All Of It Podcast Summary: "What's Your Favorite Movie of the 21st Century"
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Kyle Buchanan, Pop Culture Reporter at The New York Times
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Duration: 26 minutes
Introduction to The New York Times’ 100 Best Movies Project
In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, the discussion centers around The New York Times' ambitious project to determine the 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century. This initiative involved soliciting top 10 film lists from over 500 influential figures in Hollywood, including directors, actors, and critics. The project culminated in a comprehensive list that reflects both mainstream favorites and hidden gems, set against the backdrop of the evolving film landscape dominated by streaming services and superhero blockbusters.
Notable Quote:
"The final list comes after the rise of streaming services and the proliferation of superhero blockbusters."
— Alison Stewart [00:29]
Methodology: Experts vs. Reader Polls
Kyle Buchanan explains that the project extended beyond industry experts by incorporating a reader's poll, which garnered over 200,000 ballots. This dual approach allowed for a comparison between the tastes of film insiders and the general public, revealing intriguing overlaps and distinct preferences.
Notable Quote:
"We thought it would be really interesting to publish that list of 100, especially in comparison and in conversation with Hollywood's own list."
— Kyle Buchanan [02:47]
Highlights and Surprises on the List
The conversation delves into unexpected inclusions and exclusions on the list. For instance, Mad Max: Fury Road secured the 11th spot, with Kyle expressing surprise at its position despite its critical acclaim.
Notable Quotes:
"I was thrilled to see it on so many other ballots. It's the highest placing action movie of the last 25 years on that list, as it should be."
— Kyle Buchanan [03:54]
"La La Land wasn't in the top 100 at all on the Hollywood list. Very surprising and placed fairly high on the readers list."
— Kyle Buchanan [09:01]
Guidelines for Ranking and Avoiding Bias
Alison inquires about the criteria used for ranking the films. Kyle emphasizes the minimal guidelines provided to voters, encouraging genuine personal choices without steering them towards specific genres or prestige films.
Notable Quote:
"We really tried to give them as little as possible. All we said was it had to be released in a theater in the US since January 1, 2000."
— Kyle Buchanan [05:35]
Audience Engagement and Call-Ins
The episode includes engaging call-ins from listeners who share their personal favorite films, adding a community perspective to the discussion. Notable mentions include Shrek 2, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and There Will Be Blood.
Notable Quote:
"It's intellectual fun and as Altair as it gets, it references the entire history of cinema..."
— Caller (Gary) [17:40]
Deep Dive into the Top 10 Movies
Alison and Kyle meticulously walk through the Top 10 Movies, providing insights into why each film earned its spot. Here's a breakdown of selected entries:
-
Parasite (2019)
- Kyle’s Insight: Parasite’s universal acclaim stems from its incisive commentary on wealth disparity and societal structures. As the first non-English film to top both expert and reader lists, it underscores the global resonance of its themes.
Notable Quote:
"Parasite was the runaway victor, not only in the Hollywood list, but in the reader's list. There was no touching it."
— Kyle Buchanan [24:47] -
Mulholland Drive (2001)
- Kyle’s Insight: Directed by David Lynch, this film showcases surreal storytelling and complex character development, solidifying its place as a masterpiece in modern cinema.
-
There Will Be Blood (2007)
- Kyle’s Insight: The film’s exploration of unchecked capitalism and moral decay resonates deeply in today’s socio-economic climate, making it a timeless piece.
-
Moonlight (2016)
- Kyle’s Insight: Celebrated for its poignant portrayal of identity and humanity, Moonlight not only won the Academy Award but also reflects the societal shifts and urgencies of its time.
-
Get Out (2017)
- Kyle’s Insight: Jordan Peele's groundbreaking horror thriller deftly blends genre elements to address racism, leaving a lasting cultural impact and revitalizing horror cinema.
-
The Social Network (2010)
- Kyle’s Insight: This film captures the rapid advancement of technology and its implications on human relationships, a theme increasingly relevant in the digital age.
-
Spirited Away (2001)
- Kyle’s Insight: Hayao Miyazaki's animated masterpiece combines stunning visuals with a captivating narrative, exemplifying the artistry of hand-drawn animation.
-
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
- Kyle’s Insight: This film’s exploration of memory and relationships aligns with contemporary technological anxieties, making it profoundly resonant.
-
No Country for Old Men (2007)
- Kyle’s Insight: The Coen Brothers' intense narrative and Javier Bardem's iconic performance elevate this film to a top-tier standing in modern cinema.
-
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
- Kyle’s Insight: Its enduring acclaim is a testament to its cultural and musical influences, solidifying its place in the best films of the century.
Conclusion and Reflections
The episode concludes with reflections on the significance of the list and its representation of both expert opinions and public sentiment. Kyle underscores the importance of films that not only entertain but also provoke thought and mirror societal changes.
Notable Quote:
"This list, period, is a tribute to movies that you keep thinking about long, long, long after you've seen them."
— Kyle Buchanan [05:35]
Join the Conversation:
Listeners are encouraged to engage with the project by filling out ballots or participating in movie ranking quizzes available on the All Of It website.
Tune In:
For more discussions on culture and its myriad facets, listen to All Of It with Alison Stewart, weekdays from 12:00 - 2:00 PM on WNYC.