Plot Mechanics

Plot Mechanics

By Plot MechanicsTV & Film
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Plot Mechanics episodes

  • 20. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

    There's no denying that Céline Sciamma's Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Portrait de la Jeune Fille en Feu) is a masterpiece.

    The film boasts an all female main cast: Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel, Luàna Bajrami and Valeria Golino; and women in key positions behind the scenes.

    Of course, we have nothing but love for this film and we talk about how all the elements are assembled to create a very unique piece of cinema. 

    So much has been said about the film; so, you may wonder whether we can add anything to the conversation. Well, you'll be surprised! Because one of us has a take we guarantee you did not see coming...

    1 hr 1 min
  • 19. Mortal Kombat (2021)
    Get Over Here, and listen to our episode on the 2021 reboot of Mortal Kombat, written by Greg Russo and Dave Callaham, and directed by Simon McQuoid (in his feature film directing debut).
    We are split on this one. So, the solution was simple: Fight!
    Two of us defend it while the other two attack it with Brutality.
    We leave it up to you to decide whether it's a Flawless Victory.
    1 hr 51 min
  • 18. Wolfwalkers (2020)

    This week, we look at a beautiful animated film. Written and directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, Wolfwalkers is a love letter to Irish folklore and mythology.

    We talk about how the film is able to handle multiple themes without neglecting any of them, and how Moore and Stewart do not underestimate their audience, which allows for efficient storytelling.

    Join us on this journey into this gorgeous, hand-drawn world...

    1 hr 45 min
  • 17. Blancanieves (Snow White - 2012)

    In 2012, the tale of Snow White, by the Brothers Grimm, turned 200 years old! That year, no fewer than three movie adaptations were made.

    We're looking at the best of them: Blancanieves! This award-winning masterpiece was written and directed by Pablo Berger, starring Macarena García and Maribel Verdú.

    It is a Silent and Black & White film. We'll look at how that influences the way a story is told and how the style can enhance the experience.

    Join us and find out how Pablo Berger took a familiar story and reshaped it by injecting elements of Spanish culture: from the characters' names to traditions they follow...

    1 hr 16 min
  • 16. Black Panther (2018)

    This week, we'll look at the groundbreaking superhero film, Black Panther!

    We'll talk about how this movie changed the game for creators of color.

    So, it means a lot for us; so much in fact that Ed, who didn't want to miss the conversation, recorded the episode from his car!!!


    We recorded this in September 2020, shortly after the passing of Chadwick Boseman. A terrible loss for cinema; and we were affected by it.

    Just as for all his performances, he is excellent playing King T'Challa, the role for which he will probably most be remembered.

    1 hr 13 min
  • 15. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge - DDLJ (1995)
    Come... Fall in Love... with our episode on the Bollywood classic: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge!
    The movie was a massive success in India and took home 10 Filmfare Awards. It has the longest box-office run in Indian cinema (24 years!), and made mega starts of its two leads: Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.
    But did we like it?
    We'll talk about how the language of cinema varies between countries. And how DDLJ perfectly embodies the Bollywood of the 1990s.
    1 hr 24 min
  • 14. Tropic Thunder (2008)
    Let's talk about blackface!
    In this episode, we look at the 2008 Ben Stiller film, Tropic Thunder, starring Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, Brandon T. Jackson and an unrecognizable Tom Cruise.
    The gang debates whether the film is satire or parody; and its relevance today.
    We also talk about how humor differs from culture to culture, and how this movie was received by people who did not grow up in North America.
    This episode was recorded in July 2020.
    1 hr 29 min
  • 13. Moonlight (2016)

    It's Oscar month. So, this week, we're looking at the 2016 Best Picture winner: La L... uh... Moonlight !!!

    The film successfully handles complex themes like Black masculinity, homosexuality and drug addiction. It does so in a way that makes it stand out from mainstream films that address similar issues.

    Join us as we look at how director Barry Jenkins is able to bring humanity to his characters, often in the most subtle ways.

    1 hr 27 min
  • 12. Tigertail (2020)
    This week, we have a special episode for you. Tigertail is a charming little film about a Taiwanese immigrant in America. Throughout this particularly emotional episode, we will share our own personal experiences and how each of us relates to the characters in the movie in different ways.  So, watch the movie, and join us...
    1 hr 12 min
  • 11. Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
    Yep! We're doing it! The 4-hour Zack Snyder Cut version of Justice League, starring Henry Cavill's normal mouth.
    After 3 years of... errrrr... "campaigning", fans finally got their wish. But is it any good?
    This movie surprised really us by how different it is from the theatrical cut. 
    Join us as we talk about how editing and a change in tone can totally transform a film...
    1 hr 43 min

About Plot Mechanics

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The podcast where four writer/filmmaker friends discuss your favorite movies, their favorite movies, movies in general.