High and Low

Cemetery of Splendor

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2304378/open_sms] In the final episode of the first season of 18 Movies, Eli and Alex delve into Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s hypnotic Thai film "Cemetery of Splendor" (2015). This meditative work tells the story of soldiers afflicted by a mysterious sleeping illness and the women who care for them. Equal parts reflection on the experience of sleepwalking through life and a commentary on the Thai people's relationship with their government, the film uses transcendental style and the mesmerizing pace of slow cinema to leave viewers in a dreamlike state of deep contemplation and tender emotion.

Reconstruction

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2304378/open_sms] "Remember, everything is just a movie. A creation. It hurts, anyway." This quote from the opening narration of the Danish film "Reconstruction" (2003), directed by Christoffer Boe, sets the tone for today's episode. The story of a man and woman falling in love, yet the woman is married to a writer who is really the one in control of the films narrative. As beautiful as it is perplexing, Alex and Eli are here to unravel the mysteries of this underrated arthouse gem. If you’re a fan of non-traditional narratives, this one is for you.

High and Low

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2304378/open_sms] Alex and Eli discuss Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low”’, a police procedural that goes far beyond meticulous detective work. In this episode, we explore how Kurosawa uses impeccable blocking and stunning cinematography to craft a powerful commentary on class, wealth, and power—one that remains as relevant today as it was in 1963.

Vagabond

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2304378/open_sms] Join Alex and Eli as they explore "Vagabond" (1985), a powerful film from legendary director Agnès Varda. This story of a female drifter unfolds through the eyes of those she meets during the final months of her life. Blurring the lines between fiction and documentary, Vagabond features many non-actors, creating a raw, authentic portrait of isolation. Tune in to discover why this film has earned its spot on Sight and Sound's top 100 films of all time list.

The Wages of Fear

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2304378/open_sms] Join Alex and Eli as they dive deep into "The Wages of Fear" (1953), a suspense masterpiece by the legendary Henri-Georges Clouzot. This landmark film helped shape the thriller genre for decades to come. In this episode, we explore the cinematic ingenuity behind its nerve-racking tension, its powerful social commentary, and why it remains one of the most gripping and influential pieces of French cinema ever made.