Films for Today

Following recent conversations about the virtue of protecting humanity, this week's episode examines how Guiseppe Tornatore's 2000 film, Malena , romanticises the protection of those we desire despite the constraints of the crowd. We also briefly discuss: Crocodile Tears (2024) d. Tumpal Tampubolon Jojo Rabbit (2019) d. Taika Waititi Contact Us Email: contact@jimmybernasconi.com Instagram:...

Following on some recent episodes about macro-level existential threats and micro-level existential dread, this week's episode examines Stanley Kramer's 1959 science fiction film, On the Beach , to contemplate how we might personally relate to the idea of humanity ending. We also briefly discuss: The Edge of the World (1937) d. Michael Powell Miracle Mile (1988) d. Steve De Jarnatt Contact...

In this week's episode, we examine the power of dialogue in early 90s independent cinema, contemplating how Jim Jarmusch's 1991 classic, Night on Earth , creates substance out of style. We also briefly discuss: The Man from Earth (2007) d. Richard Schenkman Coffee and Cigarettes (2003) d. Jim Jarmusch Contact Us Email: contact@jimmybernasconi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsf...

Following recent conversations about tacitly denying the three-dimensionality of all human beings, this week's episode examines the impact of death on innocence in Rob Reiner's 1986 coming-of-age classic, Stand By Me. We also briefly discuss: Wild at Heart (1990) d. David Lynch Contact Us Email: contact@jimmybernasconi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/

With the release of the next instalment in Nick Park's Wallace and Gromit film series, this week's episode revisits some central motifs of the original trilogy to contemplate the ideal traits we look for in a companion, be they personal or technological in nature. Contact Us Email: contact@jimmybernasconi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/

In honour of one of cinema's true heroes, this week's episode contemplates three varying interpretations of David Lynch's 1980 masterpiece, The Elephant Man. Contact Us Email: contact@jimmybernasconi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/

Following recent conversations on confronting the darker parts of our psyche, this week's episode examines John M. Stahl's 1945 noir classic, Leave Her to Heaven to discuss the challenges involved in bearing the deepest parts of ourselves to new companions. We also briefly discuss: Gilda (1946) d. Charles Vidor Laura (1944) d. Otto Preminger and Rouben Mamoulian Contact Us Email: contact@j...

Following on from last week's discussion about seeking deep truths hidden in disconcerting places, this week's episode centres on Mike Cahill's 2014 film, 'I Origins', to contemplate the surprisingly vast purview of scientific enquiry. We also briefly discuss: Wild Strawberries (1957) d. Ingmar Bergman White Noise (2022) d. Noah Baumbach Contact Us Email: contact@jimmybernascon...

Should we indulge the egos of our predecessors? Following last week's conversation examining the sometimes fluid power dynamic between the young and old, this week's episode contemplates how wisdom can be extracted from aging generations, even if they see still themselves as the centre of the universe. We also discuss: 'Better Man' (2024) d. Michael Gracy 'The Girl with the Nee...

How adept are we at perceiving looming danger? With the release of Robert Eggers' adaptation of F. W. Murnau's Nosferatu , this week's episode looks to Jack Clayton's gothic masterclass in filmic manipulation, The Innocents , to examine our capacity to recognise imminent harm. We also briefly discuss: Blue Velvet (1986) d. David Lynch Nosferatu (1922) d. F. W. Murnau Nosferatu (2024) d. Robert Egg...

How open are you to change? With the release of James Mangold's highly anticipated biopic of Bob Dylan, 'A Complete Unknown', this week's episode focuses on the paradoxes inherent to true artistry. We also briefly discuss: 'Inside Llewyn Davis' (2023) d. Ethan Coen and Joel Coen 'The Bikeriders' (2023) d. Jeff Nichols Contact Us E: contact@jimmybernasconi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfor...

As the year comes to a close, this week's episode reflects on what episodes of the show and films onscreen you, the listeners, found most enjoyable in 2024. Thank you all for joining us this year and we hope to see you again next year as Films for Today embarks into more bold and beautiful cinematic territory! Contact us: E: contact@jimmybernasconi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/

Why do righteous acts sometimes feel paradoxical? In a second Christmas-themed episode for this year, we discuss Álex de la Iglesia 1995 black comedy, The Day of the Beast , to examine how it uses Christian mythology to illuminate absurdities in basic moral activity. We also briefly discuss: The Holiday (2006) d. Nancy Meyers Heretic (2024) d. Scott Beck and Bryan Woods Also, be sure to let us kno...

Can even the most cynical be saved? With the Christmas season upon us, this week's episode features special guest Eddie Bernsconi (Jimmy's brother) to examine the continuing relevance of Terry Zwigoff's 2003 black comedy 'Bad Santa'. Also, be sure to let us know what your favourite films of 2024 have been for our '2024: A Year in Review' episode in two weeks. Contact Us E: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠contact@jimmy...

How contextual is power in 2024? In this week's episode, comedian and film critic Henry Bretz joins us to discuss how Sean Baker's Palm d'Or-winning film 'Anora' examines how fast power can be won and lost in contemporary society. Contact Us E: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠contact@jimmybernasconi.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/⁠⁠⁠⁠

What might be the cause of international suffering? In this week's episode, we are joined by freelance film writer Christopher Smol to discuss the examinations of complicity, gentility and retrospective guilt in James Ivory's 1993 drama, The Remains of the Day . We also discuss: The Wind Rises (2013) d. Hayao Miyazaki Oppenheimer (2023) d. Christopher Nolan Contact Us E: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠contact@jimmybern...

How can wounded intergenerational bonds be healed? In this week's episode we are joined by writer-director Chloe Abrahams to discuss her new film, 'The Taste of Mango', which is being released to UK and Irish cinemas on 29 November 2024. Contact Us E: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠contact@jimmybernasconi.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/⁠⁠

How do you tell a true story? In this week's episode we are joined by co-editor of the new Australian documentary 'Like My Brother', Archie Chew, to discuss his approach to the film and documentary filmmaking more broadly. Contact Us E: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠contact@jimmybernasconi.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/⁠

How closely related are absurdism and realism? In this week's special episode, we chat with Kyle, Eli and Cole Thiele, the writers and directors of 'Sofa, So Good', a new absurdist comedy that explores the depths of existentialism by following two cousins carrying a couch across Dayton, Ohio. Contact Us E: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠contact@jimmybernasconi.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/⁠

What is the appeal of disassociation? Combining recent conversations about the irresistible appeal of media and the challenges that are inherent to revolution, this week's episode examines Todd Phillips' highly anticipated sequel to 'Joker', 'Joker: Folie à Deux'. We also briefly discuss: 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975) d. Miloš Forman 'Pierrot le Fou' (1965) d. Jean-Luc Godard 'The Subst...

In this week's halloween special, we are joined by the man behind 'Too Much Film School', Matthew T. Price, to discuss John Carpenter's 1978 horror classic. In our discussion, we explore how the film's iconic antagonist resembles the indifference of evil and the utility of awareness in an increasingly distracted world. Contact Us E: ⁠⁠⁠⁠contact@jimmybernasconi.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram...

How should we understand overbearing mothers? In this week's special episode, we are joined by director Tumpal Tampubolon as we discuss the symbols and themes explored in his gripping new film, 'Crocodile Tears'. Contact Us E: ⁠⁠⁠contact@jimmybernasconi.com⁠⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/⁠

What's the point of taking life seriously? Combining recent conversations about impulsive behaviours and monolithic purposes, this week's episode centres on Danny Boyle's 1996 slick crime drama, 'Trainspotting', to contemplate the downside of elevating pleasure to the highest priority. We also briefly discuss: 'Candy' (2006) d. Neil Armfield 'Requiem for a Dream' (2000) d. Darren Aronofsky Contact...

Should you respect the pain you feel? An official selection at this year's London Film Festival, Jesse Eisenberg's new film, 'A Real Pain', is at the centre of this week's discussion on the strange relationship between gaining perspective and building mental fortitude. We also discuss: Various buddy comedies 'Old Joy' (2006) d. Kelly Reichardt Contact Us E: ⁠⁠contact@jimmybernasconi.com⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠ht...

Are you sheltered from war?   Building on recent conversations about establishing, maintaining and protecting nations, this week's episode focuses on Jimmy T. Murakami's 1986 animated feature, 'When the Wind Blows', to highlight the stark separation between humble abiding citizens and macroscopic geopolitical activities.   We also briefly discuss: 'Barefoot Gen' (1983) d. Mori Masaki 'Grave of the...