Top 10 Films of 2017
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John, Sarah and Aaron discuss their individual top 10 of 2017 lists.
The Cinessential Podcast
The Cinessential dives deep into one film each week, tackling the film from a variety of viewpoints and topics. Our podcast takes an even closer look at specific films, hosted by The Cinessential's editors and writers.
Our theme song, "Half a Second," comes courtesy of Hemmingbirds!
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Episode 25: Malcolm X
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In this episode of the podcast, John, Aaron, and Patrick talk about Spike Lee's powerful biopic Malcolm X. Topics include: the incredible ensemble cast, Malcolm's narrative journey, and how the film stands as a biopic. They also spend a few minutes sharing other great films they've seen recently.
Episode 24: A Nightmare on Elm Street
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The Cinessential editors Aaron Pinkston and Sarah Gorr bring you a spooky Halloween episode of the podcast as they talk about Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street. Topics include: the film's creepiest scenes, the well-rounded teenager and adult characters, Freddy Krueger beginnings, and more!
Episode 23: Blade Runner
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This week, John, Sarah, and Aaron are joined by The Cinessential contributor Zachary Davis to discuss influential sci-fi epic Blade Runner. Topics include: Deckard as a replicant, who the real heroes of the film are, Blade Runner 2049, and more!
Episode 22: There Will Be Blood
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The regular crew of John Gilpatrick, Sarah Gorr, and Aaron Pinkston return to discuss one of the best films of the century, There Will Be Blood. Topics include: Daniel Day-Lewis and Paul Dano's performances, their characters' relationship, the difficult question of There Will Be Blood vs. No Country for Old Men, and more!
Episode 21: Reds
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On this episode of the podcast, editors John Gilpatrick and Aaron Pinkston are joined by Patrick Brown to discuss Warren Beatty's Reds. Topics include: how the film's politics are still relevant today, the romantic love triangle, the use of real-life interview subjects, Mr. Feeny, and more!
Episode 20: Fitzcarraldo
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The regular crew of John Gilpatrick, Sarah Gorr, and Aaron Pinkston journey through Werner Herzog's epic Fitzcarraldo. Topics include: Sarah's experience in Iquitos, Herzog's strange career, Klaus Kinski's insanity, and more!
Episode 19: Bonnie and Clyde
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Cinessential Editors John Gilpatrick, Sarah Gorr, and Aaron Pinkston celebrate the 50th anniversary of the New Hollywood kickstarter Bonnie and Clyde. Topics include: the film's lasting legacy, whether Bonnie and Clyde are likable, their favorite scenes, and more!
Episode 18: The Hurt Locker
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John Gilpatrick, Aaron Pinkston, and Alex Moore discuss Kathryn Bigelow's 2008 Iraq thriller The Hurt Locker. Topics include: their favorite scenes, the 2010 Oscars, The Hurt Locker's legacy, Jeremy Renner's career, and more!
Episode 17: Gone with the Wind
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The Cinessential Editors Sarah Gorr and Aaron Pinkston hash out their complicated feelings of Gone with the Wind. Topics include: the film's overt racism, Rhett & Scarlett, Hattie McDaniel's Oscar win, whether the film should still be considered a part of the canon, and more!
Episode 16: Picnic at Hanging Rock
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The usual crew of John, Sarah, and Aaron are joined by Alex Moore to chat about Peter Weir's mysterious Picnic at Hanging Rock. Topics include: how the ethereal tone makes the film difficult to talk about, the difference between 'mystery' and 'mysterious,' the many films and film artists who were inspired by the film, and more!
Episode 15: Jeanne Dielman
/The Cinessential editors John Gilpatrick and Aaron Pinkston talk about feminist masterpiece Jean Dielman, 23 Commerce Quay, 1080 Brussels. Topics include: the film's unique pace and aesthetic, how the film's reputation met their expectations, and their interpretations of the ending.
Episode 14: Children of Men
/This week on the podcast, John and Sarah welcome former guest Alex Moore to talk about our film-of-the-week, Alfonso Cuarón's Children of Men. Topics include: the real world parallels, long take magic, and clever costuming. Also, the crew wonders what ever happened to Clive Owen.
Episode 13: Trainspotting
/The Cinessential Podcast is back with John, Aaron, and Maddie discussing Danny Boyle's 90s-era slackerpiece Trainspotting. Topics include: the crew's favorite scenes, the indie film landscape then-and-now, and anticipation for the sequel.
Episode 12: Beauty and the Beast
/The Cinessential Podcast is back to chat about Jean Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast. Topics include: how the practical effects help build its magic, Cocteau's production diary, and the 2017 remake. The crew also scolds John for not watching the film.
Episode 11: M
/This week, the Cinessential crew chats about Fritz Lang's early sound masterpiece M. Topics include: the film's use of sound, Peter Lorre, the incredible final setpiece, and the Vampire of Dusseldorf.
Episode 10: 2017 Oscar Preview Special
/The Cinessential editors John Gilpatrick, Sarah Gorr, and Aaron Pinkston dive into their thoughts and predictions on the major categories of the 2017 Academy Awards. Will La La Land clean up? In what categories does Moonlight have a chance? What is the biggest supporting acting fraud this year? How many of the docs and animated films has anyone seen? All this and more in this special bonus episode!
Episode 9: In the Mood for Love
/This week, Sarah, Aaron, and guest Alex Moore chat about Wong Kar-wai's gorgeous In the Mood for Love. Topics include: the brilliant filmmaking, music, the strange ending, and whether this is the 21st Century's best film.
Episode 8: Gangs of New York
/On this episode of The Cinessential Podcast, John, Aaron and guest host Alex Moore bust out their top hats and gather their sharp weaponry to discuss Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York. Topics include: Daniel Day-Lewis, Scorsese's work with Leonardo DiCaprio, the 2003 Oscars, Silence, and more!
Episode 7: La La Land & The Best of 2016
/The Cinessential staff wraps up 2016 with their discussion of La La Land. Topics include: the casting, the music, the ending, and the nature nostalgia. The group then talks about their favorite films of the year, including Moonlight and The Witch.