Film writer Zach Vasquez joins Hit Factory to discuss the David Mamet-penned wilderness survival thriller 'The Edge' starring Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin. Topics include the film's relationship to classic mythology, the frustrating politics of one of America's great storytellers, and praise for the exemplary performance of Bart the Bear.

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Read Zach's piece for Bright Wall/Dark Room, "What One Man Can Do, Another Can Do"
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Our theme song is "Mirror" by Chris Fish

Toronto-based writer, filmmaker, and host of Junk Filter podcast Jesse Hawken joins us to discuss Curtis Hanson's thrilling 1997 crime epic "L.A. Confidential". We go long on the near-flawless narrative and aesthetic choices of the film's creators, its complex indictment of modern policing, and the complicated politics of the story's original architect, novelist James Ellroy. We also make the case for the film as a seminal "Dudes Rock" text.

Consider supporting the podcast by becoming a Hit Factory Patron for access to all of our premium episodes and bonus content.

Listen and subscribe to Junk Filter.

Follow Jesse Hawken on Twitter.
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Our theme song is "Mirror" Chris Fish

Subscribe today for access to all of our premium episodes and bonus content. www.patreon.com/hitfactorypod

Pop culture critic Roxana Hadadi returns to discuss the landmark 1990 Iranian masterpiece 'Close-Up', directed by Abbas Kiarostami. We explore the film's multiple layers of artifice, the fundamental truths those layers reveal, and reflect on finding joy in Kiarostami's cinema of absence. Read Roxana's piece on 'Through the Olive Trees' at Bright Wall/Dark Room.
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Our theme song is 'Mirror' by Chris Fish.

Renegade economist and host of Upstream Podcast Della Duncan joins us to discuss the Wachowskis' groundbreaking sci-fi action benchmark 'The Matrix'. We illuminate the film's bracing anti-capitalist critique, explore its undertheorized collectivist leanings, and reclaim the Red Pill as an emblem of left political action.
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Our them song is 'Mirror' by Chris Fish

Industry insider and returning guest Rich Pierceall joins us to discuss the pulpy Hollywood send-up 'Get Shorty'. We talk the resurgent success of Elmore Leonard adaptations in the 90s, Hollywood's enduring ties to the mob, and briefly touch upon the shape of cinema in the not-so-distant future.
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Our theme song is 'Mirror' by Chris Fish

Subscribe today for access to all of our premium episodes and bonus content. www.patreon.com/hitfactorypod

Film writer and co-founder of Certified Forgotten Matthew Monagle enters the Hit Factory to discuss the cannibal horror 'Ravenous'. We discuss the film's onerous origins, its breathtakingly subversive score, and the wonders of an outsider's perspective on American colonialism.
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Our theme song is 'Mirror; by Chris Fish

We assembled an emergency panel of friends Chris Clayman, Brianna Zigler, and Chris Woodward to discuss one of our favorite films starring the late Charles Grodin (RIP), 'Clifford', also starring Martin Short as a miscreant 10-year-old boy who may or may not also be a terrorist. We offer some novel readings of the film's subtext, share our favorite Grodin moments, and make the case for bringing back little kid hatred in entertainment. Listen Chris Woodward's podcast, Parents Just Don't Understand and be sure to check out Blood Knife. Subscribe to Brianna's newsletter, That's Weird. Listen to the Catch Prichard album, I Still Miss Theresa Benoit.
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Our theme song is 'Mirror' by Chris Fish

Subscribe today for access to all of our premium episodes and bonus content. www.patreon.com/hitfactorypod