Get ready for a deep dive into film with the Filmmaker Commentary podcast! This preshow episode sets the stage for the highly anticipated Episode 99.5, where hosts Reginald Titis Jr. and Casey G. Smith offer their unfiltered takes on upcoming films, recent industry news, and what they’ve been watching. They share initial impressions of a critically acclaimed film and recap big headlines, giving listeners a taste of the in-depth discussion to come.
What We Cover
- Insights and initial reactions to Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel ahead of Episode 99.5.
- Big news from the Cannes International Film Festival, including the Palm d’Or winner Titane and Spike Lee’s memorable announcement gaffe.
- Trailer breakdowns for The Suicide Squad and Free Guy, featuring a hilarious reaction from Deadpool and Korg.
- Casey G. Smith’s first-time viewing of The Shape of Water, dissecting its bold opening scene and unique storytelling.
- Reginald’s take on The Witcher series and other thought-provoking documentaries about romantic novels and the history of nudity in cinema.
Key Moments
- 0:54 — The unexpected winner of the Cannes Palm d’Or and the director’s historic achievement.
- 1:08 — Spike Lee’s accidental early announcement that made headlines at the festival.
- 4:11 — The curious case of James Gunn’s sudden white hair in The Suicide Squad featurette.
- 12:50 — A frank discussion about The Shape of Water’s boundary-pushing opening scene and Guillermo del Toro’s intentional message.
Gear & Films Mentioned
- The Grand Budapest Hotel
- Titane
- The Suicide Squad
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
- Free Guy
- The Shape of Water
- Get Out
- Birdman
- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
- Hellboy
- The Witcher (TV series and video games)
- Naughty Books (documentary)
- Fifty Shades of Grey
- Skin: A History of Nudity in the Movies (documentary)
- Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie (documentary)
- Jupiter’s Legacy
- Invincible
- The Boys
- Loki
- WandaVision
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
- Beastars
- Utopia
- Legion
- Blade
- Black Panther
Listener Questions
- How did the hosts react to The Grand Budapest Hotel, and what makes it special?
- What were the big talking points from the Cannes Film Festival, and how did a major gaffe unfold?
- What behind-the-scenes details and controversial scenes from The Shape of Water left a lasting impression?
- What are the latest superhero shows and films grabbing attention, and which ones are worth your time?
Join us on Filmmaker Commentary each week for more in-depth analyses and lively discussions about the world of film!