Bonus: The Festival Circuit Explained, And Our Fall Festival Trip Report
Summary
Hosts Richard Lawson and Alison Romer discuss the fall film festival circuit, explaining the hierarchy of Venice, Telluride, and Toronto and how these events influence the upcoming awards season. They analyze key premieres, including Lee Chang-dong’s *Possible Love*, Andrew Scott’s *Elsinore*, and Julianne Moore’s *The Debut*, while debating the Best Actor and Best Actress races. The episode also covers the crowd-pleasing biopic *I Am Rocky* and the disability rights drama *Being Human*, offering insights into which films are poised for Oscar recognition.
Topics discussed
Introduction and listener question on festival hierarchy
Cannes, the Palme d'Or, and its relationship to the Oscars
Venice, Telluride, and the politics of fall festivals
Sundance, Telluride, and the demographics of festival audiences
Toronto, New York, and the symbiosis of major fall festivals
Regional festivals and the transition to awards season
Venice and Toronto highlights: Possible Love and Woman Unknown
Actor showcase films and the Best Actor race
Elsinore, Andrew Scott, and the historic Best Actor race
Best Actress frontrunners and Julianne Moore's performance
Reviewing A Real Pain and Jesse Eisenberg's directorial style
Indie Never Ready and the rise of young movie stars
Obsession, genre films, and the Academy's age demographic
Prima Face and Cynthia Erivo's awards-focused performance
Rocky Star: Peter Farrelly's new film and Anthony Bellezzo
Being Human: Judy Heavens' disability rights story
La Bola Negra, Netflix's strategy, and Best Picture chances
The Apprentice: Danny Boyle's film on Rupert Murdoch
The Ripley: Alden Ehrenreich and Helen Mirren
Chris Rock's new film and Rosalind Eleazar's performance
Tender Loving Care and other potential Best Picture nominees
Weekend, 45 Years, and the shadow of The Odyssey
Outro: Impersonations and production credits
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