The Cinedicate: Film & TV Podcast

Imagine taking the gamble to leave your mark on the world via the most unconventional route—making an adult film. That's what our characters are up to in "X", as we follow Maxine, played by the captivating Mia Goth, who is absolutely determined to let her star shine. This isn't just a slasher flick; it's a dissection of aspirations, youth, and the unsettling notion of aging. With nods to the horror genre classics, and a surprise dramatic turn from Kid Cudi, this film goes beyond the surface-level gore to probe deep into the psyche of its characters.What to expect from the episode:- In-depth discussion of Ti West's slasher film "X," exploring its nuanced portrayal of ambition, the passage of time, and the porn industry, alongside its tribute to 1970s horror aesthetic.- Examination of character motivations, unexpected plot points, and the film’s blend of shock, artistry, and sexuality, punctuated by reactions to standout scenes and performances.- Perspectives on the movie's technical achievements, aesthetic choices, and potential sequel, coupled with the host's recommendation and a personal touch with the guest's creative endeavors.Episode Chapters:00:00: Introduction01:16: A modern tribute to 1970s slasher films.06:56: Subverting expectations without the meta commentary like Scream.10:42: Maxine strives for success in the challenging world of low-budget film production.13:16: Maxine’s determination and aspirations intersect with Pearl’s future.15:28: Characters grapple with the desire to transcend their origins and embrace their true selves.19:43: A debate about art cinema unexpectedly turns into active participation.21:25: Loraine boldly asserts individuality, while the director grapples with control.27:35: X's tasteful twist that connects with Psycho.28:50: Stereotypical teenage horror group dynamics play out, as seen in various media.34:10: A woman’s unmet emotional needs lead to a tragic outcome.37:03: Practical effects enhance the realism of film scenes, making them feel tangible.38:33: The film employs a subtle digital film grain effect, evoking a vintage aesthetic.41:56: The intricate process of professional video shooting and editing takes center stage.47:33: Repressed childhood experiences may manifest in surprising adult behavior.50:43: Portrayal of cinema and the porn industry.53:45: Suspicion surrounds RJ and another potential suspect.56:58: Covering up a murder.59:34: X leaving a lasting impression and outro.----------Order Ali's novel, Trials of Storms.----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community

In what promises to be an otherworldly journey, today, I'm joined by two aficionados of the extraterrestrial enigma: my cousin Pete, a childhood abductee of alien fiction, and Todd from WSTR Galactic Public Access, whose encounters with the unknown stretch beyond the screen to the night sky itself.We're taking a deep dive into a gripping documentary series that explores the mysteries surrounding UFOs and alien life. From meme-inspired alien cakes to the serious implications of the 2017 New York Times article on UAPs, we pull apart the threads of evidence, from gravity propulsion vehicles to the Vatican's secret vaults.What to expect from the episode:1. Personal UFO sightings and experiences shared by the hosts and guests.2. In-depth discussions on UFO documentaries, government conspiracies, and extraterrestrial theories.3. Engaging banter among UFO enthusiasts that weaves between personal anecdotes and broader cultural implications.Episode Chapters:00:00 Intro01:23 X-Files, the gateway to conspiracy theories and UFOs.11:41 Childhood fascination with Roswell15:53: The documentary focuses on key UFO players.20:46: Discussion of UFO videos with evidence of unexplained technology.26:37: Jeremy Corbell and George Knapp.30:24: Rep. Burchett and David Grush want accountability for UFO projects.34:50: David Grush on Joe Rogan: Govt in possession of UFOs since 1930s, Lockheed Martin reverse engineering.40:33: Government threatens witnesses.47:27: UFO sightings and a book by Richard Dolan.51:32: Multiple UFO sightings off the coast of California, stigma prevents pilots from reporting.59:35: Strange stories and government conspiracies.01:02:00: Biblically accurate angels and Lovecraftian monsters.01:10:34: Astral projection experiences01:13:48: Apollo missions return with shocking experiences, photos doctored.01:18:15: NASA Apollo mission discovers moonquakes, rings like a bell.01:28:06: Suggests mental health issues and eccentric behavior, possibly related to aliens.01:34:58: Fear of superior extraterrestrial craft leads to cover-up.01:38:56: Outro----------Listen to Todd on his podcast, WSTR: Galactic Public Access and Big T & Lil T----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community

In our latest deep dive, host Armand leads an intense discussion with guests Doug and Aaron about the controversial film "Sound of Freedom." This film, centered on Tim Ballard's quest to combat child trafficking, has sparked a spectrum of reactions. As the conversation unfurled, we dissected the film's narrative and its real-world implications, all while examining the unsettling allegations centered around its real-world figure, Tim Ballard.What to expect from the episode:- A robust debate around the ethical representation of child trafficking in media- Critical analysis of Tim Ballard’s associated controversies and Operation Underground Railroad’s practices- Insights into the movie's marketing strategies and its appeal to specific audience demographicsEpisode Chapters:00:00 Intro01:24 Film lacks depth, overshadowed by surrounding real-world controversies.11:21 Appealing to conservative demographics led to film's success.12:18 Angel Studios raised funding through unique investment model.21:34 Criticisms against Operation Underground Railroad.26:23 Lingering unresolved trauma.29:28 Movie highlights good versus bad with societal indifference.37:38 Tim Ballard's sexual misconduct allegations.43:57 Depicting child abduction in film.47:41 Film's QAnon portrayal garners widespread criticism.55:44 Controversy stirred by Jim Caviezel's QAnon allegiance.01:00:35 Movie promotion hindered by ideological commitment issue.01:04:41 Concerns over fabricating enemies for personal gain.01:10:03 Justifying deceit for a supposed greater good.01:14:13 Individual battles internal struggles through altruistic actions.01:22:20 Mixed opinions on movies with Christian elements.01:26:07 Protagonist saves the day in unconventional manner.01:31:25 Controversy surrounding Jim Caviezel's motivations.01:37:52 Unconventional release strategy for late 90s movie.01:39:49 Film adaptation targeted at mainstream audience.01:48:25 Outro and reasons not to watch Sound of Freedom.----------Listen to Aaron on his podcast, WSTR: Galactic Public AccessConnect with Doug Levinson on his Twitch Channel----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community

We’ll explore the intricate details of Tarkovsky's work, his refusal to adhere to genre conventions and the haunting beauty found in unexpected locations. Our exchange will also touch upon the drastic differences "Stalker" showcases from the original novel and how this film transforms into a fantasy-like odyssey. Mike weighs in on Tarkovsky’s storytelling approach, emphasizing time and pacing over mechanics, while Diego reflects on the thematic resonance and the spiritual cautions against materialism.Our chat takes a somber turn as we delve into the toxic filming environment that tragically mirrored the bleakness on screen and consider Tarkovsky’s own tragically short life. We juxtapose the societal implications of his films against the backdrop of the USSR’s industrial progression, and touch on what could have been Tarkovsky's perspectives if he had witnessed events like the Chernobyl disaster.----------Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:09 Protagonist guides through danger, becomes spiritual.10:53 Finding meaning in everyday things.14:16 Visible to invisible danger, stakes are obfuscated.20:21 Tarkovsky's deliberate pacing clashed with Soviet expectations.25:42 Societal confusion, modern world complexity.33:30 Tarkovsky's view on science and Marxism's impact on society.36:09 USSR's view on waste and aesthetics.43:26 Film manipulation creates cynicism towards beauty.45:13 Perceptions of beauty in Russia.54:41 Shift from rapid development to ethical construction.57:10 Chernobyl: amateur mistakes, leadership failure, lack of education.01:01:48 Societal development at the cost of human lives.01:08:11 Science exploring inner mind.01:14:42 Struggle with modern life, yearning for simplicity.01:17:47 Centralized development.01:23:34 Comparison of fantasy and science fiction storytelling (Solaris & LotR.)01:33:49 Creativity is about personal exploration.01:39:12 Stalker demands the viewer's attention.01:43:58 Tarkovsky: Start with "The Mirror" or "Ivan's Childhood," then consider "Stalker."01:47:39 View Solaris before Stalker for context on deep ideas.01:53:14 Nostalgia and time.01:56:55 Chicken nuggets, Debating on next film, and Outro.----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community

🎬 The Cinedicate host Armand and guests from ReShoot Film Podcast, Hector and Ed, grapple with the unnerving tale of a pious nurse whose grip on reality blurs with her religious fervor. "Saint Maud" serves as our case study as we dissect aspects of spirituality, mental illness, and the highs and lows of cinematic storytelling. 🎥Episode Chapters:00:00 Intro01:41 First impressions on Saint Maud11:48 Unreliable narration and schizophrenia.13:36 Religious beliefs impacted by mental illness.21:05 The descent into obsession and the distortion of reality.29:27 Divinity vs Demonic.34:35 Getting high.39:47 Unsettling scenes in Saint Maud.46:35 Sam Remi-esque horror twist.50:54 Jesus renamed his disciples.55:44 Meaning behind making creative decisions.01:02:10 Catharsis.01:04:01 Controversy over Saint Maude.01:10:45 Is Maud a Femcel?01:17:10 Poor Things.01:24:34 Armand defending his love for the Super Mario Brothers movie.01:30:12 IMAX Recreation and Outro.----------Listen to Hector and Ed on their podcast, ReShoot: An Amateur's Guide to Gooder Film----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community

This episode explores the wild narrative of Poor Things featuring Emma Stone's character, Bella, who is an adult women with a transplanted brain of a newborn examining themes of autonomy and societal expectation. Joined by the hosts of First Prize Films, we delve into the film's sexuality, humor, and standout performances amidst wider discussions on cinema's future. A poignant deep-dive into a film that straddles art house and mass appeal, this is an episode that cinephiles and mainstream audiences alike won't want to miss.Chapters:00:00 Intro06:54 The return of crowded theaters.17:13 Trust in the director's vision and Poor Things' unexpected plot.25:26 Duncan's power challenged by Bella's freedom.31:36 Societal cruelty and generational trauma.37:12 Personal growth, purpose, life reality.39:55 Wealth disparity and naivety.45:45 Godwin's internal struggle with parental responsibility.54:38 Recognition of art house in award shows01:00:13 Resurgence of independent cinema and the decline of big-budget studio films.01:01:19 Marvel exhaustion.01:11:00 Oscar speculations.01:14:03 Barbenheimer01:19:59 The universal themes of Poor Things01:25:22 Outro----------Listen to Blake and Dave on their podcast, First Prize Films.----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community