This week, we look to the skies to consider two films about the difficulty of communication between worlds, and the inward journeys involved in looking to the stars. Inspired by Denis Villeneuve’s new ARRIVAL, we begin with an in-depth discussion of an earlier film with which it shares many thematic and narrative elements: Robert Zemeckis' 1997 Carl Sagan adaptation CONTACT. We consider the film’s ambition, dissect its blockbuster qualities, and try to determine what makes this unwieldy, emotional movie work so well, almost despite itself. (Spoiler: It’s mostly Jodie Foster.) Plus, a brief feedback discussion on cultural empathy and the movies.
Please share your comments, thoughts, and questions about CONTACT, ARRIVAL, or both by sending an email to , or leaving a short voicemail at (773) 234-9730.
Josh and Adam talk fake noses. And wrestling. And murder... with their review of FOXCATCHER starring Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo and Steve Carell. Plus, their Top 5 Discoveries of 2014 – actors, directors and others who made a fine first impression thi
90 Min
Dec 5, 2014
Slate's Dana Stevens and Dan Kois discuss Looper. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be heard AFTER you've seen the movie.
29 Min
Sep 28, 2012