The New Yorker Radio Hour: "Pick 3: Justin Chang’s Downer Movies for the Holiday Season"
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Host: David Remnick
Guest: Justin Chang, Film Critic for The New Yorker
Introduction
In this holiday episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour, host David Remnick engages in a thoughtful conversation with renowned film critic Justin Chang. While the holiday season typically brings to mind cheerful and heartwarming movies, Chang opts for a different selection—"downer" movies that, despite their somber themes, offer profound cinematic experiences. Chang presents his top three picks for the season, delving deep into their narratives, directorial styles, and performances.
Justin Chang’s Holiday Movie Picks
1. Nickel Boys
Timestamp: [02:51]
Chang opens the discussion with Nickel Boys, an adaptation of Colson Whitehead's 2019 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The film narrates the harrowing story of two young Black men, portrayed by Ethan Horace and Brandon Wilson, who are sent to a brutal reform school in 1960s Florida.
Director & Cinematography:
Directed by Ramel Ross with cinematography by Joe Malfre, Nickel Boys employs a first-person point of view approach. This technique immerses viewers intimately into the protagonists' experiences, amplifying the emotional impact of the story.
Notable Quote:
Colson Whitehead on the real-life inspiration for the film: "Immediately, three years into its being opened, there were kids as young as six being shackled, put in solitary confinement... I felt that if there's one place like this, how many other stories are we not hearing about?"
[03:39]
Performance Highlight:
Chang praises Ellis Taylor for her exceptional portrayal of the grandmother of one of the boys. Taylor's performance adds a layer of emotional depth, offering moments of levity amidst the film's intense and painful narrative.
Chang’s Insight:
"What makes the movie extraordinary is the way the director uses the camera... it touches chords of feeling that I think a more conventional telling wouldn't have achieved."
[04:12]
2. The Brutalist
Timestamp: [05:58]
Next, Chang discusses The Brutalist, the third feature from actor-turned-director Brady Courbet. Starring Adrien Brody, the film marks one of Brody’s finest performances since his Oscar-winning role in The Pianist.
Plot & Themes:
Brody plays a Holocaust survivor and accomplished brutalist architect of Hungarian Jewish descent who emigrates to America. Settling in Pennsylvania, he encounters a wealthy benefactor, portrayed by a "terrific" actor named Pearce. The narrative weaves through themes of capitalism, immigration, Jewish assimilation, and the exploitation of Jewish genius in post-war America.
Duration & Viewing Recommendation:
At three and a half hours (including a 15-minute intermission), The Brutalist is an ambitious cinematic endeavor. Chang encourages audiences to experience the film on the big screen, preferably in 70mm format, to fully appreciate its grandeur and complexity.
Chang’s Commentary:
"It's going to be showing in that format with those lights. I just spent a Saturday watching straight through... And I've got to see it."
[07:29]
3. Hard Truths
Timestamp: [07:47]
The final recommendation is Hard Truths, directed by Mike Lee, known for films like Topsy Turvy and Vera Drake. This English-language film centers on Marianne Jean Baptiste's character, delivering what Chang describes as the "performance of the year."
Character & Performance:
Jean Baptiste portrays a profoundly unhappy individual who channels her dissatisfaction through abrasive interactions with those around her. Her portrayal is both painfully funny and devastating, capturing the essence of Lee's exploration into the uneven distribution of happiness.
Directorial Style:
Mike Lee employs a rigorous and somewhat mysterious workshop process with his actors, resulting in a tightly structured script and some of the best performances in contemporary English cinema. Hard Truths delves into complex emotions and societal observations, making it a compelling, albeit challenging, watch.
Chang’s Reflection:
"It's almost scary to admit that this is actually a very entertaining but also very forceful and devastating and angry movie."
[09:38]
Concluding Thoughts
Despite the heavy themes of the recommended films, Chang emphasizes their ability to engage and move audiences profoundly. He acknowledges that while these picks may not fit the traditional mold of holiday cheer, they offer valuable and enriching cinematic experiences.
Light-Hearted Interlude:
Remnick and Chang share a brief, humorous exchange about more conventional holiday films like Elf, highlighting the contrast between Chang’s selections and mainstream holiday fare.
Final Picks Recap:
- Nickel Boys
- The Brutalist
- Hard Truths
Closing Quote:
"It's always Elf."
[09:43]
Remnick thanks Chang for his insightful recommendations, reminding listeners that they can read more of Chang's reviews in The New Yorker. The episode wraps up with well-wishes for the holiday season, encouraging listeners to explore these profound cinematic works.
Additional Information
For more in-depth reviews and film critiques, listeners are encouraged to visit movies@newyorker.com.
Produced by: Max Bolton, Adam Howard, David Krasnow, Jeffrey Masters, Louis Mitchell, Jared Paul, and Ursula Sommer.
Theme Music: Meryl Garbus of Tune Yards, with additional music by Louis Mitchell and Jared Paul.
This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting Justin Chang’s unique holiday movie selections and the thoughtful analysis provided by both Chang and Remnick. For those seeking depth and emotional resonance in their holiday viewing, these recommendations offer a departure from the typical fare, promising memorable cinematic experiences.