Anna Swanson, Senior Contributor for Film School Rejects, returns to the podcast to discuss The Riddler (aka Ridley Scott) and the two all-star historical epics he has released this fall, October’s The Last Duel (the critically acclaimed drama that unexpectedly bombed) and November’s House of Gucci (a critically drubbed melodrama that has become a sizeable hit).

We discuss some of the criticism The Last Duel has received about it’s unusual storytelling structure, why Ben Affleck’s over-the-top supporting performance in Duel works while Jared Leto’s cartoonish turn in Gucci doesn’t, the response from the Gucci family over their portrayal in the movie, and the 83-year-old Riddler’s delightful IDGAF attitude towards churlish criticism of his Late Style output.

Patrons of the Junk Filter podcast receive at least two additional exclusive episodes a month: some of our notable previous guests include Jared Yates Sexton, David Roth, Bryan Quinby, Will Sloan, and Jacob Bacharach. More to come! Sign up at https://www.patreon.com/junkfilter

Follow Anna Swanson on Twitter.

A highlight from Ridley Scott’s “Fuck You” tour promoting The Last Duel.