The Oscars Project: Dances with Wolves (1990)

The Oscars Project: Dances with Wolves (1990)

In this episode, we return to our ongoing Oscars project—watching every Best Picture winner from 1960 to today—with a deep dive into Dances with Wolves (1990). Was it truly worthy of Best Picture… or should Goodfellas or Ghost have taken the crown? We unpack the film’s sweeping scope, its surprising moments of humor, and the stark tonal shift that leads to a much darker, more sobering final act. Along the way, we explore the film’s themes of cultural identity, integration, and the uneasy collision between harmony and chaos on the American frontier. The conversation digs into: * Whether the film’s ending earns its bleakness—or leans too hard into it * The portrayal of both sides of history and what each culture views as “barbaric” * Kevin Costner’s everyman performance and whether it works in the film’s favor * The role of hope, naivety, and inevitability in historical storytelling * And the bigger question: could a film like this even get made today? We also reflect on the nature of long-form historical epics, how they’ve changed over time, and what makes Dances with Wolves still resonate—even with its flaws. As always, we wrap up with where this film lands in our rankings and tee up the next stop in our journey: The Silence of the Lambs.

The Oscars Project: Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

In this episode of Film Chewing, we return to our Oscars project to break down the 1989 Best Picture winner, Driving Miss Daisy—a film often praised for its performances and emotional core, but one that raises some interesting questions when viewed through a modern lens. We kick things off by zooming out: does Driving Miss Daisy actually represent the culture of the 1980s, or is it more reflective of the politics and retrospection of earlier decades? From there, the conversation dives into the film itself—its quiet, character-driven storytelling, its exploration of race, aging, dignity, and control, and whether its approach feels meaningful or overly safe. We unpack the evolving relationship between Daisy and Hoke, debate whether the film earns its emotional payoff, and question if its subtlety works in its favor—or holds it back. Along the way, we compare it to other films of the era (including those that didn’t win), and ask the big question: why did this win Best Picture over some seriously strong competition? Is Driving Miss Daisy a timeless story of friendship… or a “safe” version of a much more complex reality? All that and more as we close out the 1980s and prepare to head into the 1990s. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/fan_mail/new] Page Chewing Blog [https://pagechewing.com/] Page Chewing Forum [https://www.pagechewing.com/forum/] Page Chewing Podcast [https://pagechewing.buzzsprout.com/] Speculative Speculations Podcast [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations] Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link [https://amzn.to/4hBjXJT] Support the podcast via PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E] Join Riverside.fm  [https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l] Co-Hosts and friends: Jarrod [https://www.youtube.com/@thefantasythinker] Varsha [https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain]  Chris [https://www.youtube.com/@TheChronicleofChris] Jose [https://www.youtube.com/@JosesAmazingWorldsofFantasy]

The Oscars Project: Rain Man (1988)

On this episode of Film Chewing, we continue our Oscars Project—breaking down every Best Picture winner, and this week we revisit Rain Man (1988). What was once remembered as a heartfelt classic takes on a very different tone through a modern lens. Is Rain Man really a story about autism and savant ability or is it a story about a man learning empathy for the first time? And more importantly… does that transformation even stick? We dig into the uncomfortable questions: * Can love exist in a relationship where one person holds all the power? * Is Raymond a fully realized character—or just a device for Charlie’s growth? * Does Charlie actually change, or is it all temporary? * And what does the film get wrong about autism and savant representation? From the Las Vegas turning point to the iconic road trip structure, we break down the film’s themes, performances, and legacy—and why it feels very different watching it today. 🎙️ Featuring discussion on: * Tom Cruise’s performance and character arc * Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal and its cultural impact * The ethics of Charlie’s actions * The film’s legacy and how it shaped public perception This is a conversation about what we remember… versus what’s actually on screen. Film Chewing is part of the Page Chewing network, where we break down storytelling across film, books, and beyond. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/fan_mail/new] Page Chewing Blog [https://pagechewing.com/] Page Chewing Forum [https://www.pagechewing.com/forum/] Page Chewing Podcast [https://pagechewing.buzzsprout.com/] Speculative Speculations Podcast [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations] Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link [https://amzn.to/4hBjXJT] Support the podcast via PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E] Join Riverside.fm  [https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l] Co-Hosts and friends: Jarrod [https://www.youtube.com/@thefantasythinker] Varsha [https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain]  Chris [https://www.youtube.com/@TheChronicleofChris] Jose [https://www.youtube.com/@JosesAmazingWorldsofFantasy]

The Oscars Project: The Last Emperor (1987)

In this episode, the hosts delve into the 1987 Best Picture winner, The Last Emperor, exploring themes of identity, redemption, and the historical context surrounding the film. They discuss the character development of Puyi, the film's documentary-like style, and the emotional disconnect it creates. Symbolism and political commentary are examined, alongside the film's visual aesthetics and its impact on cinema. The conversation reflects on the film's legacy and its representation of historical events, ultimately questioning the depth of emotional engagement it offers to viewers. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/fan_mail/new] Page Chewing Blog [https://pagechewing.com/] Page Chewing Forum [https://www.pagechewing.com/forum/] Page Chewing Podcast [https://pagechewing.buzzsprout.com/] Speculative Speculations Podcast [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations] Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link [https://amzn.to/4hBjXJT] Support the podcast via PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E] Join Riverside.fm  [https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l] Co-Hosts and friends: Jarrod [https://www.youtube.com/@thefantasythinker] Varsha [https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain]  Chris [https://www.youtube.com/@TheChronicleofChris] Jose [https://www.youtube.com/@JosesAmazingWorldsofFantasy]

The Oscars Project: Platoon (1986)

In this episode, the hosts delve into the 1986 Best Picture winner, Platoon, directed by Oliver Stone. They explore the film's emotional impact, the portrayal of soldiers' psyche, and the moral complexities of war. The discussion highlights the film's production quality, character development, and the transformation of soldiers as they navigate the horrors of combat. The hosts also reflect on the public perception of the Vietnam War and how the film's themes resonate with contemporary audiences. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/fan_mail/new] Page Chewing Blog [https://pagechewing.com/] Page Chewing Forum [https://www.pagechewing.com/forum/] Page Chewing Podcast [https://pagechewing.buzzsprout.com/] Speculative Speculations Podcast [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations] Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link [https://amzn.to/4hBjXJT] Support the podcast via PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E] Join Riverside.fm  [https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l] Co-Hosts and friends: Jarrod [https://www.youtube.com/@thefantasythinker] Varsha [https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain]  Chris [https://www.youtube.com/@TheChronicleofChris] Jose [https://www.youtube.com/@JosesAmazingWorldsofFantasy]