Richard Lawson

Vanity Fair's Richard Lawson joins the podcast to discuss 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'. They explore topics such as the differences between the short story and the film adaptation, attending New York Fashion Week, the making of the movie 'Mech', creating the character of Benjamin Button, spooky movie recommendations, the relationship dynamics in the film, body doubles, the length of the movie, Benjamin Button's life as a tugboat captain, his first love affair, and the career struggles of the director.

In this engaging discussion, film and TV critic Richard Lawson shares his insights on the internet's latest obsession, 'Heated Rivalry.' He highlights the show's refreshing frankness about sexuality and contrasts it with other queer narratives. Richard and Joanna dive into the emotional journeys of the characters, especially the subplot involving Kip and Scott, praising its depth. They also tackle the significance of representation and how the series captures the pressures athletes face while navigating their identities, all while delivering standout performances.

Nadira Goffe, Slate culture writer who covers TV and music, and Richard Lawson, film critic and cohost of Critical Darlings, join to discuss Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat and whether its moral-prank conceit still works. They debate Bait, Riz Ahmed’s meta-Bond drama, its tonal risks and standout performances. They also dig into Robyn’s new album Sexistential, about motherhood, midlife desire, and dance-floor honesty.

Film critic Richard Lawson from Vanity Fair joins for a deep dive into M. Night Shyamalan's ambitious yet chaotic 'Lady in the Water.' They ponder the film's peculiar narrative choices and its commentary on critics. The conversation is spiced up with humor about character quirks, including Giamatti's stuttering, before delving into the obscure themes that make the film unique. Expect playful banter about Hollywood dreams, and the introduction of fun segments like the Burger Report, packing the discussion with entertainment and insights.

Richard Lawson, a film critic and writer, joins to discuss the quirky and complex film 'Ella McKay' by James L. Brooks. They dive into themes of political scandals and media narratives, reflecting on the film's rarity in today’s cinemas. The conversation explores the chaotic plot dynamics, including a governor's unexpected rise and family tensions, while noting the film's nostalgic charm despite its flaws. Lawson also teases his new podcast, 'Critical Darlings,' promising more insights into film culture.