2014-12-25

The Big Lebowski (1998) Audio Commentary

Zen and shiftlessness are often indistinguishable from one another

RC-2014-102: The Big Lebowski (1998)



Now that the National Film Registry has deemed Lebowski "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant," I thought it the perfect time to delve into the Coen's 1998 comedy/noir/half-assed thinkpiece on Reagan-era zeitgeist. I get lost in the beautiful shadow work of Deakins, point out relevant tropes found throughout the Coen's work, and speculate about what people will remember the day John Turturro dies. After explaining exactly what I think the movie's themes are, I decide that it doesn't matter because the Coens don't really mean any of it.

Show Notes
  • Documentary about Lebowski culture
  • William Kunstler documentary
  • The Wikpedia page for Ron Kuby actually mentions his being name-checked in the film (I didn't mention that he and Kunstler were friends)
  • Brunswick actually makes all kinds of shit, not just bowling and billiards
  • Roger & Gene's original review

Download the mp3.

2014-06-30

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly (1967) Audio Commentary


The late Eli Wallach, the star of and secret sauce in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
RC-2014-101: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1967)



Reflect on the recent passing of Eli Wallach by re-watching his finest hour. Which was actually three hours. I team up with the grand poo-bah of fan commentaries, Tysto, for an appraisal of Sergio Leone's classic. We converse about firearms, Steve McQueen (Bullitt, not 12 Years a Slave), and the movie's leisurely-but-cinematic storytelling. We also laugh at the antics of Tuco and at the over-representation of characters named "Shorty."

To sync, hit "pause" after the MGM logo fades to black.

Show Notes
Download the mp3, or mosey on over to iTunes.