Trade Movies

oh my GOODNESS this episode is GREAT!!! I feel like the show has been building towards an hour and a half discussion of Skibidi Toilet and Playtime with arguably the world's biggest Skibidi expert, and (Louie Anderson voice) I LOVE it! Seriously, this was so much fun. I feel like I talked too much as I often do so sorry to the listeners who wanted to hear more of Aidan (I did too I'm just not the greatest podcast host!!!), but you can find him at:

https://www.aidanwalker.info/

which has links to all his socials and videos which are SO good! I'm such a fan!

Topics
Pasolini, Playtime, Skibidi Toilet, AI, adult content, cinema, technology, dystopia, modern media, cultural commentary, surveillance, capitalism, media, propaganda, Epstein files, trust issues, short form video, democratization, AI, human connection, cultural reflections, relationships, Brechtian theater, digital culture

Chapters
00:00:00 Exploring AI and Gender Representation in Media
00:03:56 The Artistic Craft of Skibbity Toilet
00:06:43 Cultural Reflections in Skibbity Toilet
00:09:51 War and Media: The Modern Perspective
00:12:42 The Intersection of Gaming and Warfare
00:15:44 The Creator Behind Skibbity Toilet
00:20:12 The Role of Streaming in Modern Warfare Coverage
00:21:34 Propaganda and Information Warfare
00:22:31 The Dark Side of Ideological Manipulation
00:24:46 The Epstein Files and Trust Issues
00:27:19 The Emotional Toll of Misinformation
00:29:51 Epstein as a Reflection of Systemic Issues
00:31:36 The Banal Nature of Power and Abuse
00:36:14 Exploring Pasolini's Salo: A Leftist Perspective
00:39:06 Playtime: A Contrast of Modernity and Humanity
00:42:09 The Digital World of Playtime: A Cinematic Innovation
00:45:14 The NPCs of Playtime: A Reflection on Modern Existence
00:48:06 Surveillance and the Human Experience in Playtime
00:51:11 The Art of Long Takes: Playtime vs. Skibbidi Toilet
00:54:07 The Role of Technology in Modern Cinema
00:56:59 Constructed Realities: The Metaphor of Playtime
01:02:44 The Power of Physical Comedy
01:03:59 International Appeal of Visual Storytelling
01:05:08 The Role of Cinema in Social Change
01:07:04 Democratization vs. Alienation in Short-Form Video
01:11:38 The Nuances of Skibidi and Its Impact
01:17:13 Freedom Within Constraints: The Walled Garden of Media
01:25:55 The Future of Human Connection in a Digital Age
01:30:18 Art, Critique, and the Role of Digital Culture

ARGUABLY MY FAVORITE EPISODE I'VE DONE SO FAR?? This one was so unbelievably fun and fulfilling. Chloe is such an incredible speaker and communicator on Appalachian issues. She has a perspective that I've almost never heard in popular media, both as a native Appalachian and an early childhood caregiver. Truly one of the most admirable and inspiring people I've met doing this. And these movies are so good! I can't believe I didn't know about them.

Chloe is here:
https://www.tiktok.com/@clobug227

Topics
Appalachia, healthcare, community activism, dental care, poverty, education, environmental issues, eugenics, cultural identity, mutual aid, healthcare, reproductive rights, motherhood, Appalachia, media representation, eugenics, opioid crisis, community, activism, storytelling

Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
00:06:32 The Impact of Dental Health on Identity
00:12:24 Personal Stories and Historical Context
00:20:45 The Role of Education in Understanding History
00:28:12 Eugenics and Its Legacy in Appalachia
00:36:35 The Inescapable Reality of Human Conditions
00:43:10 Environmental Disasters and Their Hidden Costs
00:49:51 Global Implications of Local Environmental Issues
00:55:04 The Dark History of Eugenics and Its Modern Echoes
01:09:53 Exploring Anti-Authority Perspectives
01:15:51 Navigating Identity and Perception
01:21:35 Intersectionality and Societal Expectations
01:29:12 Distrust in Government and Health Systems
01:45:24 Frustration and Historical Context of Appalachia
01:51:01 Documentary Insights and Community Struggles
01:56:19 Racial Dynamics and Historical Narratives
02:01:49 Unionization and Cross-Racial Solidarity
02:12:35 Community Resilience and Future Change
02:22:00 The Role of Unions and Collective Action
02:30:03 Intersectionality in Activism and Community Building
02:38:59 Environmental Challenges and Community Resilience
02:46:11 Future Aspirations and Collaborative Efforts

In which we discuss "Citizen Langlois" (1995) and "Rock Hudson's Home Movies" (1992).

Matt Ellis is a writer/academic/musician from Portland, Oregon. He has a PhD in Modern Culture and Media from Brown University and studies media, culture, and history from the left.

He is teaching a class on France in the 1960s on Cinejourneys from January 27th through February 17th. It’s 100 bucks for 4 weeks, on Zoom, about two hours a class, with access to the films and readings for the class. You’ll get a France in the 1960s packet prepared by Ellis covering the period and ideas in question, and an individual one-on-one meeting with him to develop ideas for your own interest or work. And of course the classes!

And CineJourneys has other classes upcoming too like “Casablanca, Mildred Pierce”, March 5th, and “The Infinite Worlds of David Lynch”, March 9th!

Links:
cinejourneys.com/the-birth-of-cinephilia-france-in-the-1960s/
historiesofthepresent.com
x.com/matthiasellis
matthewellis.online

Topics
film, cinema, nostalgia, preservation, Weimar, Henri Langlois, digital media, film education, collective experience, French New Wave

Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction to Matt Ellis and His Classes
00:03:49 Exploring Weimar Cinema and Its Impact
00:06:38 The Evolution of Film Viewing Experiences
00:09:36 Nostalgia vs. Preservation in Film
00:12:50 Understanding Restorative and Reflective Nostalgia
00:20:56 Exploring Historical Context in Cinema
00:23:47 The Role of Archivists in Film History
00:28:05 Crisis of Access in the Digital Age
00:34:59 The Importance of Contextual Viewing
00:38:59 Rediscovering Lost Films and Their Impact

EMMA GETS THE FIRST CHALLENGE COIN as our first two-time guest! This was supposed to be a Christmas episode, as you can probably guess by my hat...but things came up and I wasn't able to get it out in time. HOWEVER, we spend most of the ep talking about like a million old movies. She has seen more Classic Hollywood than basically anyone I've met, I think? Love having Emma on, I have like a hundred recommendations that I can't wait to get to.

Check out her Substack here:
https://restorativeromance.substack.com/
And the pod here:
https://reformedrakes.com/
And the rest of Emma's stuff here:
https://linktr.ee/emmkick

TOPICS
movies, film analysis, Merchant Ivory, classic cinema, Rob Ray, Age of Innocence, William Wyler, horror films, action movies, John Woo, film analysis, classic cinema, melodrama, war movies, Christmas films, nostalgia, character development, public libraries, film adaptations, cultural impact, Christmas, Letterman, cinema, fail sons, Italian neorealism, classic films, slow cinema, action movies, romantic comedies, food culture, memoirs, film appreciation, female representation, auteurs, gender critique, melodrama, classic Hollywood, film narratives, romantic relationships, film, costume design, classic movies, romantic comedies, foreign films, John Ford, Christmas movies, film appreciation, Audrey Hepburn, Gene Tierney

CHAPTERS
00:00:00 Introduction and Christmas Spirit
00:03:48 Exploring Classic Films and Their Legacy
00:06:42 The Impact of Distribution on Film Recognition
00:09:44 William Wyler's Cinematic Influence and Legacy
00:11:00 The Enforcer: Rob Ray's Unique Tactics
00:13:56 Innovative Strategies in Hockey Coaching
00:16:56 The Sean Avery Rule and Its Impact
00:19:50 Metaphors in Sports and Film
00:20:43 Movie Recommendations and Formats
00:26:31 The Age of Innocence: A Critical Discussion
00:32:36 Exploring Claude Rains and David Lean
00:38:29 The Challenges of Film Distribution
00:45:55 Exploring Action Movies and Iconic Stars
00:52:15 Blind Spots in Classic Cinema
00:59:36 The African Queen and Its Legacy
01:07:26 The Christmas Movie Appeal of Stalag 17
01:13:31 The Complexities of Classic Cinema
01:20:29 Attraction and Aestheticism in Hollywood
01:26:29 The Impact of Aging on Film Stars
01:34:31 Character Dynamics in Little Women
01:41:31 Reading Preferences and Digital Books
01:47:43 Cultural Context of Die Hard
01:58:19 The Need for New Adaptations
02:05:12 The Impact of Long Films on Viewer Experience
02:11:02 Nostalgia and the Evolution of Comedy
02:20:56 The Charisma of Ric Flair
02:26:36 David Lean's Cinematic Legacy
02:36:50 Dating and Movie Preferences
02:43:58 Cinematic Context and Personal Reflections
02:49:19 The Complexity of Female Characters in Film
02:58:50 Audience Reception and Interpretation of Melodrama
03:04:04 The Language of Melodrama and Its Cultural Impact
03:12:23 The Complexity of Characters in Film Noir
03:19:04 The Morality of Characters and Forgiveness in Cinema
03:27:29 The Academy Awards and Controversial Wins
03:34:53 Hollywood Icons and Personal Preferences
03:41:40 Cinematic Critiques and Gender Perspectives
03:47:21 Classic Films and Their Impact
03:56:46 Exploring Mike Leigh's Cinematic Landscape
04:02:32 Diving into Foreign Cinema
04:10:41 Defining Christmas Movies
04:24:38 The Allure of Classic Cinema
04:31:18 Cultural Identity and Cinema
04:35:55 Reflections on Directors and Their Influence

IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME BABY! And what better way to kick off a couple of Christmas episodes than with my FAVORITE Christmas movie, Trapped in Paradise, and the BEST Christmas movie, It's a Wonderful Life. Go find Bianca here:

https://www.biancacastronovo.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebiancac
https://www.instagram.com/thebiancac/

Keywords
Bianca Castronova, Christmas movies, It's a Wonderful Life, film influences, storytelling, character development, community, sentimentality, filmmaking, holiday films, It's a Wonderful Life, Thomas Mitchell, directing, acting, Christmas movies, queer subtext, film criticism, set design, music in film, spirituality in cinema, storytelling

Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction to Bianca Castronova and Christmasland Productions
00:01:54 Exploring Christmas Movies: It's a Wonderful Life vs. Trapped in Paradise
00:04:53 The Timelessness of It's a Wonderful Life
00:07:57 Character Analysis: George Bailey and Mary
00:10:57 The Societal Commentary in Potterville
00:14:52 Filmmaking Techniques and Visual Storytelling
00:18:49 The Charm of Classic Movie Stars
00:22:51 Acting Insights: Performance Analysis of Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed
00:28:32 The Challenge of Self-Presentation
00:30:06 Exploring Iconic Performances
00:31:39 Character Depth in Classic Films
00:32:27 Memorable Side Characters
00:37:09 Analyzing 'Trapped in Paradise'
00:39:13 Queer Subtext in Classic Cinema
00:41:05 The Evolution of Film Techniques
00:46:20 Spirituality in Film
00:48:41 The Divine Encounter and Human Reactions
00:49:35 Nostalgia for 90s Film Scores
00:50:48 Family Classics and Critical Reception
00:51:54 Critics vs. Audience: The Rotten Tomatoes Debate
00:53:29 The Impact of Public Opinions on Art
00:55:58 The Responsibility of Critique in Film
00:58:25 Cinematic Techniques: Focus and Perspective
01:00:38 Character Development and Emotional Depth
01:01:43 The Subtlety of Humor in Classic Films
01:10:38 George Gallo Interview
01:27:39 Discussing George Gallo Interview
01:36:54 The Stunts of Trapped in Paradise
01:43:38 Sentiment in Movies
01:54:58 Someone's remaking IAWL
02:03:25 Closing thoughts and recommendations