Podcast Summary: The Big Picture – "The 2025 Movie Star Rankings: 35 Over 35. Plus: Nicolas Cage!"
Introduction to the 35 Over 35 Movie Star Rankings In this episode of The Big Picture, hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins delve into their annual exercise of ranking movie stars over the age of 35. The discussion is driven by a rotating cast of Ringer colleagues, including Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and Bill Simmons. They aim to build a comprehensive list that not only highlights established stars but also examines the evolving landscape of Hollywood stardom.
Trump's Proposed Tariffs on Foreign Films: A Burning Issue [02:12] The conversation kicks off with a fiery discussion about President Donald Trump's recent statement on the Truth social media app, where he declared, “THE MOVIE INDUSTRY IN AMERICA IS DYING. ALL CAPS.” Both hosts express frustration over Trump's proposal to impose a 100% tariff on foreign-produced movies, questioning its feasibility and actual impact on Hollywood's workforce.
- Rob Harvilla [02:26]: “THIS IS JUST ABSOLUTE GOBBLEDYGOOK BULLSHIT.”
- Amanda Dobbins [04:27]: “I CAN'T LET THIS STAND… IT MAKES THINGS EVEN WORSE.”
The hosts criticize the lack of understanding behind the tariffs, noting that movies are not physical goods that can pass through ports, making the proposal nonsensical. They also lament how such political moves distract from more pressing issues within the industry.
Spike Lee and Denzel Washington’s Latest Project: Streaming vs. Theatrical Release [08:11] Sean and Amanda examine Spike Lee’s new film starring Denzel Washington, questioning why a major release is headed straight to Apple's streaming platform just two weeks after its premiere at Cannes. They analyze Denzel’s consistent box office success and juxtapose it with the decision to release his latest work online, highlighting potential missed opportunities for traditional theatrical success.
- Rob Harvilla [08:11]: “I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS MOVIE IS STRAIGHT TO STREAMING AFTER LABOR DAY. WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?”
They discuss how the shift to streaming can impact the visibility and box office performance of big-name stars, pondering the implications for future releases.
Building the 35 Over 35 List: Criteria and Controversies [11:03] The hosts outline their methodology for compiling the 35 Over 35 list, which includes:
- 50% Past Achievements: Reflecting on the star’s body of work.
- 25% Future Projects: Anticipated roles and upcoming films.
- 25% Razzmatazz: The star’s charisma and cultural impact.
Sean and Amanda debate the inclusion and exclusion of various actors, balancing box office numbers with personal opinions on performances. They address the challenges of maintaining objectivity and the potential biases inherent in their selection process.
Notable Exclusions and Tough Cuts [34:51] As they progress through the list, Sean and Amanda discuss actors who narrowly missed the cut or were controversial exclusions, such as Christian Bale and Chris Hemsworth. They express regret over omitting certain big names but justify their decisions based on the established criteria.
- Amanda Dobbins [35:03]: “There's a case, but it's like it's… he's doing his own thing.”
- Rob Harvilla [35:25]: “Can I say you hate his guts? That's why he's not making the list.”
Top 10 Movie Stars Over 35: Highlights and Debates [92:58] The hosts unveil the top 10 movie stars over 35, providing insights into each selection. They engage in animated discussions about the ranking, often diverging into personal anecdotes and humor. The list includes seasoned actors like Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, and rising stars like Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson.
Interview with Nicolas Cage: Insights into His Acting Philosophy [112:32] A standout segment of the episode features an in-depth conversation with Nicolas Cage, a longtime fan favorite. Cage discusses his approach to selecting roles, emphasizing the importance of personal connection to the script and the desire to portray authentic, relatable characters.
- Nicolas Cage [112:34]: “I WANT TO HAVE A SENSE OF LIFE EXPERIENCE AND MEMORY AND A SENSE OF THAT WHICH IS PERSONAL… SO I WANT TO KEEP THAT SPARK ALIVE.”
Cage elaborates on his fascination with surreal and psychedelic narratives, drawing parallels to classic films that influenced him during his formative years. He reflects on the impact of Australian cinema and shares his admiration for filmmakers like Peter Weir.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion [133:04] As the episode wraps up, Sean and Amanda reflect on the exhaustive effort behind creating the list and express excitement for the forthcoming 35 Over 35 gallery event. They acknowledge their dedication to honoring both legendary and contemporary movie stars, ensuring the list remains a dynamic reflection of Hollywood's evolving star power.
- Rob Harvilla [133:26]: “I'm going to get pretty darn close to seeing every movie he's ever made.”
The episode concludes with a promise to continue exploring and celebrating the diverse talents that define the movie industry, all while maintaining their signature blend of insightful analysis and lighthearted banter.
Key Takeaways:
- Complex Criteria: The 35 Over 35 list balances past achievements, future projects, and charismatic influence.
- Streaming vs. Theatrical Releases: Hosts critique the trend of major stars bypassing theaters for streaming platforms.
- Actor Rankings: A lively debate surrounds the inclusion and exclusion of prominent actors based on evolving careers.
- Nicolas Cage Interview: Offers a deep dive into Cage’s artistic choices and his dedication to authentic storytelling.
Notable Quotes:
- Rob Harvilla [02:26]: “THIS IS JUST ABSOLUTE GOBBLEDYGOOK BULLSHIT.”
- Nicolas Cage [112:34]: “I WANT TO KEEP THAT SPARK ALIVE.”
- Amanda Dobbins [08:26]: “I CAN'T LET THIS STAND…”
This episode provides a comprehensive look into the current state of Hollywood stardom, the intricate process of ranking actors, and the personal philosophies of one of cinema’s most enigmatic figures, Nicolas Cage.