The Big Picture

In this unprecedented year, the Oscars need a boost. Sean and Amanda have just the right ideas, including ways to improve the ceremony, rule changes to enliven the ballot, and a new way to unveil the winners (0:30). Then, Sean is joined by filmmaker Alex Ross Perry ('Her Smell,' 'Listen Up Philip') to talk about how independent filmmakers are responding to the COVID-19 shutdown, what the future of indie cinema could look like, and what he's been watching in quarantine (57:35).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Alex Ross Perry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What makes a great movie father? Inspired by the new movie 'Dick Johnson Is Dead,' Sean and Amanda pick not necessarily the best movie dads, but their favorites (15:23). Then, Sean is joined by 'Dick Johnson' director Kirsten Johnson (and a special guest) to discuss her new Netflix film (55:24).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuests: Kirsten Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy Ray, screenwriter-director (Shattered Glass, Captain Phillips) joins to discuss shaping The Comey Rule. Chris Ryan, longtime film writer and drafter, returns for the 2012 movie draft. They debate what counts as sequels, the rise of The Avengers, Annapurna’s mid-budget surge, horror and indie standouts, and why some political stories become TV miniseries.

Miranda July, writer-director of 'Kajillionaire', joins the hosts to discuss her new film. The podcast also dives into the controversy surrounding the previous episode and movie delays, explores iconic music videos by David Fincher, debates the rankings of 'Mindhunter,' and reflects on the creative process and choosing mediums. Plus, a discussion on potential changes to the movie draft and a recommendation for artist Ian Chang.

In this podcast, the hosts rank David Fincher's works, analyze his films, TV series, commercials, and music videos, and discuss his meticulousness and attention to detail. They also delve into the impact of House of Cards and music videos, speculate about 'Mank', and compare and analyze Fincher's films. Additionally, they explore his early career, commercials, and music videos, and discuss surprising commercials and the impact of advertisements on their rankings.

It's (virtual) film festival season! Sean and Amanda break down the Telluride Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival movies they've seen thus far—including 'Nomadland,' 'Ammonite,' and 'One Night in Miami'—and what these festivals mean for the elongated Oscar race, including the Best Picture and Best Actress categories (0:45). Then, Sean is joined by 'Antebellum' directors Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz to talk about their new film (1:05:07).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuests: Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christopher Nolan’s 11th feature film, ‘Tenet,’ has opened in theaters around the world and we are going to talk about it. But first, we dive into the big changes in Academy Awards eligibility; ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ changing release dates and the perilous nature of the American box office; and the state of the virtual film festival (1:18). Then, Sean and Amanda deep dive into ‘Tenet,’ their viewing experience, and the confusing/compelling nature of the film (56:42). Finally, Sean is joined by Antonio Campos, the writer-director of the new Netflix film ‘The Devil All the Time,’ to chat about his work (1:56:14).Spoilers for ‘Tenet’ start at 1:14:45.Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Antonio Campos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The acclaimed writer-director Charlie Kaufman has returned with a new film, the disorienting, fascinating adaptation of the 2016 novel 'I'm Thinking of Ending Things.' Sean and Amanda are joined by film critic and Kaufman expert Amy Nicholson to talk about his work and break down the new film (1:14). Then, Sean is joined by Kaufman himself and the author of the book, Iain Reid, for a discussion of bringing this unusual story to the screen (59:53).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuests: Amy Nicholson, Charlie Kaufman and Iain Reid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amanda and Sean are joined by Binge Mode's Jason Concepcion and Mallory Rubin to explore the 1998 Disney classic 'Mulan' and the new live-action remake. They talk about what worked, what didn't, and what was removed from the original that marred this reimagining.Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuests: Jason Concepcion and Mallory Rubin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Film critics Chris Ryan and Wesley Morris join the hosts to discuss the career of Alfred Hitchcock, including their top five picks of his movies and in-depth analysis of 'Psycho'. They explore Hitchcock's lasting influence on modern filmmakers, his treatment of female characters, and his ability to manipulate audience expectations. The podcast also delves into the unique qualities of 'Psycho', the themes of 'To Catch a Thief', the allure of 'Vertigo', the creepy scenes in 'The Birds', and Hitchcock's mastery in reflecting the times in his films.