Ready For Close-Up

Our first episode of 2021 focuses on Master Director Ingmar Bergman, Sweden's most famous filmmaker. Andy and Sam discover that Bergman's cinema does not just feature serious subject matter and mesmerizing acting, but also offers fascinating symbolism, humour and warmth. After discussing Bergman's style and influence, we focus on two of his key films, the allegorical journey of Wild Strawberries (...

With 2020 coming to a close, it could certainly appear as an 'annus horribilis' for cinema and movie-going. Andy and Sam, instead, have found a lot to love about a year spent rediscovering classic movies and TV, as well as the wide range of new streaming productions. From Ryan Murphy's Netflix contributions to Swiss historical mini-series Frieden, from Barbara Stanwyck's early career to Hitchcock'...

Oscar-winning film composer John Barry might be most famous for his eleven James Bond scores and the romantic sound of epics like Out of Africa or Dances with Wolves, but when Andy and Sam went through the complete John Barry Songbook (created by Sam for Spotify and YouTube), they explore the varied nature of the 'Barry sound' and pick their respective favourites. From the grand title themes of th...

Our 10th episode is dedicated to iconic actor Sean Connery, who sadly passed away on 31st October. Andy and Sam trace his career from humble beginnings to his instant Bond fame in the 1960s and from hard times in the 70s to the beloved father figure and mentor he played so well in the 1980s and 90s. We discover that Connery's presence (and voice!) are reason enough to watch almost any movie and we...

In our first of a series of episodes on Master Directors, Andy & Sam talk Alfred Hitchcock, the famous Master of Suspense. After an overview of his life and career, we discuss what makes "Hitch" such a unique yet influential director. We analyse two prime examples of his style, Rear Window and The Lady Vanishes and give our recommendation of must-see Hitchcocks: a starter package, our personal fav...

TENET, Christopher Nolan's sci-fi spy thriller, marks the first major theatrical release since the worldwide Covid-19 restrictions. Andy and Sam take the chance to look at Nolan's consistently fascinating filmic output but also to see his newest release as part of his increasing time-bending cinematic universe. We measure it up against Bond and other role models but also against Nolan himself: Is...

Psycho thrillers have boomed as a genre ever since Hitchcock's 1960 masterpiece Psycho hit the screens. In its shadow, however, Michael Powell's Peeping Tom about a murdering photographer almost entirely disappeared, having caused moral outrage in Britain and destroying the careers of its stars and director. Andy & Sam discuss their fascination with the genre before reviewing Peeping Tom after a s...

The world of film music has recently lost legendary Italian composer Ennio Morricone so Andy and Sam take the opportunity to talk soundtracks in this episode. Starting with a look at our prefered scores, we ask ourselves how the role of music in film has developed over time and where the "Morricone sound" fits in. We then present our very subjective top 10 Morricone Moments in tribute to the late...

Not all the movies we love are great - some are certified stinkers and have still become our guilty pleasures. In this episode, Andy & Sam seek to define what gives us so much joy watching them. We take an in-depth look at our respective guilty pleasure favorites, the abysmal Hollywood drama Valley of the Dolls (1967) and the trainwreck of a disaster movie that is The Cassandra Crossing (1976). Li...

Do you have favorite movies of all time and do you keep a list of them? Andy & Sam track down and analyze the most popular and prestigious best-of lists, focusing on the British and American Film Institute's international influence. They review two of the most named titles, Citizen Kane and Hitchcock's Vertigo and they explore personal favorites - from classics to recent favorites. Join their conv...

Not only since Corona have cinemas been in crisis: Streaming platforms have seriously challenged people's preparedness to go see a movie at a theatre. In our newest episode, we discuss our fascination with the big screen, the prospects of future cinemas and the challenges posed by TV, video and the internet in the past. We also try to make recommendations what successful cinemas there are and why...

The second episode of Ready for Close Up takes Sam & Andy deep into the James Bond universe - from the origins of his mass appeal in the sixties to the hopes for the latest postponed installment, No Time To Die. In between, we discuss Best of Bond and why 007 has become the longest-running franchise in movie history. Certified Bond enthusiasts for sure, but will they choose their witicisms careful...

Üse erscht Versuech in the world of podcasts. Andy & Sam diskutiere d Netflix-Serie Hollywood. Wi güet isch d Mini-Serie über di jungi multikulturelli Truppe a Filmschaffende, wo's im Hollywood vo dr Nachchriegszyt probiere z schaffe? Well, lights, camera & podcast - come and find out!