Hosted by Jimmy Bernasconi, Sacred Cinema explores the rich history of cinema and asks what the stories of the silver screen can teach us about ourselves, other people and the surrounding world.
How should we navigate subjective experience in a world of "objects"?Following last week's discussion on the utility of idyllic cultural constructs, this week's episode contemplates the ways in which Bruce Robinson's iconic 1987 iconic black comedy, Withnail & I, meditates on identity, essence and subjectivity.Contact UsEmail: contact@jimmybernasconi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
What might be the antidote to fascism?Following past conversations on the inevitable fallibility of attempting to establish idyllic social structures, this week's episode examines how Edgar Wright's 2007 comedy, 'Hot Fuzz' approaches the multifaceted and slippery nature of fascism. We also discuss:The Wicker Man (1973) d. Robin HardyIf (1968) d. Lindsay AndersonContact UsEmail: contact@jimmybernasconi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
How are we to make sense of artistic ambition?Following recent discussions about Jim Jarmusch's explorations of style as substance, this week's episode focuses on his 2016 film Paterson, starring Adam Driver.We also briefly discuss:Persona (1966) d. Ingmar BergmanPerfect Days (2023) d. Wim WendersContact Usemail: contact@jimmybernasconi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
What does it mean to give our true selves to those we love?In response to recent shifts in the cultural view of masculinity, this week's episode looks to Wim Wenders' iconic 1987 romantic fantasy, Wings of Desire, to examine the link between masculine sacrifice and vulnerability.We also briefly discuss:Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) d. Don SiegelThe Truman Show (1998) d. Peter WeirDrive (2011) d. Nicolas Winding RefnContact UsEmail: contact@jimmybernasconi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
Are we on track to see the end to cinema?Following last week's conversations about ecological and economic collapse, this week's episode looks to Quentin Dupieux's latest film The Second Act, to contemplate the possibility of an oncoming cultural collapse.We also briefly discuss:Rubber (2010) d. Quentin DupieuxDeerskin (2019) d. Quentin DupieuxOfficial Competition (2021) (d. Mariano Cohn, Gastón Duprat)Babylon (2022) d. Damien ChazelleContact UsEmail: jimmybernasconi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
How dangerous is the romanticisation of modern life?Following last week's critique of romanticising the "simple" life, this week's episode takes a full 180 by contemplating the fallibilities of modern romantics in Joshua Oppenheimer's narrative debut, The End.We also briefly discuss:Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) d. James CameronJoker: Folie à Deux (2024) d. Todd PhillipsContact UsEmail: contact@jimmybernasconi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
How might a simple life constrain us more than we think?Following past discussions on the indifference of nature in the face of mankind's modern ambitions, this week's episode delves into the hidden realities of subsistence living by examining Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali (1955).We also briefly discuss:Flow (2024) d. Gints ZilbalodisEdge of Tomorrow (2014) d. Doug LimanContact UsEmail: contact@jimmybernasconi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
What is the value of privacy?Given a myriad of topical events, this week's episode focuses on Francis Ford Coppola's exploration of the fine line between agency and intimacy in his 1974 masterpiece, The Conversation.We also briefly discuss:Blow Out (1981) d. Brian de PalmaThe Rule of Jenny Pen (2024) d. James AshcroftContact UsEmail: contact@jimmybernasconi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
What does noble desire look like?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 TampubolonJojo Rabbit (2019) d. Taika WaititiContact UsEmail: contact@jimmybernasconi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
Why should we care about the end of humanity?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 PowellMiracle Mile (1988) d. Steve De JarnattContact UsEmail: contact@jimmybernasconi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
How far away are we from transformative experiences?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 SchenkmanCoffee and Cigarettes (2003) d. Jim JarmuschContact UsEmail: contact@jimmybernasconi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
Does anyone have a decent chance at life?Following recent conversations about rejecting 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 LynchContact UsEmail: contact@jimmybernasconi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
What do we desire in an ideal companion?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 UsEmail: contact@jimmybernasconi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
How can we transcend life's inevitable tragedies? 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/
What kinds of people should we open up to? 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@jimmybernasconi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
What does a true commitment to science really look like? 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@jimmybernasconi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
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 Needle' (2024) d. Magnus von Horn Contact Us: E: contact@jimmybernasconi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
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 Eggers Contact Us E: contact@jimmybernasconi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
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/filmsfortoday/
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 know what your favourite films of 2024 have been for next week's '2024: A Year in Review' episode. Contact Us E: contact@jimmybernasconi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
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@jimmybernasconi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
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@jimmybernasconi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
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 Substance' (2024) d. Coralie Fargeat Contact Us E: contact@jimmybernasconi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
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.com/filmsfortoday/
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 Us E: contact@jimmybernasconi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
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: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
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 Fireflies' (1988) d. Isao Takahata Contact Us E: contact@jimmybernasconi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
What does it take to build a community? Following last week's discussion about false idealism when establishing new societies, this week's episode examines Martin Rosen & John Hubley's 1978 animated classic, 'Watership Down', now restored in 4k. We also discuss: 'Animal Farm' (1954) d. Joy Batchelor & John Halas 'The Lion King' (1994) d. Roger Allers & Rob Minkoff Contact Us E: contact@jimmybernasconi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
Is there one simple thing that would fix the world? Building on recent discussions around monolithic goals and sympathising with emerging rivals, this week's episode examines Luchino Visconti's 'The Leopard' to consider the impermanence of permanence on both the political and personal level. We also briefly discuss: 'Tokyo Story' (1953) d. Yasujirō Ozu 'The Last Emperor' (1987) d. Bernardo Bertolucci Contact Us E: contact@jimmybernasconi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
How should the established intelligentsia view the new guard? Building on recent conversations about monolithic goals and sympathising with our rivals, this week's episode centres on how Miloš Forman's 'Amadeus' depicts the gatekeeping of emerging genius by the powerful elite. We also briefly discuss: 'Sunset Boulevard' (1950) d. Billy Wilder 'All About Eve' (195) d. Joseph L. Mankiewicz Contact Us E: contact@jimmybernasconi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
Do you know how to be kind? In this week's episode we examine Anthony Asquith's 'The Browning Version' to contemplate how people who rarely receive kindness (perhaps for good reason) respond to it when it is afforded to them. We also discuss:'About Schmidt' (2002) d. Alexander Payne 'Bad Santa' (2003) d. Terry Zwigoff 'The Holdovers' (2023) d. Alexander Payne Contact Us E: contact@jimmybernasconi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
Should we base all of our decisions and actions around a single end goal? In this week's episode we unpack the rich symbolism employed in Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey' to not only better understand the monolithic nature of AI, but humans and our teleological systems. We also discuss: 'Alien: Romulus' (2024) d. Fede Alvarez 'Equilibrium' (2002) d. Kurt Wimmer Contact Us E: contact@jimmybernasconi.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/filmsfortoday/
Are you in love with the movies? In the first ever episode of 'Films for Today' we take a look at Woody Allen's 'The Purple Rose of Cairo' to contemplate both the shortcomings and utility of media addiction in hopes to better understand why we are drawn to the silver screen. We also briefly discuss: 'Cinema Paradiso' (1988) d. Giuseppe Tornatore 'Babylon' (2022) d. Damien Chazelle Contact Us E: contact@jimmybernasconi.com IG: 'filmsfortoday'
In this week's episode we bid farewell to Sacred Cinema and preview an exciting new program, also centred on the relationship between cinema and society. Be sure to keep 'following' Sacred Cinema for the time being, as it will be the home of our new show, 'Films for Today'! Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com
What does intimidation feel like? Can brave curiosity fully solve all of the problems that confront us? What should the meek integrate in order to overcome domineering threats? Following on nicely from related discussions last week, this week's episode examines three distinct cinematic depictions of profoundly overwhelming and colossal forces imposing upon female protagonists. Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com
To what extent should the budding feminine integrate the malevolent masculine? Should the feminine-masculine continuum be our sole consideration when seeking to individuate? What happens when the budding feminine is overly empowered by the malevolent masculine? With the release on 'Longlegs', this week's episode examines three films depicting inexperienced feminine FBI detectives.
How easy is it to examine adult performances? How fast can we slide into losing our dignity? Can we ever be fully accepting of debauchery? By focusing on films centred on adult entertainers, this week's episode contemplates the point at which performing for other begins to threaten our dignity. Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com
Can dreams be useful? Can we ever know when we're experiencing real life? Is there ever anything that can guide us when in a state of total confusion? Building on past episodes regarding the mind and simulations, this week's episode focuses specifically on dreams and what cinema can tell us about the limitlessness of our consciousness. Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com
How should we relate to past generations? To what extent should we embrace novelty? Is there a way to redeem ourselves without completely self-destructing? By focusing on films depicting the dynamic transformation of postwar Japan, this week's episode examines the nature of rapidly ascending societies. Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com
What is our primal nature? What does our primality imply in the grand scheme of things? What is the relative intelligence of our species? Focusing on films centring on images of primates, this week's episode contemplates the ways in which human primality has been explored onscreen. Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/2xxfm-sacredcinema/message
Is there more than one kind of treasure? Is theft ever acceptable? What happens when we view people as buried treasure? With the release of 'La Chimera', this week's episode looks at three cinematic depictions of prospecting and excavation to examine the inter-world inheritance of valuables. Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/2xxfm-sacredcinema/message
Should accessing a more confident version of ourself be conceived as a transformation? Is the identify and existence of our alter egos determined by our surroundings? Do we have access to a catalogue of distinct identities or a single self that evolves over time? With the release of Richard Linklater's new film 'Hit Man', this week's episode examines films in which a meek and mild protagonist undergoes some form of transition to embody a more cool and suave alter ego. Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/2xxfm-sacredcinema/message
Is there virtue in taking the blame for something that isn't your totally fault? How easily can this slip into exploitation? Should we ever take on more burdens in an already unfair world? With the fairly release of 'The Fall Guy' this week's episode focuses on films in which a character takes the blame for something they didn't do, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/2xxfm-sacredcinema/message
What effect does vengeance have on feminine purity? Are avengers ever assaultive themselves? Is revenge the only response to injustice? With the release of 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga', this week's episode examines three films in which feminine characters are avenged. Contact us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/2xxfm-sacredcinema/message
What should we be cautious of when it comes to clingyness? Are there ever broader sociocultural elements at play when someone gets clingy? Is there ever a lot at stake when someone gets clingy? As the television program 'Baby Reindeer' continues to permeate the culture, this week's episode looks at three films depicting 'clingyness'. Email us at contact@jimmybernasconi.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/2xxfm-sacredcinema/message
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