Exploring Cinema

Jonathan noticed a micro trend(He's really good at that) within some of the recent summer, or summer style films: the legacy blockbuster. In this episode Jonathan and Josiah discuss films by Dennis Villeneuve, Robert Eggers, Matt Reeves, and somehow David Lowery, and how these films seem more concerned with legacy over spectacle, vision over profit, and everything in between. Kick up your feet, grab a drink, and enjoy the season finale of Exploring Cinema.

In this episode Jonathan and Josiah (mostly Josiah) discuss the themes and films of the great American director: Sofia Coppola. Her films show us how fun and beautiful melancholy can be. If you like middle class and affluent ennui mixed with splashes of color and humor, then Sofia Coppola is the filmmaker for you. Grab your favorite beverage, curl up, and enjoy the episode. And as always, keep exploring.

In this episode our hosts discuss one of Josiah's favorite films from the 2010s: First Reformed. Is this Ethan Hawke's best performance? Is Paul Schrader criminally underrated? What is going on with all of the floating and the swirling in this film? Grab your favorite drink, kick off your Thursday Boots, and join Jonathan and Josiah as they examine this beautiful and austere film. Who knew climate change could be so engaging?

For this episode Jonathan and Josiah bravely confront a terrifying possibility; is Jordan Peele the next M. Night Shyamalan? The answer may be more hopeful than you think. They also discuss Jordan Peele's career thus far, and take a deep dive into the sensational summer blockbuster: NOPE. If you like aliens and bad miracles, you won't want to miss this one. 

What do Pig, Nomadland and Drive My Car have in common? Possibly nothing, or perhaps everything. In this episode Jonathan and Josiah utilize these three films to discuss a possible trend in recent cinema; slow and gentle journeys through loss and acceptance. They also discuss why pilsners are NOT boring and use Sapporo beer for the smoothest idea transition ever recorded in podcast history. Its never felt so good to feel so sad.

 In this episode Jonathan and Josiah pick a film for the other to watch. Who knew SLC to Punk and 20th Century Women would pair together so well? Maybe we still don't know. Listen and find out!

In this episode we invite our long time friend Jay to be on the show. His topic: The Matrix(trilogy). Are the second and third films uneven and bloated? Or are they misunderstood? What would our agent names be? Would you take the red or blue pill? How much alcohol did Jay and Josiah drink in their twenties? All these questions will be answered. Enjoy!

Jonathan had a great name for an episode so we built one around the title. In this session we explore the studio model versus the streaming/Netflix model of film production. Is it better to give an Autuer complete control and get out of way? Does a model of restraint and revision lead to better films? These questions, and more, will be definitively answered in this episode. Enjoy! 

Josiah and Jonathan lean into the cheese factor for this one. Enjoy the intro that almost was.

Did Kong Vs. Godzilla single handedly save the movie industry? Are theaters dusty old museums of antiquity? Can the theatre experience survive in the age of streaming? All of these questions are answered as Josiah and Jonathan discuss the importance of the physical viewing space within the cinematic experience. Join the two friends for drinks, laughs, and a little more snark than usual from Josiah. Pop one open and keep exploring.

In this episode Jonathan and Josiah graciously welcome their inaugural guest to the show. Ryan came up with the idea of discussing the Melancholy of Bill Murray, and the three of them couldn't have been more enthusiastic about sadness. Listen in as they discuss the odd, leading man charisma of this enigmatic actor, and several films that highlight these traits. Grab your drink of choice(preferably Suntory Whiskey), and feel free to shed some tears in your glass.

In this episode Josiah and Jonathan discuss an under-seen gem in Nightcrawler. Jake Gyllenhaal gives perhaps the best performance of his career and the results are truly disturbing. Listen up for enthusiastic discussion about a sociopathic camera man, and what he can teach us about society.

In this episode Jonathan and Josiah explore the second half of the decade in horror. Korean Cinema and Willem Dafoe's rants are just a few of the treasures that abound in this episode. Enjoy a cold one, and discover a few more examples of what made this decade in horror so special.

In this episode Jonathan and Josiah dive into the first half of the last decade in horror films. From ballerinas, to black and white vampires, these films illustrate the diverse nature of 2010s horror. Listen up for completely original hot takes and casual swearing.

Jonathan and Josiah explore the last decade of Horror films AKA art house horror. They discuss whether such a category exists, or if the label is a way for grumpy old men to feel ok about enjoying horror films. They also explore the commonalities of these films and, of course, have a few laughs and a few drinks.

In this episode Jonathan and Josiah discuss their personal experiences watching Citizen Kane. The dynamic duo dive into the themes and influence of the film, the story structure, the bold cinematics, and put to rest once and for all the debate as to whether Citizen Kane is the greatest movie ever made.....or not. Either way, they drink, gush a little bit, and will mildly convince you to watch this monumental film. 

Jonathan and Josiah discuss their reasoning behind attempting a podcast, their shared love of movies, and introduce the audience to some of the films that have inspired them to be lifelong students of cinema. And they get somewhat drunk.