Of Masks & Fantasies:

Stanley  Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut

The History of Cinema has known many great names. Few have had the success, respect, and influence of Stanley Kubrick (1928-1999). With a filmography of only twelve films (unless you include his hated Fear and Desire), Kubrick stands tall among the great directors: Lang, Murnau, Hitchcock, Ford, etc. and continues to fascinate audiences. This week Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss the late filmmaker's last film, Eyes Wide Shut (1999). This is a difficult film, tackling a troubling subject - marital infidelity, paranoia, and insecurity.  Featuring Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, and a wonderful and troubling Sidney Pollack, Eyes Wide Shut is a problematic and fascinating last film from a great director. Take a listen as Ibrahim and I discuss this final film from a master.

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A Heavy Metaphor: Werner Herzog's Fitzcarraldo

On this week's episode, Ibrahim & I look at a controversial and divisive film, Werner Herzog's Fitzcarraldo ( 1982). Herzog has proven himself a true artist and poet of Cinema. The notorious and infamous actions of his filmmaking history are well known. Irresponsible filmmaking or the Dogged Determination of an artist unwilling to compromise? The question is an important one to ask. In no other film that I have watched have I felt the overwhelming sense of danger and awe that must have been palpable on the set of Herzog's 1982. From losing two major actors, through cast and crew rebellion, violence directed at the production and crew, and - finally - the often violently contentious relationship between Herzog and his (six time) leading man, Klaus Kinski, the debate on responsible filmmaking is unmatched in the modern-era of filmmaking. With a demanding eye rivaling Fritz Lang and Erich von Stroheim, with Fitzcarraldo, Herzog certainly made a name for himself in the history of cinematic visionaries. Take a listen as we debate the merits of Herzog, Kinski, and the production. We think you'll find it interesting. Many Thanks. 

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. 

The History of Rock N Roll  Part VIII - Echo Chamber: Phil Spector's Wall of Sound

This week, Mr. Chavez & I continue our exploration of The History of Rock N Roll with a look at one of the most important production figures in the History of Modern Music - Phil Spector. Of course we look at the salacious and tabloid  driven end of Spector's life, but the two of us are far more interested in the revolutionary producing skills of the Bronx born former teen pop star. In order to cover this topic properly we look at David Mamet's HBO produced 2013 docudrama - Phil Spector, as well as the BBC produced, Vikram Jayanti directed, Phil Spector: the agony and the ecstasy (2008). We finish the episode with a great documentary profiling The West Coast/Wall of Sound production that would lay a powerful and transformative foundation to popular music, Danny Tedesco's The Wrecking Crew (2008). This is a touching and enlightening film that introduces audiences to so many of the great session players of the 1960s, including: Tommy Tedesco, Earl Palmer, Hal Blaine, Leon Russell, Glenn Campbell, Plas Johnson, and Carol Kaye, to name just a few. Take a listen - it's a fun and interesting conversation.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. As Always, Many Thanks.

The History of Rock N Roll Part VII - Don't Let Me Down: Peter Jackson's Get Back

On this week's episode, Mr. Chavez & I sit down to discuss Peter Jackson's Get Back, an eight-hour Disney+ documentary series chronicling the making of The Beatles Let It Be. There's a whole lot to take down in these viewings, but we look at it as important to understanding the History of Rock N Roll. Take a listen as we get into the artistry of creating, the frustrations, jealousies, and triumphs that accompany art. It's a good talk. We hope you'll join us. Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks.