Anti-Sci-Fi: Andrei Tarkovsky's Solaris 

This week Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss a film widely-heralded as a masterpiece of Science Fiction Cinema, Andrei Tarkovsky's Solaris. In previous episodes, Ibrahim and I have discussed the brilliance of Tarkovsky's Mirror and Stalker. Here we struggle to understand and critique a film (widely recognized as brilliant) that simply doesn't come together for the two of us.

What is Sci-Fi? Aside of basic story elements, can Tarkovsky's film be considered a true Sci-Fi? This week we discuss this point as well as the role of an entire filmography in terms of understanding and evaluating a filmmaker's career. 

Take a listen and let us know what you think. It's definitely an interesting conversation. Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks for Your Continued Love and Support. 

Way of Nature, Way of Grace: Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life 

One of the greatest films ever commited to celluloid . . . Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life. This is simply the greatest film about childhood; beautifully photographed, honestly acted, and briliantly realized, Malick is a true visionary whose five films up to this point (2011) are all considered spiritual, poetic, and beautiful. The Tree of Life  is (arguably) a masterpiece that has polarized audiences - some enchanted by the poetic beauty of its images, others put-off by what is considered pretentiousness and a lack of narrative focus. Everyone has a right to their opinion, but simply putting aside a certain expectation of "typical" narrative films, provides a rewarding and life-changing (at least the cinematic equivalent) experience. Take a listen as Mr. Chavez and I dig deeply into this wondrous film-watching experience. 

Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks for the Continued Love & Support. 

Donkey Variations: Jerzy Skolimowski's EO

This week Mr. Chavez and I travel to Cinematic Poland for Jerzy Skolimowski's EO - a beautiful and touching examination of the world through a donkey's eyes. Pain, Suffering, Beauty, and Resilience inspired by Bresson's Au Hasard Balthazar, but with a modern vision. This is an inspired piece of cinema, one that Ibrahim and I are thrilled to introduce to you and  excited to talk about. Take a listen and let us know what you think. For reference, you can find EO streaming on Amazon Prime for a small rental fee. Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks. 

Virtual Girl & Sad Boy: Spike Jonez's Her

On this week's episode, Mr. Chavez & I sit down to discuss Spike Jonez's Her, a film particularly important and reflective of these times. With beautiful cinematography from Dutch/Swedish cinematographer, Hoyte van Hoytema, and featuring touching performances from Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, and the voice of Samantha - Scarlett Johansson, Jonez's look at love, loneliness, heartache, and artificial intelligence, Her is an interesting examination however a problematic and (for one of us, at least) highly unsatisfactory film. The discussion goes into this. We hope that you join us and formulate your taste. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Many Thanks.