The Actor and The Engineer Podcast

In this episode we discuss Steven Spielberg's newest film, sharing our excitement going in and our mixed reactions afterward. We praise Janusz Kaminski's cinematography, several standout shots, solid editing, and strong performances from Emily Blunt, Colman Domingo, Josh O'Connor, Eve Hewson, and Colin Firth, while getting into the repetitive structure, shaky logic, unclear stakes, and a surprisin...

For our "Should Have Seen" series, we explore King Kong's pioneering stop-motion and in-camera compositing techniques, compare them to later VFX innovations, and note moments that feel dated in scripting and representation while emphasizing the film's emotional impact and sympathy for Kong. For Chaplin's Gold Rush, we both admire the film's pristine restoration, large-scale production, and silent-...

This week we talk about Project Hail Mary and the film's practical effects blended with CGI, cinematography, production design, performances (especially Ryan Gosling), humor, and strong themes.    

We return after an unusually long break to share our top five movies of 2025 and reflect on what a strong theatrical year it was with many of our favorite directors releasing films. Join us for the countdown!   00:00 Introduction 02:36 Josh Number 5 - F1 10:10 Paul Number 5 - Train Dreams 13:24 Josh Number 4 - Sinners 13:32 Paul Number 4 - Sentimental Value 20:04 Josh Number 3 - Eddington 28:05 Pa...

We run through our Oscars predictions, debating both who will win and who we would vote for across major categories. We highlight Sinners, One Battle After Another, Hamnet, and Sentimental Value throughout.

We discuss and review the film "F1" and talk about why sports movies can excite even non-sports viewers.   We cover performances and character writing, the technology necessary to shoot the movie and the great editing.

On this episode we dive deep into Joachim Trier's latest film.  We were captivated by the film's unique storytelling, vivid character portrayals, and exceptional filmmaking techniques. We talk about shot selection, camera work, the use of a central location, and the powerful performances that led to multiple Oscar nominations. The episode also features analysis on the film's exploration of family...

In this episode on Park Chan-Wook's No Other Choice we discuss initial reactions, key themes, impressive performances, and the symbolic elements that make this movie a standout. From the intricacies of the narrative to our thoughts on its Academy Award chances, we cover it all. Plus, we touch on our thoughts about the current award season.

Join us as we dive into the world of 'Marty Supreme,' Josh Safdie's   solo-directed film. We discuss Timothée Chalamet's Oscar-worthy performance and Gwyneth Paltrow's intriguing role.   We also touches on the kinetic style of Safdie films and the film's amazing score.

From nostalgic classics like 'Broadcast News' and 'Moonstruck' to the latest releases such as 'Jay Kelly' and 'No Other Choice,' we offer insightful commentary on performances, direction, and cinematography. We talk about Adam Sandler's standout role in Jay Kelly, the artistry of Park Chan-wook, and the moving portrayals in 'Train Dreams.'

In this episode we delve into Guillermo del Toro's latest work, Frankenstein. We discuss our overall impressions and highlights. Key points include critiques of the film's pacing and character development, the standout skills of the actors, and an examination of del Toro's unique storytelling style.

In this episode we delve into the latest film by Yorgos Lanthimos, 'Bogonia.' We discuss the film's intricate themes, complex characters, and unique narrative style. We also exploring the themes of hope, agency, and societal critique. The hosts debate the effectiveness of the film's ending and its impact on the audience.

In this episode we dive into the latest Paul Thomas Anderson movie. We explore the film's intricate layers, masterful performances, and unparalleled storytelling. We break down the film's standout scenes, including its tension-filled chase sequence and the complex interplay of its characters. We get into the captivating performances by Sean Penn and Chase Infinity and have a few Oscar predictions.

This week we start with Paul recounting his recent performance in a play up in Virginia, sharing his thoughts on the experience and the audience's reception. We also touch on the emotional and technical challenges faced during his performance. Then we get into the film 'Weapons,' directed by Zach Cregger. We discuss the film's characters, notable scenes, and the overarching themes, touching on its...

Welcome to the 400th episode of The Actor and the Engineer! Paul shares his top four acting performances seen during the podcast's run, discussing the tremendous talent showcased in movies like 'If Beale Street Could Talk' and 'Birdman.' Meanwhile, Josh delves into advancements like digital film projection, drone usage, the ARRI Alexa cameras, and the revolutionary use of virtual sets. Join us for...

In this episode we kick off with Paul announcing his new play, 'The Lifespan of a Fact'. Then we have an in-depth analysis of the film 'Eddington', directed by Ari Aster. We explore various plot points, character motivations, social media's impact, and the film's complex themes.

In this episode we delve into the latest DC film, Superman, directed by James Gunn. They discuss their excitement for Gunn's take on the DC Universe, our impressions of the cast and the film's overall tone and stylistic choices. We also touch on various plot elements, special effects, and how the movie fares against the backdrop of other superhero films.

In this episode we dive into Jean-Luc Godard's influential 1960 film, Breathless. We discuss Godard's journey from critic to filmmaker, the unique production techniques that shaped the film, and the impact of its groundbreaking style, including the use of jump cuts and overdubbing.

Join us as we get into 'Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning.' We analyze the movie's storyline, character development, and overall execution. We compare it to 'Dead Reckoning' and other Mission Impossible films, touching on our thoughts about the movie's pacing, action sequences, and emotional impact. Don't miss our exploration of the film's highs, lows, and everything in between!

Join us as we dive into Marvel's Thunderbolts*. We discuss the depth and complexities of the characters, the overarching themes of mental health and familial bonds, and how the movie stands out in the vast Marvel Cinematic Universe. From reflections on performances to the significance of character development, we cover how Thunderbolts shows us a little more than the last few MCU movies.

In this episode we delve into Ryan Coogler's new vampire film, Sinners. We explore Coogler's departure from conventional storytelling, discuss the film's allegory on art and commerce, and dissect the intricate performances, especially highlighting Michael B. Jordan's dual role and Delroy Lindo's masterful acting. We also debate the necessity of the film's multiple endings and reflect on the genre...

In this episode we discuss the latest film by Alex Garland, which is co-directed and co-written with retired Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza. The movie recounts real events from Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006. We delve into its character development and its portrayal of military operations. We get into the emotional intensity of the storytelling and why this may not be a "war film".

In this episode we dive deep into Steven Soderbergh's latest project 'Black Bag.' The conversation extends to the storytelling prowess of screenwriter David Koepp, the complexities of character development, and the nuances of the film's cinematography and editing. We also touch on other upcoming movies from directors like Paul Thomas Anderson and Spike Lee, and examine performances by Michael Fass...

Join us for a special episode of Actor and the Engineer where we break down our top 5 films of the year! From directing debuts to unexpected thrillers, and Oscar-worthy performances, we cover it all.

In this episode we discuss our picks for the major Oscar categories such as Adapted Screenplay, Original Screenplay, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Picture. We debate potential winners, personal favorites, and possible surprises, analyzing performances from movies like 'Anora', 'The Brutalist', 'A Complete Unknown', and more.