Ryan McNeil
A point of conversation comes up at the end of this podcast, and I feel it bears repeating.
My guest jokingly mentions that he wonders how many people will hear his handiwork, since the titles we discuss are all rather indie and likely lesser-seen. He raises a good point, since I know a lot of people skip episodes on films they haven’t seen (hence discussions on GINGER & ROSA or THE FP get lesser exposure.
I respond by saying something I’m not sure I’ve expressed until right now – that it’s these sorts of films that interest me more as a podcaster, since they get less exposure and often prompt greater discussion. I mean, this weekend I could have been the 150th movie podcast talking about OBLIVION, but what can I bring to the table to set this conversation apart from the other 149? Further, what’s left to say about a blockbuster like OBLIVION?
It is true that these sorts of episodes get less plays, but I’m hoping to slowly start reversing that.
Who knows? It could make for a whole new direction for the show!
Here’s what’s in store in episode eighty-three…
Runtime
66 minutes
Up for Discussion
1. Introduction
2. KNOW YOUR ENEMY– Q& A with this week’s guest Bob Turnbull (3:40)
3. COME TALK TO ME – Fielding some listener feedback on documentaries listeners love (14:19)
4. THE NEW SLANG – Review and reaction to UPSTREAM COLOR (28:53)
5. THE OTHER SIDE – Bob couples PRIMER (46:44)
6. THE OTHER SIDE – I couple BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO(56:41)
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Comments and feedback are welcome, and thank-you very much for listening.
Enjoy!
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I highly doubt Blogger is in any danger. People actively use it (I argue it is second only to WordPress when it comes to blogging platforms).
Even though there was a number of passionate users, I can’t really make the same argument about Reader. The mainstream public just wasn’t attracted to it.
Any electronic platform that isn’t concretely “yours” is always at risk. At any given moment, a company like Google (or Facebook, or Twitter, or Apple, or Microsoft, etc) can decide that it doesn’t benefit them to keep said platform running.
It might not seem to be in danger, but the danger is always dictated by the operators’ bottom line.
You can rest assured that I listen to every episode, regardless of the film discussed.
True.
However, some platforms are more safe than others. Blogger has a large userbase and if Google shuts it down, they will get a much bigger backlash than Reader got.
I’m sure that if Blogger DOES shut down there will be plenty of notice, so people can pack-up and move. At least I have a URL, so I could just relink to a new server if the time comes.
Here’s a link to that Roger Ebert review of “Stormy Monday” that was narrated by Kim Morgan – I love how it really brings out the subtle details of film that can effect you and pull you into the world on screen.
Oh, and nice selection for the opening music…B-) Also liked “Piggies” being used as intro to UPSTREAM COLOR.
Thank-you sir, I was pretty proud of that. Sometimes I wonder if anyone even catches the musical references or if I’m just doing it to amuse myself.
As you know I watch a lot of indie movies an often rank them higher than the blockbusters, so you won’t shy away me at least.
In this case I had only seen one of the movies, Primer, but was aware of the others, it’s just that they haven’t come my way yet.
Re: Primer – I’m a sucker for time travel movies, but this one was far beyond my abilities. I lost track of what was going on early on and the movie turned out into a pretty pointless experience, which I barely could stay awake through. I learned afterwards that there are excel sheets available on the web that can help you get through it and keep some kid of orientation. I usually prefer to watch movies in a theatre, but in this case it would have been better to watch it at home with the possiblity of taking breaks, checking out the map and rewatching it a few times if necessary.
I ended up not rating it at all since I didn’t get it. I bet it’s a good experience if you’re on track. Maybe another time.
Well considering I’m recording this show with listeners like you in mind – I suppose that would tell me that I’m on the right track.
Do revisit PRIMER at some stage…the fact that it’s super-short lends itself nicely to rewatch. I’d forget about trying to “get it”, and just listen to the conversations these people have while creating something they don’t fully understand.
Thanks for listening mon amie!
Yesssss make me a syllabus! I also need a syllabus for surreal Lynchian movies so that I can be done with all the craziness once and for all.
There’s not all that many Lynch films to create a whole syllabus from (I think he has less than ten to his credit). Or did you mean surreal films that directors LIKE David Lynch create?
I’ll work on a documentary reading list for ya…
Surreal films that directors like Lynch create. Calling it “Crazy Nikhat Month!”
😀
That’s not exactly my area of expertise, but I’ll try to pull something together for you…
Looking forward to Upstream Color, no UK release dates yet beyond a screening at Sundance London tomorrow.
Primer is a great film, I need to see again, it has been too long.
Following up on my documentary comment, after I posted it I heard something on the radio saying in 2002 there were 2 documentaries that received a UK cinema release, in recent years it averages about 65 a year.
By the way, it may take a few weeks to catch up some time, but I listen to every episode regardless of the movie under discussion. Haven’t missed one yet!
Thanks for being such a loyal listener – I’m actually finally looking for a spot I can bring you back on to the show. Apologies again for the gap.
The last ten years or so have really been a watershed time for nonfiction, to the point where watching older titles seem jarring sometimes. It’s easy to see why the releases are wider (and the audiences are bigger) considering how much higher the quality has gotten.
I’m so jealous of all you Canadian bloggers – so many cool film festivals! And don’t worry that you’ll lose listeners talking about unknown movies, I found it quite intriguing to listen to you two talking about Upstream Color. Definitely need to check it out once I can.
Hi Mette…Yeah, we have to remind ourselves sometimes that we are very spoiled when it comes to our options and choice regarding film in Toronto. It’s truly one of the best places to live in North America from that point of view.
Thanks for listening and glad you enjoyed the show!
Thanks Mette – I really do take for granted the fact that I have an embarrassment of film-going riches at my disposal. I think you’ll be able to see UPSTREAM COLOR soon – because the director kept complete control of it, he decided to shorten the dvd release window. So it’s available to buy over here as of Tuesday!
Might want to start looking at wherever you get your dvd’s from.
Ha, “Piggies” is an amazing way to introduce Upstream Color. Love it.
I’m glad you both chose to talk about this film. It’s one of the best I’ve seen in the past several years, and it’s great to see it get some more exposure. Bob, loved how you brought up Ebert’s review of Stormy Monday, a movie I must see now.
Great work!
My memory is failing me a bit today – I can’t figure out if you’ve never left a comment after a podcast, or just haven’t in a long time. Whichever it is – nice to hear from you! I love your writing so I’m flattered that you tuned in.
I’ve ordered the blu-ray of Upstream and am anxiously awaiting its arrival so I can finally give it another look and see if those missing few moments affect my take on the film – over and above my overall impression watching it a second time through and knowing where everything is going!
I’m right with you on feeling the urge to finally get to STORMY MONDAY.
Thanks for listening – y’all come back now, y’hear?
I visit often, but haven’t gotten around to commenting much, which is silly. I love your site and the MATINEECAST!