In our 86th episode, the gang is joined by Dr. Steven Brence as we travel back to the smoky cafes and shadowy alleyways of wartime Morocco with the cinematic classic "Casablanca." This beloved film follows the story of Rick Blaine, an American expatriate who must choose between his love for Ilsa Lund and helping her husband, Victor Laszlo, escape the clutches of the Nazis. The episode begins with Producer’s Notes (6:22), where Craig entertains us with his signature wit that might just rival...

For the 85th episode of the Philosophy in Film Podcast, the gang ventures deep into the sands of Arrakis with Denis Villeneuve's highly anticipated "Dune: Part 2." This sci-fi epic continues the journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen to fight against the oppressive forces threatening their world. As the spice must flow, so must our philosophical musings! Craig navigates through Producer’s Notes (7:46), while Alain offers his detailed Beauclair Synopsis (13:19). Chris...

Episode 84: Anatomy of a Fall For the 84th episode of Philosophy in Film Podcast, the gang lays down the gavel on Justine Triet's 2023 Palme d'Or-winning film, "Anatomy of a Fall." This gripping legal drama follows a writer accused of her husband's murder as she navigates the complexities of truth and perception. Join us as we interrogate the evidence and cross-examine the narrative with segments including Producer’s Notes (6:43), where Craig opens the case file; the Beauclair Synopsis...

Episode 83: Fight Club   This week on Philosophy in Film, the gang grapples with the anarchic world of David Fincher’s Fight Club. Starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter, this cult classic delves into themes of consumerism, identity, and rebellion as it follows an insomniac office worker and a devil-may-care soap maker as they form an underground fight club that evolves into something much more. The chaos begins with Producer’s Notes (6:22), where Craig sets the stage...

Wake up. This week, the gang ventures down the rabbit hole of 2001’s cult classic sci-fi thriller, Donnie Darko. Set in 1988, this film explores the interconnected relationships between characters while searching for the underlying truths that bind everything together, for better or for worse. Craig guides the way first with the hare-raising Producer’s Notes (6:23), then Alain chooses to sit next to the Beauclair Synopsis (14:11) while Chris predicts our paths with (the) Philosopher’s Corner...

For this week’s episode, the gang marvels at the magnificence of The Grand Budapest Hotel. With an all-star cast of both fresh and familiar faces, this charming Wes Anderson film stars Ralph Fiennes as the concierge of a first-class resort hotel in the 1930s. The story unfolds after the mysterious death of one of the patrons and M. Gustave (Fiennes) finds himself as the primary suspect in this splendid escapade. Once in the lobby, take a right and down the hall to find Craig waiting with...

Episode 80: Roadhouse This week, the gang takes a trip back to the glory of 1980s cinema with the high-octane feature Roadhouse! Starring Patrick Swayze as the Ph.D.-educated bouncer, the gang discusses their shared similarities with our hero, exploring the relatable parallels in their professional experiences as Craig begins the brawl with Producer’s Notes (6:37). Alain then fights his way through the Beauclair Synopsis (19:12), with Chris packing a punch in Philosopher’s Corner (30:55)....

Episode 79: Oppenheimer This week on Philosophy in Film, the gang takes on Christopher Nolan’s explosive biographical thriller, Oppenheimer. With an all-star cast including Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr., and many others, this film explores the life and dilemma surrounding physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his contributions to the Manhattan Project, along with the consequences that resulted. The discussion ignites with Producer’s Notes (8:31) and the Beauclair Synopsis...

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the gang at Philosophy in Film explores love and the afterlife in 1990’s surprise Box Office smash, Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Tony Goldwyn, and Whoopi Goldberg. Tag along this journey of treachery and self-discovery beginning with Producer’s Notes (5:40), then Alain gives his patented Beauclair Synopsis (13:46). Next, Craig takes us down the winding turns of Philosopher’s Corner (24:00), then the gang dukes it out over the Round Table...

Philosophy in Film brings in the new year with Netflix’s 2023 thriller Leave the World Behind. Directed by Mr. Robot's Sam Esmail and based on the 2020 novel by Rumaan Alam, the gang prepares for cataclysmic crisis by cracking this week’s featured beer, starting with Producer’s Notes (8:40) and the Beauclair Synopsis (21:09), heading down the Philosopher’s Corner (37:08), diving deep into the film with the Round Table (50:37), with Reviews (1:24:52) & Mailbag (1:45:01) bringing it all...

In this heartwarming episode, we unravel the magic of "Love, Actually" (2003), a romantic masterpiece directed by Richard Curtis. Producer's Notes (7:05) set the scene, with insights into the Bonnie Doon moments that shape the Christmas narrative. The Beauclair Synopsis (19:45) delicately weaves the intertwined lives, creating a tapestry of romance and holiday spirit that even the Grinch would find enchanting. Philosopher's Corner (36:45) takes a phenomenological dive into the concept that...

In this introspective episode, we delve into "Into the Wild" (2007), a cinematic journey directed by Sean Penn. Producer's Notes (6:30) kick off our exploration, providing unique insights into local interests and the film's creation. The Beauclair Synopsis (21:15) paints a vivid picture of the transcendental experience, where simplicity and a return to nature shape the narrative. Philosopher's Corner (37:20) we navigate the film's philosophical landscape, where the pursuit of a simpler life...

In this riveting episode, we dissect "Final Destination" (2000), a mind-bending creation by director James Wong. Producer's Notes (8:40) kick off our exploration, revealing Rube Goldberg-like behind-the-scenes details. The Beauclair Synopsis (20:50) paints a thrilling narrative, entwining fate, and the enigmatic concept of living forever vs. death's malevolent designs. Philosopher's Corner (37:51) delves deep into Stoic philosophy, pondering life's 180-degree turns and the intricacies of...

Episode 73 of Philosphy in Film marks the start of Season 4! In this episode, we explore Straight Story (1999), a cinematic gem by director David Lynch. We start with intriguing insights behind the scenes with Producer's Notes (8:15). Next, we meander and weave through the Beauclair Synopsis (19:15) from start to finish. Philosopher's Corner (23:55) delves into profound themes, inviting contemplation and paints a vivid, enigmatic picture. The Round Table (36:18) navigates the film's emotional...

Philosophy in Film wraps up our 3rd season in style with this very special episode featuring the summer smash hit: Barbie! In this episode, the gang dives into their old toy chest to delve into the decades-popular toy as she hits the big screen. Driven by an all-star cast, Barbie brings with her a passionate discourse amongst film-goers, as well as an unexpectedly meaningful philosophical glimpse at gender dialogue. Wetting their whistles with an appropriately paired beverage, Producer’s...

What…we’ve got here is…Episode 71 of Philosophy in Film! Returning with 1967’s touchstone classic: ‘Cool Hand Luke’, guided by the Oscar-winning performances of Paul Newman and George Kennedy, the gang digs away at the highly decorated prison film for philosophical discussion. With the help of special guest Megan Craig (Associate Professor of Philosophy and Art, Stony Brook University), the gang goes off the rails starting with Producer’s Notes (5:53), the Beauclair Synopsis (13:01),...

The 70th installment of Philosophy in Film features our heroes traveling back to 1936, with Steven Speilberg’s blockbuster 1981 film: Indiana Jones & The Raiders of the Lost Ark! With the beloved archeologist at their side, the gang embarks on a quest to find philosophical meaning behind one of the most storied franchises in cinema history, driven by segments like Producer’s Notes (5:45), the Beauclair Synopsis (15:26), Philosopher's Corner (26:21), the Round Table Discussion (31:54),...

For the 69th episode of Philosophy In Film Podcast, the gang takes a swing at M. Night Shyamalan's 2002 sci-fi horror, 'Signs'. This week, we explore the dark phenomenons of the podcast, including Producers' Notes (10:39), the Beauclair Synopsis (25:19), Philosopher's Corner (36:35), the Round Table Discussion (45:32), crop-circling back to Reviews (91:12), and heading down the stretch with #Mailbag (103:07). As always, we engage in a discussion of all the philosophical and non-philosophical...

This week in episode 68 of Philosophy In Film Podcast, the gang dines on the thrilling comedy horror, 'The Menu'. Once again, we feast our way through all your favorite and less favorite courses of the podcast, including Producers' Notes (5:56), the Beauclair Synopsis (26:17), Philosopher's Corner (46:06), the Round Table Discussion (65:00ish), and, of course, the #Mailbag (116:24). As always, we engage in a discussion of all the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that...

Episode 67 of the Philosophy In Film Podcast looks at the titular Pixar classic, 'Wall-E'. Once again, we work our way through all your favorite and less favorite segments of the podcast, including Producers' Notes (7:58), the Beauclair Synopsis (17:48), Philosopher's Corner (29:31), the Round Table Discussion (39:23), and, of course, the #Mailbag (92:51).  As always, we engage in a  discussion of all the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that caught our attention. ...

Episode 66 of the Philosophy In Film Podcast looks at the satire-drama 'Triangle of Sadness'. As always, we work through all the familiar aspects of the show, including Producers' Notes (6:15), the Beauclair Synopsis (20:16), Philosopher's Corner (34:36), the Round Table Discussion (42:54), and, of course, the #Mailbag (1:35:44).  As always, we try to fit in a discussion of all the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that caught our attention. Featured Beer: Uncharted...

Episode 65 of the Philosophy In Film Podcast looks at the highly anticipated Avatar 2, and also hockey cards. As is our way, we work through all the familiar aspects of the show, including Producers' Notes (6:14), the Beauclair Synopsis (19:00), Philosopher's Corner (38:42), the Round Table Discussion (48:20), and, of course, the #Mailbag (1:46:33).  As always, we try to fit in a discussion of all the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that caught our attention. ...

Our annual Christmas special, episode 64 of the Philosophy In Film Podcast is a look at "A Charlie Brown Christmas".  We cover all the old familiar aspects of the show, including Producers' Notes (7:09), the Beauclair Synopsis (16:03), Philosopher's Corner (27:14), the Round Table Discussion (36:14), and a bulkier than normal edition of the yuletide #Mailbag (97:05).  As always, we try to fit in a discussion of all the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that caught our...