CRWN Cinema Podcast

• #090 - "Prisoners" - The Dark Genius of Prisoners: Themes, Symbolism, and Cinematography

  In this episode, we dive into Prisoners and unpack everything that makes this film so hauntingly powerful. We explore its dark themes, layered symbolism, and masterful cinematography, while also reacting to the gripping performances by Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. From the film's brutal storytelling to the intense emotions it evokes, we break down what makes Prisoners one of Denis Villeneuve's most unforgettable films. PRISONERS is about: Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) faces a parent's worst nightmare when his 6-year-old daughter, Anna, and her friend go missing. The only lead is an old motorhome that had been parked on their street. The head of the investigation, Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), arrests the driver (Paul Dano), but a lack of evidence forces Loki to release his only suspect. Dover, knowing that his daughter's life is at stake, decides that he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands. Chapters: 00:00 Intro Discussion: Our reaction after this brutality 02:21 The cliffhanger ending explained 08:36 Explaining the tree symbolism 11:32 The tests of faith in a war against God 13:14 The false empathy we give to Keller's terrible actions  15:55 Keller Dover's character arc: He can't do it himself 19:34 Understanding Loki's character 22:32 Jake Gyllenhaal knows the dark side all too well 25:04 The story of how Jake Gyllenhaal got this role 27:08 The dark places actors tap into for roles like this 29:33 Where they sub-textually making fun of IRL Alex Jones? 31:36 This story is based on the easiest way to hit an audiences emotions 35:51 Scene's they cut from the script 40:10 When Gray was almost a Prisoner character 41:43 How the cinematography mirrors a maze 46:36 The amazing editing choices  51:56 The brilliant scene design from a small scene 53:30 Our ratings and review 55:45 Final thoughts: One last detail you might have missed 58:04 Cue the music

  --------  

  59:09
• #089 - "Inglourious Basterds" - Revealing Tarantino's Tactics That Make This Movie His Best

  In this episode, we dive deep into Inglourious Basterds, breaking down the masterfully tense opening scene and revealing what makes it so iconic. We explore Quentin Tarantino's storytelling, analyzing his brilliant use of character, dialogue, and tension. We also uncover hidden details and explain how Tarantino's writing adds layers of context to key scenes, making the film a timeless masterpiece. Get insights into his unique filmmaking style and what sets Inglourious Basterds apart from other war movies. INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS is about: It is the first year of Germany's occupation of France. Allied officer Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) assembles a team of Jewish soldiers to commit violent acts of retribution against the Nazis, including the taking of their scalps. He and his men join forces with Bridget von Hammersmark, a German actress and undercover agent, to bring down the leaders of the Third Reich. Their fates converge with theater owner Shosanna Dreyfus, who seeks to avenge the Nazis' execution of her family. Chapters: 00:00:00 Our reaction after watching 00:04:34 Breakdown on the masterful opening scene 00:26:31 Why Hans Landa let Shosanna go 00:28:38 Tarantino almost cancelled production the day before shooting 00:31:12 Tarantino's hidden cameo 00:33:59 Film Theory: The story behind Aldo Raine’s nasty neck scar 00:38:00 Film Theory: The stories behind each Bastard 00:41:37 Easily Brad Pitt's greatest character 00:45:03 The contrast between Hans Landa and Aldo Raine 00:49:10 The way they shot the basement tavern scene 00:50:39 The Tarantino way of shooting this movie 00:54:11 Breaking down Hans Landa 00:59:40 The two best shots in the entire movie 01:01:36 The Nazi simp + side bars 01:06:21 The funniest scene in the movie: Gorlami 01:12:11 Tarantino's deeper meaning of the movie 01:13:59 Our ratings and score 01:18:23 The BIG plot hole 01:20:14 Final thoughts 01:22:25 Cue the music

  --------  

  1:23:35
• #088 - "The Prestige" - The Insane Amount of Details Christopher Nolan Hides in Plain Sight

  In this episode, we break down Christopher Nolan’s hidden details in The Prestige that cleverly foreshadow the big twist involving Borden and Fallon. We dive deep into Nolan’s masterful storytelling and the subtle clues he plants throughout the film that most viewers miss on the first watch. By analyzing key scenes and character interactions, we reveal how Nolan pulls off the magic of misdirection, leading to one of the best movie twists of all time. Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro & Post movie reaction 00:02:34 Everything Nolan hides in plain sight 00:12:36 LOL: So how involved were the twins in each others relationship?? 00:18:15 Back to the details hidden in plain sight 00:23:57 The darkest reveal of the entire movie 00:25:55 Deciphering which brother is which 00:33:13 How Nolan constructs the movie like a magic trick 00:37:18 Does Borden or Angier make the ultimate sacrifice? 00:42:05 How Nolan gets the audience to believe the characters 00:43:33 Hugh Jackman's American accent sucked... for a reason 00:47:55 One more hint toward the big twist 00:48:41 Proof that magicians are just bad people 00:50:57 Scarlett Jo Hanson is dope in real life... or maybe it's an act 00:51:47 Sidebar: Funniest Hot Ones interview 00:56:45 Sidebar: Scar Jo's Hot One's episode 00:59:14 Christopher Nolan's camera slight of hand 01:01:52 Cool detail showing Angier making sure he feels like the original 01:04:02 Nolan just slipped this between his first 2 Batman movies 01:05:09 Our ratings out of 10 01:10:56 Final thoughts 01:13:56 Cue the music

  --------  

  1:15:06
• #087 - "Sicario" - How Denis Villeneuve Turned a Great Script into an Insane Movie

  In this episode, we break down SICARIO and its dark, gripping story. We analyze the most intense scenes, revealing how they build suspense and tension. From the morally complex characters to the stunning cinematography, we dive into why Sicario is a modern thriller masterpiece. We also discuss the major changes made to the original script that amplified the film’s impact. If you’re looking for a deep analysis of Sicario, its best moments, and its storytelling, this is for you.SICARIO is about: After rising through the ranks of her male-dominated profession, idealistic FBI agent Kate Macer receives a top assignment. Recruited by mysterious government official Matt Graver, Kate joins a task force for the escalating war against drugs. Led by the intense and shadowy Alejandro, the team travels back-and-forth across the U.S.-Mexican border, using one cartel boss to flush out a bigger one.Chapters:00:00:00 Post watch conversation: Ending reaction & the studs behind the movie00:03:17 Why Emily Blunt was cast as Kate00:07:46 The true events Taylor Sheridan based the script on00:09:27 Denis Villeneuve drastic change to the original script00:13:57 How Sheridan pits different beliefs against each other00:21:00 Benicio Del Toro's incredible portrayal of dark mystery00:24:07 How they trick the audience to reveal Alejandro's true darkness00:28:02 The potential threat cartels are facing in real life00:29:34 The ending that leaves you questioning your own beliefs00:32:16 An example of Denis Villeneuve's genius directing00:37:59 The symbolic use of color and darkness00:39:41 Benicio Del Toro & Emily Blunt fought to change the ending00:41:26 The extreme detail of the final scene 00:42:12 Ending explained: Don't become a wolf00:45:50 Josh Brolin reveals how weird the set experience was00:50:05 The significance of the films title & sequel discussion00:52:15 The odd but realistic goal of the characters00:53:14 Our ratings out of 1000:56:00 Final thoughts: Fun fact about Sheridan’s attempt to have it made00:58:37 Looking at the ridiculously long Canne standing ovations01:00:57 Cue the music

  --------  

  1:02:06
• #086 - "Nosferatu" - Movie Review - Proof That Vampires Look Cooler With a Mustache

  In this episode, we give our full review of NOSFERATU (2024), diving deep into its rich visuals, impressive storytelling, and eerie atmosphere. We break down the incredible acting, point out the very sexual undertones, and analyze how these elements heighten the overall experience. Join us as we discuss the powerful performances, the gothic aesthetic, and how Nosferatu redefines the vampire genre for a new era. NOSFERATU is about: In the 1830s, estate agent Thomas Hutter travels to Transylvania for a fateful meeting with Count Orlok, a prospective client. In his absence, Hutter's new bride, Ellen, is left under the care of their friends, Friedrich and Anna Harding. Plagued by horrific visions and an increasing sense of dread, Ellen soon encounters an evil force that's far beyond her control. Chapters: 00:00 Post watch reaction and review 06:00 Hiding Nosferatu in a plague 10:51 The very sexually suggestive undertone 14:56 Thomas never had a shot 15:56 Why does Nosferatu have a mustache? 19:54 When the ladies start acting crazy, dope em up 24:05 Discussing vampire strategies 26:38 Willem Dafoe is that man 30:25 Ellen really screwed over her friends 33:45 The lighting and camera work 35:23 The most ruthless scene in the movie 40:02 Where the movie didn't hit 41:41 Discussing the ending 44:13 The deep connection the story has to humanity 48:15 Final thoughts 49:47 Our ratings out of 10 53:24 Cue the music

  --------  

  54:32

More TV & Film podcasts

Trending TV & Film podcasts

About CRWN Cinema Podcast