Mindframe(s)
Bugonia Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos Written by: Will Tracy and Jang Joon-hwan Starring: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aiden Delvis, Alicia Silverstone, Stavros Halkias Cinematography: Not specified (shot on VistaVision, 35mm, Willcam equipment) Release: 2025 IMDB: 🎧 Episode Summary In this episode, Dave and Michael dive deep into Bugonia, the latest satirical and enigmatic offering from Yorgos Lanthimos. With a plot centering on two conspiracy-minded men who kidnap a powerful CEO they believe to be an alien, the hosts explore Lanthimos' signature blend of absurdism, social critique,...
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Mindframes Podcast: Frankenstein (2025) Directed by: Guillermo del Toro Written by: Guillermo del Toro, based on the novel by Mary Shelley Starring: Oscar Isaac (Victor Frankenstein), Jacob Elordi (The Creature), Christoph Waltz (Von Klemper), Mia Goth (Elizabeth/Claire Frankenstein), Charles Dance, Ralph Ineson, and David Bradley Cinematography: Dan Laustsen Release: 2025 (Netflix) IMDB: 🎧 Episode Summary Dave and Michael explore Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited adaptation of Frankenstein — a film that blends gothic horror, Catholic melodrama, and emotional fantasy. They...
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Episode 103: Anemone 🎬 Principal Cast & Crew Director: Ronan Day-Lewis (feature debut) Writers: Ronan Day-Lewis & Daniel Day-Lewis Cinematography: Ben Fordsman Main Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis as Ray Sean Bean as Jem Samantha Morton as Nessa Stoker Samuel Bottomley as Brian Stoker Safiya Oakley-Green as Hattie 🕰️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Intro & Overview Michael and Dave introduce Anemone, a moody psychological drama and feature debut by Ronan Day-Lewis, starring his father Daniel Day-Lewis. They tease the film’s atmospheric visuals, layered...
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Cast & Crew Director: Paul Thomas Anderson Cinematographer: Michael Bauman Composer: Jonny Greenwood Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson Chase Infinity as Willa Ferguson Sean Penn as Colonel Lockjaw Benicio Del Toro as Sensei Luis Regina Hall as Mother Helena Episode 102: One Battle After Another Film Discussed: One Battle After Another (Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson) Hosts: Michael Cockerill & Dave Canfield Runtime: ~3 hours Theme: Resistance, legacy, generational change ⏱ Timestamps & Major Segments: 00:00–02:30 – 🎙 Intro & Film Overview Michael and...
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Fifty boys start walking, three warnings get you shot, and somehow we are the ones out of breath. In this week’s Mindframes, Michael and Dave march into The Long Walk—where Cooper Hoffman broods, David Jonsson keeps the heart beating, and Mark Hamill cosplays as your least favorite PE teacher. Along the way we debate whether dystopias should come with better snacks, why America’s obsessed with televised misery, and if ★★★/5 means we survived… or just need new shoes. Basic Facts Role Name Director Francis Lawrence () Screenwriter JT Mollner () Producers Francis...
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The Roses is a 2025 satirical dark comedy–drama directed by Jay Roach (Austin Powers, Meet the Parents, Bombshell) and written by Tony McNamara (The Favourite, The Great). It is a modern reimagining of The War of the Roses, based on Warren Adler’s 1981 novel and the 1989 film adaptation. ✨ Cast Olivia Colman as Ivy Rose — a restaurateur whose career blossoms. Benedict Cumberbatch as Theo Rose — an architect whose career falters. Supporting cast: Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, Sunita Mani, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Demetriou, and Zoë Chao. 🕒 Timestamps...
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🎧 Episode 99: Weapons – Horror, Mystery, and Institutions in Crisis In this episode of Mindframes, Michael and Dave welcome special guest Tim Peebles—theologian, pastor, martial artist, and long-time film aficionado—for a deep dive into Zach Cregger’s new film Weapons. Cregger, known for Barbarian (2022), returns with a multi-layered, genre-bending thriller where a small town unravels after its children mysteriously disappear into the night. With a Rashomon-style narrative, striking cinematography from Larkin Seiple (Everything Everywhere All at Once), and a cast led by Josh Brolin,...
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Film Overview Title: Eddington (2025) by Ari Aster Setting: Small-town New Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic Premise: Tension and division between a local sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and the town's mayor (Pedro Pascal), reflecting broader cultural and social fractures in America. Themes: Polarization, the influence of social media, performative activism, the corporatization of crisis, and the psychological weight of 2020. Cast & Performances Joaquin Phoenix (Sheriff Joe Cross): Widely praised for his layered, committed performance. Considered perfect for the role. Pedro...
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After some bad uploads and delays, for what is seems like 28 years after the release, Michael and Dave finally delve into the thematic and tonal complexity of 28 Years Later, a film they describe as both rich in ideas and somewhat disjointed. They focus on death, coming of age, and humanity in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by the infected. 🎬 Cast and Crew – 28 Years Later Director: Danny Boyle – Returns to direct this sequel after helming 28 Days Later (2002), marking a major reunion with the original creative team. Writer: Alex Garland – Screenwriter of 28 Days Later...
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Episode 96 – The Phoenician Scheme (Mindframes Podcast) Michael Cockerill and Dave Canfield discuss Wes Anderson's latest film, The Phoenician Scheme. The movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Meena Truppleton, and other regulars from Anderson’s filmography. The story centers around Zaza Corda, a wealthy businessman played by Benicio del Toro, who makes the surprising decision to name his daughter—a nun—as his heir. He simultaneously launches a massive infrastructure project in the fictional country of Phoenicia (or Western Phoenicia), encountering opposition from...
info_outlineThe Complexities of "Civil War" and the Intricacies of Alex Garland's Direction
In this episode of "Mindframes," hosts Dave and M.W. Cockerill delve into Alex Garland's latest film, "Civil War," exploring its portrayal of a polarized America and the role of media in war contexts. The discussion traverses Garland's filmography, highlighting his distinctive approach to filmmaking and thematic consistency across his works. The episode also touches on broader film genres, notably the categorization challenges within horror and zombie films, using "28 Days Later" as a focal point.
Key Discussion Points
1. **Alex Garland's Directorial Style:** Insight into Garland's evolution as a director, with a detailed discussion on his notable films including "Ex Machina," "Annihilation," and "Men." The hosts explore how these films align thematically with "Civil War."
2. **Genre Definitions and Controversies:** A lively debate on what constitutes a zombie film, referencing "28 Days Later" and other genre films like "The Walking Dead" and "I Am Legend."
3. **"Civil War" - A Film Analysis:**
- **Plot and Setting:** Examination of the film's setting in a dystopian America, discussing the world-building elements and the narrative's focus on societal breakdown.
- **Character Development and Performances:** Discussion on the character arcs, particularly focusing on the performances of Kristen Dunst and other key actors.
- **Themes:** Deep dive into the political and social themes portrayed in the film, such as division, media influence, and the impact of leadership styles reminiscent of contemporary political figures.
- **Cinematic Techniques:** Analysis of Garland's use of visual and sound design to enhance the thematic depth and emotional impact of the film.
Special Segments
- **Horror Film Debate:** Is "Civil War" a horror movie? Hosts debate the genre specifications and the broader implications of genre categorization in film.
- **Viewer Reactions and Interpretations:** Exploration of varied audience reactions to the film, particularly focusing on its political commentary and its reflection of real-world tensions.
Closing Thoughts
- The hosts reflect on the implications of "Civil War" for future filmmaking in politically charged climates.
- Recommendations for audiences on how to approach the film to gain a deeper understanding of its themes.
**Where to Watch:**
"Civil War" is currently in wide release and available exclusively in theaters, including IMAX.
**Episode Links:**
- Stream this episode and subscribe to "Mindframes" on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, and wherever podcasts are available.
- Visit our website at mindframesfilms.com for more insights and discussions.