The Big Picture - podcast cover

The Big Picture

The Ringerwww.theringer.com
Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins review the movies you need to see. Plus: Top 5s, Movie Drafts, Oscars analysis, and more, featuring a rotating cast of Ringer colleagues like Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and Bill Simmons.

Episodes

'Solo: A Star Wars Story’: Instant Analysis | The Big Picture (Ep. 67)

The Ringer’s Sean Fennessey and David Shoemaker convene for an instant-reaction breakdown of the latest 'Star Wars' spin-off movie, ‘Solo,’ to discuss whether Alden Ehrenreich lives up to Harrison Ford’s legacy, how the story’s timelines fit together, and whether the movie actually works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 25, 201839 minEp. 67

Making ‘First Reformed,’ the Best Movie of the Year So Far, With Paul Schrader | The Big Picture (Ep. 66)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with legendary filmmaker Paul Schrader to discuss his powerful new film, ‘First Reformed,’ starring Ethan Hawke; his patient style of filmmaking, and his major career achievements, such as cocreating ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Raging Bull,’ and ‘The Last Temptation of Christ.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 21, 201831 minEp. 66

Emergency ‘Deadpool 2’ Debate | The Big Picture (Ep. 65)

The Ringer’s Sean Fennessey and Andrew Gruttadaro digest the latest blockbuster superhero movie, ‘Deadpool 2,’ by unpacking what worked and what didn’t among the numerous meta jokes and pop culture references. They discuss the long-anticipated arrival of Josh Brolin’s "Cable," why Deadpool is so popular, and where the character and the franchise goes from here.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains serious spoilers for the movie. Be warned! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.co...

May 18, 201842 minEp. 65

Making the Melissa McCarthy Machine, With Ben Falcone | The Big Picture (Ep. 64)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with comedic filmmaker Ben Falcone about ‘Life of the Party’—his new movie starring his wife, Melissa McCarthy—and what it’s like to creatively collaborate with his life partner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 14, 201830 minEp. 64

Jason Reitman Is Not Here to Make a Blockbuster | The Big Picture (Ep. 63)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with filmmaker Jason Reitman about his early box office success with movies like ‘Juno’ and ‘Up in the Air,’ the complicated nature of making movies that are not meant to be blockbusters in 2018, and his new and terrifying film about parenting, ‘Tully,’ starring Charlize Theron. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 10, 201831 minEp. 63

Emergency ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ Breakdown I The Big Picture (Ep. 62)

The Ringer’s Sean Fennessey and David Shoemaker take an exhaustive trip through the galaxy to break down the plot twists, character deaths, and paths forward for the Marvel Cinematic Universe after the action-packed, plot-heavy ‘Avengers: Infinity War.’ SPOILER ALERT: The second half of this episode contains serious spoilers for the movie. Be warned! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 27, 20181 hr 6 minEp. 62

William Friedkin Meets a Real-Life ‘Exorcist’ | The Big Picture (Ep. 61)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with legendary filmmaker Willam Friedkin, who’s responsible for films such as 'The French Connection,' 'The Exorcist,' 'Sorcerer,' and 'To Live and Die in L.A.' Friedkin discusses his distinguished career in film and why, at 82, he decided to create a new documentary about a real-life exorcism called 'The Devil and Father Amorth.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 23, 201839 minEp. 61

4/20 Special: Jay Chandrasekhar’s ‘Super Troopers’ Return | The Big Picture (Ep. 60)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with comedic actor, director, and writer Jay Chandrasekhar about returning to make a ‘Super Troopers’ sequel 17 years after the original. Chandrasekhar also discusses what it’s like being an Indian American in Hollywood, returning to his roots, and bridging the divided audiences in comedy.More from Sean Fennessey on Movies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 20, 201843 minEp. 60

Life and Death in the American West With ‘Lean on Pete’ Director Andrew Haigh | The Big Picture (Ep. 58)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with filmmaker Andrew Haigh about his emotionally devastating ‘Lean on Pete,’ about an orphaned boy (Charlie Plummer) and his horse, the titular Pete, and their journey from Oregon to Wyoming in search of a long-lost family member. Haigh also discusses his long career as a director and the difference between making TV shows and making movies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 13, 201832 minEp. 58

'Blockers’ and the Revival of the Studio Comedy With Kay Cannon | The Big Picture (Ep. 58)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with Kay Cannon, the veteran screenwriter on ‘30 Rock,' New Girl,’ and all three ‘Pitch Perfect’ movies to discuss her new R-rated studio comedy and directorial debut ‘Blockers’ and her transition from writing to directing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 06, 201830 minEp. 58

Steven Spielberg's Top 5 Movies With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan | The Big Picture (Ep. 57)

In preparation for Steven Spielberg's ‘Ready Player One,’ The Ringer’s Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan discuss and debate the prolific filmmaker's best movies of all time. They cover everything from ‘Jaws’ to ‘Jurassic Park,’ from the ‘Indiana Jones’ series to ‘Saving Private Ryan,’ and many, many more (1:00). And later, CEO of The Ringer Bill Simmons stops by to give his take on how terrifying 'Jaws' was and Spielberg's career (43:00).Ringer web store Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...

Mar 30, 20181 hr 5 minEp. 57

Cults, Sex, and the American Dream in 'Wild Wild Country' I The Big Picture (Ep. 56)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with 'Wild Wild Country' directors Maclain and Chapman Way and producer Mark Duplass about the arduous process of making an in-depth documentary that features a 64,000-acre ranch in Oregon, a spiritual guru, ritualistic group sex, assassination plots, guns, drugs, and bioterrorism.You can find the official Ringer web store here:http://bit.ly/ringershop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 27, 201849 minEp. 56

The Best Movies at the SXSW Film Festival | The Big Picture (Ep. 55)

The Ringer’s Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan recap the best movies they saw at the SXSW Film Festival, including ‘Ready Player One,’ ‘A Quiet Place,’ ‘Eighth Grade,’ and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 16, 201838 minEp. 55

Jennifer Lawrence’s ‘Red Sparrow’ Transformation With Francis Lawrence | The Big Picture (Ep. 53)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with filmmaker Francis Lawrence about making ‘Red Sparrow,’ his fourth film in a row starring Jennifer Lawrence; their working relationship forged through ‘The Hunger Games’ movie franchise; and his new creative venture with Apple TV.More on movies from the Ringer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 02, 201826 minEp. 53

Is ‘Three Billboards’ Actually Just ‘Crash’ 2.0? Plus, Other Oscars Takes | The Big Picture (Ep. 52)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with The Ringer’s Amanda Dobbins and K. Austin Collins and New York Times critic Wesley Morris to discuss eerie similarities between ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ and the notorious 2006 Best Picture winner, ‘Crash’ (0:00). Then, Chris Ryan joins to discuss ‘Shape of Water’ and its status as the clear front-runner to win Best Picture (0:00).More on the Oscars from The Ringer:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiI3wRw9PbSYHic2RJiHo4...

Feb 27, 20181 hrEp. 52

'Annihilation,’ ‘Ex Machina,’ and Alex Garland’s Disturbing Sci-Fi Vision | The Big Picture (Ep. 51)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey speaks with acclaimed writer and director Alex Garland about the making of the Natalie Portman sci-fi thriller ‘Annihilation’ and the tricky nature of adapting Jeff VanderMeer’s best-selling book. They also discuss Garland’s first film, ‘Ex Machina’; his time as a novelist and screenwriter of movies like ‘28 Days Later...’ and ‘Sunshine’; and a lot more.For more movie coverage, check out The Ringer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/a...

Feb 23, 201835 minEp. 51

Yance Ford Made ‘Strong Island’ to Face Down the Past | The Big Picture (Ep. 50)

Ringer Editor-in-Chief Sean Fennessey speaks with Academy Award-nominated documentarian Yance Ford about making Netflix’s ‘Strong Island,’ a personal film about the tragic murder of his brother, William, and the larger implications in the story about segregation, race, violence, and power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 19, 201833 minEp. 50

Why Stop-Motion Animation Takes Forever to Make, With Nick Park | The Big Picture (Ep. 49)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with ‘Wallace and Gromit’ creator and Academy Award–winning animation director Nick Park to discuss the time-consuming process of making stop-motion animation, his commitment to the form, and his new underdog cavemen comedy, ‘Early Man.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 16, 201825 minEp. 49

'Icarus’ Filmmaker Bryan Fogel on Why Russia Won’t Be at the Olympics | The Big Picture (Ep. 47)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with filmmaker Bryan Fogel to discuss his Academy Award–nominated documentary, ‘Icarus.’ Fogel explains how his journey into the world of blood doping and cycling was transformed into a larger story about the state-run Russian Olympic doping program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 09, 201840 minEp. 47

The Art of True Crime Documentary with Erin Lee Carr | The Big Picture (Ep. 46)

Ringer Editor-in-Chief Sean Fennessey speaks with documentarian Erin Lee Carr (‘Mommy Dead and Dearest’) about her new project “Drug Short,” an installment in Netflix’s new doc series ‘Dirty Money’ and why she’s drawn to grim and morally gray stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 02, 201829 minEp. 46

Oscar Season: The Snubs and Surprises of the Academy Awards Nominations | The Big Picture (Ep. 45)

The Ringer’s Sean Fennessey, Amanda Dobbins, and K. Austin Collins react to the 2018 Oscar nominations. They break down the front-runners, the most shocking snubs, and what to look forward to come March 4. Also: the Academy’s apparent love of fish sex.https://www.theringer.com/2018/1/23/16923366/academy-award-nominations-get-out-lady-bird-three-billboards-shape-of-water-snubs-surprises Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 23, 20181 hr 1 minEp. 45

Making Kick-Ass Liam Neeson Movies With Director Jaume Collet-Serra | The Big Picture (Ep. 44)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with director Jaume Collet-Serra to discuss teaming up with movie star Liam Neeson for a fourth time in his new movie, ‘The Commuter’; the difficulties of shooting a movie in a confined space; and why he keeps coming back to genre films. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 12, 201822 minEp. 44

The Best Movies of 2017 | The Big Picture (Ep. 42)

The Ringer’s Sean Fennessey, Chris Ryan, Amanda Dobbins and K. Austin Collins rank and debate the best movies of 2017. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 22, 201739 minEp. 42

Was 2007 the Best Year for Film? | The Big Picture (Ep. 40)

The Ringer’s Sean Fennessey, Chris Ryan, and Andy Greenwald go back to 2007 to discuss the most fascinating year for movies in recent memory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 15, 201742 minEp. 40

Sean Baker’s Wondrous ‘The Florida Project’ | The Big Picture (Ep. 39)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey chats with Sean Baker, who was recently awarded Best Director by the New York Film Critics Circle for his latest film, ‘The Florida Project.’ They discuss how Baker tells authentic stories about underrepresented communities, his use of inexperienced actors, and why he prefers making smaller-budget films. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 08, 201734 minEp. 39

Errol Morris's Catnip for Conspiracy Theorists | The Big Picture (Ep. 38)

Ringer editor-in-chief Sean Fennessey sits down with documentarian Errol Morris to discuss his new Netflix miniseries ‘Wormwood,’ a story of mind control, LSD, the CIA in the 1950s, and murder. They also discuss Morris’s classic works like ‘The Thin Blue Line,’ as well as the day he spent with Donald Trump to discuss the president’s favorite film, 'Citizen Kane.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 01, 201729 minEp. 38