January 15, 2018

EP. 137 — The Hustler (w/ David Scarpa)

Screenwriter David Scarpa (All the Money in the World) joins Amy this week to talk about the 1961 Paul Newman film “The Hustler.” David and Amy discuss how “The Hustler” subverts the underdog paradigm and questions what it means to be a winner or loser. Plus, they find meaning in Fast Eddie’s search for success and what it reveals about the nature of excellence before contrasting the acting of Paul Newman with costars Jackie Gleason and Piper Laurie. Does “The Hustler” belong in The Canon? Cast your vote on the Earwolf forums now!

 

This episode is sponsored by RXBAR (code: CANON).

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!