Running commentaries that you listen to while you watch the movie.

Articles in September, 2008

Commentary: Goldfinger

2008.Sep.13 | by in Entertainment | , , | 0 comments

Bond is back again in probably the most popular—and certainly most influential—James Bond film. He’s asked to check out Auric Goldfinger in this one, and uncovers a dastardly plot to steal—wait for it—gold! I discuss the gold-painted girl, the Aston Martin DB5, the idea of substituting golf for baccarat, the plausibility of putting a Lincoln Continental in a Ranchero, the plausibility of machismo overcoming lesbianism, the US Army’s sense of humor, and, of course, Pussy Galore.

Standard Podcast [ 1:50:24 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (259)

Commentary: Raiders of the Lost Ark

2008.Sep.1 | by in Entertainment | , , | 0 comments

Harrison Ford breathes life into another icon when he picks up the whip and fedora offered by George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Lawrence Kasdan. I talk about the film’s origins and episodic nature, call it “nearly perfect,” and point out its various imperfections. I ponder the nature of the triple villain and the character arc that Indy travels. I compare it to romantic comedies and serials of the 1930s and ’40s, and to the other Indiana Jones films. I say 1935 a couple of times when I mean 1936. I say Martin Scorsese directed Tucker when I mean Francis Ford Coppola. And I squeeze in a reference to Yakima Canutt.

Raiders of the Lost Ark commentary [ 1:53:11 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (249)

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