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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

  • May 18, 2022 · 39 min

    SSC Bite-Sized Bonus: Ranking Season 1 Taglines

    Tim & Tay follow through on their promise to rank the taglines from each and every movie covered in season one. Tim's List The Thing - Man is the warmest place to hide. The Royal Tenenbaums - Family Isn't A Word... It's A Sentence. In The Mouth of Madness - Lived any good books lately? Drag Me To Hell- Christine Brown has a good job, a great boyfriend, and a bright future. But in three days, she's going to hell. Shin Godzilla - A god incarnate. A city doomed. Home Alone - A family comedy without the family. Everybody Wants Some!!- Here for a Good Time Not a Long Time Gattaca - There Is No Gene For The Human Spirit. The Prestige - Are You Watching Closely? Moneyball - What are you really worth? The Big Chill - How much love, sex, fun and friendship can a person take? Oldboy - 15 years of imprisonment, 5 days of vengeance. Incendies- The search began at the opening of their mother's will. Ocean’s 12 - Three years ago, they stole 160 million dollars. Now the only thing between their old enemy and their new one is an Ocean. Game Night - This is not a game. Sicario - The border is just another line to cross. BR 2049 - The key to the future is finally unearthed. The Green Knight - When honor was everything. When courage made kings. Dune - Beyond fear, destiny awaits. Children of Men - No children. No future. No hope. Mean Girls - Welcome to Girl World. Krisha - “I want to be in your life. I want to be close to you” Dead Poets Society - He was their inspiration. He made their lives extraordinary. The Handmaiden - Never did they expect to get into a controversial relationship… Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind - FLEE, FLY, FOE, FUN! Here's an adventure for everyone. (Warriors of the Wind, US release.) Tay's List The Thing The Prestige Shin Godzilla Drag Me To Hell Home Alone The Royal Tenenbaums Oldboy In The Mouth of Madness Everybody Wants Some!! Moneyball Game Night Sicario Dune Gattaca BR 2049 Children of Men The Handmaiden Incendies Mean Girls The Green Knight Dead Poets Society The Big Chill Ocean’s 12 Krisha Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Keep an eye on Instagram for the next listener vote, which will kick off Season 2 in June! Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • May 4, 2022 · 1 hr 14 min

    SSC 25: Children of Men (Cuaron, 2006)

    Tim & Tay talk about world-building, documentary realism, and oners in this discussion of Children of Men. Synopsis In the year 2027, the inexplicably infertile human race suffers amidst war, famine, plague, and worse. Theo, a disillusioned activist is charged with guarding humanity’s last hope on a harrowing journey from London to the coast of Great Britain. Based on the novel of the same name by PD James. Starring Clive Owen and Claire-Hope Ashitey, and directed by Alfonso Cuaron, Children Of Men was released December 25, 2006. Children Of Men is available to stream on Amazon Prime (Starz). Scene [26:20-30:21] While driving with several members of Fishes, including his ex-wife, Theo and the group fall under fire from an armed gang. While retreating Julian is shot in the neck and killed, and Luke is forced to murder two police officers to cover their tracks. The scene stars Julianne Moore as Julian, Clive Owen as Theo, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Luke, Pam Ferris as Meriam and Claire-Hope Ashitey as Kee Links 5:45 - Clive Owen's filmography 6:00 - The Knick 30:30 - "Don't Ignore The Background" (Nerdwriter) 30:45 - Y Tu Mama Tambien (Cuaron, 2011) 41:30 - "The Spielberg Oner" (Every Frame A Painting) 43:15 - Cuaron on "realtime" 52:00 - VFX Artists React 1:00:00 - The 3 Rules of Living Animation (kaptainkristian) Recommendations Tim: In The Mouth of Madness (Carpenter, 1995)—rent online. Tay: Gattaca (Niccol, 1997)—stream on CTV. All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Apr 20, 2022 · 1 hr 6 min

    SSC 24: Everybody Wants Some!! (Linklater, 2016)

    Tim & Tay talk masculinity (toxic and otherwise) in this episode on Richard Linklater's ostensible baseball movie, Everybody Wants Some!! Synopsis Everybody Wants Some!! runs the course of a long weekend before the start of the fall semester at a Texas college in 1980. Over the course of the three days, freshman pitcher Jake meets his teammates, competes with virtually everyone he meets, and pursues his crush, an auburn-haired theatre major named Beverly. Starring Blake Jenner and Zoey Deutch, Everybody Wants Some!! was directed by Richard Linklater and released March 30, 2016. Everybody Wants Some!! is available to rent online. Scene [48:01 - 58:05] After a Friday night out, activities resume around the off-campus residence. Numerous competitions play out, featuring a competitive game of mini-basketball, an intense ping-pong showdown, and a major upset in a battle of knuckles. Links 8:50—Dazed and Confused (Linklater, 1993) 9:10—Boyhood (Linklater, 2014) 16:45—Hereditary (Aster, 2018) 22:00—No phones at the bunkhouse Recommendations Tim: Paterson (Jarmusch, 2016)—watch on Amazon Prime Tay: A Scanner Darkly (Linklater, 2006)—watch on Crave Stars All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Next episode: Season finale! Movie TBA... Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Apr 6, 2022 · 1 hr 5 min

    SSC 23: Moneyball (Bennett, 2011)

    Tim & Tay give colour commentary on the most subversive baseball movie ever made, Moneyball. Tune in for a chat about Brad Pitt, baseball stats, and strategic pixelation. Synopsis Partly inspired by true events, Moneyball tells the story of Oakland A’s manager Billy Beane challenging baseball’s century-long conventional wisdom by building a low-budget team that could go all the way. Directed by Bennett Miller, Moneyball stars Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, and was released September 23, 2011. Moneyball is available on Netflix. Scene [1:13:16 - 1:20:47] As frustration with his manager mounts, Billy Beane decides to radically shake up the team with a harsh fire-sale, trading away the team's most promising rookie, Pena (Gerardo Selasco), and most prolific name, Jeremy Giambi (Nick Porrazzo). Pete is forced to face his fears by telling Pena he has been traded and Billy makes a show of trading Giambi in front of his coach, Art Howe (Phillip Seymour Hoffman). Links 3:00 - "Why Baseball is The Best Movie Sport" by Patrick H Willems 30:00 - The real Art Howe 31:30 - Paul DePodesta 1:02:00 - Soderbergh directing Moneyball Recommendations Tim: High Flying Bird (Soderbergh, 2019)—available on Netflix Tay: BASEketball (Zucker, 1998)—available to rent All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Next episode: Everybody Wants Some!! (Linklater, 2016)—available to rent Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Mar 23, 2022 · 1 hr 51 min

    SSC 22: The Handmaiden (Park, 2016) w/Hayley Rose Malouin

    Tim & Tay talk Park Chan-Wook's The Handmaiden with special guest and self-described "psychotic fan" Hayley Rose Malouin. Tune in for a chat about queer media, cinematic eroticism and more. Synopsis Based on the novel Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, The Handmaiden tells the story of a pickpocket and a con man attempting to swindle a wealthy Japanese woman out of her inheritance through seduction and subterfuge. Directed by Park Chan-wook, The Handmaiden was released May 14, 2016, and stars Kim Tae-ri, Kim Min-hee, Ha Jung-woo, and Cho Jin-woong. The Handmaiden is available to rent on Google Play or stream on Hoopla. Scene [Theatrical—51:32-103:05] / [Extended—1:00:24-1:14:40] As Uncle Kouzuki leaves for a week to visit his gold mine, the plan for Lady Hideko and Count Fujiwara to elope to Japan commences. After the secret marriage ceremony, the relationship between Lady Hideko and Sook-Hee is seemingly strained by the secrecy they must abide by. When it comes time to leave Lady Hideko at a mental hospital, it is in fact Sook-Hee who is betrayed at the last minute and is confined to the hospital in her place. Links 3:50 - Indecent Proposal (Lyne, 1993) 4:00 - Basic Instinct (Verhoeven, 1992) 7:50 - Kim Tae-ri's award 11:50 - New Yorker article 15:10 - "Bury Your Gays" trope 18:50 - Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema 21:00 - Blue Is The Warmest Color (2013, Kechiche) 24:40 - Sarah Waters in The Guardian 49:30 - "Comedy wide, tragedy close" 1:28:00 - Dark Passage (Daves, 1947) Recommendations Tim: Deep Water (Lyne, 2022) Tay: The Ballad of Little Jo (Greenwald, 1993) Hayley: Different for Girls (Spence, 1996)—available on Hoopla All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Next episode: Moneyball (Miller, 2011)—available to stream on Netflix Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Mar 9, 2022 · 1 hr 9 min

    SSC 21: Oldboy (Park, 2003)

    Tim & Tay dig into eastern cinema with the listener-selected Oldboy. We talk revenge, sensory overload, and a lot more in this episode. Synopsis When freed after being imprisoned for 15 years, Oh Dae-Su seeks an explanation and revenge. Oldboy, directed by Park Chan-wook, was released on Nov. 23, 2003, and stars Choi Min‑sik, Kang Hye-jung, and Yoo Ji-tae. Oldboy is available on physical media. Scene [0:35:23—0:42:22] Oh Dae Su tries to find the location where he was imprisoned for 15 years, tracking down a dumpling delivery service that leads him right back to his captors, where he initiates his vengeful plan. Stars Choi Min-sik as Oh Dae- Su and Kang Hye-jeong as Mi-Do. Links 4:00 - Tarantino as Jury President at Cannes 12:20 - The infamous hallway fight scene 13:00 - Oldboy (Lee, 2013) 19:00 - Morty's screenplay criticism 26:30 - Eisenstein on cinematic immersion 27:00 - Park on Oldboy being "felt physically" 37:00 - Dan Harmon on montages 42:00 - Facetiming with my Mom, Bo Burnham 45:00 - The dutch angle 1:01:30 - The Spielberg oner Recommendations Tim: The Gift (Edgerton, 2015)— available to rent on AppleTV Tay: The Wailing (Na Hong-jin, 2016)— available to rent on AppleTV All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Next episode: The Handmaiden (Park, 2015)— available to rent on AppleTV Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Feb 23, 2022 · 2 hr 4 min

    SSC 20: Potluck — Sicario (Villeneuve, 2015) with James Stacey

    Part 2 of Blunt Month & episode 20! Tim & Tay are joined by The Grey Nato's James Stacey to talk Emily Blunt, Denis Villeneuve, Roger Deakins, and a lot more in this discussion of Sicario. Synopsis Sicario examines the unethical nature of actions taken in the war on drugs by following idealistic FBI agent Kate Macer as she descends into covert anti-cartel operations on US and Mexican soil. James' Scene [31:47 - 37:54] Returning from Juarez with a high-value prisoner, Kate, Matt, Alejandro, and a Delta Force squad are trapped in traffic at the border. A tense standoff and momentary shoot-out ensue. Tim's Scene [40:17 - 43:35] With Guillermo successfully (if not cleanly) transported across the border, Alejandro and Matt intend to torture him for intel on the cartel’s operations. Before waterboarding Guillermo (among, potentially, other things) Alejandro speaks to another Mexican Prosecutor, Raphael. Tay's Scene [1:22:55 - 1:32:13] Against their better judgment, Kate and Reggie tag along as Matt, Alejandro and Delta Force operators storm a tunnel beneath the US-Mexico border. Links 4:00 - Rendezvous with Rama 4:30 - Blank Check with Griffin & David 7:00 - Villeneuve on "western powers" 11:40 - Sheridan's original script 45:00 - Edited by Joe Walker 52: 00 - Johan Johansson on composing a new Jaws theme for Sicario 55:50 - Cinefix's breakdown of the border crossing 1:07:50 - "Sicario and the Value of Depicting Rape in Abstract" 1:18:00 - Villeneuve on "ugly poetry" 1:40:30 - Abrams on not hurting Tom Cruise's nose Recommendations Tim: Wind River (Sheridan, 2017) —stream on Netflix. Tay: Harry Brown (Barber, 2009) — stream on Hoopla. James: Every Frame A Painting on Youtube (and Voir on Netflix) Check out The Grey Nato's Bond episode All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Next episode: Oldboy (Park, 2003) Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Feb 9, 2022 · 1 hr 7 min

    SSC 19: Edge of Tomorrow (Liman, 2012)

    It's Blunt Month! Tim & Tay talk Emily Blunt, Tom Cruise, and why people love time loop movies in this discussion of Doug Liman's Edge of Tomorrow. Synopsis Edge of Tomorrow tells the story of Maj. William Cage, who enters humanity’s war against the invading aliens known as Mimics with no combat experience. After promptly dying in action, Cage awakes a day earlier, and soon realizes he is caught in a cycle: live, die, repeat. Edge of Tomorrow stars Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, was directed by Doug Liman, and released May 28, 2014. Edge of Tomorrow is available as a digital rental. Scene [1:03:05-1:10:27] After breaking through enemy lines, Cage and Vrataski stop at a small farmhouse to refuel. While treating Vrataski's injury, Cage is forced to reveal the futility of their next move. Links 4:35 - Gnomeo & Juliet 4:46 - Looper 4:50 - A Quiet Place 8:30 - Under The Skin 12:20 - Mission(s) Impossible 13:45 - Fair fighting in The Fast & The Furious 19:10 - Time-looping in the Aladdin TV show 19:30 - X-Files' time loop 21:30 - Dion Bebe's approach to filming Edge of Tomorrow 29:30 - Script revisions and remnants 32:20 - Groundhog Day Recommendations Tim: Primer (Carruth, 2004) Tay: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (Hallström, 2011) — Available to rent online. All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Next episode: Potluck—Sicario (Villeneuve, 2015) [available to rent online] with The Grey Nato's James Stacey. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Jan 26, 2022 · 1 hr 20 min

    SSC 18: The Royal Tenenbaums (Anderson, 2001)

    Tim & Tay finally dig into Wes Anderson, one of the most recognizable auteurs of modern cinema. Tune in to hear about formalism/contrivance, needle drops, the Wilson brothers, and more. Synopsis An emotionally distant father attempts to reconnect with his separated wife and three adult children after he loses his place to live. The Royal Tenenbaums, directed by Wes Anderson, stars Gene Hackman, Angelica Houston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson, and Ben Stiller. It hit theatres Dec. 28, 2001. The Royal Tenenbaums is available to stream on Disney+ Scene [58:35 - 1:05:20] Henry Sherman follows up on his suspicions and invites the family in as he reveals Royal is faking his illness. The scene follows Royal's exit from the Tenenbaum house. Links 5:00 - The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (Anderson, 2005) 5:25 - Wes Anderson's filmography 20:36 - Aaron Sorkin's "contrived" dialogue 21:00 - His Girl Friday (Hawks, 1940) 21:31 - Panic Room (Fincher, 2002) 22:20 - "Dirt on the Camera Lens" (Mike Rugnetta) 26:00 - "What Is Bayhem?" (Every Frame a Painting) 34:00 - Mean Streets (Scorcese, 1973) 38:00 - RLM on The French Dispatch 56:30 - Suspicion (Hitchcock, 1941) Recommendations Tim: No Escape (Dowdle, 2015) — stream on Prime Tay: Submarine (Ayoade, 2010) — stream on Prime (Sundance Now) All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Next episode: Listeners' Choice—Edge of Tomorrow (Liman, 2014), available to stream on Netflix Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Jan 12, 2022 · 1 hr 9 min

    SSC 17: The Big Chill (Kasdan, 1983)

    Tim & Tay talk needle drops, the New Year, and old friends in this discussion about The Big Chill. Tune in to hear why this script is a great example of graceful exposition without the usual crutches. Synopsis A once-close group of college friends reunites over the course of a weekend to mourn their departed friend, reflecting on how they and the world have changed since they were last together. The Big Chill, released Sept. 28, 1983, was directed by Lawrence Kasdan, and stars Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly and JoBeth Williams. The Big Chill is available to stream on Amazon Prime. Scene [13:35-19:45] As the central cast of characters departs from Alex’s funeral, Karen begins playing "You Can't Always Get What You Want" on the organ, transitioning into a needle drop in the film that brings about a series of character interactions during the funeral procession. Links 3:45 - The Big Bounce (Armitage, 2004) 4:40 - New Year's Eve (Marshall, 2011) 7: 25 - Lawrence Kasdan 38:02 - How To Do Visual Comedy (Every Frame a Painting) 1:04:30 - GQ on Jeff Goldblum Recommendations Tim: Start your own film club! Tay: Le Déclin de l'empire américain (Arcand, 1986). Stream on Hoopla All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Next episode: The Royal Tenenbaums (Anderson, 2001). Stream on Disney+ Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Jan 5, 2022 · 44 min

    SSC A La Carte: A Selection of 2021's Films

    In this special episode, Tim and Tay highlight a few notable movies from 2021. Not necessarily the best or our favorites, but certainly worth seeing! Disclosures Licorice Pizza (PTA, 2021) Drive My Car (Hamaguchi, 2021) The Worst Person in the World (Trier, 2021) Red Rocket (Baker, 2021) The Tragedy of Macbeth (Coen, 2021) Petite Maman (Sciamma, 2021) Summer of Soul (Questlove, 2021) Tim: INSIDE (Burnham, 2021)—stream on Netflix Pig (Sarnoski, 2021)—stream on Crave The Power of the Dog (Campion, 2021)—stream on Netflix Tay: No Time To Die (Fukunaga, 2021)—rent on Google Censor (Bailey-Bond, 2021)—rent on Google Nightmare Alley (del Toro, 2021)—catch in the theatre, if it's safe to do so! Links: 6:32 — In The Earth (Wheatley, 2021) 8:20 — Locked Down (Liman, 2021) As always, please leave us a review on iTunes and spread the word to your friends! Next episode: The Big Chill (Kasdan, 1983)—stream on Amazon Prime Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Dec 15, 2021 · 1 hr 2 min

    SSC 16: Home Alone (Columbus, 1990)

    Tim & Tay talk family, the American Dental Association, and more on this episode about the Christmas classic Home Alone. Synopsis When eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is forgotten at home by his vacationing family, he must defend it against a pair of persistent burglars. Home Alone stars Macaulay Culkin, Catherine O’Hara, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Stern, was directed by John Hughes, and first hit theatres Nov. 16, 1990. Home Alone is available to stream on Disney+ Scene [38:46-44:44] Kevin attempts to buy a toothbrush from a department store, but before he can pay at the counter, Old Man Marley enters. Stricken by fear, Kevin runs out of the store with the toothbrush without paying. He evades a police officer on a public ice rink and then has a run-in with Marv and Harry who almost hit him with their car as they pull out of a driveway. They follow him up the road because Harry doesn't "like the way that kid looked at [him].” Links 11:15 - Jingle All The Way (Levant, 1996) 12:00 - Skyfall (Mendes, 2012) 13:50 - It's A Wonderful Life (Capra, 1946) & White Christmas (Curtiz, 954) 20:30 - SSC 03: Krisha 22:09 - SSC 05: Ocean's 12 51:25 - John Candy's role Recommendations Tim: After Hours (Scorsese, 1985). Available to stream on Crave Tay: Krampus (Doherty, 2015). Available to rent on Google Play All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Next episode: Our Top 3 Movies of the Year Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Dec 1, 2021 · 1 hr 5 min

    SSC 15: The Green Knight (Lowery, 2021)

    Tim and Tay talk ambiguous and not-so-pretentious art films in this discussion on David Lowery's The Green Knight. Synopsis This adaptation of the epic Arthurian poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight tells the tale of Gawain as he embarks on a quest to make a name for himself in the eyes of King Arthur’s court and all of Britain. The Green Knight stars Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, and Ralph Ineson, was written and directed by David Lowery, and first hit theatres July 30, 2021. The Green Knight is available to rent on Google Play. Scene [57:18—104:27] Beaten, battered, and mentally defeated, Gawain enters a small seemingly abandoned cabin to rest. Awoken by a young girl, Gawain initially panics. The girl, Winifred, asks him for his help to find her head. Taken aback, he agrees to enter into a pond to retrieve it. Links 2:30 — Director David Lowery's "Notes on a Scene" 14:10 — Annihilation (Garland, 2018) + "Annihilation & Decoding Metaphor" 25:30 — "The ending is the conceit" (Film Crit Hulk) 57:45 — The Green Knight posters Recommendations Tim: "The Invisible Horror of The Shining" by kaptainkristian on YouTube Tay: The Devil's Backbone (del Toro, 2001) All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Next episode: Home Alone (Columbus, 1990). Available to stream on Disney+ Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Nov 17, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min

    SSC 14: Dead Poets Society (Weir, 1989)

    In our first audience-selected episode, Tim and Tay attempt to seize the meaning of one of the most quoted school-based movies of all time: Dead Poets Society. We explore how Peter Wier's strong direction helps unify great performances and specific camera work to serve the story being told. Synopsis An unconventional English teacher urges his students at a stuffy Vermont boarding school to “seize the day”, broadening their horizons to new forms of self-expression, much to their parents’ and other educators’ dismay. Dead Poets Society, starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, and Kurtwood Smith, and directed by Peter Weir, was released on June 2, 1989. Dead Poets Society is available to stream on Disney+. Scene [53:42–58:00] Mr. Keating assigns a poetry assignment to the class and on the day of presentations, Todd is finally pushed to confront his fears of expressing himself. The scene stars Ethan Hawke, Robin Williams, Josh Charles, and Matt Carey. Links 2:45 - Mr. Holland's Opus (Herek, 1995) 9:45 - Earlier versions of the script 11:00 - Ebert's review 12:50 - Community's DPS spoof 15:00 - Take The Lead (Friedlander, 2006) 36:20 - CODA (Heder, 2021) Recommendations Tim: Election (Payne, 1999). Available to rent on Google Play. Tay: Overlord (Julius Avery, 2018). Available to rent on Google Play. All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Next episode: The Green Knight (Lowery, 2021). Available to rent on Google Play. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Nov 3, 2021 · 1 hr 6 min

    SSC 13: Mean Girls (Waters, 2004)

    Tim and Tay go back to high school to talk about Mean Girls. This teen movie has palpable star power, solid writing, thoughtful direction, and undeniably meme-able lines, making it an evergreen entry in the overcrowded and easily dated high school movie genre. Synopsis When a naive, homeschooled junior named Cady attends American high school for the first time, she is quickly accepted into the Plastics, a clique of the highest strata. Cady soon falls for the ex-boyfriend of the clique leader, Regina Goerge. After Regina gets back with her ex, Cady and her friends Janice and Damian hatch a plot to take Regina down. Mean Girls stars Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams, was directed by Mark Waters, and first hit theatres on April 30, 2004. Mean Girls is available to stream on Netflix. Scene (55:38–1:03:18) After securing her position as the new queen bee, Cady plans a small get-together while her parents are out of town in hopes of locking down Regina’s ex, Aaron Samuels. A full-blown party ensues, and lines are crossed as she has her moment with Aaron, is forced to face her excluded friends, and truly sends Regina over the edge by not inviting her, resulting in a high school crisis for the ages. Links 6:00 - Mary Jane Ford on costuming 14:55 - Clinton uses Mean Girls gif 20:45 - Aaron Samuels' dumb smile 34:30 - ModernGurlz - "Analyzing the Outfits in Mean Girls" 41:00 - Rosalind Wiseman on Mean Girls Recommendations Tim: Everybody Wants Some (Linklater, 2016). Available to stream on Prime. Tay: Eighth Grade (Burnham, 2018). Available to stream on Crave. All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Next episode: Dead Poets Society (Wier, 1989)—thanks for voting in our Instagram poll! Stay tuned for future votes, we'll be holding one for every other episode going forward. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Oct 28, 2021 · 45 min

    SSC Bite-Sized Bonus: Dune (Villeneuve, 2021)

    Tim and Tay couldn't resist putting together what was intended to be a short episode on the sandy sci-fi epic Dune. Once we got talking about wormsign, ornithopters and "the voice", it was hard to stop. Based on Frank Herbert’s seminal novel of the same name, Dune tells the story of Paul Atreides, heir to a dukedom and a potentially even greater destiny as he begins a new life with his parents on the dangerous desert planet Arrakis. As political unrest foments war over the planet and its valuable spice melange, Paul fights to stay alive and find his role in the desert-dwelling Fremen society. Starring Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, and Oscar Isaac and directed by Denis Villeneuve, Dune was released on October 22, 2021. Dune is technically available on HBO Max in the US—but you should see it on as large a screen as you can! SCENE (58:52–108:13) Paul, Leto, and Guerney accompany Imperial Ecologist Liet Kynes on an ornithopter ride into the desert to the site of a sand crawler; a colossal desert machine used to refine and harvest precious spice. After an equipment malfunction, they must react quickly to save the sand crawler crew from an incoming sandworm. The scene stars Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto, Timothy Chalamet as Paul, Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Liet Kynes, and Josh Brolin as Gurney. Links 1:10—Dune sequel greenlit 22:00—Rebecca Ferguson talks sandworm scale 37:00—Hans Zimmers' anti-groove Recommendations Read the book! Notes on a Scene—Denis Villeneuve discusses the gom jabbar The Director’s Cut podcast w/ Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Oct 20, 2021 · 1 hr 5 min

    SSC 12: The Thing (Carpenter, 1982)

    For October's second horror-centric episode, Tim and Tay talk John Carpenter's not-so-immediately appreciated masterpiece The Thing. From evergreen creature effects to unsettling philosophical implications, this movie has it all. Synopsis An American research base in Antarctica is infiltrated by an alien that can assume the shape of anything it attacks. The social fabric of the small community quickly erodes as each resident realizes they can no longer trust those around them. Directed by John Carpenter, The Thing was released June 25, 1982, and stars Kurt Russell, Keith David, and Wilford Brimley. The Thing is available to stream on Netflix. Scene [1:17:41 - 1:26:36] As the remaining group begins to suspect Macready, he forces everyone into a blood test to determine who, if any are actually The Thing. Links 3:00 - A monster budget 4:30 - E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) 6:50 - An initial critical flop 7:20 - Blade Runner (1982) 8:25 - Too "strong" for audiences 20 - Carpenter on the difficulty of ensemble shoots 2230 - The Thing's script 26:15 - The Thing (2011) & CGI FX 28:20 - The Thing From Another World (1951) / Who Goes There? 30:06 - A long pre-production 30:40 - Invasion of the Body Snatchers - 1956 and 1978 34:00 - The split diopter shot 35:53 - Toy Story 4's split diopter shot 56:15 - Stan Winston 57:49 - Jed the dog actor 59:40 - Ethan Hawke's most impressive costar Recommendations Tim: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (Kaufman, 1978). Available to stream on Prime. Tay: Attack The Block (Cornish, 2011). Available to stream on CTV. All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Oct 6, 2021 · 1 hr 8 min

    SSC 11: In the Mouth of Madness (Carpenter, 1994)

    Tim and Tay dig into their first horror movie of October with John Carpenter's In the Mouth of Madness, discussing what it means to watch horror, the movie's classic literature and real-world psychological inspirations, and more. In the Mouth of Madness tells the story of John Trent, an insurance investigator tasked with tracking down best-selling horror novelist Sutter Cane. When the investigation leads both Trent and Cane’s editor Linda Styles to a presumed fictional town full of strange phenomena, the two begin to question their grip on reality. In the Mouth of Madness was directed by John Carpenter, written by Michael de Luca, and stars Sam Neil, Julie Carmen, and Jurgen Prochnow, and was released on Dec. 10, 1994. In the Mouth of Madness is available as a digital rental. Scene (31:00 - 35:47) Styles and Trent drive through the night to find the fabled town of Hobbs End. While Trent sleeps, Styles encounters a young boy riding down the highway on his bike. Moments later she sees another similar figure, although much older, on a bike going the opposite way. The boy appears for a third time and is struck by the car. Trent and Styles stop to check the body and the boy cries: “I can't get out”. He then mysteriously gets up and rides away. Styles continues driving, experiencing some supernatural phenomena before crossing a covered bridge that leads them right into Hobbs End. Links 10:40 - Black Check episode on Halloween 12:50 - John Carpenter's financial approach to remakes 22:30 - HP Lovecraft 23:20 - The King in Yellow 24:00 - Media horror in True Detective 26:30 - GDT's At the Mountains of Madness 28:30 - Lovecraft's racism 30:00 - Filming locations in Canada 31:30 - Giger's alien designs 34:50 - "groupthink" 1:06:20 - Sorcerer essay Recommendations Tim: The Empty Man (Prior, 2020). Available to stream on Crave. Tay: Sorcerer (Friedkin, 1977). Available to rent on iTunes. All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Sep 22, 2021 · 1 hr 51 min

    SSC 10: Potluck — Blade Runner 2049 (Villeneuve, 2017) with James Stacey

    Tim and Tay welcome James Stacey (The Grey NATO) to celebrate episode #10 with a potluck — each host picks a scene from Blade Runner 2049 to discuss. Set 30 years after the first film, Blade Runner 2049 tells the story of K, a replicant who discovers the remains of one of his kind, who had died giving birth to a child. As a Blade Runner with the LAPD, K is secretly tasked with finding the child and destroying all evidence related to it in order to prevent all-out war between humans and replicants. Starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford, Blade Runner 2049 was released on Oct. 3, 2017. Blade Runner 2049 is available as a digital rental and to stream on HBO Max. Tagline — "The key to the future is finally unearthed." Tim’s Scene (3:23 - 10:12) K, a Nexus-9 replicant and blade runner for the LAPD, visits the home of suspected replicant and war veteran Sapper Morton. James’ Scene (58:51 - 1:05:47) After pulling the records suggesting the replicant-born offspring had spent time at the Morrillcole Orphanage, Joi and K go for a ride to San Diego. They are attacked by marauders and brought down near the orphanage. Back at Wallace HQ, Luv begins a drone strike while also getting her nails done. Quickly dispatching the marauders, Luv’s involvement allows K to continue on their now overlapping goal of finding the child. Tay’s Scene (1:40:50 - 1:50:00) Officer K investigates the highly radioactive remains of Las Vegas in order to find the maker or the source of the wooden horse from his implanted memories. He eventually finds the disgruntled Rick Deckard and the two have a violent altercation throughout various sectors of a casino, concluding in a holographic Elvis projection concert room. Links 1:50 - Team Deakins podcast 16:00 - Ana de Armas' English prep 23:30 - Nine cameras vs. one camera 46:00 - Bautista wanted dramatic roles 1:12:00 - Blade Runner test inspired by Canadian military tech 1:23:00 - Shooting in Hungary Recommendations Tim: Brad Allen’s movies (Gorgeous, Kingsmen, Kick-Ass), Edgar Wright’s tribute. James: Corridor Crew Tay: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Wright, 2006). Available to rent on Google. All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Sep 8, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min

    SSC 09: Game Night (Francis Daley, Goldstein, 2018)

    Tim and Tay talk comedy (Apatow & otherwise), late '90s pop, and board games in this episode that looks at Game Night. This recent comedy breathed fresh air into the genre by returning to a few simple techniques while updating a few dated tropes. Max & Annie’s weekly game night is kicked into high gear when Max’s visiting brother Brooks arranges for a fake kidnapping. The three couples playing the game soon find out that it and Brooks are more than they appear, leading them on a chaotic night of fun, danger, and more. Game Night was directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, stars Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, and Kyle Chandler, and debuted on February 23, 2018. Tagline — "This is not a game." Game Night is available as a digital rental. Scene (32:25-36:36 & 42:40-44:51) After tracking down Brooks to a local dive bar, Max and Annie enter the joint to scope it out. Thinking that it is all part of the game night, they humorously build up the confidence to hold up the three men in the bar who appear to be holding Brooks hostage, forcing them to the floor with Pulp Fiction-inspired vigor. There is a scene break that catches the audience up with the other two couples and when we return to the bar, Max and Annie recover the keys from one of the thugs. Brooks tries to tell them that this is not part of the game, but Max and Annie only realize this after Annie shoots the supposedly fake gun in the air. Dropping it in surprise recoil, the gun goes off again, shooting Max in the arm before the three are chased out of the building. Links 7:30 - Bateman originally slated to direct 7:40 - Rewriting the script 9:50 - Assuming the worst for Game Night 13:50 - "How To Do Visual Comedy" (Every Frame a Painting) 29:50 - Developing female characters 33:00 - Why Bateman prefers being the straight man 48:00 - Filming with an R1 arm & the "GTA shot" Recommendations Tim: Akira (Otomo, 1988). Available to stream on Tubi. Tay: A Scanner Darkly (Linklater, 2006). Available to stream on Crave. Bonus Rotoscope recommendations: Undone (Hulsing, 2019). Available to stream on Prime. Joel Haver's rotoscope comedy All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd