We hail Sam Raimi’s “Send Help” and discuss: Intro: Every movie is a universe, AI vs the cost of art and creativity 00:00-17:37; Story & Writing, loglines, horror comedy expectations, exposition; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.“ – Marilyn Monroe Notes & […]

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We sneak into Brad Pitt’s “Troy” and discuss: Cinematography, scale; Story & Writing, themes, war, love, immortality; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “All war is a symptom of man’s failure as a thinking animal.“ – John Steinbeck Notes & References: Supports us on our Patreon here! Bastiat’s “That which is seen and […]

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We commune with Nia DaCosta’s “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” and discuss: Story & Writing, humanity, themes; Audio mix and the problem with jump scares; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.“ – Carl Sagan Notes & References: Supports us […]

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We invade Ethan Hawke’s “The Purge” and discuss: Story & Writing, high concept, agitating the audience, close calls; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “I don’t favor violence. If we could bring about recognition and respect of our people by peaceful means, well and good. Everybody would like to reach his objectives peacefully. […]

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We stroll through The Duffer Brothers’ “Stranger Things” Finale and discuss: Story & Writing, finales, plot armor, traditional 5-act structure for TV, dramatic moments; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write ‘War and […]

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We uncover David Fincher’s “Zodiac” and discuss: Cinematography, angles, handheld vs stable; Story & Writing, true crime stories, identifying with the characters; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.“ – Alfred Hitchcock Notes & References: Supports us on our Patreon here! […]

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We extract Ben Affleck’s “Argo” and discuss: Cinematography, camerawork; Story & Writing, mini-movie method; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “God help me if I ever do another movie with an explosion in it. If you see me in a movie where stuff is exploding you’ll know I’ve lost all my money.“ – […]

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We carve up Tarantino’s “Inglorious Basterds” and discuss: Review at 17:00 Cinematography, camera movement, the Bob Richardson special; Story & Writing, conflict through character wants; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Joan of Arc: “You say that you are my judge; I do not know if you are; but take good heed not […]

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