June 19, 2017

EP. 107 — Black Orpheus vs. City of God (w/ Justin Chang)

Film critic Justin Chang (LA Times) joins Amy this week for a Brazilian film head-to-head! They pit the 1959 Greek myth adaptation “Black Orpheus” against the 2002 crime picture “City of God.” They debate and discuss the respective films’ impact, touching on everything from the significance of the all-black cast of “Black Orpheus” to the unexpectedly hilarious aspects of “City of God” character Knockout Ned. Which Brazilian hit gets to join the exalted halls of The Canon? Head to the Earwolf forums now to vote!

Recent Episodes

August 12, 2018

Amy announces the winner of the final Canon call-in showdown, before presenting an episode of Unspooled, all about 1998’s Titanic. Don’t forget to subscribe to Unspooled on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts!

July 15, 2018

We asked, and you nominated! For the final episode of the season, Amy and Engineer Sam take listener calls to hear arguments as to which of these films should enter The Canon: David Fincher’s 2007 thriller “Zodiac;” the first film in the Cornetto trilogy, 2004’s “Shaun of the Dead;” or the 1999 Paul Thomas Anderson drama “Magnolia.” Which film will round out this edition of The Canon? Head over to the Earwolf forums now to cast your vote!

July 2, 2018

Vox film critic Alissa Wilkinson joins Amy this week to discuss the 1975 documentary “Grey Gardens.” They break down the film’s more difficult moments, examining the relationship between Big Edie and Little Edie as well as the undercurrent of latent sadness. Plus, they consider the direction and vision of Albert and David Maysles, themes of capitalism and decay, and how “Grey Gardens” encapsulates the central question of documentary. Should “Grey Gardens” enter The Canon? Cast your vote on the Earwolf forums now!