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The Prestige
By KaijuFMTV & Film
The Prestige episodes
- 4.30 - BOOKSMART (2019) & Heartbreak
The final film in our ‘high school’ sub-season is the Olivia Wilde film from last year BOOKSMART. After some reviews, we talk about the effectiveness of films that might not be ‘for us’ as an audience, and the division of high school films into movies about nostalgia, coming of age, or romance — and this discussion leads into a retrospective on the sub-season as a whole, for which this movie serves as an excellent conclusion, in a number of senses.
Next Time
We begin our sub-season of ‘heist’ movies with one that, arguably, kick-started the genre as a whole: RIFIFI (1955).Recent Media
QUEER EYE: WE’RE IN JAPAN! (2019): David Collins, Bobby Berk, Karamo BrownUNCUT GEMS (2019): Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, Adam SandlerRecommendations
SANTA CLARITA DIET (2017–19): Victor Fresco, Drew Barrymore, Timothy OlyphantTHE SPECTACULAR NOW (2013): James Ponsoldt, Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley‘No Love Like Yours’ (2016): Olivia Wilde, Nico Aglietti, Stewart ColeUNBELIEVABLE (2019): Lisa Cholodenko, Kaitlyn Dever, Toni ColetteLADY BIRD (2017): Greta Gerwig, Saoirse Ronan, Laurie MetcalfFootnotes
Details of Olivia Wilde's ‘no assholes’ policy on-set are here: https://www.gamesradar.com/olivia-wilde-had-a-strict-no-asshole-policy-on-set-while-filming-her-directorial-breakthrough-booksmart. Here you have more on the conventional idea of the ‘romantic story arc’ against which the film works: https://diymfa.com/writing/structure-romance-writing. This is an interesting piece on the use of stereotypes in film story-telling, though it veers more into the arena of cultural/ethnic stereotyping: https://www.lbbonline.com/news/stereotyping-in-storytelling. Finally, who doesn’t love a good, old-fashioned list? To finish off our time with ‘high school’ movies, here are a few we caught — and some we definitely missed (though some of the decisions are questionable…SUPERBAD higher than THE BREAKFAST CLUB??): https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/50-best-high-school-movies.Find Us On Podchaser - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-prestige-417454
Follow Us - https://www.twitter.com/prestigepodcastFollow Sam - https://www.twitter.com/life_academicFollow Rob - https://www.twitter.com/kaijufmFind Our Complete Archive on Kaiju.FM - http://www.kaiju.fm/the-prestige/36 min - 4.29 - SING STREET (2016) & Creativity
This week we discuss the 2016 musical-comedy-drama-fantasy (who knows?) SING STREET. After some reviews, we talk about the ways in which this is a musical, the use of emotion on film, and how this is a creatively structured film about creative structure (this may or may not make sense). Oh, and how this is a love story, but the female lead isn’t even in the top 3 romantic protagonists.
Next Time
The last film of our high school miniseries is the 2019 film BOOKSMART.Recent Media
SPACE FORCE (2020): Greg Daniels, Steve Carell, John MalkovichTHE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. (2015): Guy Ritchie, Henry Cavill, Armie HammerRecommendations
DEXTER (2006–13): Jeff Lindsay, James Manos Jr., Michael C. HallSON OF RAMBOW (2007): Garth Jennings, Bill Milner, Will PoulterFREE FIRE (2016): Ben Wheatley, Sharlto Copley, Armie HammerSCHOOL OF ROCK (2003): Richard Linklater, Jack Black, Joan CusackFootnotes
Firstly, this is a good review of the film:https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-reviews/sing-street-125992.Here’s the interview with John Carney that Rob mentions, in which he has something to say about the ending of the film:https://www.theverge.com/2016/4/21/11477490/sing-street-john-carney-interview-once-begin-again.In discussing musicals, we talk about jukebox musicals; this is a good list:https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-jukebox-musicals/amp.As is this, about different sorts of musical:https://www.musicalstages.co.uk/different-types-musical.Finally, in a reminder of this week’s pretentious note (to be expected from Sam!), here’s the wiki entry for the playwright J.M. Synge:https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Millington_Synge.Find Us On Podchaser - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-prestige-417454
Follow Us - https://www.twitter.com/prestigepodcastFollow Sam - https://www.twitter.com/life_academicFollow Rob - https://www.twitter.com/kaijufmFind Our Complete Archive on Kaiju.FM - http://www.kaiju.fm/the-prestige/31 min - 4.28 - THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER (2012) & Hopeful Realism
It’s the return of Sam! And we’re picking up where we left off, with a continuation of our mini-season of high school movies. This week, in a change (as explained in the episode) to the film we had been going to feature, it’s Emma Watson’s 2012 (post-HP) breakout role. After some reviews, we talk about how, refreshingly, this is a teen romance that’s actually not about its central relationship; the experiences of its female lead, both on-screen and off-; and filmed depictions of little griefs and in-spite-of-it-all positivity (something that we definitely need at the moment!).
Next Time
The penultimate movie in our ‘high school’ mini season is the 2016 musical comedy-drama SING STREET.Recent Media
HUNTERS (2020): David Weil, Logan Lernan, Jerrika HintonOCEAN’S ELEVEN/TWELVE/THIRTEEN (2001-07): Steven Soderbergh, George Clooney, Brad PittNEW AMSTERDAM (2018–): Eric Manheimer, David Schulner, Ryan EggoldKNIVES OUT (2019): Rian Johnson, Daniel Craig, Chris EvansSLEUTH (1972): Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Anthony Schaffer, Laurence OlivierRecommendations
MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (2011): Simon Curtis, Colin Clark, Michelle WilliamsTHE TRIBE (2014): Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy, Grygoriy Fesenko, Yana NovikovaTRAINWRECK (2015): Judd Apatow, Amy Schumer, Bill HaderATONEMENT (2007): Joe Wright, James McAvoy, Keira KnightleyFootnotes
Firstly, in our now-regular mention of Brecht, here’s an interesting piece on alienation on stage and screen:https://beautifultrouble.org/theory/alienation-effect. Further to this, here are a few recommendations for other films about alienation:https://www.tasteofcinema.com/2018/10-great-movies-that-explore-human-alienation.This is a good resource for thinking about on-screen outsiders:https://www.universalteacher.org.uk/gcsemedia/filmout.htm.If, like Sam (the real-life one, not the character), you haven’t seen THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, then this is a good place to start:https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rocky_Horror_Picture_Show_cult_following. Finally, for more on some of the debates surrounding Emma Watson, the proverbial internet rabbit hole starts here:https://www.kqed.org/pop/68229/why-does-emma-watsons-feminism-irritate-so-many-people (I came up with this article because I refused to Google ‘Emma Watson + sexualisation’; if you want to, though, be my guest! [And yes, that is an Emma Watson reference. Oooh: how clever...])Find Us On Podchaser - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-prestige-417454
Follow Us - https://www.twitter.com/prestigepodcastFollow Sam - https://www.twitter.com/life_academicFollow Rob - https://www.twitter.com/kaijufmFind Our Complete Archive on Kaiju.FM - http://www.kaiju.fm/the-prestige/41 min - CRIMSON PEAK (2015) & The Gothic
With Sam off being a dad, Rob ropes in some guest hosts, this week Naomi from Power Word Roll talking up a storm about the gothic horror/love story, Crimson Peak
Naomi has had a fascination with the elements of story most of her life, from fairytales in her early years to film at university. Now Naomi makes audio drama podcast Power Word Roll, and helps introduce others to the power of stories the charity No More Damsels.
Power Word Roll is a London actual play podcast that sounds more like a radio play! We take out the boring stuff to leave you with high drama D&D, concentrated into only 30 minutes.
Recent Media
Silent Witness (TV Series 1996– )Empire Records (1995)Recommendations
The Shape of Water (2017)Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)In a Valley of Violence (2016)Find Us On Podchaser - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-prestige-417454
Follow Us - www.twitter.com/prestigepodcastFollow Sam - www.twitter.com/life_academicFollow Rob - www.twitter.com/kaijufmFind Our Complete Archive on Kaiju.FM - http://www.kaiju.fm/the-prestige/36 min - 4.27 - ST TRINIANS (2007) & Unity
This week’s film is the 2007 re-boot of the anarchic ST. TRINIAN’S franchise. Post-reviews, we talk about different takes on the male gaze, on this film as a period piece, and on the way in which such films can be heightened versions of universal truths.
Next Time
As Rob says in the episode, who knows what next time will be? We’ll let you know as soon as we do! (Well: Sam won’t…he’ll be otherwise occupied… #prayforsam)Recent Media
ZOG (2018): Max Long, Julia Donaldson, Sir Lenny HenryCHEER (2020): Greg Whiteley, Monica Aldama, La’Darius MarshallTRIPWIRE (1999): Lee ChildBAD BOYS FOR LIFE (2020): Adil & Bilall, Will Smith, Martin LawrenceRecommendations
WESTWORLD (2016–): Jonathan Nolan, Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie NewtonTHE VOICES (2014): Marjane Satrapi, Ryan Reynolds, Gemma ArtertonPERSEPOLIS (2000, 2004): Marjane SatrapiMY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING (1997): P.J. Hogan, Julia Roberts, Dermot MulroneyPRIDE AND PREJUDICE (2005): Joe Wright, Jane Austen, Keira KnightleyFootnotes
Firstly, the story of Ronald Searle’s initial cartoons about the school and their inspiration (and the sheer violence of those involved!) is well worth reading. (The plot of THE BELLES OF ST. TRINIAN’S [1954], on which some of the plot elements here are based, is also good.) This article — particularly given the number of ‘intertextual' references within the film — is a good one. Finally, this book doesn’t have ST. TRINIAN’S in it, but (removes tongue from cheek) it is worth a look if you’re interested in the topic of heists on film: .Find Us On Podchaser - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-prestige-417454
Follow Us - www.twitter.com/prestigepodcastFollow Sam - www.twitter.com/life_academicFollow Rob - www.twitter.com/kaijufmFind Our Complete Archive on Kaiju.FM - http://www.kaiju.fm/the-prestige/34 min - 4.26 - MEAN GIRLS (2004) & Limits
This week our high school season has reached the cultural zenith (no shade: it’s a culturally important film!) of MEAN GIRLS (2004). After some reviews, we talk about meta-commentaries on teenage slang, the refreshing absence of strong male characters, and why this might be a film about leaving the limitations of high school days behind.
Next Time
Our next film in the high school genre is the 2007 version of ST. TRINIAN’S.Recent Media
ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (2019): Quentin Tarantino, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad PittSTAR TREK: DISCOVERY (2017–) Bryan Fuller, Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug JonesRecommendations
UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT (2015–19): Tristram Shapeero, Ellie Kemper, Jane KrakowskiSHERLOCK HOLMES (2009): Guy Ritchie, Robert Downey Jr., Jude LawMACHETE (2010): Ethan Maniquis, Robert Rodriguez, Danny Trejo500 DAYS OF SUMMER (2009): Mark Webb, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey DeschanelFootnotes
Rob mentions a test for female representation, which is described here: https://fanlore.org/wiki/Sexy_Lamp_Test. But that then sent me down a rabbit-hole of online descriptions of other tests, like this: https://fanlore.org/wiki/Bechdel_Test and this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mako_Mori_test. After that, it was a short step to reading other stories about gendered and racial representation on film, and scanning articles about the GamerGate and FakeFanGirls controversies, and then I realised that it was ten to 11 and I’ve got work tomorrow. Ho-hum. On the subject of teenage slang, any list like this https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/g4589/slang-word-meanings is automatically going to sound like Amy Poehler as a mum in about 6 months, which has what has happened with this one, so it would be really unfair to laugh at it…wouldn’t it…oh well: life’s not fair. Finally, for anyone with a passing interest in steampunk, or Sherlock Holmes, or graphic novels, or Alan Moore, Sam’s lecture on all of this is available here: https://prezi.com/n2nbdgzs1gof/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share.Find Us On Podchaser - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-prestige-417454
Follow Us - www.twitter.com/prestigepodcastFollow Sam - www.twitter.com/life_academicFollow Rob - www.twitter.com/kaijufmFind Our Complete Archive on Kaiju.FM - http://www.kaiju.fm/the-prestige/31 min - 4.25 - 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU (1999) and Fun
Our focus this week is the now 21-year-old (gulp) film, 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU. We follow some reviews with some discussion about the iconic status of this film, the multiple (and sometimes surprising!) similarities to Shakespeare, and the fact that it’s sometimes just good fun to put politics aside and — like Kat — enjoy yourself.
( This is a great point, and I (Sam) am wishing I made it during the episode. Damn.)Next Time
The next high school film we’re watching is the 2004 movie MEAN GIRLS.Recent Media
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (2019): J.J. Abrams,1917 (2019): Sam Mendes, George MacKay, Dean-Charles ChapmanDAYBREAK (2019): Brad Peyton, Colin Ford, Alyvia Alyn LindRecommendations
JUNO (2007): Jason Reitman, Ellen Page, Michael CeraBROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (2005): Ang Lee, Heath Ledger, Jake GyllenhaalSERENITY (2005): Joss Whedon, Nahan Fillon, Gina TorresBAD BOYS II (2003): Michael Bay, Martin Lawrence, Will SmithFootnotes
Firstly, here’s a plot summary of The Taming of the Shrew, the Shakespeare play on which this film is based. (On this note, this is a good article) [his has more on the process of editing a film to music (although, arguably, 10 THINGS… does what this article is trying not to do, and at times is almost deliberately like a music video). Here’s the plot of the play that inspired another classically influenced high school film, the ‘modern classic’ (R.Maythorne) SHE’S ALL THAT. Sam mentions the idea of ‘gaslighting' briefly, when talking about Kat’s conversation with Patrick; there’s more on that, here. Finally, here are a few of the promised links to Rob’s odes to the wonders of BAD BOYS IIFind Us On Podchaser - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-prestige-417454
Follow Us - www.twitter.com/prestigepodcastFollow Sam - www.twitter.com/life_academicFollow Rob - www.twitter.com/kaijufmFind Our Complete Archive on Kaiju.FM - http://www.kaiju.fm/the-prestige/35 min - 40 min
- 4.24 - THE CRAFT (1996) & Bullying
Our next film in the high school genre is the 1996 horror/comedy/supernatural drama THE CRAFT. After some largely positive reviews, we talk about how this is ultimately a film about knowing your place, while also being a feminist revenge fantasy, and also discuss the way in which this film exists at the confluence of supernatural battles and teenage toxicity.
Next Time
The next ‘high school’ film in our series is the 1999 movie 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU.Recent Media
THE BOYS (2019–): Eric Kripke, Karl Urban, Jack QuaidHAPPY DEATH DAY (2017): Christopher Landon, Jessica Rothe, Israel BroussardANNA AND THE APOCALYPSE (2017): John McPhail, Ella Hunt, Malcolm CummingRecommendations
ALMOST FAMOUS (2000): Cameron Crowe, Billy Crudup, Patrick FugitSCREAM (1996): Wes Craven, Neve Campbell, Courtney CoxTREMORS (1990): Ron Underwood, Kevin Bacon, Fred WardEMPIRE RECORDS (1995): Allan Moyle, Anthony LaPaglia, Maxwell CaulfieldFootnotes
Firstly, as we’re well into our season now, it would seem to be a good time to mention this list. At one point in the episode, we spend some time talking about the racial abuse suffered by Rochelle; this article is pertinent to this. Sam talks about the links between this week’s film and one about a similar experience — although admittedly a very masculine-centred one — from the previous decade; our episode about THE LOST BOYS is here. Finally, on the subject of the particularly toxic elements of ‘nerd fandom’ culture, see here.37 min - 4.23 - DAZED AND CONFUSED (1993) & Coming of Age
The next film in our ‘high school’ season is Richard Linklater’s DAZED AND CONFUSED, from 1993. After perhaps contrasting reviews, we go on to talk about fragmented teenaged memories, gender, and why rites of passage are important on screen.
Next Time
Our next ‘high school’ film is the 1996 film THE CRAFT.Recent Media
THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO (2019): Joe Talbot, Jimmy Fails, Jonathan MajorsHANNIBAL (2013–15): Bryan Fuller, Hugh Dancy, Mads MikkelsenRecommendations
ARGO (2012): Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan ArkinA BEAUTIFUL MIND (2001): Ron Howard, Russell Crowe, Ed HarrisEMPIRE RECORDS (1995): Allan Moyle, Anthony LaPaglia, Maxwell CaulfieldTHE MYTH OF THE AMERICAN SLEEPOVER (2010): David Robert Mitchell, Claire Sloma, Marlon MortonA SCANNER DARKLY (2006): Richard Linklater, Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr.STAR TREK: DISCOVERY (): Bryan Fuller, Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug JonesFootnotes
Firstly, here’s a reminder of a genre Rob talks about at the opening of the episode: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow_cinema. This is quite a serious explanation of ‘hazing’ (though, as we discussed, it’s something that the film in fact does take seriously, and does look negatively on): www.deanofstudents.umich.edu/article/what-hazing. When talking about gender stereotypes on film, this list is a nice antidote: www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/movies-that-defy-gender-stereotypes. For more reading matter on ritual, see www.books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=nUxRDAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=ritual&ots=kZvQU0ZuZI&sig=6VLoDnNQDqm25cg6cBwYEhO2hjM&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=ritual&f=false, www.books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Y0h0OEe19pcC&oi=fnd&pg=PA3&dq=rites+of+passage&ots=FpiGMVU_Ad&sig=8shoPc1HprTBABOtJuTFdOBGm88&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=rites%20of%20passage&f=false, www.books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=EMkx0wbyTecC&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=rites+of+passage&ots=qjrTkmWTb7&sig=OYWtIIj52pjIPlgFgsv941m9wms&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=rites%20of%20passage&f=false]. Finally, here’s our episode on MYTH OF THE AMERICAN SLEEPOVER, one of Rob’s recommendations this week: www.kaiju.fm/prestige/the-myth-of-the-american-sleepover-and-adolescence.35 min
About The Prestige
From the publisher's feed
A podcast for cinephiles of all stripes. Join Rob & Sam, two life-long friends, one a veteran of the film industry, the other a Cambridge-educated writer on books, movies and graphic novels. Each…
week they talk about a film and some of the ideas it throws up.