Four Play

Leaving Las Vegas (1995) is Nicolas Cage at his most raw and devastating and he delivers a performance that won him an Oscar and became one of the bleakest love stories ever put on film. Cage plays Ben Sanderson, a man who moves to Las Vegas to drink himself to death, where he meets Elisabeth Shue in a career-defining role as a sex worker who chooses to love him anyway.   In this episode, Richard...

We dive into Michael Bay's 1996 action film 'The Rock' starring Nicholas Cage, Sean Connery, and Ed Harris. Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo explore the film's iconic moments, characters, and unique blend of comedy, action, and drama. They discuss why 'The Rock' stands out as a classic in the action genre, Michael Bay's directorial choices, and the unforgettable performances from the stellar...

To conclude our Psychedelic Horror arc on Four Play, we delve deep into the film Mandy starring Nicolas Cage. We explore why this visually stunning and emotionally intense film has become a cult classic. From its incredible use of color and sound to its compelling performances and gripping storyline, Mandy is not just a movie but an experience. We also discuss the career of director Panos Cosmatos...

Join us as we delve into director Ken Russell's 1980 film 'Altered States.' This episode covers the film's psychedelic themes, its visionary yet controversial direction, and its mixed reception from critics like Roger Ebert. We discuss the film's exploration of hallucinogenic drugs, sensory deprivation tanks, and its complex narrative about a scientist's quest for absolute truth. Whether you're a...

In this episode, our hosts delve into 'Enter the Void,' a 2009 psychedelic horror film directed by Gaspar Noé. They explore its intense thematic elements, discussing the challenges and impact of Noé's unique visual and narrative style. The discussion covers the film's portrayal of the expat experience in Asia, its uncompromising approach to trauma and drug use, and its groundbreaking cinematograph...

Welcome back to 'Four Play' as we dive into our new arc on psychedelic horror! In this episode, we dissect the 1990 psychological masterpiece 'Jacob's Ladder.' We explore the film’s layered narrative, iconic practical effects, and its profound themes of trauma, war, and the afterlife. Drawing connections to Buddhist philosophy, Christian mysticism, and classic literature, we provide an in-depth an...

Join us on this episode of Foreplay as we conclude our sports film arc with a deep dive into the 1961 classic, The Hustler. Starring Paul Newman and George C. Scott, this film is about much more than just pool—it's a compelling character study and a story about obsession, personal growth, and the human cost of achieving greatness. We discuss the powerful performances, especially Paul Newman’s and...

In this episode of 'Four Play,' we delve into the inspirational sports film 'Rudy.' Join us as we discuss key themes, memorable moments, and the unbelievable true story behind the movie. From Rudy's persistence and hard work to the cinematography and remarkable performances by Sean Astin and the supporting cast, we cover it all. We also touch upon how the movie compares to other sports films like...

In this episode of Four Play, the hosts dissect the 1989 film 'Field of Dreams.' They delve into the peculiar rules of 'ghost baseball,' critique the film's sentimentality, and analyze its deeper themes of American tradition, intergenerational relationships, and personal regret. The discussion explores the broader impact of sports films in American culture, the significance of baseball in connecti...

Join us as Richard Lewis, Thorin, and Monte discuss the classic sports film 'Hoosiers.' In this episode, we explore the film's timeless appeal, Gene Hackman's nuanced performance, and why this movie, despite its predictable plot and sentimental moments, remains a beloved staple in sports cinema. From the cultural significance of small-town basketball to the profound human stories told through spor...

In this episode of Foreplay, the hosts explore one of Gene Hackman's most enigmatic and forgotten performances in the 1975 film 'Night Moves.' As the final film in their Gene Hackman Arc, they analyze the movie's subtle brilliance, its portrayal of middle-aged malaise, and its deconstruction of film noir tropes. From discussing Hackman's character, Harry Moseby, and his personal struggles to addre...

Welcome back to Foreplay! In this episode, we explore the third film in our Gene Hackman Arc: 'Unforgiven' (1992), directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. Join us as we discuss the intricate details, character portrayals, and thematic elements of this legendary Western. We'll delve into Gene Hackman's award-winning performance as Little Bill, the slow-burn storytelling, and the cinematic parallel...

In this episode, we delve deep into Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 classic, 'The Conversation,' starring Gene Hackman. We explore Hackman's exceptional performance as Harry Caul, the film's intricate narrative structure, and the thematic elements of surveillance, privacy, and paranoia. Our discussion also touches on the movie's compelling soundtrack, its connection (or lack thereof) to the Watergate...

Dive deep into the critically acclaimed 1971 classic, 'The French Connection,' directed by William Friedkin. Join us as we explore Gene Hackman's Oscar-winning portrayal of the gritty, obsessed NYPD detective Popeye Doyle, and the film's groundbreaking car chase that set new standards in cinema. We discuss the film's raw depiction of 1970s New York, Hackman's method acting, and the influences this...

In this episode of Four Play, we conclude our Robert Eggers arc by diving into his 2024 film, 'Nosferatu.' Before discussing this modern take on the classic vampire tale, we announce our next arc focusing on Gene Hackman's impressive acting career in homage to his recent passing. We explore Nosferatu's compelling cinematography, its thematic exploration of romantic and period elements, and critiqu...

We continue our Robert Eggers' Arc on Four Play with his third film, 2022's 'The Northman.'  Thorin, Richard Lewis, and MonteCristo break down the film's rich Viking mythology, stunning cinematography by Jarin Blaschke, and intense performances, especially highlighting Alexander Skarsgård's transformative role as Amleth. Explore how Eggers' dedication to historical accuracy and mythological realis...

Four Play dives deep into Robert Eggers' enigmatic film 'The Lighthouse'. Richard Lewis, MonteCristo, and Thorin analyze the intricate storytelling, impeccable cinematography, and the remarkable performances by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. We explore the film's Lovecraftian themes, Greek mythological references, and its unique ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from horror to comedy....

We kick off a new arc with the works of director Robert Eggers, focusing on his debut feature film 'The Witch.' We explore the psychological and supernatural elements of this chilling 2015 horror film, set in 17th-century Puritan New England, that has since become a modern classic. Join us as we analyze the cultural impact, historical accuracy, religious undertones, and cinematographic artistry th...

In this final episode of our David Lynch arc, we delve into one of his most acclaimed and complex films, 'Mulholland Drive' from 2001. Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo offer contrasting views, discussing the film's plot, themes, and surrealistic elements. They debate whether the film is a profound commentary on Hollywood and the nature of reality or an overly pretentious piece. Our hosts exp...

In this episode of Four Play, the hosts delve into David Lynch's 1997 film 'Lost Highway.' They discuss the film's visual and auditory splendor, its star-studded cast, the complexities of its narrative, the concept of the dissociative fugue, and explain the role of the Mystery Man. Comparing it to Lynch's other works, the hosts explore themes of psychological trauma, identity, and surrealism. Thor...

We continue our David Lynch arc with his 1990 film 'Wild at Heart.' This episode dissects the film's frenetic energy, its blend of surrealism and conventional storytelling, and its status as a Southern Gothic road movie. We examine standout performances by Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern, discuss the film's controversial scenes and critical reception, specifically Roger Ebert's divisive review, and ex...

With the unfortunate passing of David Lynch, the Four Play hosts decided to dedicate this arc to the director and his unique vision in cinema. The 1986 film Blue Velvet still stands as an all-time classic with memorable performances by Dennis Hopper and Isabella Rossellini and a signature touch of Lynch's surrealism. The film mixes Lynch's love of Americana with a shocking exploration of sexual vi...

Two Ridley Scott films close out our Sword-and-Sandal Arc, the legendary Gladiator from 2000 and the repetitively terrible Gladiator 2 from 2024. While iconic performances from Russell Crowe, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, and Joaquin Ph Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code FOURPLAY at https://www.shopmando.com Learn more ab...

We return to Wolfgang Petersen's Troy: Director's Cut 20 years after its initial release and discover a film that's aged surprisingly well. Featuring an incredible cast including Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Peter O'Toole, Sean Bean, Brian Cox, Brendan Gleeson, and Orlando Bloom, Troy is carried by the actors' strong performances. While not strictly true to the Iliad, Troy's daring attempt to place the T...

We follow up Ben-Hur with another Hollywood epic, 1960's Spartacus directed by Stanley Kubrick. While set in the era of the Roman Republic, the film obliquely tackles many subjects of its era including McCarthyism, communist revolution, and the legacy of slavery. With stand-out performances by Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, and Peter Ustinov, Spartacus delivers an entertaining spectacle whose leg...