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The Big Picture podcast

The Big Picture

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins review the movies you need to see. Plus: Top 5s, Movie Drafts, Oscars analysis, and more, featuring a rotating cast of Ringer colleagues like Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and Bill Simmons.

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins review the movies you need to see. Plus: Top 5s, Movie Drafts, Oscars analysis, and more, featuring a rotating cast of Ringer colleagues like Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and Bill Simmons.

 

#629

The Martin Scorsese Hall of Fame

With ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ just weeks away, Sean, Amanda, and Chris gather to run through the long list of films that Martin Scorsese has made and build a 10-movie Hall of Fame to Marty’s career. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

17 hrs Ago

2 HR 04 MINS

2:04:32

17 hrs Ago


#628

The 21st Century Sci-Fi Canon, ‘The Creator,’ and ‘No One Will Save You’

The 21st Century Sci-Fi Canon, ‘The Creator,’ and ‘No One Will Save You’ Sean is joined by Chris Ryan to discuss all things science fiction. First, they cover Brian Duffield’s new film, ‘No One Will Save You’ (4:33) before turning to Gareth Edwards’s ‘The Creator’ (14:58) starring John David Washington. Later, they come together to form the 21st Century Sci-Fi Canon featuring their ten favorite science fiction films since 2000 (48:47). Host: Sean Fennessey Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

29 Sep 2023

1 HR 34 MINS

1:34:50

29 Sep 2023


#627

‘Stop Making Sense’ and the Top 5 Concert Films

Sean and Amanda briefly discuss the news that the Writers Guild of America has a tentative agreement with the AMPTP to end their strike (1:00), before bringing on The Ringer's Rob Harvilla to discuss A24's re-release of Jonathan Demme's Talking Heads concert film 'Stop Making Sense' (7:00). Then, the three rank their five favorite concert films (44:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Rob Harvilla Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

26 Sep 2023

1 HR 43 MINS

1:43:53

26 Sep 2023


#626

The Top 10 Garbage Cash Movies and ‘Dumb Money’

Sean, Amanda, and Chris review ‘Dumb Money,’ Craig Gillespie’s new movie based on the events of the 2021 Wall Street GameStop short (1:00). Then, they craft a new entrant into their running “garbage” genre series—Garbage Cash—and list the 10 most apt entrants into the genre (53:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

22 Sep 2023

1 HR 24 MINS

1:24:33

22 Sep 2023


#625

‘A Haunting in Venice’ and the Top 5 Haunted House Movies

Sean and Amanda review Kenneth Branagh’s third Agatha Christie adaptation, ‘A Haunting in Venice’ (1:00), before expanding their thoughts on haunted house films by sharing 10 of their favorites in the genre (45:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

19 Sep 2023

1 HR 25 MINS

1:25:46

19 Sep 2023


#624

The 20 Most Intriguing Movies of the Fall and the Best of the Toronto International Film Festival

Sean and Amanda are joined by Ringer contributor and film critic Adam Nayman to discuss the highs, lows, and shifting culture of the Toronto International Film Festival (1:00). Then, they share a joint list of the most anticipated movies of 2023 that neither have shown each other until now (23:00), including ‘Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,’ ‘Pain Hustlers,’ ‘Leave the World Behind,’ and more. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Adam Nayman Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

15 Sep 2023

1 HR 31 MINS

1:31:08

15 Sep 2023


#623

The Denzel Washington Draft

We are drafting again! Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan are joined by Bill Simmons and Van Lathan for a draft of the best Denzel Washington movies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan, Bill Simmons, and Van Lathan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

12 Sep 2023

1 HR 50 MINS

1:50:06

12 Sep 2023


#622

600th Episode Mega Mailbag Extravaganza

To celebrate Episode 600, Sean and Amanda open up the mailbag to answer your questions about how they watch movies, Martin Scorsese, what’s changed in the last six years, the fictional location where they’d like to have a drink or meal, the rejected alternate names for the podcast, and more! Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

08 Sep 2023

1 HR 43 MINS

1:43:59

08 Sep 2023


#621

10 Way-Too-Early Oscar Predictions and the Best Movies at Telluride and Venice

After their respective trips to Colorado and Italy, Sean and Amanda convene to discuss the movies they watched at Telluride and Venice Film Festivals, including films from David Fincher, Sofia Coppola, Michael Mann, Yorgos Lanthimos, Bradley Cooper, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, and more (1:00). Then, they share some early Oscar predictions based on the quality and buzz surrounding the films coming out of the two festivals (1:10:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

06 Sep 2023

1 HR 40 MINS

1:40:19

06 Sep 2023


#620

The 2006 Movie Draft

We are drafting again! Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan reunite for a draft of the best movies of 2006. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

31 Aug 2023

1 HR 38 MINS

1:38:19

31 Aug 2023


#619

'Dune 2' Pushed Back, Barbenheimer’s $2 Billion, and Everything We Missed While We Were Out

We’re back! Sean and Amanda discuss all the movies they missed, the big stories out of Hollywood, and much more (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by ‘Bottoms’ director Emma Seligman to discuss her new comedy (1:35:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Emma Seligman Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

28 Aug 2023

2 HR 05 MINS

2:05:13

28 Aug 2023


#618

8. I Love America | Do We Get to Win This Time?

Oliver Stone returns to Vietnam with ‘Born on the Fourth of July’—a movie that closes out the ’80s, as well as the Vietnam movie boom. But ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Dead Presidents’ prove that ’90s audiences aren’t ready to leave Vietnam for good. Other films we talk about in this episode include ‘Running on Empty’ (1988), ‘Dogfight’ (1991), and ‘Heaven and Earth’ (1993). Host: Brian Raftery  Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner  Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville  All interviews for this series were conducted before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

25 Aug 2023

1 HR 13 MINS

1:13:21

25 Aug 2023


#617

7. Ain’t War Hell? | Do We Get to Win This Time?

In the late ’80s, a new wave of big-studio hits like ‘Full Metal Jacket’ and ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ introduces young moviegoers to Vietnam—and helps turn the war into an unlikely pop-culture phenomenon. Other films we talk about in this episode include ‘Hamburger Hill’ (1987) and ‘Casualties of War’ (1989).  Host: Brian Raftery  Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner  Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville  Interviews for this series were conducted before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

23 Aug 2023

57 MINS

57:53

23 Aug 2023


#616

6. I Am Reality | Do We Get to Win This Time?

Oliver Stone’s harrowing and heartbreaking Vietnam drama ‘Platoon’ becomes a worldwide phenomenon in 1986—and signals the beginning of the Vietnam movie boom. Host: Brian Raftery  Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner  Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville  All interviews for this series were conducted before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

21 Aug 2023

48 MINS

48:49

21 Aug 2023


#615

5. Nothing Is Over | Do We Get to Win This Time?

In the early 1980s, as America is grappling with the fallout of Vietnam, a troubled big-screen vet named John Rambo launches an unlikely movie franchise—and leads a wave of make-believe soldiers who are ready to fight the war all over again.   Other films we talk about in this episode include ‘First Blood’ (1982), ‘Uncommon Valor’ (1983), ‘Missing in Action’ (1984), and ‘Rambo: First Blood Part II’ (1985).  Host: Brian Raftery  Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner  Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville  All interviews for this series were conducted before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

18 Aug 2023

48 MINS

48:46

18 Aug 2023


#614

4. Little by Little, We Went Insane | Do We Get to Win This Time?

‘Apocalypse Now’ closes out the 1970s with the most ambitious Vietnam movie yet: a big-budget spectacle that will bring moviegoers closer than ever to the madness of war—and nearly push director Francis Ford Coppola over the edge.  Other films we talk about in this episode include ‘Who’ll Stop the Rain’ (1978), ‘The Boys in Company C’ (1978), ‘Go Tell the Spartans’ (1978), and ‘Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse’ (1991). Host: Brian Raftery  Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner  Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville  All interviews for this series were conducted before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

16 Aug 2023

50 MINS

50:47

16 Aug 2023


#613

3. What a Strange Country | Do We Get to Win This Time?

In the late ’70s, ‘The Deer Hunter’ and ‘Coming Home’ offer two very different visions of Vietnam—and become unexpected hits. Together, they’d bring the war to the mainstream—and to the Oscars. Host: Brian Raftery  Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner  Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville  All interviews for this series were conducted before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

14 Aug 2023

49 MINS

49:43

14 Aug 2023


#612

2. I Just Don’t Talk About It | Do We Get to Win This Time?

It’s the mid-’70s, and Hollywood is still scared of Vietnam. But a series of dark and wildly entertaining B movies brings the war to the big screen, with explosive results.  Other films we talk about in this episode include ‘M*A*S*H’ (1970), ‘Soldier Blue’ (1970), ‘Brotherhood of Death’ (1976), ‘Taxi Driver’ (1976), and ‘Rolling Thunder’ (1977). Host: Brian Raftery  Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner  Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville All interviews for this series were conducted before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

11 Aug 2023

39 MINS

39:11

11 Aug 2023


#611

1. Give ’Em Hell | Do We Get to Win This Time?

In the late-’60s, John Wayne stars in the first hit Vietnam movie: his controversial blockbuster ‘The Green Berets.’ And the piercing documentary ‘Hearts and Minds’ leads to an Oscar-night meltdown in 1975. Other films we talk about in this episode include ‘In the Year of the Pig’ (1969) and ‘Winter Soldier’ (1972).  Host: Brian Raftery  Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner  Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville  All interviews for this series were conducted before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

08 Aug 2023

40 MINS

40:11

08 Aug 2023


#610

Prologue | Do We Get to Win This Time?

‘The Deer Hunter.’ ‘Apocalypse Now.’ ‘First Blood.’ ‘Platoon.’ They’re among the hit films dealing with the Vietnam War—a conflict that divided moviegoers and inspired filmmakers. For decades, Hollywood released countless films about the war and its fallout—from action flicks to combat tales to sweeping dramas.  Through exclusive new interviews, ‘Do We Get to Win This Time?’ chronicles the making of Hollywood’s most ambitious and controversial Vietnam movies. Along the way, we also learn how these films reflected and shaped moviegoers’ feelings toward the war—and toward each other. Host: Brian Raftery  Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner  Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

08 Aug 2023

17 MINS

17:09

08 Aug 2023


#609

Sharks, Alligators, Piranhas, and the Top 10 Garbage Fish Movies

Sean and Amanda are joined by Ringer contributor Brian Raftery to discuss his upcoming series ‘Do We Get to Win This Time? How Hollywood Made the Vietnam War,’ which will be running on ‘The Big Picture’ feed over the next three weeks (1:00). Then, at long last, Sean and Chris Ryan unveil the latest genre in their ongoing niche genre project: Garbage Fish (15:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan and Brian Raftery Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

04 Aug 2023

1 HR 25 MINS

1:25:46

04 Aug 2023


#608

The Top 5 Scariest Summer Movies and ‘Talk to Me’

Sean discusses ‘Talk to Me,’ the horror movie of the summer, and his five scariest summer movies (1:00), before being joined by the directors of the film, Danny and Michael Philippou (10:00). Then, he is joined by ‘Afire’ director Christian Petzold to discuss his new film, his career, and the shared interests of arthouse and commercial cinema (41:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey Guests: Danny and Michael Philippou, Christian Petzold Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

02 Aug 2023

1 HR 06 MINS

1:06:47

02 Aug 2023


#607

The Movie Star Liquor Taste Test

To celebrate Amanda’s birthday, Sean, Amanda, and Bobby gather to taste the various liquors, wines, beers, and mixed drinks endorsed or owned by movie stars. While tasting, they discuss the stars’ careers—past, present, and future—and whether their business projects are to blame for the shift in their focus away from the silver screen. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

31 Jul 2023

1 HR 57 MINS

1:57:35

31 Jul 2023


#606

The ‘Barbie’ Deep Dive With Greta Gerwig!

Sean and Amanda are joined by Ringer-verse co-host Joanna Robinson to dive deep into ‘Barbie’—its innovation, its performances, its overwhelming success at the box office, and everything in between (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Greta Gerwig to discuss her approach to building the ‘Barbie’ world, the unique challenges it presented, how it relates to the other two films she’s directed, the cultural phenomenon it has set off, and more (1:29:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Greta Gerwig and Joanna Robinson Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

27 Jul 2023

2 HR 09 MINS

2:09:37

27 Jul 2023


#605

The ‘Oppenheimer’ Deep Dive

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to discuss Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ in granular detail, including its script, cinematography, extensive cast, big ideas, and ultimate success. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

24 Jul 2023

1 HR 45 MINS

1:45:47

24 Jul 2023


#604

‘Barbie’ + ‘Oppenheimer,’ a.k.a. Barbenheimer, Is Upon Us!

The biggest movie weekend in years is finally here. Sean and Amanda discuss the theater-going experience surrounding Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ and Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ (1:00), including the order and circumstances in which you should see them. Then, they dig into their feelings on ‘Oppenheimer’ and where Nolan stands in Hollywood (17:00), before pivoting their focus to ‘Barbie’ and what it signals about Gerwig’s ambitions and desires as a filmmaker (52:00). This episode makes an effort to be spoiler-free of plot points in both ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer,’ but does feature in-depth discussion of Sean and Amanda’s reactions and feelings about each movie. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

21 Jul 2023

1 HR 42 MINS

1:42:36

21 Jul 2023


#603

The ‘Mission: Impossible’ Mailbag, and Movie Rankings

Sean and Amanda discuss the dramatic effect the SAG-AFTRA strike will have on the movie industry (1:00), before opening up the mailbag and answering any and all questions about the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise (15:00). Then, they do the impossible work of ranking all seven installments in the franchise (1:10:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

18 Jul 2023

1 HR 32 MINS

1:32:52

18 Jul 2023


#602

‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ Is Here, and It’s Spectacular

Sean and Amanda dive into one of their most anticipated movies in years, the return of Ethan Hunt and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

12 Jul 2023

1 HR 25 MINS

1:25:53

12 Jul 2023


#601

10 Movies We Missed This Year

Sean and Amanda dig into the year’s releases that they haven’t covered yet, including ‘Joy Ride,’ ‘Insidious: The Red Door,’ ‘Elemental,’ and more. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

10 Jul 2023

1 HR 10 MINS

1:10:15

10 Jul 2023