Four-quadrant films are movies designed to appeal to the biggest, widest audience possible. In the process, they can often leave out a lot of LGBTQ+ representation – but end up loaded with subtext. In The Queer Quadrant, hosts Brooke Solomon and Jordan Gustafson examine cinema in all its cultural contexts, and explore why your favorite four-quadrant blockbuster is maybe…not as straight as you think it is.
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Each week we'll discuss three topics from the Religous Zionist and Modern Orthodox world. We'll share articles we're reading, ideas we're thinking about, and topics that interest us related to Israel, Judaism, Religious Zionism.
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Divine Comedy (version 2 Dramatic Reading), The by Dante Alighieri (1265 - 1321)
Valerio Di Stefano
The Divine Comedy (in Italian, Divina Commedia, or just La commedia or Comedia) is an epic poem written by Dante Alighieri in the first decades of the 14th Century, during his exile from his native Florence. Considered the most important work of Italian literature, the poem has also has enormous historical influence on western literature and culture more generally. Dante represents the three realms of the afterlife in his three canticles (Inferno--Hell; Purgatorio--Purgatory; Paradiso--Parad ...
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The show that examines the many facets of Orthodox Jewish life
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Jordan and Brooke are joined by TV critic Caroline Framke to talk Paul Feig's seminal 2011 comedy, including masterful levels of improv, the "shocker genre" of female-led raunchy comedies, the wedding industrial complex, and how Annie and Helen should really just run off together. Follow us on Twitter and IG! (And Jordan's Letterboxd / Brooke's Let…
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Jordan and Brooke are rejoined by Caitlin Durante (The Bechdel Cast) for a simple Shrek-tastic visit to Duloc. Along with a healthy dose of memes, we break down the "edgy" anti-Disney sentiment, marginalized fairytale creatures, Lord Farquaad's casual ethnic cleansing, how inescapable to the culture this was, and if this film is actually quite quee…
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By Mali Brofsky, Johnny Solomon and Reuven Spolter
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Little Shop of Horrors with Kenny Neibart
1:41:30
1:41:30
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Jordan and Brooke are rejoined by writer/producer Kenny Neibart for another movie musical – this one very near and dear to our hearts. For Frank Oz's 1986 film, we discuss gender performance, stage to screen changes, advanced puppetry, Howard Ashman's incredible pen, and – you knew it was coming – the Muppets. Follow us on Twitter and IG! (And Jord…
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Jordan and Brooke rev up their T-Bird and hit the road for an anniversary episode (crime spree not included). Topics include: feminism! Lesbianism! Dream cars! Thelma & Louise getting more butch as the movie goes on! The Criterion edition's double commentary! WOMEN!!! WOO!!!! Follow us on Twitter and IG! (And Jordan's Letterboxd / Brooke's Letterbo…
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By Mali Brofsky, Johnny Solomon and Reuven Spolter
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Jordan and Brooke are rejoined by Roxana Hadadi (Vulture) for Lorene Scafaria's 2019 masterpiece – yes, masterpiece! There is directorial style! There are great needle drops! There is JLo in an incredible fur coat! We discuss why this movie wasn't given the awards season treatment, the very legitimate Ramona x Destiny ship, recent "Netflix-ifciatio…
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Jordan and Brooke are rejoined by filmmaker, video essayist and actor Ben Chinapen for our fave fim of the year (so far). Luca Guadagnino goes god mode with under the court shots, intense homoeroticism as always, and a real, actual, proper love triangle. We talk the club-ready Reznor & Ross score, how sex is tennis and tennis is sex, films shot but…
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Johnny Guitar with Mitchell Beaupre
1:30:11
1:30:11
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Jordan and Brooke are joined by Letterboxd senior editor Mitchell Beaupre (The Letterboxd Show) for Nicholas Ray's unconventional 1954 Western. We get to talk about icon/legend/notorious hater Joan Crawford, Nicholas Ray's frankly crazy life, an epic Southwest witch hunt, women in PANTS, and how this is definitely a film for the enbys. Follow us on…
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Orthodox Kids on the Secular College Campus
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In episode 153 - recorded about two weeks ago - of the RZ Weekly Podcast, we tackle the pressing issue of how Orthodox Jewish students deal with overt antisemitism on secular college campuses. We discuss the harrowing experiences of many these students who have been singled out and threatened in response to the war in Gaza., and examine the challen…
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Jordan and Brooke are joined by friend and producer Jose Cañas for 2003's midnight slasher. They inevitably get mired in this movie's insurmountable twist, praise director Alexandre Aja for the sheer craft on display, and debate what we should actually take away from the gory kills and final jump scare here. Plus, that weird string of mid-2000s hor…
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Jordan and Brooke are rejoined by Phil Iscove (Podcast Like It's 1992) for 2022's absolute masterclass in filmmaking (and, surprisingly, memes?). We dig into Lydia's gender presentation in a male-dominated industry (is she actually...a girlboss?), the thrills and humor Todd Field manages to layer here, pretend pretension and why basically everyone …
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Jordan and Brooke are joined by author & writer Phil Tice for 1993's sincere take on the Western epics. Phil goes deep and analyzes Doc and Wyatt's incredibly intimate conversations, Brooke laments the terribly underwritten women of this film, and Jordan marvels at the fact that two podcasters could get this excited about gunslinging. Follow us on …
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Leil Shimurim 5784 - Reacting to the Iranian Attack
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WHAT JUST HAPPENED? Following the Iranian drone and ballistic missile attack on Israel, the RZWeekly team came together to discuss how they are processing that event, and how they are trying to connect to the mood of Pesach despite all the many other things going on.By Mali Brofsky, Johnny Solomon and Reuven Spolter
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Jordan and Brooke are joined by Ella Kemp (Letterboxd) for 2007's sock-hoppin' musical featuring - gasp - actual sets?! We talk some inspired (and some uninspired) casting choices, the legacy of John Waters, all things camp, drag, JAMES EFFING MARSDEN, and Zac Efron's one perfect curl. Follow us on Twitter and IG! (And Jordan's Letterboxd / Brooke'…
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Bringing Up Baby with Mia Lee Vicino
1:46:17
1:46:17
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Jordan and Brooke are rejoined by Mia Lee Vicino (Letterboxd, Best in Show) for 1938's delightful romp, known as a box office flop and the "feral stepchild" of screwball comedies. We finally get to discuss David Canfield's amazing article on Cary Grant & Randolph Scott's life, thirst over noted badass Katharine Hepburn, marvel at how insane it is t…
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HaRav Tamir Granot: The Pride of Serving in the IDF
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This episode begins with some heart-wrenching personal perspectives following the week of mourning of Daniel Perez hy’d, and then proceeds with an analysis of Rav Tamir Granot’s powerful and heartfelt remarks to Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef’s hurtful comments.By Mali Brofsky, Johnny Solomon and Reuven Spolter
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Jordan and Brooke are rejoined by writer & podcaster Cass Clarke (Horror Hangover) for 1976's iconic and powerful film, the prom royalty of teen horror. We talk bitch-ass high schoolers, Carrie being punished via a literal closet, historically sexy art of St. Sebastian, the abject horror of womanhood, how we really need to nominate more horror at t…
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Everything Everywhere All at Once with Yutaka Tamanaha & Liam Boyack
1:49:38
1:49:38
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Join Jordan, Brooke, and special guests Liam Boyack and Yutaka Tamanaha (The Horror Hour) just in time for awards season, as we dive into 2023's zany Oscar juggernaut that nobody could escape. We think this movie is great! We are thrilled by the awards it won! We love the dildos and the scrappy production and the cast and the costumes! We, do, howe…
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What better way to celebrate the capitalism of Valentine's Day than with a big blockbuster film? Join us for a state of the union on late 00s queer rep (TL;DR – there are way too many straight white people), Taylor's Swift rocky acting career, Jordan's enduring love for Bradley Cooper, Brooke's enduring love for Anne Hathaway, and a bite-sized revi…
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Dealing with our (strong) feelings about the Chareidi Community
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In this episode we do not discuss chareidim serving in the IDF. However, what we do discuss are our feelings towards the fact that chareidi yeshiva students are not serving in the IDF because they are learning Torah, while Religious Zionist yeshiva students are having their Torah learning cut short because they are needed on the battlefield. How do…
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Mamma Mia! & Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again with Flynn Slicker
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2:00:35
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Jordan and Brooke are joined by Flynn Slicker (Letterboxd) for a fabulous musical double feature / luxury vacation to Greece! Experience the pure euphoria that only ABBA can summon as we dive into a star-studded cast, a notoriously lit wrap party, THREE whole father figures, and the transcendent gay vibes of choreography in bell-bottoms. Follow Fly…
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In this episode of RZWeekly we examine the current emotional undertone within Israel and the related attitudes and daily experiences of Israelis, while comparing this with how many Jews in the diaspora – often under the influence of the general media - are relating to and interpreting current events in Israel. Given these differences, is the Jewish…
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Jordan and Brooke are joined for 2023's sweeping romance by the Maestro Moment creator herself, the one and only Fran Hoepfner! We discuss man vs. myth, self-proclaimed "crazy cinephile" Bradley Cooper, big swing accents, prosthetics, a marriage and the space around it, and Matthew "always in his bag" Libatique. Follow us on Twitter and IG! (And Jo…
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It's the second year of The QQ Qualifier Awards – aka the Quallies! Listen along as Jordan and Brooke award the coveted "Rainbow Prism" to their favorite films, performances, and other special categories from the 2023 cinematic year. Follow us on Twitter and IG! (And Jordan's Letterboxd / Brooke's Letterboxd)…
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In this episode, Mali provides a powerful and personal insight on what it means to be the mother of an active soldier who is fighting 'inside' Gaza. And she offers some insights about how to support those whose children and spouses are fighting.By Mali Brofsky, Johnny Solomon and Reuven Spolter
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Happy holi-gays, friends – celebrate with us by taking a trip to mid-aughts Hot Topic with Henry Selick's 1993 multi-holiday classic! Christmas or Halloween...or porque no los dos? Is Jack's Lament actually a coming out power ballad? How ridiculously in his bag was Danny Elfman on this one? What's up with those fruity little Halloweentown vampires?…
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What is Jewish heroism? How do Israelis blend gentle values with physical strength so that they are strong on the battlefield and yet sensitive at the same time? Why are some Jews uncomfortable with the image of the strong Jew? In this episode we ask whether our long exile prompted us to define strength in purely spiritual terms and how the current…
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I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry with Natalie Torres
2:04:38
2:04:38
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We asked for it, we manifested it...and now we have to deal with it. Jordan and Brooke are rejoined by writer and verified Sandman stan Nat Torres for a long-awaited episode on 2007's extremely subtle and not at all offensive four-quadrant comedy! Listen along for Brooke's "Grown Ups" audition story, a dissection of New England mascot Adam Sandler,…
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Jordan and Brooke are rejoined by film writer (and Poor Things festival viewer) Iana Murray for the most snubbed movie of 2018, in our humble opinion. Yorgos Lanthimos ties together a twisty triptych of lesbian power and desire...but we all know the real MVP of this movie is Horatio, the Fastest Duck in the City. If you like Rachel Weisz giving big…
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While we still shudder from what took place on October 7th, and while our sons and daughters fight for the security of our people and our land, as well as the release of 240 hostages, the topic of our latest episode of RZWeekly is 'Shattered Paradigms' where we consider what has changed, in terms of outlook and policy, both in Israel and beyond.…
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Jordan and Brooke take you on a twisty, murderous ride filled with fabulous pantsuits and dubious incest for Paul Feig's 2018 film. Listen along for a thorough history of "domestic female thriller" novels (aka "Gone Girl" ripoffs), the evolution of Stephanie and Emily's sapphic explorations, Henry Golding's charming star power, and the definitive b…
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Arsenic and Old Lace with Clay Keller
1:41:32
1:41:32
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Jordan and Brooke are joined by Clay Keller (Screen Drafts) for Frank Capra's 1944 horror / dark (screwball) comedy / crime caper / rom-com. How do all these genres fit into one tight two-hour romp? How many wild looks does Cary Grant give straight to camera? Is it valid to poison men to give them peace in this life, actually? And is Peter Lorre th…
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Yesterday evening the RZWeekly team recorded an emergency episode to explain what is going on in Israel and to offer some coping mechanisms to all those who are feeling overwhelmed. This is a sombre episode, but perhaps the most important we’ve ever recorded.By Mali Brofsky, Johnny Solomon and Reuven Spolter
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The Boys in the Band (1970) with Kyle Turner
1:39:22
1:39:22
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Jordan and Brooke are joined by writer Kyle Turner for William Friedkin's early foray into directing with a definitive gay classic! We discuss the creation of Mart Crowley's acclaimed and radical play, the theater revival and subsequent Ryan Murphy remake, which exes we'd call in a twisted game of telephone, and Michael's absolutely awful vibes. Fo…
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In this emergency edition of RZWeekly, we respond to the disrupted Yom Kippur prayer service in Dizengoff square, we discuss the fears and fearmongering concerning public spaces, religious power, and Jewish identity in Israel, and we try and offer a broader perspective of what the present is and what the future may bring.…
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David Curwin recently published Kohelet: A Map to Eden - An Intertextual Journey. We invited him to join us on the podcast to speak about what motivated him to write the book, what does 'Intertextual' mean, and why does he think the book of Kohelet, which is a hard read, is so relevant today. Give a listen.…
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The Devil Wears Prada with Liz Hannah
1:58:35
1:58:35
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Jordan and Brooke are joined by writer/director Liz Hannah for 2006's iconiqué fashion filmé. We break down sickening looks, cutting clap-backs, perfect casting, a terrible boyfriend, and a few "oh so 2000s" weight references. Plus a note-perfect Stanley Tucci, gay icon Miranda Priestly, and our pitch for "Drag Becomes Her" – a Meryl Streep-specifi…
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In our last recording for 5783, titled ‘SOAPBOX AND PLAYLIST’ each of us metaphorically ‘stand on our soapbox’ to share something on our mind to which the others then respond, afterwhich we each shared 2-3 Elul playlist songs which speak to us (see comments for links). Wishing all our listeners a Shana Tova and, as always, please feel free to let u…
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Romy and Michele's High School Reunion with Erik Anderson
1:31:12
1:31:12
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Jordan and Brooke are rejoined by Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch) for a delightfully nostalgic romp through high school. We wonder if Romy and Michele will eventually realize that they are each others' true soulmates and actually marry each other, express our deep fondness for Alan Cumming, pick the film's best fashion moments (so hard!), marvel at Mir…
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By Valerio Di Stefano
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By Valerio Di Stefano
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By Valerio Di Stefano
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By Valerio Di Stefano
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By Valerio Di Stefano
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By Valerio Di Stefano
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By Valerio Di Stefano
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By Valerio Di Stefano
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By Valerio Di Stefano
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By Valerio Di Stefano
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