Explore every episode of the podcast Films for Today
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The End of Sacred Cinema... | 11 Aug 2024 | 00:29:00 | |
In this week's episode we bid farewell to Sacred Cinema and preview an exciting new program, also centred on the relationship between cinema and society. Be sure to keep 'following' Sacred Cinema for the time being, as it will be the home of our new show, 'Films for Today'! Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com | |||
| The Formidable-Facing Feminine - 'The Birds' (1963) d. Alfred Hitchcock, 'Contact' (1997) d. Robert Zemeckis & 'Twisters' (2024) d. Lee Isaac Chung | 04 Aug 2024 | 00:29:00 | |
What does intimidation feel like? Can brave curiosity fully solve all of the problems that confront us? What should the meek integrate in order to overcome domineering threats? Following on nicely from related discussions last week, this week's episode examines three distinct cinematic depictions of profoundly overwhelming and colossal forces imposing upon female protagonists. Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com | |||
| Avenging the Feminine - 'Lady Snowblood' (1973) d. Toshiya Fujita, 'Irreversible' (2002) d. Gaspar Noé & 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' (2024) d. George Miller | 02 Jun 2024 | 00:29:00 | |
What effect does vengeance have on feminine purity? Are avengers ever assaultive themselves? Is revenge the only response to injustice? With the release of 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga', this week's episode examines three films in which feminine characters are avenged. Contact us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com | |||
| Stressful Sequences - 'After Hours' (1985), 'Uncut Gems' (2019) & 'Full Time' (2021) | 31 Jul 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
How does it feel to be inundated with unwelcome stress? How can our own actions contribute to stress? Can stress ever be desirable? This week's episode focuses on three high-tempo films in which the titular protagonists are relentlessly burdened by various sources of stress. The Films: 'After Hours' (1985) directed by Martin Scorsese 'Uncut Gems' (2019) directed by Josh Safdie and Benny Safdie 'Full Time' (2021) directed by Eric Gravel Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_bernasconi/?hl=en | |||
| The Turning Tides in Taiwanese Cinema w/ Benson Wu, Helen Stenbeck & Yi-Tsun Chen - 'Homebound' (2022), 'Goddamned Asura' (2021) & 'Yi Yi' (2000) | 24 Jul 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
How do false images of faraway lands affect us? What is the relationship between our choices and the world around us? What impact has modernisation had on interhuman connectivity? In another special guest(s) episode, Jimmy sits down with Benson Wu, Helen Stenbeck and Yi-Tsun Chen from the 2022 Taiwanese Film Festival to chat about the ongoing transformations in Taiwan and its film industry and what audiences can look forward to at this year's festival. The Films: 'Homebound' (2022) directed by Ismail Fahmi Lubish 'Goddamned Asura' (2021) directed by Yi-an Lou 'Yi Yi' (2000) directed by Edward Yang Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_bernasconi/?hl=en | |||
| Playing with Murder w/ Nicolas Pleskof - 'Murder Party' (2022) | 24 Jul 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
What can the vicious act of murder teach us about strategy and logic? What does the act of play uncover in the face of mystery? Are we more attentive to truth when we find it ourselves? In this week's special episode, Jimmy sits down with French director Nicolas Pleskof to chat about his new film, 'Murder Party', and the intersection of games and murder. Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_bernasconi/?hl=en | |||
| High Art, Low Art - 'Sullivan's Travels' (1941), 'In Bruges' (2008) & 'Compartment Number 6' (2021) | 17 Jul 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
How should we view 'lowbrow' art? How should we approach conflicting views on artistic value? Is it useful for people to have differences in taste? Drawing on a number of themes raised in recent weeks, this week's episode challenges the highbrow/lowbrow dichotomy by examining cinematic depictions of filmmaking, architecture and archeology. The Films: 'Sullivan's Travels' (1941) directed by Preston Sturges 'In Bruges' (2008) directed by Martin McDonagh 'Compartment Number 6' (2021) directed by Juho Kuosmanen Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_bernasconi/?hl=en | |||
| The Odyssey of Brotherhood - 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' (2000), 'About Schmidt' (2002) & 'The Straight Story' (1999) | 10 Jul 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
What is the essence of brotherhood? What does true brotherhood feel like? What is required to find our brothers? Focusing on three modern American cinematic odysseys, this week's episode examines the long and adventurous journeys upon which we embark in finding and embracing our fellow man. The Films: 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' (2000) directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen 'About Schmidt' (2002) directed by Alexander Payne 'The Straight Story' (1999) directed by David Lynch Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_bernasconi/?hl=en | |||
| Descendants and Ancestors - 'Hereditary' (2018), 'Once Were Warriors' (1994) & 'The Descendants' (2011) | 03 Jul 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
How does it feel to suffer at the hands of our predecessors? Should we dispose of everything tainted by past mistakes? How can we view the burdens we inherit constructively? This week's episode examines three cinematic personifications of the past in order to unpack a key aspect of the eternal tension between conservatism and progressivism The Films: 'Hereditary' (2018) directed by Ari Aster 'Once Were Warriors' (1994) directed by Lee Tamahori 'The Descendants' (2011) directed by Alexander Payne Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_bernasconi/?hl=en | |||
| Decisiveness, Discipline and Dexter - 'Cold War' (2018), 'Whiplash' (2014) & ''Round Midnight' (1986) | 26 Jun 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
What are the dangers of indecisiveness? What are the dangers of self-discipline? What is the relationship between self-improvement and community? Following on from last week's discussion about the line between sacrifice and suicide, this week's episode looks at three cinematic depictions of jazz to distinguish self-discipline from self-destruction. The Films: 'Cold War' (2018) directed by Pawel Pawlikowski 'Whiplash' (2014) directed by Damien Chazelle ''Round Midnight' (1986) directed by Bertrand Tavernier Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_bernasconi/?hl=en | |||
| Weeping Widows - 'Midsommar' (2019), 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore' (1974) & 'Good Luck to You, Leo Grande' (2022) | 19 Jun 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
What does it take to abandon a toxic relationship? How do we endure through a lifetime of betrayal? Who is ultimately burdened with the responsibility of emancipating us from imprisoning relationships? Exploring the inverse of a number of themes covered over the past few weeks, this week's episode focuses on three romantically unfulfilled female protagonists confronting the fallout of severed relationships. The Films: 'Midsommar' (2019) directed by Ari Aster 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore' (1974) directed by Martin Scorsese 'Good Luck to You, Leo Grande' (2022) directed by Sophie Hyde Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_bernasconi/?hl=en | |||
| Blow-ins, Bravado & Beliefs - 'Straw Dogs' (1971), 'Wake in Fright' (1971) & 'The Wicker Man' (1973) | 12 Jun 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
How should outsiders behave in new and confronting circumstances? What happens when we follow the dominant mob? What is at the core of societal tension? Following on from discussions about the darker sides of masculinity, this week's episode focuses on a sub-genre of films from the early seventies that explored the friction between outsiders and communities with established traditions. The Films: 'Straw Dogs' (1971) directed by Sam Peckinpah 'Wake in Fright' (1971) directed by Ted Kotcheff 'The Wicker Man' (1973) directed by Robin Hardy Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_bernasconi/?hl=en | |||
| Killers - 'Snowtown' (2011), 'Killer Joe' (2011) & 'Sling Blade' (1996) | 05 Jun 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
From where does the killer instinct come? Should the state have the power to enact violence? When, if ever, is violence morally justifiable? Following on from recent episodes, in which we have explored confrontational and destructive societal tendencies, this week's episode further examines the nullification of those we despise. The Films: 'Snowtown' (2011) directed by Justin Kurzel 'Killer Joe' (2011) directed by William Friedkin 'Sling Blade' (1996) directed by Billy Bob Thornton Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_bernasconi/?hl=en | |||
| Clingers - 'Play Misty for Me' (1971) d. Clint Eastwood, 'The Cable Guy' (1996) d. Ben Stiller & 'The Piano Teacher' (2001) d. Michael Haneke | 26 May 2024 | 00:29:00 | |
What should we be cautious of when it comes to clingyness? Are there ever broader sociocultural elements at play when someone gets clingy? Is there ever a lot at stake when someone gets clingy? As the television program 'Baby Reindeer' continues to permeate the culture, this week's episode looks at three films depicting 'clingyness'. Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com | |||
| Boys Gone Wild - 'Taxi Driver' (1976), 'La Haine' (1995) & 'This Sporting Life' (1963) | 29 May 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
What is the relationship between injustice and destruction? Can we apprehend imminent destruction? What happens when we completely abandon the feminine? In light of recent events, this week's episode focuses on the potentially dangerous traits of the typical male psyche. The Films: Taxi Driver (1976) directed by Martin Scorsese La Haine (1995) directed by Mathieu Kassovitz This Sporting Life (1963) directed by Lindsay Anderson Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_bernasconi/?hl=en | |||
| Eliminating the Enemy - 'Dial M for Murder' (1954), 'Zulu' (1964) & 'Suspiria' (1977) | 22 May 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
Can we actually eliminate our enemies? How can we reconcile our differences? Where should we look for our enemies? Expanding our conversations into the romantic, political and personal realms, this week's episode contemplates the ways in which we should deal with those we oppose. The Films: Dial M for Murder (1954) directed by Alfred Hitchcock Zulu (1964) directed by Cy Endfield Suspiria (1977) directed by Dario Argento Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_bernasconi/?hl=en | |||
| False Prophets - 'La Ricotta' (1962), 'The Night of the Hunter' (1955) & 'Martha Marcy May Marlene' (2011) | 15 May 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
Do humans have the capacity to prophesy and preach truth? How do we identify false prophets? How adept are we at knowing when we are under someone's spell? Following recent episodes about the nature of cultural leaders, this episode focuses on the processes that underpin deceitful leadership. The Films: La Ricotta (1962) directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini The Night of the Hunter (1955) directed by Charles Laughton Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) directed by Sean Durkin Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_bernasconi/?hl=en | |||
| Rosebud - 'Citizen Kane' (1941), 'Midnight in Paris' (2011) & 'Be Kind Rewind' (2008) | 08 May 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
How powerful is nostalgia? How should we view the past? How should we use the past? This week's episode explores one of cinema's most iconic metaphors to unpack the power of the past. The Films: Citizen Kane (1941) directed by Orson Welles Midnight in Paris (2011) directed by Woody Allen Be Kind Rewind (2008) directed by Michel Gondry Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_bernasconi/?hl=en | |||
| Making Fun of Actors - 'Tropic Thunder' (2008), 'Waiting for Guffman' (1996) & 'Team America' (2004) | 01 May 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
Why does Hollywood sometimes annoy us? Are entertainers necessary? How should we respond to our cultural leaders? With Hollywood receiving an increasing amount of scrutiny in recent years, this week's episode explores what the entertainment industry has to say about its own potential failings. The Films: Tropic Thunder (2008) directed by Ben Stiller Waiting for Guffman (1996) directed by Christopher Guest Team America (2004) directed by Trey Parker Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Cops - 'Beverley Hills Cop' (1984), 'RoboCop' (1987) & 'Supercop' (1992) | 10 Apr 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
How do we successfully protect the public? What does the ideal protector look like? What do true heroes do? Focusing specifically on mid-80s to early 90s action films, this week's episode examines three specific movie cops in contemplating what society values in its protectors. The Films: Beverley Hills Cop (1984) directed by Martin Brest RoboCop (1987) directed by Paul Verhoeven Supercop (aka Police Story 3) directed by Stanley Tong Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Scary Stalkers II: The Final Girl - 'Scream' (1996), 'It Follows' (2014) & 'X' (2022) | 03 Apr 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
Do society's fears change over time? How does it feel to fear? Is there a way to leave our fears in the past? Following on from the 'Scary Stalkers' episode released a few weeks ago, this week's episode examines the ways in which the 'slasher' sub-genre has been re-imagined in the 21st century, specifically focusing on subversive depictions of 'the final girl'. The Films: Scream (1996) directed by Wes Craven It Follows (2014) directed by David Robert Mitchell X (2022) directed by Ti West Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Modern Relationships - 'The Last Days of Disco' (1998), 'The Virgin Suicides' (1999) & 'Licorice Pizza' (2021) | 27 Mar 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
Do we relate to each other in different ways as time passes? What are some of the consequences of misunderstanding someone? Are we doomed by our interpersonal differences? Focusing specifically on retrospective depictions of the mid to late 1970s and early 80s, this week's episode explores the ways in which opposites repel, alienate and attract one another in the modern world. The Films: The Last Days of Disco (1998) directed by Whit Stillman The Virgin Suicides (1999) directed by Sofia Coppola Licorice Pizza (2021) directed by Paul Thomas Anderson Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Divergent Roads - 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' (1997), 'Force Majeure' (2014) & 'The Daytrippers' (1997) | 20 Mar 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
How do we feel after making bad decisions? What should we do (or not do) when we realise that we have made a bad decision? Will we consistently make the right (or wrong) decision throughout the entirety of our lives? Using Robert Frost's iconic poem as its springboard, this week's episode explores the feelings of guilt, regret and remorse that often overwhelm us after making discretionary choices. The Films: I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) directed by Jim Gillespie Force Majeure (2014) directed by Ruben Östlund The Daytrippers (1997) directed by Greg Mottola Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Sex, Desire and Videotape - 'To Die For' (1995), 'Crash' (1996) & 'Sex, Lies and Videotape' (1989) | 13 Mar 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
Do all people desire the same thing? What does it look like to be enslaved by biological impulses? What does it look like to invest in our desires? Focusing specifically on American cinema from the late 80s to the mid 90s, this week's episode explores the interplay between human sexuality, human desire and the media. The Films: To Die For (1995) directed by Gus Van Sant Crash (1996) directed by David Cronenberg Sex, Lies and Videotape (1989) directed by Steven Soderbergh Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Private Investigators - 'The Long Goodbye' (1973) d. Robert Altman, 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective' (1994) d. Tom Shadyac & 'I Heart Huckabees' (2004) d. David O. Russell | 19 May 2024 | 00:29:00 | |
In what ways is privacy appealing? At what point does coolness verge into eccentricity? How is the avoidance of philosophical dogma paradoxical? In this week's episode we contemplate the extent to which privacy, as a symbol of pure independence, can assist in our search for truth. Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com | |||
| Quarantine Special | 06 Mar 2022 | 00:12:35 | |
Why should we watch films? What can we gain from watching films? What is the point of Sacred Cinema? Jimmy has managed to catch COVID-19 and is locked up in quarantine. Without a studio to keep his voice crisp, this week's very brief episode is a chance for him to talk about his love of movies and the ultimate goal of Sacred Cinema. Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| The Dark Side of Fatherhood - 'Dogtooth' (2009), 'Take Shelter' (2011) & 'Distant Voices, Still Lives' (1988) | 27 Feb 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
How do some fathers become overly oppressive? What do fathers ultimately fear for their families? How should we view ourselves in protecting our loved ones? After last week's episode focusing on the less attractive sides of motherhood, this week's episode explores the aspects of fatherhood that instil fear in both fathers and their families. The Films: Dogtooth (2009) directed by Yorgos Lanthimos Take Shelter (2011) directed by Jeff Nichols Distant Voices, Still Lives (1988) directed by Terence Davies Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| The Pains of Motherhood - 'Quo Vadis, Aida?' (2020), 'Secrets & Lies' (1996) & 'Autumn Sonata' (1978) | 20 Feb 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
Why is motherhood deeply profound? What are some of the terrifying aspects of motherhood? How should we confront a terrified mother? With the release of Quo Vadis, Aida? to Australian cinemas, this week's episode focuses on the more intense elements of motherhood and formulates some ways in which we can sympathise more with the people who gave life to us. The Films: Quo Vadis, Aida? (2020) directed by Jasmila Žbanić Secrets & Lies (1996) directed by Mike Leigh Autumn Sonata (1978) directed by Ingmar Bergman Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Scary Stalkers - 'Halloween' (1978), 'Friday the 13th' (1980) & 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (1984) | 13 Feb 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
What do the slow but steady steps of indestructible stalkers symbolise? Why do we feel compelled to acknowledge their presence? How should we face the things that relentlessly haunt us? The late 1970s and early 1980s gave rise to a cinematic archetype that continues to creep out of the shadows in contemporary horror films. This week, we contemplate what the scary stalker might symbolise in order to better face our forever dormant fears. The Films: Halloween (1978) directed by John Carpenter Friday the 13th (1980) directed by Sean S. Cunningham A Nightmare on Elm St (1984) directed by Wes Craven Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| The Deep Blue Sea - 'Deep Blue Sea' (1998), 'The Big Blue' (1988) & 'The Deep Blue Sea' (2011) | 06 Feb 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
From where is fear sourced? What is the cost of seeking to overcome the unknown? Can we ever escape the unknown, or should we learn to embrace it? This week, we contemplate the symbolic value of the blue abyss we call the sea by discussing three films in which it is a central motif. The Films: Deep Blue Sea (1998) directed by Renny Harlin The Big Blue (1988) directed by Luc Besson The Deep Blue Sea (2011) directed by Terence Davies Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| World War II - 'The Thin Red Line' (1998), 'Das Boot' (1981) & 'Schindler's List' (1993) | 30 Jan 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
From where does extreme violence come? How do we respond to what lurks in the shadows? How should we act in the face of war? In this week's episode, we take a look at three films set during World War II, viewing the global conflict as a spotlight on the extremes of the human condition. The Films: The Thin Red Line (1998) directed by Terrence Malick Das Boot (1981) directed by Wolfgang Peterson Schindler's List (1993) directed by Steven Spielberg Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| The Power of Nature in the Films of Peter Weir - 'The Cars That Ate Paris' (1974), 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' (1975), 'The Mosquito Coast' (1986), 'Master and Commander' (2003) & 'The Way Back' (2010) | 23 Jan 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
Can human constructs accurately explain nature? What happens when we try to solve nature? How should we relate to nature? This week's show focuses on 5 films from Australian director Peter Weir, tracking and discussing his various explorations of mankind's relationship with nature. The Films: The Cars That Ate Paris (1974) directed by Peter Weir Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) directed by Peter Weir The Mosquito Coast (1986) directed by Peter Weir Master and Commander (2003) directed by Peter Weir The Way Back (2010) directed by Peter Weir Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Maturity in the Films of Sean Baker - 'Starlet' (2012), 'The Florida Project' (2017) & 'Red Rocket' (2021) | 16 Jan 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
In what circumstances do we value maturity? When is maturity necessary? Is maturity ever a dangerous illusion? In a 'Sacred Cinema' first, this week's show focuses on three films that all come from the same director - Sean Baker. Each film centres on a relationship between two individuals from different generations, illuminating the impact and importance of growing up properly. The Films: Starlet (2012) directed by Sean Baker The Florida Project (2017) directed by Sean Baker Red Rocket (2021) directed by Sean Baker Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Modern Variations of Santa Claus - 'Die Hard' (1988), 'Bad Santa' (2003) & 'Krampus' (2015) | 19 Dec 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
Why does Santa Claus remain prominent? What is the essence of Santa Claus? What does it mean to 'believe'? Iterations and variations of St Nicholas have persisted for centuries. In this episode, we look at three somewhat recent Christmas films to contemplate why this might be. The Films: Die Hard (1988) directed by John McTiernan Bad Santa (2003) directed by Terry Zwigoff Krampus (2015) directed by Michael Dougherty Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Prostitution - 'Vivre Sa Vie' (1962), 'Tangerine' (2015) & 'Nights of Cabiria' (1957) | 12 Dec 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
In what circumstances do we experience exploitation? How should we understand the sex work industry? What is the way forward for the exploited? Looking at prostitution through a broad and symbolic lens, this week's episode focusing on three distinct films to contemplate the relationship between human dignity and commercial transactions. The Films: Vivre Sa Vie (1962) directed by Jean-Luc Godard Tangerine (2015) directed by Sean Baker Nights of Cabiria (1957) directed by Federico Fellini Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema/ | |||
| Side-Switchers - 'The Bridges of Madison County' (1995) d. Clint Eastwood, 'Match Point' (2005) d. Woody Allen, 'Challengers' (2024) d. Luca Guadagnino | 12 May 2024 | 00:29:00 | |
Can cheating be romantic? Is the fate of cheaters determined by justice or luck? Does cheating reveal anything useful about those it victimises? Building on previous episodes on infidelity, this week's episode looks at the borders, divides and connections that are illuminated in films about disloyal lovers. Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com | |||
| The Ick - 'Contempt' (1963), 'The Fly' (1986) & 'Another Year' (2010) | 05 Dec 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
How does it feel to be rejected? Why do we get 'the ick'? How should we respond when someone has 'the ick' in relation to us? In this episode, we looks at three films that explore the social phenomenon knows as 'the ick', where a person becomes almost instantaneously repulsed by someone they may have once found quite appealing. The Films: 'Contempt' (1963) directed by Jean-Luc Godard 'The Fly' (1986) directed by David Cronenberg 'Another Year' (2010) directed by Mike Leigh Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| The Power of Silence - 'Silence' (2016), 'Good Morning' (1959) & 'Lost in Translation' (2003) | 28 Nov 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
Is silence ever courageous? What is the relationship between silence and social change? Is there anything beneficial about being silenced? In this week's episode, we focus on three films set in Japan, a country that has oscillated between moments peaceful quiet and explosive loudness throughout its history. The Films: Silence (2016) directed by Martin Scorcese Good Morning (1959) directed by Yasujirô Ozu Lost in Translation (2003) directed by Sofia Coppola Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Cyborgs - 'Tetsuo: The Iron Man' (1989), 'Aliens' (1986) & '2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968) | 21 Nov 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
Why are we so consumed by technology? Are we always fearful of technological advancements? What is our end goal in advancing technology? In this episode, we look at various cinematic depictions of the relationship between humans and technology to contemplate when this relationship started and where it will lead. The Films: 'Tetsuo: The Iron Man' (1989) directed by Shinya Tsukamoto 'Aliens' (1986) directed by James Cameron '2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968) directed by Stanley Kubrick Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Bodily Autonomy - 'Alien' (1979), 'Swallow' (2019) & 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' (1956) | 14 Nov 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
What does it feel like to lose control of the body? Where might a lack of control over the body lead us? Why do we want control over the body? In this episode, we look at three cinematic instances in which bodily autonomy is threatened and discuss why such depictions evoke various emotional responses. The Films: Alien (1979) directed by Ridley Scot Swallow (2019) directed by Carlo Mirabella-Davis Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) directed by Don Siegel Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema/ | |||
| Breaking Free - 'The Rock' (1996), 'Pickpocket' (1959) & 'Ace in the Hole' (1951) | 07 Nov 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
Why do we care about freedom? What does freedom feel like? What do we need to achieve a sense of freedom? In this episode, we take a look at three films that depict the struggle to break free of both literal and metaphorical imprisonment. The Films: The Rock (1996) directed by Michael Bay Pickpocket (1959) directed by Robert Bresson Ace in the Hole (1951) directed by Billy Wilder Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Masks - 'Eyes Without a Face' (1960), 'Goodnight Mommy' (2014) & 'The Mask of Zorro' (1920) | 31 Oct 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
Why do we wear masks? How do masks affect our relationships with other people? Are there any benefits to being masked? Throughout human history, people have worn masks for various reasons. In this episode, we discuss multiple masked cinematic characters and what face covering suggests about human nature more broadly. The Films: Eyes Without a Face (1960) directed by Georges Franju Goodnight Mommy (2014) directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala The Mask of Zorro (1920) directed by Fred Niblo Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Loving Powerful Women - 'Roman Holiday' (1953), 'Chocolat' (1983) & 'Notting HIll' (1999) | 24 Oct 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
How do empowered women experience love? Is the relationship between love and power gender-specific? How do we want to be loved? In this episode, we analyse three female protagonists, all of which are challenged by the implications their authority has on their respective romantic lives. The Films: Roman Holiday (1953) directed by William Wyler Chocolat (1988) directed by Claire Denis Notting Hill (1999) directed by Roger Michell Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Young Love - 'Fish Tank' (2009), 'It Felt Like Love' (2013) & 'Pauline at the Beach' (1983) | 17 Oct 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
When do we start falling in love? Why we take risks in love? Do we ever grow out of our immaturity? Each of this week's films centre on a fifteen year-old girl and explore their respective initial encounters with love, sex and relationships. The Films" Fish Tank (2009) directed by Andrea Arnold It Felt Like Love (2013) directed by Eliza Hittman Pauline at the Beach (1983) directed by Éric Rohmer Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Beauties & Beasts - 'Beauty and the Beast' (1946), 'The Beast' (1975) & 'The Babadook' (2014) | 10 Oct 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
How has cinema enhanced the 'Beauty and the Beast' fairytale? What is true beastly behaviour? To what extent should beauties embrace (or reject) beasts? Stories centred on female characters confronting their beastly counterparts have been told and re-told for centuries. In this episode, we focus on three films that re-imagine this archetypal dynamic and discuss what they reveal about womanhood, carnal instincts and emotional stability. The Films: Beauty and the Beast (1946) directed by Jean Cocteau The Beast (1975) directed by Walerian Borowczyk The Babadook (2014) directed by Jennifer Kent Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Werewolves - 'The Wolf Man' (1941), 'The Wolfman' (2010) & 'An American Werewolf in London' (1981) | 03 Oct 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
What do werewolves symbolise? Can we outlive our inner demons? What are the consequences of indulging pure evil? In this episode, we discuss the varying ways in which werewolves have been depicted throughout cinematic history and question what their symbolic value suggests about human nature? The Films: The Wolf Man (1941) directed by George Waggner The Wolfman (2010) directed by Joe Johnston An American Werewolf in London (1981) directed by John Landis Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Shooting Violence - 'Peeping Tom' (1960) d. Michael Powell, 'Nightcrawler' (2014) d. Dan Gilroy & 'Civil War' (2024) d. Alex Garland | 05 May 2024 | 00:29:00 | |
Is voyeurism of the violent a sickness? How might modern society encourage psychotic behaviour? What role might emotion play in the face of conflict? Following some related conversations in recent weeks, this week's episode focuses on three depictions of capturing violence on camera. Contact us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com | |||
| Manhunting - 'Manhunter' (1986), 'The Fugitive' (1993) & 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' (1920) | 26 Sep 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
Why do we hunt each other down? What does a manhunt ultimately achieve? Is it ever dangerous to embark on a manhunt? In this episode, we look at three cinematic examples of the manhunt to identify the origins of this age-old ritual and what it might entail for both the hunter and hunted alike. The Films: Manhunter (1986) directed by Michael Mann The Fugitive (1993) directed by Andrew Davis The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) directed by Robert Wiene Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Hollywood - 'Swingers' (1996), 'Under the Silver Lake' (2018) & 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' (2019) | 19 Sep 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
What does the Hollywood pilgrimage require? What is the power of Hollywood? How does one succeed on the big stage? Often the subject of its own creations, there is no shortage of films that depict life in Hollywood. In this episode, we take a look at three various cinematic depictions of the Hollywood experience and explore the inner workings of this cultural powerhouse. The Films: Swingers (1996) directed by Doug Liman Under the Silver Lake (2018) directed by David Robert Mitchell Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) directed by Quentin Tarentino Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||
| Creation - 'The Golem' (1920), '8½' (1963) & 'Ed Wood' (1994) | 05 Sep 2021 | 00:29:00 | |
What does it take to create something? What is the life of a creator? How should we respond to art and creative expressions? In this episode, we discuss three cinematic depictions of creators and analyse the consequences of their respective creations. The Films: The Golem (1920) directed by Paul Wegener and Carl Boese 8½ (1963) directed by Federico Fellini Ed Wood (1994) directed by Tim Burton Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema | |||