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.

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”.

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

32:50 Cate Blanchett's Character Study

37:27 Screenplay Precision

39:40 Directorial Styles and Constraints

43:27 Stephen Soderbergh's Approach

49:02 Modern Masterpieces and Recency Bias

52:35 Final Thoughts

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Insights

03:27 Length and Intermission Discussion

04:55 Artistic Ambition and Challenges

10:58 Architectural Themes and Symbolism

40:34 Analyzing the Film's Emotional Impact

46:09 Artistic Vision and Legacy

49:33 The Meaning of the Epilogue

59:06 Final Thoughts on Performances