GoodTrash GenreCast

GTGC - #209 - Girlhood (Bande de Filles)

Welcome back to your favorite movie analysis podcast, the GoodTrash GenreCast. On this week's episode, the whole gang gathers around the table to talk about Dustin's February host pick, the 2014 French coming of age drama, Girlhood or Bande de Filles. Is this drama a beautiful tale of growing up? Or does it crumble under the pressure?

We kick things off with the weekly game by talking about our Favorite Coming of Age Stories. Arthur decides to play a different game and talks about his favorite Coming of Age protagonists. It's okay, he does what he wants anyway. Following the gameplay, which is filled with bad Boston accents, the team get down to their film analysis business.

Analysis kicks off with Dalton discussing hanging out and social groups. He looks at the way life functions within groups of friends, and how these societal groups help us cope with life. Alex goes down a similar path to talk about groups of girls and friendships. She talks about feminism and gender roles and how Girlhood plays with all of that.

Caleb gives a rundown of the coming of age genre. He discusses the history of the genre and compares and contrasts the narratives as when told through the eyes of males and females. Dustin wraps things up by discussing the socio and political factors that Girlhood pushes up against. He brings up the idea of "banlieue films", which are films that focus on French suburban life.

And that's a show this week, folks. We've got to head out for the week, we've got a party to get to, but we'll see you next week when we take on a genre classic.

Girlhood Timestamps

00:38 - Welcome and Introductions
02:36 - Synopsis and Reviews
15:00 - Social Media
16:37 - The Game - Favorite Coming of Age Stories
30:49 - Analysis
51:15 - Shelf or Trash/Else or Instead
57:05 - Wrap Up

GTGC - #208 - The Negotiator

Welcome back where the analysis is fresh and trash is good. Your favorite movie analysis podcast is back to talk F Gary Gray's hostage thriller The Negotiator. Is it a bucket of fun or a bucket of poo? You'll have to tune in to find out our thoughts on this 1998 action flick. But first, we have to play a game.

This week, we talk about our favorite "Wrong Men". Arthur thought he had written and closed the book on the subject, but Alex comes in at the last second with arguably one of the better "Wrong Man" characters.

As the analysis gets underway, Arthur presents a formalist/genre reading of The Negotiator. He examines how F Gary Gray utilizes the editing, camera and production design to infuse a sense of urgency into a substandard procedural story. Dalton is next. He presents a look at beurocracy and the thin line that is constantly walked by those in the criminal justice system. He connects these dots to beurocracy on a more general scale.

Alex piggybacks off of Dalton's reading in presenting her ideas. She reiterates the strength of Dalton's points, before aligning these points with current political affairs. Alex brings up how America's distrust in government has grown. She is brimming with ideas from her recent OK Policy Summit. Dustin takes things home by discussing the myth of redemptive violence. He examines how violence in this form is used to control people. Dustin then compares the approach of both Spacy and Jackson's characters in the film.

Well that's it for this week, Dear Listener. Now, if you're ready, go ahead and hit play. And remember, you never tell the hostage taker, "No."

The Negotiator Timestamps

00:38 - Welcome and Introductions
05:27 - Synopsis and Reviews15:19 - The Game - Favorite Wrong Men
22:44 - Social Media
24:01 - Analysis
50:01 - Shelf or Trash/Else or Instead
57:35 - Wrap Up

GTGC - #207 - Zero Dark Thirty

Hello and welcome back to your favorite film analysis podcast! That's right, GTGC returns with the final installment of 2017's Anti-Trash marathon with a look at Zero Dark Thirty. We decided that a former Academy Award nominated film would be a good way to wrap up our marathon. Caleb, Dalton and Dustin gather around to disect Kathryn Bigelow's dynamic look at 9/11 and the hunt for Bin Laden. 

As the show gets underway, the team offers their quick reviews of the movie before moving into the weekly game. Using The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty and her upcoming film as a jumping off point, the gents decide to talk about potential films Bigelow could direct. So, they name off "Movies Based Off of Real Events" that they would like Bigelow to direct. 

As we get down to our regularly scheduled film analysis business, the gents enter a round table discussion. Each host had a commentary to present, but each had thoughts on the other comments. So, round table it is. Dalton kicks the discussion off by examining the feminist ideals of the film. He mentions that the film doesn't back away from Chastain's femininity while presenting a strong female character. He points to some formalist techniques that support his ideals. 

Caleb wants to look at the film from the Post-9/11 angle. He argues that it is important to understand that this film is more about the aftereffects of 9/11 and not just the hunt for Bin Laden. He examines the ideas of vengeance and revenge and what type of relief that truly brings, if any. Dustin opens the floor to a discussion on the film's stance on torture. The gents examine whether the film is pro- or anti- torture and how well those stances are portrayed.

And that's a wrap for this week, Dear Listener. Next week, we move out of Anti-Trash and back to the good trash. The randomizer has selected a fun one for us. But, if anything goes wrong, know that we're innocent. 

Zero Dark Thirty Timestamps

00:38 -Welcome and Introductions
04:11 - Synopsis and Reviews
15:38 - The Game - Historical Event Films Directed by Bigelow
26:36 - Social Media
28:13 - Analysis
57:43 - Shelf or Trash/Else or Instead
1:02:18 - Wrap Up

GTGC - #206 - A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

Your favorite film analysis podcast is back again as the Anti-Trash Marathon rolls on. This week, Alex has a host pick and she chose the Iranian-American vampire film, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night. Aside from Dustin, nobody else at the table had seen the film, which is always fun.

Before we throw A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night on the film analysis table, we have to play our game. On this week's episode, we talk about "Movie Monsters We Want to Fall in Love With". It is a convoluted title for a convoluted game, but it is a lot of fun.

As analysis gets underway, Dalton kicks things off by looking at relationships. He talks about how when people are involved in interpersonal relationships, the people involved take on each other's baggage. He also speaks to the cat in the film as a symbol of this baggage that is shared.

Alex zigs instead of zags and presents an environmental reading of the movie. She points out some of the political imagery of the film and how it reinforces the environmental themes at play. Dustin wraps things up to talk about the film watching experience and spectatorship. He discusses the intertextual references of the film and how that impacts the viewer's experience. He argues that depending on how much film the viewer has seen they will have a different experience.

That's it for this week's show. The sun is coming up and we need to get back inside, hit play and come in... If you'd like.

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night Timestamps

00:38 - Welcome and Introductions
03:09 - Synopsis and Reviews
17:12 - The Game - Monsters You Want to Love
24:37 - Social Media
26:19 - Analysis
43:27 - Shelf or Trash/Else or Instead
50:37 - Wrap Up

GTGC - #205 - The Exterminating Angel

Editor's Note: Due to a technical issue, this is our first episode back. We recorded this episode as the second entry in the Anti-Trash Marathon, the first was to drop last week but the file messed up and we were unable to get that episode posted. It'll forever join a handful of other films as one of the few lost GoodTrash episodes.

Welcome back dear listener! The Anti-Trash marathon continues this week on your favorite film analysis podcast, the GoodTrash GenreCast. This week, we take on Luis Bunuel's surrealist dinner party classic, The Exterminating Angel (1962). Dustin presents a quick rundown of Bunuel's career and what shaped this influential classic. Is it worth the wait time? Or should you cut out early? Find out as we apply our style of film criticism to The Exterminating Angel.

This week's game provides a lot of laughs as we talk about 3 Movie Characters We Wouldn't Want to be Stuck with at a Dinner Party. We then move into the film analysis section to breakdown The Extermintating Angel. Dalton kicks things off by talking about Sartes' idea that "hell is other people". He examines the sociological factors of being stuck with other people and how those underlying tensions are cranked to 11 by Bunuel. 

Caleb presents his film analysis next by talking about the facade of appearances and the bourgeoisie. He talks about the economic history of the country. He argues that the context of putting it in Spain meant highlighting a country that didn't feel much of the same impact of World War II as other countries. Dustin piggybacks off the conversation before him and looks at the film's critique of fascism. He gives some more historical context of what was happening in Spain. Dustin argues that the bourgeoisie hold up the facade of capitalism. 

That's it for this week. Now, we've got to get ready for our upcoming dinner. The table is set, will you hang around?

The Exterminating Angel Timestamps

00:38 - Welcome and Introductions
04:45 - Synopsis and Review
21:00 - The Game - Movie Characters You Wouldn't Want to Get Stuck at a Dinner Party With
30:22 - Social Media
32:11 - Analysis
56:26 - Shelf or Trash/Else or Instead
1:02:34 - Wrap Up

GTGC - #204 - The Shelvies 2016

The red carpet is out and the GTGC crew is dressed to the nines. This week, we wrap up 2016 with a retrospective as we look back at the best and worst moments of the GoodTrash GenreCast. In our 4th annual Shelvies Award Ceremony, all five hosts get around the table. Arthur, Dalton, Alex, Caleb and Dustin sit down to speak about the best movies they watched for GTGC in 2016. They also talk about the movies they wish could be erased from their brain. 

Every year, the GoodTrash GenreCast gathers around to hand out a number of awards; Best Worst Movie, Favorite Discovery, Once More with Feeling, and more. They also determine the movie that deserves to sit on the platinum shelf. A movie that is worthy purchasing and must be seen and must be part of your personal conversations.

This year, there are several shocking awards. Dalton finally shows character growth as he does the unthinkable and shocks everyone with his Platinum Shelf winner. Caleb continues to try and defend Transformers in the face of adversity. Alex literaly partakes of candy on air. Arthur destroys a film that was a pop culture phenomenon. And Dustin tries to keep the whole thing on the rails. 

We thank all of our dear listeners for tuning in over the last 12 months. We hope you've had as much fun on this journey as we've had. Next year, we have some special things in mind to try and stretch ourselves even farther while trying to grow and increase the conversation about film and those who make it. We will return in January 2017 with our 5th annual Anti-Trash marathon. 

So, until then have a wonderful holiday season and a great New Year!

GTGC - #203 - The Muppet Christmas Carol

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! This week, the GoodTrash GenreCast has been taken over by those wacky Muppets. Caleb Master's used his host pick power to make us break our "No Christmas Films" rule and forces us to bring film analysis to The Muppet Christmas Carol. Is it a trip down nostalgia lane? Or, does the adaptation have us saying, bah! Humbug!

The discussion gets underway as we highlight our desired Muppet Literary Adaptations. There are a lot of great suggestions, but we'd also love to hear your ideas on social media. Analysis gets underway as Caleb gives us a rundown of the Muppets and what they're about. Alex chimes in with the rules of portraying the Muppets in media. Dalton applauds the Muppets for their ability to introduce young children to classic art and literature. He claims that it is important to grow culturally and that having these art pieces as vocabulary is key to that. 

Alex presents her analysis and looks at the production of The Muppets Christmas Carol and the editing of the film. She expounds on the history of the productions and explores why certain songs were cut from the film. Dustin wraps up the analysis of The Muppets Christmas Carol by talking about Charles Dickens and charity. Dustin then brings up Bleak House and how people can make a proper change and truly help those in need. 

And there you have it! The 2016 GTGC Express is nearing the station. The Muppets Christmas Carol will be our last film of 2016, but we have one more episode in the works for you next week. So, until next time, remember to be nice, and put the Ghostbusters on speed dial, just in case. 

The Muppet Christmas Carol Timestamps

00:38 - Welcome and Introductions
04:16 - Synopsis and Reviews
16:05 - The Game - Muppet Literary Adaptations
28:36 - Analysis 
54:39 - Shelf or Trash/Else or Instead
1:00:33 - Wrap Up

GTGC - #202 - High Fidelity

Drop the needle and spin the vinyl, we're back! The GoodTrash GenreCast returns to bring a healthy dose of film analysis to Stephen Frears' High Fidelity. This one is Dalton's host pick. It is one of his favorite movies, but does the rest of the gang agree? You'll have to tune in to find out.

 

On this week's episode, we kick off with our weekliy game. The game this week is our Top 5 Break Up Songs. We go through all the tunes that got us through those tough times and heartbreaks. We also admit a few guilty pleasures. Following our game, we take High Fidelity off the shelf and out of the sleeve to give it a spin on the analysis table. 

 

Dalton kicks things off with a character study of John Cusack's character, Rob. He explains that by casting ourselves as the wounded protagonist in our minds, we often become our own worst enemy. He argues that the film encourages reflection about how we should behave as humans. Caleb looks at Frears' use of music throughout the film. He looks closely at the connection between music and memory. He argues that Frears' is using the audience's relationship with these songs to trigger a nostalgia trip. Dustin takes the analysis home as he brings up two ideas. First, he mentions a bit of critical theory by talking Walter Benjamin. He then ties these ideas into Rob's search for love and the object of desire. 

 

Alright dear listener, there you have it. What are your Top 5 Break Up Songs? Let us know! So, until next time, go arrange your music chronilogicaly in the order that you met your friends. 

High Fidelity Timestamps

00:36 - Welcome and Introductions
05:24 - Synopsis and Reviews
14:00 - The Game - Top 5 Break Up Songs
27:00 - Social Media
29:04 - Analysis
47:16 - Shelf or Trash/Else or Instead
55:23 - Wrap Up

GTGC - #201 - The Way

The walk is over, and we've arrived at the GoodTrash destination. This week, on our Patreon sponsored episode, we discuss The Way. Nathaniel Masters, brother of co-host Caleb Masters, donated enough to be able to choose a movie for us. But, that doesn't mean we have to love it. Dustin, Dalton and Caleb try and find the deeper conversation within The Way, but a couple of our hosts are a bit iffy on the quality of the film. 

 

As the discussion gets under way, Caleb appears live via satellite to share his thoughts. The hosts play the weekly game and talk about their favorite and desired family collaborations. Afterwards, they put The Way on the table for analysis. Dalton makes things personal and talks about fathers and sons. He mentions that art is good at critiquing and highlighting familial relationships. He then lifts the veil and reveals the story about the men who raised him and the impact they had on his life.

 

Caleb talks about the multicultural element of the film. He reinforces the idea of community and working together towards a comman goal. Dustin looks at the bourgeoisie angle the film takes towards spirituality. He draws out the key element of going on a pilgrimage to become a better person. But, he mentions that not everyone can just go on this journey due to economic shortcomings. He says that pilgrimages of the sort within the film are designed for people of privelege. 

 

That's the show, dear listener. Again, we want to say thank you to Nathaniel Masters. If you're interested in becoming a patron and financial supporter, go here. Don't worry, you won't have to make any sort of pilgrimage to donate. Now, get your walking shoes and get ready to go on this journey with us. 

The Way Timestamps

00:36 - Welcome and Introductions
05:42 - Synopsis and Reviews
15:58 - The Game - Family Team-Ups
27:03 - Social Media
29:40 - Analysis
51:01 - Shelf or Trash/Else or Instead
55:46 - Wrap Up

 

GTGC - #200 - Drive

We watched Drive. After four years and 200 episodes, it finally happened. We are thankful to our listeners and friends who helped us get to 200, and here's to 100 more. On episode 200, Alex, Caleb, Dalton and Dustin gather around to disect a film that has become the GTGC mascot. The hosts love Drive, but is it all style and no substance? That's what GTGC is determined to find out. 

This week sees the hosts looking forward. The gameplay involves naming movies the hosts would like to see before episode 300. We would love to hear your thoughts on our suggestions. We then shift into overdrive and move into analysis. Caleb kicks things off by talking about the generic Western tropes that shape Drive. He highlights the similarities between the Driver and the nameless gunsllingers of old. He also presents an outline of plot beats that match up narratively with the Western genre. Alexandra takes over to talk about Drive's commentary on action film. She discusses the film within the film and how it is juxtoposed with the intense yet intimate violence present in the Driver's life. She argues that this approach brings more levity to action cinema and violence. This is contrasted with PG-13 action films and the notorious "sleepy-time bullets". 

Dalton builds off of these readings by presenting a new opinion on the action hero. He corrrelates Driver with the recent character played by Ben Affleck in The Accountant. He discusses these nameless, socially awkward characters who may be on the spectrum. A point which is blatantly raised in The Accountant, but he argues it can be found in the subtext of Drive. Dustin wraps up the analysis of episode 200 with a breakdown of three key components of genre. He defines prestige, art house, experimental, and avant-garde cinema. He then tries to find a place to put Drive. 

And with that, we wrap episode number 200. Thank you for all of your encouragement over the years, Dear Listener. Grab your gloves, sharpen your straight razor, and let's Drive. 

Drive Timestamps

00:37 - Welcome and Introductions
04:41 - Synopsis and Reviews
11:04 - Social Media
11:54 - The Game - Top 3 Films Before Ep. 300
23:53 - Analysis
46:31 - Shelf or  Trash/Else or Instead
52:34 - Wrap Up