Philosophy In Film – Details, episodes & analysis

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Philosophy In Film

Chris McTavish, Alain Beauclair and Craig Nickel

Tv & Film

Science

Frequency: 1 episode/23d. Total Eps: 107

A fun and accessible podcast that explores philosophical ideas and themes in popular films. Come join the conversation at "Philosophy in Film"!

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https://philosophyinfilm.ca/
6 shares
https://www.magicmind.com/pif20
3 shares
https://metrocinema.org/event/miracle-on-34th-street-1947/
2 shares

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Score global : 58%

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Philosophy In Film - 098 - Lean On Me

Season 5 · Episode 98

Saturday, November 15, 2025 • Duration 02:37:03

Episode 98: Lean On Me

Season 5 marches on as the gang steps into the halls of Eastside High for John G. Avildsen's 1989 drama Lean On Me, where Principal Joe Clark takes on failing systems, fraying hope, and a school on the brink with nothing but a bullhorn, a baseball bat, and a stubborn belief in his students. Craig rings the bell with Producer's Notes (9:52), setting the tone for a spirited class session, while Alain sketches out the ups, downs, and hard lines in the Beauclair Synopsis (29:56). Chris takes the lectern in Philosopher's Corner (1:07:24), reflecting on the film's questions about authority, community responsibility, and the complicated ethics of "tough love." Things get heated at the Round Table (1:14:53) as the gang gathers to debate leadership, legacy, and whether Clark's methods are effective or overreaching. As the dust settles, we head into Reviews (2:16:04) and Mailbag (2:30:28) for the final rally of opinions and closing remarks. As always, we explore the philosophical and non-philosophical lessons carried through the story, because when the stakes are high and the halls are loud, everybody needs someone to lean on.

🍻 Featured Beer 🍻 - Beatbox Brown Ale by Polyrhythm Brewing (Edmonton, AB)

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Philosophy In Film - 097 - Weapons

Season 5 · Episode 97

Sunday, October 26, 2025 • Duration 01:33:49

Episode 97: Weapons

Just in time for a Halloween Spooktacular, the gang is back for Season 5 of Philosophy in Film, and the reel's already spinning! First up in the tray: Zach Cregger's eerie ensemble horror Weapons (2025), where seventeen schoolchildren vanish at 2:17 a.m., forcing a town to ask: what if the monster isn't outside, but inside the story? In search of answers, Craig sounds the alarm with Producer's Notes (8:31) while Alain opens the Beauclair Synopsis (17:23), laying out the tangled threads of characters, each chasing a truth they're too afraid to face. Chris slips into Philosopher's Corner (42:55), tracing the film's vanishings through a dim reflection of screens and silence, where the real horror may be what we've grown used to losing. At The Round Table (42:40), the gang wrangles the question: Is Weapons a cautionary mirror or a funhouse for our fears? Later, Reviews (1:10:48) and Mailbag (1:24:41) let our audience testify in the court of shared dread. As always, we reflect on the philosophical and non-philosophical fissures the film fractures open, because in a town where the children vanish, silence becomes just another weapon.

🍻 Featured Beer 🍻 - Beldame Old World Pilsner by Strange Fellows Brewing (East Vancouver, BC)

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Philosophy In Film - 089 - Pump Up The Volume

Season 4 · Episode 89

Monday, December 2, 2024 • Duration 01:48:08

Episode 89: Pump Up The Volume

This week on Philosophy in Film, the gang cranks up the dial with the 1990 cult classic Pump Up The Volume. Starring Christian Slater as the enigmatic pirate radio DJ Hard Harry, this film delves into themes of rebellion, teenage angst, and the power of uncensored self-expression. From the airwaves of suburban Arizona to the philosophical crossroads of free speech and societal change, Pump Up The Volume asks what it truly means to find your voice in a world that doesn't want to listen. Craig kicks off the broadcast with Producer's Notes (7:38), Alain hits the mic with the Beauclair Synopsis (14:47), and Chris amplifies the conversation with Philosopher's Corner (35:27). The gang dives into the Round Table Discussion (49:08), exploring the film's raw energy, its critique of authority, and its enduring relevance in the digital age. Finally, let's turn that dial to Reviews (1:26:14) before we sign off with the Mailbag (1:41:13). As always, we tune into the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that had us all shouting, "Talk hard!"

Featured Beer: Mixtape Hazy IPA by Polyrhythm Brewing (Edmonton, Alberta)

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Philosophy In Film - 087 - Cabin in the Woods

Season 4 · Episode 87

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 • Duration 01:39:00

Episode 87: The Cabin in the Woods

In Episode 87, the Philosophy in Film Podcast descends into the horror-comedy labyrinth of The Cabin in the Woods (2012), where slasher tropes and cosmic horror are delightfully turned inside out. Craig breaks out his sales tactics in Producer's Notes (8:34), setting the stage for Alain to deliver a chilling Beauclair Synopsis (21:08), diving into the intricate setup of five unsuspecting friends venturing into a remote cabin, only to discover they're players in a far darker game. Chris unpacks the metaphysical questions lurking beneath in Philosopher's Corner (42:58), dissecting themes of free will, ritual, and our culture's fascination with horror. The Round Table (50:47) sees the gang debate everything from the film's genre-blending to its critique of audience complicity, while the Reviews (1:23:41) segment uncovers their personal horror thresholds, wrapping up with #Mailbag (1:33:51). Join us as we open the basement door and explore all the philosophical and non-philosophical layers that The Cabin in the Woods brings to the horror genre.

Featured Beer: Interlude Berliner Weisse by Cabin Brewing Company (Calgary, Alberta)

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Philosophy In Film - 086 - Casablanca

Season 4 · Episode 86

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 • Duration 01:52:23

In our 86th episode, the gang is joined by Dr. Steven Brence as we travel back to the smoky cafes and shadowy alleyways of wartime Morocco with the cinematic classic "Casablanca." This beloved film follows the story of Rick Blaine, an American expatriate who must choose between his love for Ilsa Lund and helping her husband, Victor Laszlo, escape the clutches of the Nazis. The episode begins with Producer's Notes (6:22), where Craig entertains us with his signature wit that might just rival Rick's own. Alain then delivers a captivating Beauclair Synopsis (13:25), recounting the unforgettable plot and characters that have stood the test of time. Chris dives into Philosopher's Corner (27:45), exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity that make this film a philosophical treasure trove. The Round Table (33:09) discussion brings passionate debates and fresh insights into the film's enduring legacy, while Reviews (1:27:05) feature the gang's personal reflections and favorite moments. As always, we explore all the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that continue to make hearts swoon and minds ponder. Join us as we explore the emotional and ethical depths of "Casablanca" and remind you why this film will always have a place in cinematic history.

Featured Cocktail: French 75, featuring Strathcona Spirits Gin
Our version includes Prosecco, homemade simple syrup, and lemon juice

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Philosophy In Film - 085 - Dune: Part 2

Season 4 · Episode 85

Friday, June 28, 2024 • Duration 01:27:33

For the 85th episode of the Philosophy in Film Podcast, the gang ventures deep into the sands of Arrakis with Denis Villeneuve's highly anticipated "Dune: Part 2." This sci-fi epic continues the journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen to fight against the oppressive forces threatening their world. As the spice must flow, so must our philosophical musings! Craig navigates through Producer's Notes (7:46), while Alain offers his detailed Beauclair Synopsis (13:19). Chris delves into the depths of philosophical inquiry in Philosopher's Corner (30:05), exploring themes of destiny, power, and ecological stewardship. Our Round Table Discussion (43:22) ignites heated debates and diverse perspectives, while Reviews (1:11:55) reveal the gang's personal verdicts on this cinematic sandstorm. Finally, we delve into the #Mailbag (1:21:40), addressing listener questions and comments that add extra spice to the conversation. As always, we engage in a discussion of all the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that captured our imaginations and stirred our thoughts.

Featured Beer: Django Spiced White Beer by Ale Architect (Edmonton, Alberta)

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Philosophy In Film - 084 - Anatomy of a Fall

Season 4 · Episode 84

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 • Duration 01:56:39

Episode 84: Anatomy of a Fall

For the 84th episode of Philosophy in Film Podcast, the gang lays down the gavel on Justine Triet's 2023 Palme d'Or-winning film, "Anatomy of a Fall." This gripping legal drama follows a writer accused of her husband's murder as she navigates the complexities of truth and perception. Join us as we interrogate the evidence and cross-examine the narrative with segments including Producer's Notes (6:43), where Craig opens the case file; the Beauclair Synopsis (15:24), where Alain presents the facts; Philosopher's Corner (30:51), where Chris examines themes of justice and truth; the Round Table Discussion (35:03), where we debate and deliberate over the film's merits; Reviews (1:45:43), where we render our verdicts; and #Mailbag (1:52:06), where we address listener questions and comments. As always, we engage in a discussion of all the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that held us in contempt of fascination.

Featured Beer: Take Your Pils by Omen Brewery (Edmonton, Alberta)

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Philosophy In Film - 083 - Fight Club

Season 4 · Episode 83

Tuesday, May 28, 2024 • Duration 01:45:56

Episode 83: Fight Club

This week on Philosophy in Film, the gang grapples with the anarchic world of David Fincher's Fight Club. Starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter, this cult classic delves into themes of consumerism, identity, and rebellion as it follows an insomniac office worker and a devil-may-care soap maker as they form an underground fight club that evolves into something much more. The chaos begins with Producer's Notes (6:22), where Craig sets the stage for an evening of mayhem. Alain then unpacks the narrative in the Beauclair Synopsis (18:27), laying the foundation for Chris to explore the film's deeper meanings in Philosopher's Corner (37:56). The Round Table (55:26) sees the gang in a heated debate over the film's interpretations, followed by a revealing session of Reviews (1:34:14), and ending with a bang as the gang blows open the Mailbag (1:40:04). As always, we discuss the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie, challenging you to rethink what you know about Fight Club (without breaking the first two rules).

Featured Beer: Profit Märzen by Evil Corporation Brewing (Calgary, Alberta)

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Philosophy In Film - 082 - Donnie Darko

Season 4 · Episode 82

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 • Duration 01:26:27

Wake up.

This week, the gang ventures down the rabbit hole of 2001's cult classic sci-fi thriller, Donnie Darko. Set in 1988, this film explores the interconnected relationships between characters while searching for the underlying truths that bind everything together, for better or for worse. Craig guides the way first with the hare-raising Producer's Notes (6:23), then Alain chooses to sit next to the Beauclair Synopsis (14:11) while Chris predicts our paths with (the) Philosopher's Corner (27:33). Things take a dark turn at the Round Table (35:21), then we travel back in time to replay our Reviews (1:12:25) and maybe ask Frank for his. As always, we engage in a discussion of philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie.

Featured Beer: Strangers Forever by Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. (Calgary, Alberta)

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Philosophy In Film - 081 - The Grand Budapest Hotel

Season 4 · Episode 81

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 • Duration 01:30:49

For this week's episode, the gang marvels at the magnificence of The Grand Budapest Hotel. With an all-star cast of both fresh and familiar faces, this charming Wes Anderson film stars Ralph Fiennes as the concierge of a first-class resort hotel in the 1930s. The story unfolds after the mysterious death of one of the patrons and M. Gustave (Fiennes) finds himself as the primary suspect in this splendid escapade. Once in the lobby, take a right and down the hall to find Craig waiting with Producer's Notes (8:31). Alain then shows us to the Beauclair Synopsis (17:19), with Chris preparing his finest course of memory and nostalgia in Philosopher's Corner (28:16). Round Table (38:34) brings with it all the amenities, with Reviews (1:17:14) and Mailbag (1:26:45) capping off the celebration. As always, we discuss the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie, and demonstrate to you why we think this is Wes Anderson's Grand BudaBEST movie!
(thank you calebms7 for the pun)

Featured Cocktail: Strathcona Shaft Martini (Edmonton, Alberta)
1oz Experimental Espresso Vodka
1oz Velvet Cream
Splash of cold brew espresso
Shaken with ice and strained into a martini glass

From Strathcona Spirits: Over ice, add 1 oz of Experimental Espresso Vodka, Cold Brew, and stir. For added effect, slowly pour Velvet Cream over top, give a light swirl and enjoy!

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Philosophy In Film – Details, episodes & analysis

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Philosophy In Film – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other8

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Other8

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities