The Politics of Cinema

Cinema Yearbook 2019 (Part II): The Rest of the Best, 14 Films from 2019

Aaron and Isaac go thru a combined 14 films from 2019 that are worth watching - for wildly different reasons.   Some are highly entertaining (Knives Out & John Wick 3) and some are highly challenging (Atlantics & Climax). Some are about internationally trained hit-men (War & John Wick 3) and some have stop motion, naked barbie scenes (Booksmart). Some are in shot in black and white (The Lighthouse) and some are in shot in garish, neon saturated color (Beach Bum). Some are about the evils of international corporations (Dark Waters) and some are about the evils of a local festival (Midsommar). Some are a celebrations of family (The Farewell) and some are a celebration of 1969 Hollywood (Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood). Some are a pure joy to watch (Dolemite is My Name) and some are a pure, pure hate-watch (Unplanned). Some have great genre thrills in a very unique setting (Velvet Buzzsaw) and some are introspective examinations of a damaged artist (Her Smell).  

Cinema Yearbook 2019 (Part I): Last Black Man in San Francisco, Parasite, The Irishman, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and High Life

We compiled separate lists of the the films from 2019 that really impressed us - and there were five films we had in common.   On this episode, we take discus those five films: The Last Black Man in San Francisco Parasite The Irishman Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood High Life

Children of Men: The Psychology of the Long Take, Maoist Urban Guerrillas Getting Lost in the Struggle and the Power of Radical Hope

In 2027, after 18 years of global human infertility and depression, the world is on the brink of collapse and humanity faces extinction. The United Kingdom, one of the few nations with a functioning government (Stiff upper lip chap!), is deluged by asylum seekers fleeing radiation and plague. In response, the UK has become a police state as the British Army rounds up and executes immigrants. In 2006, Alfonso Cuarón gave the world the film Children of Men.  A brilliant adaptation of P.D. James less than brilliant novel of the same name.   In this episode we get into the psychology of the long take, Maoist Urban Guerrillas, Nationalism, Xenophobia, graffiti as political world building, the role of children in society, power dynamics withing activist organizations and Neoliberal verses Fascist governments.  Children of Men has it all!