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TV & Film

Single Serving Cinema

Tim & Tay

Single Serving Cinema looks at one critical scene in a movie every other week. We explore how the scene is constructed, what the scene achieves, and what it can tell us about the movie as a whole. Hosted by Tim & Tay.

  • 128 episodes
  • Updated July 23

Episodes128

  • Oct 9, 2024 · 1 hr 54 min

    SSC 83: Hereditary (Aster, 2018)

    Show Notes Smile's viral marketing campaign Ari Aster on CBC Q Alex Wolff's struggles with the role Toni Collette's career review Synopsis Hereditary follows the Graham family as they mourn their secretive grandmother, finding out more about her sinister proclivities—and how they have inherited them— along the way. Starring Toni Collette, and written and directed by Ari Aster, Hereditary was released June 8, 2018. Where to watch Hereditary Scene [25:30 - 36:05] Recommendations Tim: The Wailing (Na, 2016) —where to watch | Altered (Sanchez, 2006) — where to watch Tay: Goodnight Mommy (Sobel, 2022) —where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Sep 18, 2024 · 1 hr 18 min

    SSC 82: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (Anderson, 2004)

    Show Notes The Wes Anderson Collection by Matt Zoller Seitz The Most Difficult Shot in Movie History (And Why It Matters) Synopsis The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissuo tells of the story of the titular oceanographer, on the hunt for the rare shark that killed his friend so he can exact revenge and film his next movie. Starring Bill Murray, written by Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach, and directed by Wes Anderson, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissuo was released Dec. 25, 2004. Where to watch The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissuo Scene [15:00-16:40] - "Let me tell you about my boat” Recommendations Tim: The Great White Silence (Ponting, 1924) —where to watch Tay: Bottle Rocket (Anderson, 1996) —where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Sep 4, 2024 · 1 hr 45 min

    SSC 81: Mad Max: Fury Road (Miller, 2015)

    Show Notes We shot a YouTube video about film formats on 35mm film The Insane Realism of the Film That Invented the Modern Car Movie Synopsis Mad Max: Fury Road finds the franchise’s titular hero caught in the escape of Immortan Joe’s harem of wives, under the leadership of Imperator Furiosa. Starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, and directed by George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road was released May 15, 2015. Where to watch Mad Max: Fury Road Scene [30:15 - 37:30] - "Max Meets Furiosa” Recommendations Tim: Speed Racer (Wachowskis, 2008) —where to watch Tay: Mr. Brooks (Bruce Evans, 2007) —where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Aug 21, 2024 · 1 hr 49 min

    SSC 80: Gone Girl (Fincher, 2014) w/ Bunny Stephenson

    Synopsis The film centers on the marriage of Nick & Amy Dunne, the nature of which is called into question (along with the former’s culpability) when the latter goes missing on the day of their fifth wedding anniversary. Starring Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck, and directed by David Fincher, Gone Girl was released Oct. 2, 2014. Where to watch Gone Girl. TAY’S SCENE - 23:54 - 27:02 - One Day Gone TIM'S SCENE - 8:20 - 12:04 - Gone BUNNY'S SCENE - 01:06:08 – 01:13:00 - Cool Girl Recommendations Tim: Phoenix (Petzold, 2014) —where to watch Tay: State of Play (MacDonald, 2009) —where to watch Bunny: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Nichols, 1966) —where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Aug 7, 2024 · 1 hr 13 min

    SSC 79: American Psycho (Harron, 2000)

    Synopsis The movie centers on Patrick Bateman, a handsome, intelligent and successful young professional in 1980s New York that moonlights as a psychotic killer. Starring Christian Bale, directed by Mary Harron, and based on the book of the same name by Brett Easton Ellis, American Psycho was released on April 14, 2000. Where to watch American Psycho. Scene [17:10- 20:07] - "Business Card Casualty” Recommendations Tim: The Pale Blue Eye (Cooper, 2022) —where to watch Tay: Mr. Brooks (Bruce Evans, 2007) —where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Jun 19, 2024 · 43 min

    SSC 78: Ranking Season 3's Taglines

    Another season done! We wrap up in our usual fashion by comparing our rankings of the taglines from this year's movies. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • May 29, 2024 · 1 hr 12 min

    SSC 77: The Nice Guys (Black, 2016)

    Tim and Tay are back to wrap up the season with one of their favourite movies in recent years, The Nice Guys. Tune in for a chat about "Big Russ" and the comedic stylings of Ryan Gosling. Synopsis An alcoholic detective and a purposeless tough guy become embroiled in a missing persons case that takes them on a journey through the many corrupt echelons of 1970s LA. Starring Ryan Gosling, Russel Crowe, and written and directed by Shane Black, The Nice Guys premiered May 20, 2016. Where to watch The Nice Guys. Scene [1:06:46 - 1:12:26] - "Nobody’s getting killed at the Burbank Airport Western Hotel” Recommendations Tim: No Hard Feelings (Stupnitsky, 2023)—where to watch Tay: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (Black, 2005)—where to watch Tim's bonus recent comedy recommendations: Palm Springs (Barbakow, 2020) Bottoms (Seligman, 2023) Theatre Camp (Gordon, Lieberman, 2023) Barb and Star go to Vista Del Mar (Greenbaum, 2021) Snack Shack (Rehmeier, 2024) Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Apr 17, 2024 · 1 hr 10 min

    SSC 76: A La Carte 2023

    In this special annual episode, Tim and Tay highlight a few notable movies from 2023. Not necessarily the best or our favourites, but certainly worth seeing! Tim The Killer (Fincher) The Taste of Things (Anh Hung) The Creator (Edwards) Tay Poor Things (Lanthimos) How To Blow Up A Pipeline (Goldhaber) The Holdovers (Payne) Links: Filming The Holdovers As always, please leave us a review on iTunes and spread the word to your friends! Next month: The films of Greta Gerwig! Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Apr 1, 2024 · 1 hr 35 min

    STV 01: Andor (Gilroy, 2022)

    Tim and Tay leave pretentious and inconvenient movies behind and switch to the principal media of the modern age: streaming TV. In the first episode of Solo TV Dinner we explore Andor and how it finds impressive depth working within the Star Wars IP machine. Synopsis Andor tells the story of the titular hero’s journey from apathetic rogue to dyed-in-the-wool rebel, acting as a prequel to Rogue One. Starring Diego Luna and created by Tony Gilroy, Andor premiered Sept. 21, 2022. Andor is available to watch on Disney+. Notes Papillon (Schaffner, 1973) Stellan Skarsgård on his career R2D2 in spanish Episode: "One Way Out" [S1E10] Cassian and his allies attempt to seize a rare opportunity that could lead to victory. Mom Mothma brokers a new deal with a shady politician in order to ensure the future of the rebellion. Recommendations Tim: Utopia Tay: Star Wars: Visions Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Mar 27, 2024 · 1 hr 17 min

    SSC 74: Rogue One (Edwards, 2016)

    Tim and Tay discuss what is likely the most beloved Star Wars anthology film, Rogue One. A compelling but compromised film, Rogue One introduced new visuals, themes, and characters to the cinematic Star Wars canon. Tune in for a discussion of Gareth Edwards' knack for imparting scale on the big screen and a lot more. Synopsis Rogue One details the rebel effort to steal the Death Star plans and expose its weakness before the Empire puts the planet-killing weapon to use. Starring Felicity Jones, and directed by Gareth Edwards, Rogue One was released Dec. 16, 2016. Where to watch Rogue One. Notes Conspiracy (Pierson, 2001) Military realism in Rogue One "Guardians of the Whills" Scene [27:47 - 37:10] Jyn and Cassian arrive at Jedha in search of Saw Gerrera, hoping to discover critical information about the Empire's new weapon of mass destruction. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Mar 13, 2024 · 1 hr 19 min

    SSC 73: Star Wars (Lucas, 1977)

    Tim and Tay try to look at Star Wars with fresh eyes in this episode on the genesis of one of film culture's most valuable, gargantuan, and mixed franchises. Synopsis Star Wars (renamed "Episode IV: A New Hope" in ‘81) tells the story of Luke Skywalker, a farm boy that gets caught up in the rebel alliance’s desperate efforts to destroy the galactic empire’s weapon of mass destruction. Starring Mark Hamil, and written and directed by George Lucas, Star Wars was released May 25, 1977. Where to watch Star Wars. Notes Muammar Gaddafi & Star Wars Cantina patrons "jizz" or "jatz" Scene [42:32-51:13] Luke, Ben and the droids visit the Mos Eisley Cantina in search of a pilot that can get them off planet. After an altercation with a particularly foul patron, they meet and negotiate with the braggadocious Han Solo. Recommendations Tim: The Hidden Fortress (Kurosawa, 1958)—where to watch Tay: The Visitor (Paradisi, 1979)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Mar 7, 2024 · 40 min

    SSC 72: Dune Part Two (Villeneuve, 2024)

    Did you have a dream that we did an episode on Dune: Part 2? Well, it's happening, just as you dreamed it. Notes: Stellan Skarsgård on his career Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Feb 28, 2024 · 1 hr 23 min

    SSC 71: BlackBerry (Johnson, 2023)

    Tim and Tay celebrate their national heritage with this discussion of BlackBerry. Tune in to hear about Canada's inferiority complex, tangents about long lenses, and more. Synopsis BlackBerry charts the major chapters in the life of the once-iconic smartphone and the people who created and sold it. Starring Jay Baruchel and Glenn Howerton, and directed and written by Matt Johnson, BlackBerry was released May 12, 2023 Where to watch BlackBerry. Notes Heritage Minutes The Big Picture interview with Matt Johnson "Vancouver Never Plays Itself" Nirvana the Band the Show Scene [38:10 - 47:15] After scrambling to make a prototype, Mike and Jim travel to New York to meet with AT&T to pitch their new product. Recommendations Tim: Enemy (Villeneuve, 2013)—where to watch Tay: Man Bites Dog (Benoît Poelvoorde, Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel, 1992)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Feb 14, 2024 · 1 hr 44 min

    SSC 70: The Social Network (Fincher, 2010)

    Tim and Tay are joined by Kyle Snarr to talk about one of the most critical movies of the century: The Social Network. We discuss its legacy as part of Fincher's oeuvre, its effect on the cinematic landscape, and just how damn good it is. Synopsis The Social Network portrays (with great artistic license) the creation and tumultuous growth of Facebook, centering on Mark Zuckerberg's journey and its many legal disputes and personal conflicts. Where to watch The Social Network. Tay's Scene [9:00-16:18] Face Mash. Kyle's Scene [1:05:19 - 1:11:18] The "Seanathon" Tim's Scene [1:24:24 - 1:28:58] Henley Royal Regatta Notes How Did This Ever Get Made? (The Social Network bts documentary) Recommendations Tim: Adventureland (Mottola, 2009)—where to watch Tay: Molly's Game (Sorkin, 2017)—where to watch Kyle: The Squid and the Whale (Baumbach, 2005)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Jan 31, 2024 · 1 hr 27 min

    SSC 69: The Abyss (Cameron, 1989)

    Tim and Tay head to the depths with what is undoubtedly James Cameron's most personal film, The Abyss. Tune in for a discussion of this year's Oscar noms, the foundation of CGI in film, and Cameron's undeniable skill for communicating need-to-know info to the audience. Synopsis Titanic is a sweeping romantic epic, set against the backdrop of the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. The film follows the doomed love story between Jack, a penniless artist, and Rose, a wealthy young woman, as they struggle to survive the tragic sinking of the ship. Where to watch The Abyss. Notes Gina (Arcand, 1975) via CIP Corridor Crew on The Abyss The Stained Glass Knight Scene [39:35-49:05] A wild storm on the surface jeopardizes the Deep Core rig’s structural integrity, resulting in a thrilling sequence as the crew on the surface and below navigate a potential disaster. Recommendations Tim: Last Breath (Parkinson, 2019)—where to watch Tay: Piranha II: The Spawning (Flying Killers), (Assonitis, Cameron, 1981)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Jan 17, 2024 · 1 hr 45 min

    SSC 68: Titanic (Cameron, 1997)

    Tim & Tay kick off the new year with a discussion of James Cameron's 1997 box office behemoth Titanic and its ingenious, audience-first design. Tune in to hear about the detailed production, the less-than-detailed characters, and more. Synopsis Titanic is a sweeping romantic epic, set against the backdrop of the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. The film follows the doomed love story between Jack, a penniless artist, and Rose, a wealthy young woman, as they struggle to survive the tragic sinking of the ship. Where to watch Titanic. Notes Patrick Willems on Music Biopics Willem Dafoe in the Criterion Closet Scene [[1:34:27 1:43:08] Our scene depicts the fateful impact as the Titanic hits the iceberg, followed by the immediate repercussions felt around the ship, from the lookouts, to the coal-engine workers, to Jack and Rose. Recommendations Tim: Last Night (McKellor, 1998)—where to watch Tay: All Is Lost (Chandor, 2013)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Dec 27, 2023 · 1 hr 21 min

    SSC 67: White Christmas (Curtiz, 1954)

    Tim & Tay head into the holiday season with a hit musical that marks an early technological predecessor to IMAX: White Christmas. Tune in for a chat about blockbusters (old and new), Vista Vision, and Danny Kaye. Synopsis White Christmas tells the story of two World War II veterans and entertainers who team up to save their former commanding officer's struggling inn, finding love along the way. Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen, White Christmas was directed by Michael Curtiz and released Oct. 14, 1954. Where to watch White Christmas. Notes VistaVision primer IMAX vs. Lie-MAX (and IMAX locations) Scene [1:24:08 - 1:29:11] At the cast party, Judy and Phil plan to fake an engagement in order to encourage "mother hen" Betty (Rosemary Clooney) to "leave the roost", and pursue her own love of Bob (Bing Crosby). Recommendations Tim: West Side Story (Spielberg, 2021)—where to watch Tay: It Happened One Night (Capra, 1934)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Dec 13, 2023 · 1 hr 16 min

    SSC 66: Scrooged (Donner, 1988)

    Tim & Tay attempt to get in the holiday spirit with this discussion of Richard Donner's somewhat uneven Dickensian adaptation, Scrooged. Synopsis This modern-day, quasi-meta adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol," tells the story of a cynical TV executive who undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery during the holiday season. Starring Bill Murray and Karen Allen, Scrooged was directed by Richard Donner and released Nov. 23, 1988. Where to watch Scrooged. Notes Zero de Conduite Between Two Ferns Scene [18:05-24:20} Working late the night before Christmas Eve, Frank encounters the fully formed ghostly presence of his old boss, Lou Hayward, who acts as a harbinger, warning Frank that he will be visited by 3 Christmas ghosts. Recommendations Tim: The Muppet Christmas Carol (Henson, 1992)—where to watch Tay: The Abyss (4K Remaster) (Cameron, 1989)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Nov 29, 2023 · 1 hr 44 min

    SSC 65: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Spielberg, 1982)

    Tim & Tay are joined by Erica Sherwood to talk about an undeniable classic: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. We discuss world-class child actors, Spielberg's insane lighting choices, and E.T.'s penchant for day beers. Synopsis Stranded on earth, a kind alien befriends a young boy in California and attempts to stay one step ahead of the authorities while finding his way home. Starring Henry Thomas, and directed by Stephen Spielberg, E.T. came out June 11, 1982. Where to watch E.T. Notes Henry Thomas' final audition The Nolan Crosscut Scenes ERICA: 43:00 Elliot goes to school leaving ET at home by himself. This scene is the fun and games moment of their strong otherworldly connection. TIM & TAY: 19:25-25:33 Elliot stays up waiting for the mysterious creature to return. When the creature appears, Elliot makes the choice to bring him inside. Recommendations Tim: Starman (Carpenter, 1984)—where to watch Tay: The Brother From Another Planet (Sayles, 1984)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Nov 15, 2023 · 1 hr 5 min

    SSC 64: The Iron Giant (Bird, 1999)

    Tim & Tay dig into the surprisingly odd yet undeniably heartfelt children's cult classic, The Iron Giant. Tune in for a chat about the loss of innocence, seamless melding of traditional and computer animation, and Christopher MacDonald. Synopsis A young boy in Cold War-era Maine befriends a giant robot from outer space, and must protect it from both paranoid government agents and its own potential for violence. Starring Eli Marienthal and Vin Diesel, and directed by Brad Bird, The Iron Giant was released July 31, 1999. Where to watch The Iron Giant. Scene: 50:28-53:53 After witnessing the death of a deer, Hogarth explains the concepts of life, death and the soul to his Iron companion. Souls don’t die. Recommendations Tim: Never Let Me Go (Romanek, 2010)—where to watch Tay: Tomorrowland (Bird, 2015)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd