192: Vanilla Sky (2001)

Are director’s cuts better? Should directors just leave their movies alone? Alex and Nick break down the concept of a movie director’s cut; the directors who do it most, infamous director’s cuts, superior theatrical cuts, and more. Films discussed include: “Apocalypse Now,” “Blade Runner,” “The Abyss,” “Aliens,” “Kingdom of Heaven,” “Terminator 2,” “Miami Vice,” “Star Wars,” “The Killing of a Chinese Bookie,” “The New World,” “Zodiac,” “Midsommar,” and so much more.Visit waywpodcast.comJoin WAYW Bonus Features on PatreonBuy WAYW MerchSupport the show

WAYW misjudged “The Social Reckoning.” Aaron Sorkin made a good movie. Alex and Nick call out their low expectations for the film, then highlight its strong screenplay and performances, and break down Sorkin’s body of work.At 59:10, the guys switch to a spoiler-filled discussion of the film.For WAYW, (01:31:08), the guys review “Verity,” “Other Mommy,” and the first few episodes of Netflix’s “East of Eden.”Visit waywpodcast.comJoin WAYW Bonus Features on PatreonBuy WAYW MerchSupport the show

Warning: This episode completely spoils the new Tom Cruise film, “Digger.” For the first 25 minutes, Alex and Nick have a general, spoiler-free discussion about Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s new film. After the 25-minute mark, the guys fully spoil the masterful, layered, satirical, profound film that is “Digger.” Visit waywpodcast.comJoin WAYW Bonus Features on PatreonBuy WAYW MerchSupport the show

Everything, in its right place. Alex and Nick have a freewheeling conversation about Cameron Crowe’s “Vanilla Sky.” Random topics include Tom Cruise’s best work, Crowe’s filmography, 9/11, Radiohead, Barbara Stanwyck, “Abre los ojos,” car crashes, vertigo, Times Square, suicide, dreams, Penélope Cruz playing Sofia twice, Cameron Diaz losing her mind, and more.Visit waywpodcast.comJoin WAYW Bonus Features on PatreonBuy WAYW MerchSupport the show

Blood has been shed! Alex and Nick break down a modern American masterpiece, Joel and Ethan Coen’s “Fargo.” Topics include theorizing why Jerry Lundegaard needs money, Shep and Carl’s relationship, the geographical distance between Fargo and Minneapolis, Scotty’s fate, the great Harve Presnell as Wade, Carter Burwell’s perfect score, Roger Deakins’ cinematography, and the ingenious decision to include scenes with Mike Yanagita and Mr. Mohra.Visit waywpodcast.comJoin WAYW Bonus Features on PatreonBuy WAYW MerchSupport the show

What’s the rumpus? Joel and Ethan Coen have written, directed, and edited 18 films together, and Alex and Nick are in their element when discussing them. From “Blood Simple” to “Buster Scruggs,” here’s a breakdown of two of the most singular, hysterical, and intelligent voices in modern film.Visit waywpodcast.comJoin WAYW Bonus Features on PatreonBuy WAYW MerchSupport the show

Welcome back to the WAYW New Hollywood Film Project! Alex and Nick break down one of their shared favorite films of all time, Stuart Rosenberg’s “Cool Hand Luke.” Topics include Paul Newman’s best performances, all the film’s iconic scenes (The Car Wash, Arletta, 50 Eggs, etc.), the ceaseless quotable lines, bucking back against authority, influence on other prison films, the marvelous 4K, and much more.For WAYW, the guys review Olivia Wilde's new film, "The Invite."Part 11 of the WAYW New Hollywood Film Project.Visit waywpodcast.comJoin WAYW Bonus Features on PatreonBuy WAYW MerchSupport the show

Alex and Nick rave about Christopher Nolan’s latest film, “The Odyssey.” The guys break down the huge cast, IMAX 70mm screenings, Matt Damon’s best performances, the movie’s astounding set pieces, the score, the practical effects, Oscar chances, and so much more. Later in the episode, the guys re-rank all of Christopher Nolan’s films.Visit waywpodcast.comJoin WAYW Bonus Features on PatreonBuy WAYW MerchSupport the show

“Whiplash” contains Nick’s favorite movie ending. Ever. This episode begins with Alex and Nick breaking down Damien Chazelle’s “Whiplash.” The guys discuss the film’s lasting popularity, Paul Reiser’s face, cruel brothers, evil teachers, sociopathic bosses, and why J.K. Simmons’ Oscar-winning performance is one of the greatest villains in cinema.In the second half (01:35:20), the guys discuss the ending of “Whiplash” in depth and list their favorite movie endings.Visit our website waywpodcast.comJoin WAYW Bonus Features on PatreonBuy WAYW MerchSupport the show

Our first official Steven Spielberg episode! Alex and Nick begin by describing the first Spielberg film they saw, and how it impacted them (04:42).Next, the guys (briefly) review Spielberg’s latest film, “Disclosure Day” (23:20).In the back half of the episode, Alex quickly goes through Spielberg’s entire filmography (46:06) before both guys list their Top 10 favorite Steven Spielberg films (01:19:09).Visit our brand new website waywpodcast.comJoin WAYW Bonus Features on PatreonBuy WAYW MerchSupport the show