Episode Collection: Writer + Cinematographer

David Mamet and Roger Deakins reconvene as Double Feature looks at the guiding hand. A complete deconstruction of what it even means to “write” a film. Also: the secret holy trinity of horror cinematography. In the podcast episode discussing the films Vanya on 42nd Street and The Village, the theme of isolation and its impact on the human psyche will be examined. Both films focus on small communities that are isolated from the rest of the world, either by choice or by circumstance. Through the experiences of the characters, the podcast will delve into the ways in which isolation can lead to both psychological and emotional isolation, as well as how it can foster a sense of community and togetherness. The podcast will also explore the role that the external world plays in shaping the internal experiences of the characters, and how their sense of self is impacted by their isolation. By examining the themes of isolation and community in these two films, the podcast aims to provide a deeper understanding of the human experience in relation to the world around us.

The writing and cinematography adventure gets difficult! The Verdict and Doubt. The David Mamet, writer, and Roger Deakins, cinematographer, Year 12 journey continues. Even Mamet gets demands for rewrites. Convoluted plots that may not really matter without the core character. Writing a courtroom drama. Classic three-act structure. Deakins does what a film needs him to do. The things that happened on screen. Semi-ambiguous pedophilia returns to Double Feature. Foreground versus background. Subtle camera work allowing the story to advance. Revisiting the hypothesis. Ghosts versus sledgehammers.

Taking another step toward understand writing and cinematography! Listening for David Mamet in America Buffalo and looking for Roger Deakins in The Company Men. Michael is proud of his experiment this year. Watching film without worrying what’s going on. You still can’t watch Double Feature. Unless you join the Patreon. American Buffalo is almost a bottle movie, almost written just for Alec Baldwin. Filling in a minimalist film with strong writing. Fucking yourself on a nickel deal. Disenfranchised white collar white men in The Company Men. Ben Affleck as a sad banker who likes boats. A film from the narrow window of time when rich white men weren’t largely hated. Sympathetic visual storytelling. Shooting for dramatic performances versus maximizing comedy.