Rules of the Frame

Rules of the Frame

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Rules of the Frame episodes

  • 012 | The Avengers (2012)

    Join Connor & Riley as they tackle the Marvel universe and how it has become the modern version of the epic. Hear if nerds should direct superhero movies, why the Hulk is the most interesting Avenger, and is the Marvel craze ever going to end?

    WARNING: Major spoilers for The Avengers & Avengers: Infinity War, minor spoilers for Split & Alien

    Films mentioned in this episode:
    • The Avengers (2012) | Dir Joss Whedon
    • The Incredible Hulk (2008) | Dir. Louis Leterrier
    • Doctor Strange (2016) | Dir. Scott Derrickson
    • Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) | Dir. James Gunn
    • Iron Man (2008) | Dir. Jon Favreau
    • Thor: Ragnarok (2017) | Dir. Taika Waititi
    • Spider-Man 2 (2004) | Dir. Sam Raimi
    • The Incredibles (2004) | Dir. Brad Bird
    • The Bourne Identity (2002) | Dir. Doug Liman
    • Unbreakable (2000) | Dir. M. Night Shyamalan
    • Glass (2019) | Dir. M. Night Shyamalan
    • Split (2016) | Dir. M. Night Shyamalan
    • Hellboy (2004) | Dir. Guillermo del Toro
    • Avengers: Infinity War (2018) | Dir. Anthony Russo & Joe Russo
    • Captain America: Civil War (2016) | Dir. Anthony Russo & Joe Russo
    • Back to the Future (1985) | Dir. Robert Zemeckis
    • Collateral (2004) | Dir. Michael Mann
    • Paris, Texas (1984) | Dir. Wim Wenders
      • 1 hr 10 min
    • 011 | Lawrence of Arabia

      Connor and Riley transition from the from the cold Russian winter to the hot Arabian summer as they discuss David Lean's 1962 masterwork, Lawrence of Arabia. Learn how this movie influenced the next generation of filmmakers, and if it truly lives up to being the greatest epic of all time. Connor defends long run-times for movies, while Riley pitches anproject for film school students. You'll also hear a nerdy digression into the history of aspect ratios and a public service announcement for anyone who owns movies on home video.

      WARNING: Full spoilers for Lawrence of Arabia, minor spoilers for Doctor Zhivago & Tangled

      Video on aspect ratios:

      https://youtu.be/uSuCJyZzyRE

      Films mentioned in this episode:
      • Lawrence of Arabia (1962) | Dir. David Lean
      • Doctor Zhivago (1965) | Dir. David Lean
      • Great Expectations (1946) | Dir. David Lean
      • Oliver Twist (1948) | Dir. David Lean
      • Star Wars (1977) | Dir. George Lucas
      • Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) | Dir. Robert Hamer
      • Hidalgo (2004) | Dir. Joe Johnston
      • Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) | Dir. Steven Spielberg
      • Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) | Dir. Wes Anderson
      • Lady and the Tramp (1955) | Dir. Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske
      • Gandhi (1981) | Dir. Richard Attenborough
      • Empire of the Sun (1987) | Dir. Steven Spielberg
      • Seven Samurai (1954) | Dir. Akira Kurosawa
      • Avatar (2009) | Dir. James Cameron
      • Jaws (1975) | Dir. Steven Spielberg
      • Tangled (2010) | Dir. Nathan Greno and Byron Howard
      • A Street Car Named Desire (1951) | Dir. Elia Kazan
      • On the Waterfront (1954) | Dir. Elia Kazan
        • 1 hr 24 min
      • 010 | Doctor Zhivago ft. Billy Stevenson

        Join Connor & Riley as they bring on the brilliant Irishman, Billy Stevenson, to discuss the romantic epic that is: Doctor Zhivago. Experience the true story of how this film impacted the life of the guest. Hear why intermissions are so important for long films. And decide whether action alone is enough to present love on film.

        WARNING: Full spoilers for Doctor Zhivago

        Link to David Lean biography: https://www.amazon.com/David-Lean-Intimate-Lady-Sandra/dp/0233002480/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546537111&sr=8-1&keywords=david+lean%3A+an+intimate+portrait

        Films mentioned in this episode:
        • Doctor Zhivago (1965) | Dir. David Lean
        • Brief Encounter (1945) | Dir. David Lean
        • 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) | Dir. Stanley Kubrick
        • Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) | Dir. Ken Hughes
        • The Revenant (2015) | Dir. Alejandro G. Inarritu
        • Lawrence of Arabia (1962) | Dir. David Lean
        • Great Expecatations (1946) | Dir. David Lean
        • The Sound of Music (1965) | Dir. Robert Wise
        • Ryan's Daughter (1970) | Dir. David Lean
        • Ratatouille (2007) | Dir. Brad Bird
        • Whiplash (2014) | Dir. Damien Chazelle
        • The Shape of Water (2017) | Dir. Guillermo Del Toro
        • The Wind Rises (2013) | Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
          • 1 hr 27 min
        • Minisode | Defining an Epic

          Connor and Riley intro their next series with a discussion on what constitutes an epic film. How do the new "epic" films measure up against the classic epics of old? Is the Marvel "machine" taking over Hollywood? Listen to find out.

          23 min
        • 009 | The Prince of Egypt

          Join Connor & Riley as they tackle Dreamworks' animated epic: The Prince of Egypt. Where they discuss questions that naturally come with each viewing such as: Is it Ramses or Rameses? Why is there a pop cover at the end of every 90's animated movie? And why is Jeff Goldblum in a Biblical epic? Listen in to the conversation.

          WARNING: Major spoilers for The Prince of Egypt & minor spoilers for Exodus: Gods & Kings

          Films mentioned in this episode:

          • The Prince of Egypt (1998) | Dir. Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, Simon Wells
          • Antz (1998) | Dir. Eric Darnell, Tim Johnson
          • A Bug's Life (1998) | Dir. John Lasseter
          • Mulan (1998) | Dir. Tony Bancroft , Barry Cook
          • Hercules (1997) | Dir. Ron Clements, John Musker
          • Tarzan (1999) | Dir. Chris Buck, Kevin Lima
          • Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003) | Dir. Patrick Gillmore, Tim Johnson
          • The Road to El Dorado (2000) | Dir. Bibo Bergeron, Don Paul
          • Ben-Hur (1959) | Dir. William Wyler
          • Treasure Planet (2002) | Dir. Ron Clements, John Musker
          • Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) | Dir. Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
          • Up (2009) | Dir. Pete Docter
          • Touch of Evil (1958) | Dir. Orson Welles
          • The Ten Commandments (1956) | Dir. Cecil B. DeMille
          • Noah (2014) | Dir. Darren Aronofsky
          • Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) | Dir. Ridley Scott
          • The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (2005) | Dir. Andrew Adamson
          • The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) | Dir. Andrew Adamson
          • A Trip to the Moon (1902) | Dir. Georges Melies
          • Lawrence of Arabia (1962) | Dir. David Lean
            • 1 hr 30 min
          • 008 | Peter Pan (1953) ft. Maggie Hardy

            This week, Maggie Hardy joins Connor and Riley as they delve into the magical world of Peter Pan! From play, to book, to film... you'll hear them compare the strengths and weaknesses of each medium.

            WARNING: Full spoilers for Peter Pan (1953)

            Huffington Post article on Mary Blair:

            https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/22/the-world-of-mary-blair_n_5003658.html

            The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation:

            https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/106731.The_Illusion_of_Life

            Films mentioned in this episode:
            • Peter Pan (1953) | Dir. Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske
            • Peter Pan (2003) | Dir. P.J. Hogan
            • Hook (1991) | Dir. Steven Spielberg
            • Peter Pan (1924) | Dir. Herbert Brenon
            • Pan (2015) | Dir. Joe Wright
            • Finding Neverland (2004) | Dir. Mark Forster
            • Alice In Wonderland (1951) | Dir. Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske
            • Fantasia (1940) | see directors... https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032455/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_dr#directors/
            • Pinocchio (1940) | see directors... https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032910/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ql_1
            • The Adventures of Ichabod & Mr. Toad (1949) | Dir. Jack Kinney, Clyde Geronimi, James Algar
            • Treasure Planet (2002) | Dir. John Musker & Ron Clemens
            • The Jungle Book (1967)| Dir. Wolfgang Reitherman
            • The Sword in the Stone (1963) | Dir. Wolfgang Reitherman
            • The Thief and the Cobbler (1993) | Dir. Richard Williams
            • Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988) | Dir. Robert Zemeckis
            • Oliver and Company (1988) | Dir. George Scribner
            • Anastasia (1997) | Dir. Don Bluth & Gary Goldman
            • Thumbelina (1994) | Dir. Don Bluth & Gary Goldman
            • The Village (2004) | Dir. M. Night Shyamalan
              • 1 hr 31 min
            • 007 | The Secret of N.I.M.H.

              Connor and Riley explore the origins of ex-Disney animator Don Bluth with his directorial debut: The Secret of N.I.M.H. Don Bluth shook up the animation industry in the 1980's with darker material, proving that children can be a respected audience and handle heavier themes. Does the Secret of NIMH live up to it's source material? Listen to find out!

              Link to Dragon's Lair playthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-dg4J9_nes

              WARNING: Full spoilers for The Secret of NIMH

              Films mentioned in this episode:
              • Titan A.E. (2000) | Dir. Don Bluth
              • Oliver and Company (1987) | Dir. George Scribner
              • An American Tail (1986) | Dir. Don Bluth
              • An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991) | Dir. Phil Nibbelink & Simon Wells
              • The Land Before Time (1988) | Dir. Don Bluth
              • All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989) | Dir. Don Bluth
              • The Great Mouse Detective (1986) | Dir. Ron Clements
              • The Black Cauldron (1985) | Dir. Ted Berman
              • Home on the Range (2004) | Dir. Will Finn
              • Toy Story (1995) | Dir. John Lasseter
              • Tarzan (1999) | Dir. Chris Buck & Kevin Lima
              • Pete's Dragon (1977) | Dir. Don Chaffey
              • Anastasia (1997) | Dir. Don Bluth
                • 56 min
              • 006 | WALL·E ft. Zack Reed

                Connor and Riley get a bit emotional in this episode. They're joined by Connor's brother, Zack Reed, to discuss one of their favorite Pixar films: WALL-E. Childhoods are reminisced and tears are shed in this next episode in the series on the art and importance of animated films. Apologies in advance for the sniffles and stuffed up voices.

                WARNING: Full spoilers for WALL-E and minor spoilers for 24 & The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

                Link to Andrew Stanton's TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxDwieKpawg

                Films mentioned in this episode:
                • WALL-E (2008) | Dir. Andrew Stanton
                • Finding Nemo (2003) | Dir. Andrew Stanton
                • A Bug's Life (1998) | Dir. John Lasseter
                • Monster's Inc. (2001) | Dir. Pete Docter
                • Toy Story (1995) | Dir. John Lasseter
                • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) | Dir. William Cottrell & David Hand
                • Ratatouille (2007) | Dir. Brad Bird
                • The Incredibles (2004) | Dir. Brad Bird
                • Lone Survivor (2013) | Dir. Peter Berg
                • Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009) | Dir. Lasse Hallstrom
                • Old Yeller (1957) | Dir. Robert Stevenson
                • Where the Red Fern Grows (1974) | Dir. Norman Tokar
                • Suicide Squad (2016) | Dir. David Ayer
                • Star Wars (1977) | Dir. George Lucas
                • Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) | Dir. Steven Spielberg
                • Alien (1979) | Dir. Ridley Scott
                • Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) | Dir. George Lucas
                • Hello, Dolly (1969) | Dir. Gene Kelly
                • A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004) | Dir. Brad Silberling
                  • 1 hr 10 min
                • 005 | The Wind Rises

                  Connor and Riley give their take on Miyazaki's The Wind Rises. This film gives an account of Jiro Horikoshi, designer of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero airplane, which was heavily utilized in WWII . The question this movies seeks to answer is this: What if our beautiful dreams are used for destruction?

                  WARNING: Full spoilers for The Wind Rises

                  Films mentioned in this episode:
                  • The Wind Rises (2013) | Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
                  • Grave of the Fireflies (1988) | Dir. Isao Takahata
                  • My Neighbor Totoro (1988) | Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
                  • Kiki's Delivery Servce (1989) | Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
                  • Boro the Caterpillar (2018) | Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
                  • Ponyo (2008) | Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
                  • Only Yesterday (1991) | Dir. Isao Takahata
                  • Floating Weeds (aka: Ukigusa) (1959) | Dir. Yasujirō Ozu
                  • Duck Amuck (1953) | Dir. Chuck Jones
                  • The Secret of NIMH (1982) | Dir. Don Bluth
                  • Porco Rosso (1992) | Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
                    • 1 hr 2 min
                  • 004 | Fantastic Mr. Fox ft. Stephen LaGue

                    Connor and Riley are joined by their first ever guest and long time friend Stephen LaGue to discuss Wes Anderson's first animated feature: Fantastic Mr. Fox. As this is the start of their new series on animation, they'll discuss its diversity, impact, and why it does not get the credit it deserves. Why shouldn't animation be considered a genre? Why is Wes Anderson's dry humor is so great? Is Stephen LaGue the human version of Kylie the Opossum?

                    WARNING: Full spoilers for Fantastic Mr. Fox

                    Films mentioned in this episode
                    • Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) | Dir. Wes Anderson
                    • Toy Story (1995) | Dir. John Lasseter
                    • Coco (2017) | Dir. Lee Unkrich
                    • Inside Out (2015) | Dir. Peter Docter
                    • Only Yesterday (1991) | Dir. Isao Takahata
                    • The Wind Rises (2013) | Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
                    • Finding Nemo (2003) | Dir. Andrew Stanton
                    • Piper (2016) | Dir. Alan Barillaro
                    • The Incredibles (2004) | Dir. Brad Bird
                    • Incredibles 2 (2018) | Dir. Brad Bird
                    • Moonrise Kingdom (2012) | Dir. Wes Anderson
                    • The Darjeeling Limited (2007) | Dir. Wes Anderson
                    • Kicking & Screaming (1995) | Dir. Noah Baumbach
                    • Frances Ha (2012) | Dir. Noah Baumbach
                    • While We're Young (2014) | Dir. Noah Baumbach
                    • The Squid & the Whale (2005) | Dir. Noah Baumbach
                    • Isle of Dogs (2018) | Dir. Wes Anderson
                    • Hot Rod (2007) | Dir. Akiva Schaffer
                    • Bottle Rocket (1996) | Dir. Wes Anderson
                    • Rushmore (1998) | Dir. Wes Anderson
                    • The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) | Dir. Wes Anderson
                    • The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (2004) | Dir. Wes Anderson
                    • The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) | Dir. Wes Anderson
                    • Porco Rosso (1992) | Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
                      • 55 min

                    About Rules of the Frame

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                    Join Connor and Jon as they seek the deeper meaning behind some of the world's most intriguing films. From indie art house films to the biggest summer blockbusters, these guys tackle it all. Come…