The Backlight Podcast

Pat and Mike talk about the world famous clown in his new iteration, Joker, played by Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Todd Phillips. 

Pat and Mike talk about films of different cultures and backgrounds, and the idea of filmmakers and films being inclusive, not just based on race or identity.

The Western went out with a bang a few years ago, and now it's time for a new sheriff in town, understanding why the Westerns were the way they are, and what new movies can do to address the good, the bad, and the ugly of what a Western used to be in American cinema.

This week we talk about Roger Deakins, one of our favorite cinematographers, and the delicate relationship of a director and their cinematographer when creating a film.

Denis Villenueve has a great catalog of films, like Sicario, Arrival, Prisoners, Blade Runner 2047. He creates immersive worlds, and gorgeous themes, but Pat and I wanted to talk today on the symbolism of mazes in his movies.

In this episode, Pat and Mike talk about two action movies, comparing thematic and cinematic elements that make them fun to watch.