“Spoilerpiece Theatre” is a weekly movie podcast where I talk about new releases with fellow BOFCA critics Dave Riedel and Kris Jenson. We don’t give a shit about spoilers. We just want to talk about the movies.
In Episode #15 below, we talk about Keanu Reeves’ old-guy-kicking-ass movie John Wick, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman, and the very French The Blue Room. Tangents this week include why trailers suck, the French as a people, the Byronic hero, and lots of other stuff. Plus, Dave sings “Two Heads Are Better Than One” for a half-chorus (it’s my fault), and Kris explains how John Wick (the character) comes to violence (short version: The bad guys came at him on the WRONG day). If you enjoy Spoilerpiece Theatre, keep up with us at www.spoilerpiece.com and find us on iTunes here.
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What really sets director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s BIRDMAN apart is the cinematography of Emmanuel Lubezki. The camera swoops and turns, doubles back and around through the St. James theater in New York City separately focusing on assorted conversations at different times throughout the venue. The display occasionally induces claustrophobia in the observer but the effect can be breathtaking as well. It’s a spectacular feat that could have become a gimmick, but the manipulation here is so effortless that it is a welcome and, dare I say, vital component of the production.
P.S. Evan!! Haven't seen you around my site in months!! Wher ya been buddy? Miss your insightful comments.:-)
Hey Mark,
I completely agree that the cinematography in BIRDMAN is breathtaking. You're right that occasionally it can induce claustrophobia, but I think it only makes the more effective since its goal seems to be keeping your anxiety at its peak. Some of its visual tricks could be a bit gimmicky for some, although for me they're precisely why this movie works so well.
I know i haven't been over to your site for a while! I've been saving up your reviews in my email and I'll pop by at some point next week to leave you some comments when my schedule clears up a bit. In the meantime, I hope all is well with you.