After a 15-year hiatus, the legendary archaeologist Indiana Jones returns for one last adventure in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Directed by James Mangold, this fifth installment in the franchise aims to capture the spirit of the original trilogy, particularly Raiders of the Lost Ark, while bringing the series to a satisfying conclusion. With a script co-written by Mangold, David Koepp, Jez Butterworth, and John-Henry Butterworth – not to mention the return of Harrison Ford in the titular role – anticipation was high for this final chapter. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up (again) the Indiana Jones series with a conversation about Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Dialing Up the Nostalgia or Stuck in the Past?
In our discussion, we explore the various aspects of—Hold on there! This is currently only available for members. It’ll be available to everyone else soon, but why not become a member so you can listen to it now? We’d love it if you became a member to support our show, but you’d love it because of everything you get. We have monthly member bonus episodes that only members can access. You also get access to members-only Discord channels, and early ad-free releases for every episode. Plus, you get to vote on the movies we discuss in our members only episodes! What can we say? It pays to be a member. Learn more about supporting The Next Reel film podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.
Clint Eastwood’s 1992 Western masterpiece, Unforgiven, was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The film, which Eastwood directed and starred in, was a revisionist take on the classic Western genre, exploring themes of violence, redemption, and the myth of the American West. With its complex characters and morally ambiguous storyline, Unforgiven challenged traditional Western tropes and helped revitalize the genre for a new generation of filmgoers. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we conclude our member bonus series looking at the 1993 Academy Award Best Film Editing Nominees with Eastwood’s 1992 film Unforgiven.
Exploring the Depths of Unforgiven
We discuss how the film subverts traditional Western archetypes, presenting a more realistic and gritty portrayal of life on the frontier. We also explore the film’s themes of violence and redemption, examining how Eastwood’s character, William Munny, grapples with his past as a notorious outlaw and his desire to leave that life behind.
Throughout the discussion, we highlight several key aspects of Unforgiven that make it a standout entry in the Western genre. We praise Eastwood’s direction and performance, as well as the supporting cast, which includes Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, and Richard Harris. We also touch on the film’s cinematography, which captures the stark beauty of the American West while also conveying a sense of danger and unease.
Other Topics Covered
The film’s commentary on the mythologizing of the American West
The moral ambiguity of the characters and their actions
The role of women in the Western genre
The film’s place within Eastwood’s larger body of work as a director and actor
A Western for the Ages
Ultimately, we conclude that Unforgiven is a masterful example of the Western genre and a film that continues to resonate with audiences over three decades after its release. Through its nuanced exploration of complex themes and its subversion of traditional Western tropes, Unforgiven stands as a testament to Eastwood’s skill as a filmmaker and his enduring legacy in American cinema. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
This is a member bonus episode. We’d love it if you became a member to support our show, but you’d love it because of everything you get. We have monthly member bonus episodes that only members can access. You also get other monthly member bonus episodes, access to members-only Discord channels, and early releases for every episode. Plus, no ads! And you get to vote on the movies we discuss in our members only episodes! What can we say? It pays to be a member. Learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.
Robert Altman’s The Player is a satirical dark comedy that takes a sharp look at the inner workings of Hollywood and the movie industry. The film was nominated for Best Film Editing at the 1993 Academy Awards, competing against Basic Instinct, The Crying Game, A Few Good Men, and the winner Unforgiven.The Player marked Altman’s return to the spotlight after a string of critical and commercial disappointments in the 1980s.
Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the member bonus 1993 Academy Awards Best Film Editing Nominees series with a conversation about The Player.
A Hollywood Murder Mystery Wrapped in Satire In our discussion of The Player, we delve into the film’s satirical elements and how effectively they hold up today. We examine the portrayal of Hollywood executives, writers, and the pitch process, and whether the film’s ending undermines or strengthens its satirical bite. We also explore the movie’s two main narrative threads – the threatening postcards Griffin Mill receives and the arrival of Larry Levy as a potential rival at the studio – and debate which storyline is more compelling.
Altman’s Unique Style and the Film’s Legacy Throughout the episode, we touch upon Altman’s distinctive directorial techniques, such as his use of overlapping dialogue and the laughter at the Pasadena police station. We also discuss the film’s all-star cast and the prevalent use of cameos, which serve to create a realistic Hollywood atmosphere.
Other topics and points covered in our conversation include:
Lyle Lovett’s acting career and his role as the mysterious detective
The film’s Hollywood ending and its bleak commentary on Hollywood’s priorities
Memorable scenes, such as the eight-minute-plus oner that opens the film
The movie’s balancing act between reality and satire
The Player remains a thought-provoking and entertaining critique of the Hollywood system, bolstered by Altman’s signature style and a stellar ensemble cast. While its satirical elements may not be as biting by today’s standards (or even by 1992 standards), the film still offers a fascinating glimpse into the machinations of the movie industry. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
This is a member bonus episode. We’d love it if you became a member to support our show, but you’d love it because of everything you get. We have monthly member bonus episodes that only members can access. You also get member bonus content in extended episodes, access to members-only Discord channels, access to watch episodes live when we record and comment along with it, and early releases for every episode. Plus, no ads! And you get to vote on the movies we discuss in our members only episodes! What can we say? It pays to be a member. Learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Top Gun: Maverick
Tár
Courtroom Drama Meets Military Ethics – and Hollywood Ethics – in Sorkin’s Debut
Before A Few Good Men hit the big screen, Aaron Sorkin’s riveting story about two U.S. Marines accused of murder premiered on Broadway in 1989. The play, inspired by true events but not explicitly marketed as such, caught the attention of Hollywood heavyweights, leading to the 1992 film adaptation directed by Rob Reiner. With an all-star cast including Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore, the movie garnered critical acclaim and four Academy Award nominations, including Best Film Editing. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1993 Academy Awards Best Film Editing Nominees member bonus series with a conversation about A Few Good Men.
Unraveling the Truth Behind the Code Red
In our discussion of A Few Good Men, we dive into the central theme of the film – the tension between—Hold on there! This is currently only available for members because it’s our May member bonus episode. Why not become a member so you can listen too? We’d love it if you became a member to support our show, but you’d love it because of everything you get. We have monthly member bonus episodes like this that only members can access. There’s often additional member bonus content in regular episodes. You also get access to members-only Discord channels, and early ad-free releases for every episode. Plus, you get to vote on the movies we discuss in our members only episodes! What can we say? It pays to be a member. Learn more about supporting The Next Reel film podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.
A Few Good Men stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, as it expertly weaves together elements of drama, suspense, and moral ambiguity. The film’s thought-provoking themes, combined with its outstanding performances and skilled editing, make it a must-see for any fan of courtroom dramas or military-themed movies. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!