Podcast Summary: The Big Picture – "A Mailbag for All Time. Plus: Alex Ross Perry Returns!"

Release Date: May 12, 2025 | Host: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of The Big Picture, hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins, alongside producer Bobby Wagner, dive into a diverse array of listener questions in their mailbag segment. The episode culminates with an insightful conversation featuring acclaimed filmmaker Alex Ross Perry, who discusses his innovative new project, Pavements.

Mailbag Q&A: Listener Questions Answered

1. Oscar Contenders and Underrated Indie Directors

Listeners expressed curiosity about potential Oscar frontrunners and sought recommendations for underrated indie directors deserving recognition.

• Notable Quote:
  "How do you feel..." (03:16) – Bobby Wagner discusses personal reflections amidst the Cannes Film Festival buzz.

• Discussion Points:

  • Best Actor Race: Exploration of a highly competitive Best Actor category featuring names like Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, and Denzel Washington.
  • Underrated Directors: Suggestions included James Gray, Lynne Ramsay, and the Safdie Brothers, highlighting their unique storytelling styles and contributions to cinema.

2. Movie Disappointments and Letdowns

Listeners shared experiences of being let down by movies, whether due to mismatched expectations or misleading marketing.

• Notable Quote:
  "I remember figuring out the twist of The Village..." (19:32) – Rob Harvilla recounts his frustration with predicting plot twists.

• Discussion Points:

  • Films like How Do You Know? and I Am Legend were cited as personal letdowns, emphasizing the gap between anticipation and actual experience.

3. Favorite Movie What-ifs

Exploration of hypothetical scenarios in film history, such as alternate casting choices and unproduced projects.

• Notable Quote:
  "David Fincher almost making World War Z..." (14:00) – Rob Harvilla muses on how different directorial choices could have altered film outcomes.

• Discussion Points:

  • Alternate Castings: Speculations included Tom Hanks replacing Anthony Hopkins in Nixon and Keanu Reeves taking Val Kilmer’s role in Heat.
  • Unmade Films: Mention of projects like Kubrick’s Napoleon and potential adaptations of The Secret History.

4. Miscellaneous Questions: Chargers, Cords, and More

A segment featuring lighter, everyday questions about technology frustrations.

• Notable Quote:
  "U in USB stands for universal." (08:00) – Sean Fennessey humorously critiques the ever-changing USB standards.

• Discussion Points:

  • Frustrations with incompatible chargers and the shift from USB to USB-C standards, reflecting on consumer inconvenience and industry practices.

5. Third Chair Discussion: Tracy Letts and Carrie Coon

A passionate plea for Tracy Letts to join the show as a "third chair," alongside acknowledgments of potential guests like Carrie Coon.

• Notable Quote:
  "Tracy Letts, if you're listening, I know it's on your list." (10:21) – Bobby Wagner enthusiastically advocates for Letts’ participation.

6. Amanda’s Classics Major and Its Impact

Amanda delves into her background in classics from Dartmouth, discussing how it shapes her approach to storytelling and filmmaking.

• Notable Quote:
  "The classics were the building blocks for most of like Western storytelling." (34:32) – Bobby Wagner on Amanda’s academic foundation.

• Discussion Points:

  • The relevance of ancient narratives in contemporary storytelling.
  • Incorporation of classical themes and structures in modern film analysis.

7. Physical Media and Collecting

Conversation about the pursuit of rare Blu-rays and the challenges of maintaining a physical media collection in the digital age.

• Notable Quote:
  "I have to assume it's like a music rights thing that it hasn't been re-released because a lot of people would buy it." (44:07) – Rob Harvilla on the scarcity of certain film releases.

• Discussion Points:

  • Efforts to acquire rare editions like Exodus Ombre and Near Dark.
  • The decline of physical media sales and its impact on collectors.

8. Family Movie Traditions

Hosts share nostalgic family movie-watching routines, highlighting how these traditions have evolved over time.

• Notable Quote:
  "My dad roasting me on the holidays is my favorite holiday movie tradition." (52:59) – Bobby Wagner reminisces about unique holiday movie experiences.

• Discussion Points:

  • Watching a mix of classic and unconventional films during holidays.
  • The role of family dynamics in shaping movie preferences and traditions.

9. Recent Underrated Films Inspiring Future Filmmakers

Listeners inquire about lesser-known recent films that have the potential to inspire the next generation of filmmakers.

• Notable Quote:
  "Nickel Boys, which I think still hasn't really found its cult moment." (56:30) – Rob Harvilla on the enduring impact of The Nickel Boys.

• Discussion Points:

  • Films like The Nickel Boys, First Cow, and Ti West’s X and Pearl as potential cult classics.
  • The importance of critical acclaim versus mainstream recognition in influencing future projects.

In-depth Conversation with Alex Ross Perry

Introduction to Pavements

Alex Ross Perry joins the hosts to discuss his groundbreaking film, Pavements, a unique blend of biopic, jukebox musical, documentary, and metatextual deconstruction of the '90s indie rock band Pavement.

• Notable Quote:
  "It's this tapestry of a bunch of bullshit of an artist you have no context for that means nothing to you." (84:16) – Amanda Dobbins on the film’s layered narrative structure.

Creative Process and Structure

Perry explains the multifaceted approach to storytelling in Pavements, integrating various genres to create a rich, immersive experience.

• Notable Quote:
  "Everything else is about building the sets and doing tech rehearsals." (85:27) – Amanda Dobbins on the logistics of filming the musical segments.

• Discussion Points:

  • Blending Genres: Combining documentary elements with fictional narratives and musical performances.
  • Innovative Storytelling: Drawing inspiration from films like Dunkirk to create interwoven timelines and perspectives.

Challenges Faced During Production

The conversation touches on the logistical and creative hurdles encountered while bringing Pavements to fruition.

• Notable Quote:
  "It's incredibly strange and incredibly interesting." (02:26) – Rob Harvilla on the unprecedented nature of making a film about a band in this format.

• Discussion Points:

  • Funding and Resource Constraints: Navigating limited budgets while attempting ambitious storytelling techniques.
  • Casting and Performance: Incorporating real musicians and actors into cohesive narratives without traditional hooks.

Reception and Future Implications

Perry reflects on the film’s reception at various film festivals and its potential influence on independent filmmaking.

• Notable Quote:
  "People are like, man, really? Just not the Pavement movie I wanted." (104:52) – Amanda Dobbins discussing audience reactions and expectations.

• Discussion Points:

  • Festival Screenings: Successes at venues like the New York Film Festival and Rotterdam.
  • Cult Status Potential: The film’s unique approach positioning it for long-term appreciation among cinephiles.

Closing Remarks and Teasers

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express excitement for future projects and invite listeners to continue engaging with the show’s content.

• Notable Quote:
  "We'll be back later this week with the next entry in our 25 for 25 series." (137:48) – Rob Harvilla teasing upcoming content.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Big Picture offers a rich blend of listener interaction and professional insight, culminating in a deep dive with Alex Ross Perry about his innovative film Pavements. The hosts provide thoughtful responses to a variety of questions, reflecting on personal experiences with cinema, the state of the film industry, and the creative processes behind filmmaking. Whether you’re a casual movie enthusiast or a dedicated cinephile, this episode delivers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of contemporary film culture.