The Futile Podcast

Deconstructing 80's & 90's action movies. Relating them to comics, TV, and cartoons from then and now.

" … Schindler’s List?"

podcast 031 (right click, save as)

Reviewing Schindler’s List leads us to discuss “character study” films and how they can sometimes be a crutch for bad plots (though not in the case of this film). We talk about how directors like Speilberg differ from Jim Jarmusch, John Sayles, and the Coen Brothers. This leads us to discuss intellectual versus emotional readings of films and how unlikable or “bad” characters are sometimes the most interesting citing television shows like Arrested Development and The Wire. Offended parties may inquire via electronic mail: futilepodcast@gmail.com

bump musics:
Art of Noise – Counterpoint
Underworld – Sola Sistim
Cinematic Orchestra – Familiar Ground

Prefuse 73 – Another one Long Gone

And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead – After the Laughter

ABC: Always be closing.

Glengary Glen Ross review (right click, save as)

As our month of Mamet closes we discuss this most famous of his plays turned films. It’s an unconventional film noir in the style of The Sweet Smell of Success. Note: The guy from Brazil (the movie not the country) is named Johnathon Price. Send emails to: futilepodcast@gmail.com and thanks for listening.

music:
Miles Davis – Ahmad’s Blues
Dave Brubeck – On the Sunny Side of the Street

"I’m James Murdersmith. I’m here to save your baby."

Spartan review (right click, save as)
I wasn’t here for this review of a Mamet precursor to his involvement in The Unit. Sounds like Zack and Blaine had fun talking about: Snipers, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 24, Blaine’s got “Bower power!”special: Pinback MC Chris concert review which leads them to an attempt to answer a very esoteric although simple question about Star Wars. After checking the Wookipeedia they discover that “Many Bothans died to bring us these plans.” (I already knew this, it was tough to edit). Send your Star Wars questions to the experts: futilepodcast@gmail.com

music:
nine inch nails – Just Like You Imagined
MC Chris – Fette’s Vette

"I’m tellin’ yah a ton of fuckin’ bricks."

House of Games review (right click, save as)

David Mamet’s early confidence film House of Games. The House of Games location (a bar and pool hall) reminds me of Denehey’s place in FX2. It’s where I want to live when I grow up. Send emails about where you want to live when you grow up to: futilepodcast@gmail.com

music:
Herbie Hanckcock – Survival of the fittest
Miles Davis – Deception