Podcast Summary: The Big Picture – Best Picture Power Rankings and Brutal Honesty About ‘The Brutalist’

Release Date: January 31, 2025

Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins
Guest: Joanna Robinson and Sean Fennessey
Episode Focus: Best Picture Power Rankings and an in-depth analysis of the film The Brutalist

Introduction

In this episode of The Big Picture, hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins delve deep into the current Academy Awards race, focusing primarily on their Best Picture power rankings. A significant portion of the discussion centers around the highly anticipated film The Brutalist, with Joanna Robinson joining the conversation to assist in ranking the Best Picture contenders.

In-Depth Analysis of The Brutalist

Amanda Dobbins initiates the conversation by expressing her enthusiasm and frustration with The Brutalist, stating, "I feel like [she] has questions about what you think about it" ([04:50]). The hosts explore the film's complex narrative, highlighting its portrayal of artistry, American capitalism, trauma, and the immigrant experience.

Key Themes Discussed:

• Artistry vs. Capitalism: The Brutalist examines the delicate balance artists maintain between creative integrity and commercial pressures. Sean notes, "it's about what artists need to make what they make" ([17:41]).

• Trauma and Assimilation: The film delves into the protagonist Lazlo Toth's traumatic past as a Holocaust survivor and his struggles with assimilation in America. Amanda remarks, "Why is she just... trying to navigate that relationship on his behalf?" ([45:00]).

• Character Study vs. Metaphor: The hosts debate whether Lazlo Toth is merely a vessel for broader themes or a fully developed character with personal flaws. Amanda questions, "Is this character developed at all?" ([24:14]).

Notable Quotes:

• Sean Fennessey: "This is about everything that you said. But it's really more about the intersection of all of those things and how they hit each other." ([18:03])
• Amanda Dobbins: "I have been thinking about it since I watched it again on a screener... It is of great art, right?" ([05:59])

The discussion also touches upon the film's technical prowess, including its use of archival footage and memorable set pieces like the Statue of Liberty scene and the architectural marvels depicted within the movie.

Best Picture Power Rankings

Joanna Robinson joins the panel to assist in power ranking the Best Picture nominees. The conversation is lively, with the hosts debating the merits of each contender based on various factors such as direction, screenplay, performances, and cultural impact.

Final Power Rankings:

1. The Brutalist
   Topped the charts due to its ambitious storytelling and thematic depth.

2. Emilia Perez
   Gained momentum through strong performances and critical acclaim.

3. In Nora
   Recognized for its nuanced portrayal of characters and compelling narrative.

4. A Complete Unknown
   Acknowledged for its traditional Oscar appeal and well-crafted screenplay.

5. Conclave
   Secured a spot with its screenplay and editing accolades.

6. Substance
   Entered the rankings with significant nominations and critical support.

7. Wicked
   Rose to prominence despite lacking nominations in certain key categories.

8. Nickel Boys
   Honored for its screenplay and potent storytelling.

9. I'm Still Here
   Recognized for its unique narrative and strong performances.

10. Dune Part 2
    Placed at the bottom due to mixed reviews despite its visual grandeur.

Notable Insights:

• Ambition vs. Execution: Sean comments, "The Brutalist is reaching for something that maybe it cannot achieve, but it is reaching," reflecting on the film's ambitious nature despite its flaws ([23:47]).

• Cinematic Craftsmanship: The hosts emphasize the importance of technical aspects like editing and screenplay in determining a film's success in the Oscars race.

Notable Quotes:

• Sean Fennessey: "A slightly unexpected but strong contender is The Brutalist because it inspires movie fandom and filmmaking enthusiasm." ([122:12])
• Amanda Dobbins: "It's an amazing achievement on so many levels. Performance craft, ideas... it's just the conversation around it that's so valuable." ([128:44])

Oscar Race Controversies and Campaigns

The episode also delves into various controversies affecting the Oscar race, including smear campaigns and AI-related debates surrounding nominees like Emilia Perez. The hosts discuss how these controversies might influence Academy voters and the overall outcome of the Best Picture race.

Key Points:

• Smear Campaigns: Amanda highlights ongoing smear campaigns targeting nominees, questioning their authenticity and motives. "There's a pretty organized, just detraction of its portrayal of both trans characters and Mexico," she states ([101:15]).

• AI and Ethical Concerns: Discussions around the use of AI in filmmaking and its impact on nominations, particularly concerning The Brutalist and Emilia Perez.

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda Dobbins: "It's really hard to replicate what happened there [referring to historical smear campaigns]." ([142:43])
• Sean Fennessey: "It all feels a little bit more surface than some of the sort of deep State Harvey moves that we used to see." ([127:51])

Concluding Thoughts and Final Rankings

As the episode wraps up, the hosts finalize their power rankings, placing The Brutalist at the top, followed by Emilia Perez, Conclave, and others. They reflect on the unpredictability of the Oscars and acknowledge that while The Brutalist may have imperfections, its ambitious nature and thematic resonance could propel it to win Best Picture.

Final Remarks:

• Embracing Ambiguity: Sean emphasizes the importance of accepting the unpredictable nature of the Oscars, stating, "Everything else on the list is a movie I either like or love." ([72:31])

• Canon Potential: Amanda contemplates whether The Brutalist will cement its place in cinematic canon, noting, "I think it's probably like in the new film nerd canon, it's probably already there." ([78:44])

Notable Quotes:

• Sean Fennessey: "Can this movie be great even if it's not fully great? Not 100% great? Yes. Because no movie is." ([73:00])
• Amanda Dobbins: "It's a long movie that's hard to see in the intended format, and I think that it might just not. Even if it wins Best Picture, I don't think it will be seen as widely as many of the other movies that you just mentioned." ([86:01])

Conclusion

This episode of The Big Picture offers a comprehensive exploration of The Brutalist and its standing in the Best Picture race. Through engaging discussions, the hosts provide listeners with nuanced insights into the complexities of Oscar campaigning, film analysis, and the unpredictable nature of awards. Their thoughtful analysis and passionate debate underscore the multifaceted considerations that go into evaluating films for the highest honors in cinema.

Key Takeaways:

• The Brutalist stands out for its ambitious themes and technical craftsmanship, positioning it as a strong contender for Best Picture.
• The Best Picture race is influenced by both the intrinsic qualities of the films and external factors like smear campaigns and AI controversies.
• Final rankings reflect a balance between personal appreciation and critical acclaim, with The Brutalist leading the charge despite its imperfections.

Notable Quotes for Reference:

• "No movie is 100% great, but The Brutalist is reaching for something commendable." – Brian Curtis ([23:47])
• "Understanding that no matter what an artist does, people will always use what they do to their own ends." – Sean Fennessey ([77:09])
• "The final product is what matters most, not the journey or the imperfections along the way." – Amanda Dobbins ([37:00])

By providing a structured and detailed overview, this summary ensures that listeners who haven't tuned in can still grasp the depth and breadth of the discussions held in this episode of The Big Picture.