a “war film”.
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Ep 392 - Black Bag
The Actor and The Engineer Podcast
In this episode we dive deep into Steven Soderbergh’s latest project 'Black Bag.' The conversation extends to the storytelling prowess of screenwriter David Koepp, the complexities of character development, and the nuances of the film's cinematography and editing. We also touch on other upcoming movies from directors like Paul Thomas Anderson and Spike Lee, and examine performances by Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett. 00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Upcoming Movies 03:50 Character Analysis and Performances 05:38 Cinematic Techniques and Directorial Style 11:09 Spoilers...
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Ep 391 - Top 5 of 2024
The Actor and The Engineer Podcast
Join us for a special episode of Actor and the Engineer where we break down our top 5 films of the year! From directing debuts to unexpected thrillers, and Oscar-worthy performances, we cover it all.
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Ep 390 - Oscarcast 2025
The Actor and The Engineer Podcast
In this episode we discuss our picks for the major Oscar categories such as Adapted Screenplay, Original Screenplay, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Picture. We debate potential winners, personal favorites, and possible surprises, analyzing performances from movies like ‘Anora', 'The Brutalist', 'A Complete Unknown', and more.
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Ep 389 - The Seed of the Sacred Fig
The Actor and The Engineer Podcast
In this episode we discuss the Iranian film 'Seed of the Sacred Fig.' Recommended by frequent guest Justin Arner, this movie intrigued us with its compelling story, We delve into the film's production, which was conducted in secret due to its critical stance against the Iranian government. The conversation also covers the complexities of the characters, particularly the family dynamics and the cultural constraints depicted in the film.
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Ep 388 - Nickel Boys
The Actor and The Engineer Podcast
In this episode we delve into an in-depth discussion about Nickel Boys, directed and co-written by RaMell Ross. We explore the film’s narrative style, and the powerful storytelling derived from its poignant backdrop. We also discuss the technical aspects of filming, and the thematic depth portrayed by the actors, particularly Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. We get into speculations about the film's Oscar nominations and the impact of its crucial scenes.
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Ep 387 - The Brutalist
The Actor and The Engineer Podcast
In this episode we explore Brady Corbet's film 'The Brutalist.' The film centers around an architect from Budapest who survives a concentration camp and moves to the United States to rebuild his life. They discuss their impressions, emotional reactions, and the film's intricate details. They also touch on the performances by the cast, including Adrian Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce, and examine the film's unique visual and narrative style. 00:00 Introduction and Movie Overview 00:54 Initial Impressions and Emotional Reactions 02:03 Visuals and Second Viewing...
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Ep 386 - A Complete Unknown
The Actor and The Engineer Podcast
In this episode we dive deep into the Bob Dylan biopic, analyzing the film's approach to the music icon's life. We reflect on the unique narrative style, the performances, and the direction by James Mangold. We also explore how the film's portrayal of Dylan's music and persona may introduce new fans to the legendary artist's work.
info_outlineJoin Josh Knapp (the broadcast engineer) and Paul James (the actor) as they delve into the Mad Max saga. From Josh's newfound appreciation for Mad Max: Fury Road to analyzing the impact of various characters and films, this episode covers it all. They discuss the evolution of the series and character arcs across the series. This engaging discussion also considers the broader context of dystopian movies and the challenges of filmmaking.
00:00 Introduction and Hosts
00:16 Diving into Mad Max: Fury Road
00:40 First Impressions and Rewatching
02:05 Comparing Mad Max Films
05:38 Furiosa: A Critical Look
14:56 Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome Discussion
17:20 Analyzing the Mad Max Universe
19:10 Furiosa's Character and Future
38:21 Furiosa's Backstory and Initial Questions
39:06 Defending the Green Place
41:07 Tom Hardy and On-Set Conflicts
41:55 The Pressure of Being a Leading Actor
43:55 Michelle Pfeiffer's On-Set Interaction
51:33 Chris Hemsworth's Performance in Furiosa
56:02 Comparing Villains in the Mad Max Saga
01:02:11 Dystopian Films and Their Impact
01:05:45 Mel Gibson's Hamlet and Accents in Mad Max
01:07:19 Concluding Thoughts on the Mad Max Saga
01:09:22 Final Remarks and Outro