OscarWatch Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Departed (2006) Jun 16, 2016

Show notes

OscarWatch ships up to Boston for this wicked episode to take a look at Martin Scorsese’s Irish gangland epic, The Departed. You know what they say, the seventh time’s the charm. The great master of American cinema was nominated for best director six times before finally securing the little gold man. But was this the most deserving of Scorsese’s long and, frankly stunning, oeuvre? Alex and Steve debate the finer points of careerism, filmography and just what an award means. Plus, we explore the many differences and similarities between this film and the Hong Kong original, Infernal Affairs. Also, Steve embarrasses his Masshole heritage by botching a Boston accent. Listen in! And you can send us your thoughts, comments, criticisms and witticisms to oscarwatchpodcast@gmail.com and we promise we’ll read them on our next episode! As always, thanks for taking the time to listen to us talk. We couldn’t do it without your ears!

Schindler's List (1993) Jun 09, 2016

Show notes

We look at our first 'IMPORTANT' movie to have won Best Picture. One cannot deny the significance of Schindler's List as a tool for history, but is it worthy of being called a 'great' movie? Alex and Steve hash out the themes and ideas behind Spielberg's Holocaust drama and one makes a strong case that the Beard's other film from that year, Jurassic Park, could be a more worthy recipient. Touching, moving, horrific, maudlin? Call it whatever you will. Schindler's List, this week on OscarWatch. As always, you can reach us with any comments or criticism at oscarwatchpodcast@gmail.com Next week! We're shipping up to Boston (whoa oh oh...)

Annie Hall (1977) Jun 02, 2016

Show notes

OscarWatch draws its eye towards one of the few comedies ever to hold the title 'Best Picture', the engaging, highly irreverent and still charming Annie Hall, from director Woody Allen. Alex and Steve discuss the filmography of Allen, the ups and downs of relationships, the effect of an artist's life on his or her work and that little film from a galaxy far, far away that Annie Hall had to defeat in order to win. We try to frame it within a context of Art Hollywood vs Blockbuster Hollywood, but Steve just really wants to talk about Jedi all day. Spoiler Alert: the film is quite wonderful and has aged perfectly in the nearly 40 years since its release. It's the quintessential Allen film, and one of the best movies about New York ever. Do you think Allen was pleased about being a member of a very, very special club of films? I wonder what Groucho would say. If you have comments or criticisms, feel free to drop us a line at oscarwatchpodcast@gmail.com, or find us on social media. We would love to hear from you. We hope you enjoy this look back into neuroticism.

Crash (2005) May 26, 2016

Show notes

Crash is often thought to be the worst film ever to win Best Picture. Alex and Steve take a look back on the 2005 movie and determine that there is a good chance that YES, YES IT IS. Paul Haggis's (Casino Royale) film is less a story and more a screed, a manipulative, melodramatic screed about how, in the words of Avenue Q 'everyone's a little bit racist'. We try to figure out the best way to describe the plot and also offer up many counter-alternatives to the Academy. Why couldn't Doom win Best Picture? Sure it was bad, but was it this bad? We ask the tough questions. If you have thoughts, comments or criticisms about our handling of the film, let us know. Drop us an email at oscarwatchpodcast@gmail.com

Rocky (1976) May 19, 2016

Show notes

The debut of OscarWatch has hosts Alex Riviello and Steve Buja discussing the 1976 Best Picture winner, Rocky, written and starring Sylvester Stallone. The movie that made Stallone, well, Stallone. The guys talk about the enduring legacy of the Italian Stallion as American myth, sex and race as related in the movie, try - and fail - at their best Rocky impersonations and discuss the very wonderful field of competitors that the film had to KO in order to grab its three Academy Awards. Tune in for this first effort! And if you like what you hear, drop us a line at oscarwatchpodcast@gmail.com

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