Film

Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 13 (Interview with Matt Schrader)

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Complementary Rhythms: A Conversation with Matt Schrader

By Christopher M. Rzigalinski

On this episode of the Cinephellas Podcast we have my conversation with Matt Schrader, making his directorial debut with Score: A Film Music Documentary. Matt provides keen insight into how this film was made. We discuss how his previous career as a major network news producer influenced his approach to directing, his favorite cinematic memories, and the difficulties of making a fact-based documentary in the era of Fake News. The conversation made me want to see the movie ten more times; I hope it gets you excited, too.

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Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 11 (Interview with Ward Horton)

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New Perspectives: A Conversation with Ward Horton

By Christopher M. Rzigalinski

Who’s your favorite movie villain? What makes an antagonist threatening enough to fear, but vulnerable enough to find relatable? Too often these questions are ignored in favor of stereotypical performances. In the the new film Midnighters, however, Ward Horton develops a multi-layered anti-hero. Questions surround the identity of his character, “Smith,” forcing Horton to perform a spectrum of personality traits from suave to demonic. His ability to transform gives brings to fruition several plot points in the journey of Midnighters’ protagonist, Lindsey, played with sincere vulnerability by the phenomenal Alex Essoe.

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AMERICAN GODS premieres this Sunday on STARZ!

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The highly anticipated premiere of “American Gods” airs this Sunday, April 30th at 9 PM ET/PT on STARZ.  “American Gods” posits a different kind of war brewing—one between Old Gods and New.  The traditional Old Gods, with mythological roots from around the world, fear irrelevance as their believers die off or are seduced by the money, technology, and celebrity offered by the New Gods. Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) is an ex-con who, left adrift by the recent death of his wife, becomes bodyguard and traveling partner to conman Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane). But in truth, Mr. Wednesday is a powerful old deity, on a cross-country mission to build an army and reclaim his lost glory.

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Cinephellas Podcast-Episode 6 (Alexander Nevsky Interview)

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Cinematic Diplomacy: A Conversation with Alexander Nevsky

by Christopher M. Rzigalinski

Alexander Nevsky’s latest film, Black Rose, blends horror, mystery, and action genres for a fresh take on cinematic Russian/American relations. His directorial debut gets rid of the tired, Cold War stereotype of the Soviet villain versus the US hero. Instead, Black Rose tells the story of Nevsky’s Russian Police Major, Vladimir Kazatov, working side by side with the LAPD to find a killer targeting young women in West Hollywood. This simple change in perspective facilitates a conversation about international diplomacy and the political realities of 2017, as we are confronted daily with questions about Donald Trump’s relationship to Vladimir Putin and whether Russia interfered with last year’s presidential election.

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Netflix ‘The Get Down’ Part 2 Review!!

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Dust Off Your Turntable, and Groove All Over Again With ‘The Get Down’ Part 2

by Nile Fortner

When I first heard about Netflix The Get Down, I was interested but a little worried. The Get Down is a Netflix original series. The series documents the rise of Hip-Hop and the downfall of disco music in a hardcore, 1970’s chaotic New York. The show was created by 2013 The Great Gatsby director Baz Luhrmann. I was a little worried because I am someone who loves hip-hop and rap music. I love the history of the music genre, and how it grew into the worldwide phenomenon that it is today. I was mainly worried because an Australian director creating and unfolding a story about old school hip-hop doesn’t really come to mind at first. On the other hand, the first season of this show was well done. The first few episodes started a little slow, but it transitioned itself into a very good series. The show is filled with 70s nostalgia, great music, and characters you can get behind. Now we get part two, and part two of this series brings us more story, more music, more drama, and makes the audience want to view more.

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Cinephellas Podcast-Episode 5 (Luc Annest Interview)

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Sans Acrobats:

A Review of NOLA Circus

By Christopher M. Rzigalinski

NOLA Circus, the latest film from writer/director/producer Luc Annest, focuses on an African American community in New Orleans. Friendships are tested, true love is put on trial, and a bunch of dudes get their asses kicked. Luc brings a French perspective to this dark comedy about two rival barbershops and their larger-than-life employees. I got the chance to talk with him about adjusting to cultural differences in the United States, looking beyond race to understand the film, and the importance of music in visual storytelling. After you listen to my conversation with Luc, check out NOLA Circus when it hits theaters on April 21st or when it hits VOD platforms and iTunes on April 25th.