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The Pestle: In-depth Movie Talk, No Fluff | Film Review | Spoilers

Wes Evans: Actor, Filmmaker, Director, Writer; Todd Sapio: Actor, Producer, Musician, Athlete

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Cinema lovers unite! Two actors and filmmakers decided to cut through all the fluff and start a movie podcast where they actually discuss the film and not a million other things you don’t care about. Covering the obvious (did you like the movie?) while diving a little deeper (what is Interstellar really about? is there a bootstrap paradox?) we are having an in-depth conversation about movies and see if they hold up to scrutiny, and maybe even inform us about life or moviemaking itself. Becau ...
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We hit 88 mph through Michael J. Fox’s “Back to the Future” and discuss: Cinematography, performance and editing; Story & Writing, cars, clocks, and loops, Marty’s arc; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Affliction comes to us, not to make us sad but sober; not to make us sorry but wise.“ – H.G. Wells Notes & References: Eric Stoltz shot f…
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We chip and shatter Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune part 2” and discuss: Cinematography, exposure for story, backlighting the sun; Story & Writing, na-Baron; Performances, Zendaya’s layers, Javier Bardem going all out; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “You can have the power to destroy, but it doesn’t give you the power to reform, or improve, or…
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We’re ON THE WAY through Brad Pitt’s “Fury” and discuss: Cinematography, contrast, motivating light; Story & Writing, Norman’s arc; Sound design; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “I’ve always felt that movies are an emotional medium — that movies are not the way to make an intellectual argument.“ – Roger Ebert Notes & References: Reddit d…
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We slowly watch Zack Snyder’s “300” and discuss: Cinematography, slomo; Story & Writing, dramatic effect; Not quite true history; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “It is better by noble boldness to run the risk of being subject to half the evils we anticipate than to remain in cowardly listlessness for fear of what might happen.“ – Herodo…
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We process Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master” and discuss: Cinematography, contrast and eye shadows; Story & Writing, Freddie’s potion, the master; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.“ – Napoleon Bonaparte Notes & References: Addendum: The highlights definitely near blowing out, but …
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Two hungry boys devour Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Phantom Thread” and discuss: Cinematography without a cinematographer; Directing, sound design; Story & Writing; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “There is no time for cut-and-dried monotony. There is time for work. And time for love. That leaves no other time!“ – Coco Chanel Notes & Referenc…
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We investigate Denzel Washington’s “Fallen” and discuss: Cinematography, exposition, eye lights; Story & Writing, theme; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Never pick a fight with an ugly person, they’ve got nothing to lose.“ – Robin Williams Watch us on YouTube! This Week’s Recommendations: The post Ep 262: “Fallen” (1998) appeared first …
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We wrestle Zac Efron’s “The Iron Claw” and discuss: Story & Writing, exposition, bittersweet salve; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “In order to be the man, you have to beat the man.“ – Ric Flair Watch us on YouTube! This Week’s Recommendations: Versa Gripps Pro (on Amazon) The post Ep 261: “The Iron Claw” appeared first on The Pestle.…
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We check in to Drew Goddard’s “Bad Times at the El Royale” and discuss: Cinematography, unmotivated light, motivated coverage; Story & Writing, true faith, honoring the dead; Special Guest Hamish Purdy, set decorator on Bad Times at the El Royale; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “A well constructed plot, therefore, must neither begin nor…
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We cancel Nicolas Cage’s “Dream Scenario” and discuss: Cinematography, selling the absence of something; Story & Writing, structure, blending in, viral fame; New Mad Valley track, “I Don’t Want to Be Careful”; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “The most powerful force ever known on this planet is human cooperation – a force for constructio…
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We invade Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” and discuss: Cinematography, fight sequence; Story & Writing, nudity, Josephine; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.“ – Sun Tzu Notes & References: “Threads” Light Ranger 2 Ridley Scott’s 1984 Apple Super Bowl Commercial Watch us on YouT…
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We deserve Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven” and discuss: Cinematography, contrast; Story & Writing, Will vs Bill, deserve’s got nothing to do with it; New Mad Valley Track “All Of Me”; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Being good is easy, what is difficult is being just.“ – Victor Hugo Notes & References: “Unforgiven” is not based on a book,…
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We flip a coin on the Coen Brothers’ “No Country for Old Men” and discuss: Cinematography & Editing; Story & Writing, luck, fate, and evil; Actor Trent Moore discusses his role in No Country for Old Men and working with the Coen Brothers; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not…
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We grow into Charlie Kaufman’s “Adaptation” and discuss: Wes discusses losing his grandmother (00:00-13:38); Cinematography; Story & Writing, subplots vs settings, Charlie’s twin; New Mad Valley track “Come Back Down”; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “There’s this inherent screenplay structure that everyone seems to be stuck on, this thr…
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We scan Gareth Edwards’ “The Creator” and discuss: Story & Writing, humanizing the enemy; Performance; Music & Sound Design; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Individual science fiction stories may seem as trivial as ever to the blinder critics and philosophers of today – but the core of science fiction, its essence has become crucial to …
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We shake hands with RackaRacka’s “Talk To me” and discuss: Directing & Cinematography, visceral storytelling; Story & Writing, keeping us off-balance, possessing the hand; New Mad Valley track “Take It All”; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality.“ – Edgar Al…
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We stalk “Paranormal Activity” and discuss: Cinematography, combining style and story; Writing & Story, selling the world, slow burns and slow payoffs; Directing and Editing, fast facts; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “The key to a good horror movie is what happens between the scares. The scares aren’t the tricky part. If you’re involve…
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We grab a Twinkie, call the “Ghostbusters” and discuss: Story & Writing, efficient storytelling, comedy; Sound & Music, soundtrack; New Mad Valley track: “Only Good Things”; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Don’t think about your errors or failures; otherwise, you’ll never do a thing.“ – Bill Murray Notes & References: Listen to Mad Vall…
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We float through M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Sixth Sense” and discuss: Cinematography, reveals, coverage and theatrical flair; Writing & Directing, pacing; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “I have found little that is ‘good’ about human beings on the whole. In my experience most of them are trash, no matter whether they publicly subscribe t…
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We bear down on Leonardo DiCaprio’s “The Revenant” and discuss: Cinematography, immersive storytelling; Guest Sergio Trejos, sound engineer joins us; New Mad Valley track!; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “A man that studieth revenge keeps his own wounds green.“ – Francis Bacon Notes & References: Check out Sergio’s work as a sound desig…
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We concur with Denzel Washington’s “Crimson Tide” and discuss: Cinematography, dutch angles for dramatic effect and for the setting; Story & Writing, betrayals, conversations about horses, command, duty, and doing what’s right; Performances, Music by Hans Zimmer, Random Crimson Tide facts; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “It is even bett…
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We loop through Jake Gyllenhaal’s “Source Code” and discuss: Cinematography, contrast, breaking the 180º rule; Story & Writing, details, theme, stakes; Todd’s new single from Mad Valley “Ready to Fall” (links below!!); and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Don’t gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold.“ – Bob M…
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We fly over Craig Mazin’s “Chernobyl” and discuss: Cinematography, lens flares, stabilizing a handheld shot; Story & Writing, horror, tragedy, tension, threats; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “I am one of those who think like Nobel, that humanity will draw more good than evil from new discoveries.“ – Marie Curie Notes & References: Cher…
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We float into Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” and discuss: Cinematography, wides, closeups; Story & Writing, pop culture references, Ken, Ruth, Gloria & Sasha; Performances, Set Design; Special guest Hannah Hartman joins us; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “I must quit marrying men who feel inferior to me. Somewhere there must be a man who could…
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We sail through Russell Crowe’s “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” and discuss: Cinematography, night scenes, camerawork; Story & Writing, friendship vs duty, weight of command; Directing & Editing, reaction shots, dynamic audio; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Success is the most convincing talker in the world.“ – Napole…
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We wreck Tom Cruise’s “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning part 1” and discuss: Story & Writing, motivated storytelling, exposition; Action, consequential chases; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Sequels are generally done in a rush. They’re done with a sense of urgency. The first time, you spend a long time developing to get it over the …
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We react to Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” and discuss: Cinematography, color, black & white, fission vs fusion, IMAX considerations; Story & Writing, fast starts, Trinity buildup, final scene; Music, and Casting supporting roles; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposi…
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We stir the tanks on Ron Howard’s “Apollo 13” and discuss: Cinematography, vertigo shot, selling space-gravity; Story & Writing, exposition, building stakes & tension; Acting & Directing, building emotional weight, stoicism; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.“ – Henry Ford Notes…
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We do our own thing in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and discuss: Story & Writing, leaning into exposition, moral dilemmas and the trolley problem; using Music to tell an efficient story; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Act that your principle of action might safely be made a law for the whole world.“ – Immanuel Kant Notes & Ref…
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We dash through “Run Lola Run” and discuss: Visual signature; Story & Writing, Chaos Theory, time, soccer, runtime; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “It is a test (a positive test, I do not assert that it is always valid negatively), that genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood.“ – T.S. Eliot Notes & References: Portishead …
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We articulate “The King’s Speech” and discuss: Cinematography & Directing, framing Bertie; Story & Writing, British dry humor, Bertie’s struggles; Performance, vocal exercises, and other such stuff and things and stuff. “I wish nothing but good; therefore, everyone who does not agree with me is a traitor and a scoundrel.“ – King George III Notes & …
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We devour Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away” and discuss: Cinematography, editing; Story & Writing, Chihiro’s journey from weak to strong, complex emotions; What’s it all about, what does No Face represent; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “The challenge of the unknown future is so much more exciting than the stories of the accomplished past.“ – …
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We discover “The Secret of Kells” and discuss: Wes shooting a music video (0:00-18:00); Story & Writing, dialog, Aisling, Pangur Ban; Music, art style, hand-drawn animation; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “May you live every day of your life.“ – Jonathan Swift Notes & References: Music video James Hough “I don’t know why” (YouTube) Orb …
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We roar at Tollywood’s breakout sensation “RRR” and discuss: Cinematography, frame rate; Story & Writing, musical storytelling, heightened tone; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, ‘That person I see is a savage monster;’ instead, they make up some construction that ju…
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We interrogate Danny Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire” and discuss: Cinematography, Directing; Story & Writing, exposition, the Dickensian aspect; Gift and curse of winning an Oscar; Special guest Chandrashish weighs in from India; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to unde…
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We feel our way through The Hughes Brothers’ “The Book of Eli” and discuss: Visual style; Story & Writing, theme, outline; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future.“ – Saint Augustine Notes & References: CNN clip Reza Aslan discussing religion (YouTube) other films we’ve covered that w…
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We drive by The Hughes Brothers’ “Menace II Society” and discuss: Story & Writing, opening scene, morality tales; Hollywood gangster films; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “I respect the audience’s intelligence a lot, and that’s why I don’t try to go for the lowest common denominator.“ – Spike Lee Watch us on YouTube! This Week’s Recomme…
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We swear to Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” and discuss: Cinematography and Directing, cheating for speed; Story & Writing, Batman vs Joker, philosophical stakes, Joker’s tests; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “When law and morality contradict each other, the citizen has the cruel alternative of either losing his moral sense or los…
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We crash into Charlie Chaplin’s “The Great Dictator” and discuss: Cinematography, old aspect ratios, classic glow-up; Story & Writing, destroy something beautiful, how machine men act; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “The deeper the truth in a creative work, the longer it will live.“ – Charlie Chaplin Notes & References: Charlie Chaplin …
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We trap Denis Villeneuve’s “Prisoners” and discuss: Cinematography, camera movement; Story & Writing, good detective/bad detective, testing faith; Wes unintentionally overstates his thoughts on the impact of the movie; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.” – Arthur Conan Doyle Notes & Ref…
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We double-check Denis Villeneuve’s “Enemy” and discuss: Story & Writing, what’s it all about? What’s up with the spider?; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Truth in philosophy means that concept and external reality correspond.“ – Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel Notes & References: Note: There are a LOT of variations on what constitutes “ga…
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We journey through Darren Aronofsky’s “The Fountain” and discuss: Cinematography and editing; VFX, and setbacks; every film is its own universe; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.“ – Joseph Campbell Notes & References: Aubrey de Grey on curin…
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We yearn for Peter Dinklage’s “Cyrano” and discuss: Todd’s path to being a full-time producer, building a creative career (0-23 min); Cinematography & Directing, creating a moment of love; Story & Writing, inevitable death on stage, pacing and structure; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one t…
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We check into Zach Cregger’s “Barbarian” and discuss: Cinematography, camerawork; Story & Writing, playing with the audience; Directing, ambience & tone; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Before my teacher came to me, I did not know that I am. I lived in a world that was a no-world. I cannot hope to describe adequately that unconscious, y…
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We obsess over Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale” and discuss: Cinematography, aspect ratio; Directing, acting and performances; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “I’d like to do a lot of different stuff. I think it’s important as a creative person to keep challenging yourself and keep doing new stuff. If you end up trying to repeat yourself i…
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We complete Cameron Crowe’s “Jerry Maguire” and discuss: Story & Writing, using audience expectations against them; Cinematography, traditional lighting; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “The cowards never started and the weak died along the way. That leaves us, ladies and gentlemen. Us.“ – Phil Knight Notes & References: Blue October (Sp…
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We get to Shane Black’s “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” party and discuss: Story & Writing, humor, subverting expectations; Screenplay snippets, how Shane Black’s voice is distinct; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “An action film can have too much action; picture an equalizer on a stereo, with all the knobs pegged at 10. It becomes a cacophony and…
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We massage Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” and discuss: Story & Writing, out of sequence storytelling, creating contrast, Tarantino’s dialog; Directing & Production value, long takes, music; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “I steal from every movie ever made.“ – Quentin Tarantino Watch us on YouTube! This Week’s Recommendations: DGA “…
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We ride along on Antoine Fuqua’s “Training Day” and discuss: Cinematography, the horizon line; Story & Writing, story outline; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.“ – Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Notes & References: The original ending was far less violent (MentalFloss) Denzel won Best…
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We migrate through “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” and discuss: Humor, absurdism, dry humor; Comedy period piece; Guest Scott Garrett Graham joins us; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “The most creative people have this childlike facility to play.“ – John Cleese Notes & References: Check out Scott Garrett Graham on Instagram, listen to …
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