Notes From the Silver Screen

After an unexpectedly long respite NFTSS is back once again to fill your ears with talk of movies. In what is hopefully a return to a more consistent form the Falslev Bros tackle the prototypical feel-good-coming-of-age-teen-comedy writer/director, Mr. John Hughes himself. Tune in to hear their thoughts on dialogue, decade wide trends, theme, and the Hughesims that distinguish his movies from others.

Music by Chan Walrus.

Instagram @nftss_pod.

In this episode the Bros try a more technical take on the film podcast scene. Using Iñárritu's The Revenant (2015) as a jumping off point we discuss the art, purpose, and facets of cinematography. Looking at Emmanuel "El Chivo" Lubezki's work and approach to film we cover one takes, lighting, and the importance of cinematography.

Music by Chan Walrus.

Instagram @nftss_pod.

The Falslev's take on another reality-inspired period piece. This time examining the understated charm of Minari from writer/director Lee Isaac Chung. We look at character motivation, thematic content, nostalgia, and realism as we spectate the Arkansan troubles and triumphs of the Korean-American Yi family.

Music by Chan Walrus.

Instagram @nftss_pod.

On this episode the Bros look at another film with biblical allusions, this time the historical drama/biopic of Fred Hampton the charismatic leader of the Illinois Black Panther chapter, his betrayal, and his assassination by the FBI. We talk about character, performance, creative license vs truthfulness, and touch briefly on set design and the challenges of period pieces.

Music by Chan Walrus.

Instagram @nftss_pod.

The Falslev Brothers are divided on Darren Aronofsky. Are his films metaphorical allegories for life or meaningless jumbles of visuals? Float with us in a bubble-craft to the dying star Xibalba where we'll look at visual symbolism, practical effects, directorial style, and the meaning of Aronofsky's The Fountain (2006.)

Music by Chan Walrus.

Instagram @nftss_pod.

On this installment of NFTSS the Brothers board a firefly-class transport to the futuristic universe of the Anglo-Sino Alliance in Joss Whedon's Serenity (2005). We talk about shiny science fiction, how world building textures a film, the importance of antagonists to drive the gorram plot, and how Whedon hides exposition in plain sight. 

Music by Chan Walrus.

On this episode of NFTSS the Falslev's do another deep dive: this time examining cinematic adaptations of religious stories. What considerations should be taken when approaching a story that is central to people's faith? As we break down Dreamwork's The Prince of Egypt (1998) and Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ (2004) we talk about historical accuracy, the importance of characters, nuance, and narrative shape.

Music by Chan Walrus.

Instagram @nftss_pod.

Keep your specs peeled and your ears open, ya dig? Untangle the mysteries of high school hash heads in Rian Johnson's Brick (2005). Piece together the clues with the Falslev's as we tail the noir and neo-noir genres, track down Hammett-esque dialogue, and uncover the seedy lies of indie filmmaking.

Music by Chan Walrus.

Instagram @nftss_pod.

The Falslev Brother's are joined again by Joshua to learn about the questions of the soul from Teach in Pixar's Soul (2020). Astral project to the hypothetical realm of the You Seminar with us as we talk about animation, music, and how characters advance theme.

Music by Chan Walrus.

Instagram @nftss_pod.

The Falslev Brother's travel to the magical land of Florin and Guilder with the inscrutable S. Morgenstern as their guide. Accompany the Brothers as they dive headfirst into the quicksand of Rob Reiner's classic film The Princess Bride (1987) filled with dangers, magics, and a mismatched band of unlikely heroes. We'll encounter framing devices, set design, and some BTS trivia as we fight to the pain with William Goldman's fairytale adventure.

Music by Chan Walrus. 

Instagram @nftss_pod.