Ready For Close-Up

Episode #18 - The Pride Issue!

Our 18th episode means our podcast is coming of age and Andy and Sam are coming out! Our tribute to Pride Month is a discussion of our favourite LGBTQ+ films and the changes queer cinema has gone through over time. The past decades since the first 'gay movie' we saw have seen queer characters evolve from sidelined and supporting characters to being front and center of film, TV and streaming productions. However, while massive social progress has been made on queer rights, we find LGBTQ+ cinema will still be utterly relevant in telling the stories of impossible loves across time and space. So while being proud of our achievement, there is still a lot to be done and film will be central in achieving this.

Episode #17 - Fresh 2021 releases reviewed!

After almost a year of podcasting, Andy and Sam finally manage to review a fresh batch of cinema and streaming releases! From highly acclaimed Oscar winners Promising Young Woman and Druk - Another Round to Disney's newest origin story Cruella, and from German LGBTQ+ firsts (Futur Drei and All You Need) to long-awaited Netflix besteller adaptation The Woman in the Window, they have found a lot to admire, criticise and dissect. Refreshing characters and original screenplays still clearly win the day and there's hope that the next batch of productions is already in the works!

Episode #16 - So who just won at the Oscars?

This week's Oscar ceremony provided a somewhat anti-climactic ending to a very unique 2021 award season: a few expected winners (Nomadland's Best Director and Best Movie Awards), but just as many surprises (Anthony Hopkins and Frances McDormand winning Best Actors) and perceived snubs (Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis). Andy and Sam review the most important awards of the evening, as well as the unusual Oscar ceremony itself before dissecting four of this year's most nominated movies: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Promising Young Woman, Trial of the Chicago 7 and Mank. They question especially whether these films meet the criteria for a truly satisfying cinematic journey.

Episode #15 - Whatever happened to Faye Dunaway?

Faye Dunaway was arguably the biggest female star of late 60s and 70s Hollywood. She starred in an incredible string of great movies alongside the hottest stars and directors of the day - from Bonnie and Clyde to The Thomas Crown Affair and Chinatown. Her Oscar for Network (1976) seemed to be another logical step in her high-flying career. But things were to take a very different turn - so whatever happened? Andy and Sam pay tribute to the last true Hollywood diva, recommend ten movies from her filmography and discuss the impact she's had on the film industry and female stars of her calibre since. They find that no one has since ever been quite as faye-mous!

Episode #14 - Lockdowns at the Movies!

One year into the global pandemic lockdowns, Andy and Sam finally take you on a journey through lockdowns at the movies: From classic theatrical role models and their adaptations in almost all cinematic genres, we have found great instances of characters locked down or locked in (even into themselves!) - be it Agatha Christie-style whodunits, intricate horror, racy thrillers, suspenseful disaster movies or moving drama. And although we find these huis clos scenarios a powerful cinematic device, we are convinced that post-Corona lockdown audiences will look forward to entering the wide world again - also in future theatrical outings!

Episode #13 - Master Directors: Ingmar Bergman

Our first episode of 2021 focuses on Master Director Ingmar Bergman, Sweden's most famous filmmaker. Andy and Sam discover that Bergman's cinema does not just feature serious subject matter and mesmerizing acting, but also offers fascinating symbolism, humour and warmth. After discussing Bergman's style and influence, we focus on two of his key films, the allegorical journey of Wild Strawberries (1957) and the panopticon that is Fanny and Alexander (1982) before giving our personal recommendations of what else to watch by the director. Far from being bleak and depressing, just like Bergman, our episode offers insights along with music from his fascinating cinematic universe. 

Episode #12 - Our Best of 2020

With 2020 coming to a close, it could certainly appear as an 'annus horribilis' for cinema and movie-going. Andy and Sam, instead, have found a lot to love about a year spent rediscovering classic movies and TV, as well as the wide range of new streaming productions. From Ryan Murphy's Netflix contributions to Swiss historical mini-series Frieden, from Barbara Stanwyck's early career to Hitchcock's television laboratory and from recent Korean to Italian genre cinema, 2020 in fact only whet our movie geek appetites for a hopefully more regular cinematic 2021.

Episode #11 - The John Barry Songbook

Oscar-winning film composer John Barry might be most famous for his eleven James Bond scores and the romantic sound of epics like Out of Africa or Dances with Wolves, but when Andy and Sam went through the complete John Barry Songbook (created by Sam for Spotify and YouTube), they explore the varied nature of the 'Barry sound' and pick their respective favourites. From the grand title themes of the Bond series to unknown gems by Shirley Bassey, Mamma Cass or Tony Bennett, they discover that there's much more to Barry than meets the ear.

Episode #10 - Remembering Sean Connery's life in movies

Our 10th episode is dedicated to iconic actor Sean Connery, who sadly passed away on 31st October. Andy and Sam trace his career from humble beginnings to his instant Bond fame in the 1960s and from hard times in the 70s to the beloved father figure and mentor he played so well in the 1980s and 90s. We discover that Connery's presence (and voice!) are reason enough to watch almost any movie and we pick our favourite screen roles from each decade. So join us for a nostalgic ride through time in memoriam Sir Sean Connery!

Episode #9 - Master Directors: Alfred Hitchcock

In our first of a series of episodes on Master Directors, Andy & Sam talk Alfred Hitchcock, the famous Master of Suspense. After an overview of his life and career, we discuss what makes "Hitch" such a unique yet influential director. We analyse two prime examples of his style, Rear Window and The Lady Vanishes and give our recommendation of must-see Hitchcocks: a starter package, our personal favourites and guilty pleasures. Join us for a suspenseful thrillride of an episode!