The Big Picture

Chris Ryan and Adam Nayman join Sean and Amanda to discuss the top movies of 2023, covering a variety of genres and filmmakers. They debate their choices, highlight unique franchises, and talk about the challenges of finalizing their lists. The hosts also delve into specific films like 'The Taste of Things', 'May, December', 'Past Lives', 'The Zone of Interest', and an extraordinary animated film. They share their toughest cuts, impressive storytelling, and briefly touch on a controversial writer and French courtrooms. Overall, an entertaining and insightful episode.

Wesley Morris joins Sean and Amanda to discuss their thoughts on 'May December' and its potential for awards season. They also express their love for Beyoncé's concert film 'Renaissance' and praise its impressive technical feats.

Director Alexander Payne joins the podcast to discuss his film 'Holdovers' and reuniting with Paul Giamatti. The hosts also share thoughts on Disney's 'Wish', analyze Emerald Fennell's 'Saltburn' and their top five big swing movies, and explore filmmaking techniques and atmosphere in movies.

The hosts discuss Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon', its battle scenes, and their disappointment with the movie. They delve into the historical context of 'great men' movies and share their top five in the genre. They also touch on sex in the late 18th and early 19th century, the concept of greatness, and upcoming movies. Additionally, they discuss campaigning efforts in the film industry and casual Thanksgiving conversations.

Sean and Amanda review the Hunger Games movie and Alexander Payne's latest feature. Eli Roth joins the podcast to discuss his movie 'Thanksgiving' and his interests within the horror genre. They talk about the state of modern IP horror and Roth's future plans.

Filmmaker Errol Morris joins the hosts to talk about his new John le Carré documentary, his interviewing style, choosing subjects, the overlap between documentary and drama filmmaking, exploring the blurred line between interrogation and interview, and the tension between truth and deceit in storytelling.

Joanna Robinson and Kristoffer Borgli join Sean and Amanda to discuss the successes and failures of 'The Marvels' and the challenges Marvel is currently facing. They also explore character motivations and thematic elements in the Marvel universe. Later, Kristoffer Borgli talks about his career, making films in the US vs Europe, and working with Nic Cage.

Film critic Adam Nayman joins the hosts of 'The Big Picture' podcast to discuss David Fincher's 'The Killer', American auteur directors in 2023, and the film's place in Fincher's larger project. They analyze the movie's cinematic manipulation, discuss David Fincher's eating habits and opening sequence, and explore the emotional elements, disguises, and satire in the film.

Lead actor Jacob Elordi, lead actress Cailee Spaeny, and director Sofia Coppola discuss the film 'Priscilla', including its performances, set design, and place in Coppola's film canon. They also talk about the Best Picture Oscars race and share their predictions. Later, Coppola joins to talk about her adaptation of Priscilla Presley's memoir, the process of recreating famous figures, and her filmmaking approach.

Chris Ryan, acclaimed film critic and host of The Watch podcast, joins Sean and Amanda to draft the work of acclaimed director David Fincher. They discuss Fincher's unique style, iconic movies, and ability to explore the darker side of human sensibility. They also reflect on their first experiences with Fincher's films, his perfectionism, and the influence of his work. The chapter covers the draft order, eligibility of Thriller movies for awards, and specific scenes from Fincher's movies. The hosts engage in playful banter about their movie picks and discuss the convenience of using the Command Z function. They also touch upon the lack of recognition for Fincher's work by the Academy and brainstorm future podcast episode ideas.