September 4, 2017

EP. 118 — Real Life (w/ Jason Zinoman)

Critic Jason Zinoman joins Amy this week to discuss Albert Brooks’ 1979 directorial debut, “Real Life.” Jason gives a brief history of the film’s comedic context before they dive into what “Real Life” predicted about reality TV, how it reflects Albert Brooks’ place in Hollywood, and what it got right about social satire. Does “Real Life” belong in The Canon? Head to the Earwolf forums to cast your vote!

 

 

This episode is brought to you by Paramount Pictures’ “Mother!,” Casper Mattresses (www.casper.com/canon code: canon), and The Harold Ramis Film School.

Recent Episodes

August 12, 2018

Amy announces the winner of the final Canon call-in showdown, before presenting an episode of Unspooled, all about 1998’s Titanic. Don’t forget to subscribe to Unspooled on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts!

July 15, 2018

We asked, and you nominated! For the final episode of the season, Amy and Engineer Sam take listener calls to hear arguments as to which of these films should enter The Canon: David Fincher’s 2007 thriller “Zodiac;” the first film in the Cornetto trilogy, 2004’s “Shaun of the Dead;” or the 1999 Paul Thomas Anderson drama “Magnolia.” Which film will round out this edition of The Canon? Head over to the Earwolf forums now to cast your vote!

July 2, 2018

Vox film critic Alissa Wilkinson joins Amy this week to discuss the 1975 documentary “Grey Gardens.” They break down the film’s more difficult moments, examining the relationship between Big Edie and Little Edie as well as the undercurrent of latent sadness. Plus, they consider the direction and vision of Albert and David Maysles, themes of capitalism and decay, and how “Grey Gardens” encapsulates the central question of documentary. Should “Grey Gardens” enter The Canon? Cast your vote on the Earwolf forums now!