Invites Close Listening

EPISODE 48: Invites Close Listening This week’s prompts: Opal, Calendar, 1796 In this episode, Lauren and Neal dive into illuminated manuscripts, chaotic filmmaking, and the sounds that make your palms sweat. First up: Lauren unpacks The Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, one of the most important medieval manuscripts ever created. We explore why it's a masterpiece of Christian devotion, seasonal symbolism, and early art history—featuring astrological charts, noble feasts, a pregnant grape-picker (!), and even some cheeky peasant butts. Then Neal breaks down why Uncut Gems (2019) is one of the most stressful films of all time. Discover how the Safdie Brothers used overlapping dialogue, handheld cinematography, telephoto lenses, and non-actors to trap viewers inside Adam Sandler’s unrelenting chaos. If you’ve ever felt stressed just watching a movie—this one’s for you. This episode covers: What a Book of Hours actually is—and why it matters Zodiac symbols and queer readings of medieval art How sound design and lens choice crank up film anxiety Behind-the-scenes filmmaking techniques on Uncut Gems Why comedians like Sandler make powerful dramatic actors 📚 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Our 50th episode is coming—and we're doing a Curated by Chance Book Club! Join us as we read How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin. You’ve got two weeks to grab a copy! Next week’s prompts: Pen, Ivory, Radio, 1988 Help Support The Show On Patreon! www.patreon.com/curatedbychance Check Out Lauren’s Substack https://ltlikesthis.substack.com/  Join The Curated By Chance Music League (RD 2): bit.ly/4iSDSmx Follow the show and its creators on Instagram: The Show - @curatedbychance Lauren - @paisleylo Neal - @nealefischer E-mail us: curatedbychance@gmail.com Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now! Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now! Check out Neal's newest book on Cristiano Ronaldo and his other books available now and for pre-order! www.linktr.ee/nealefischer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices