Small Beans

Clint Eastwood: writer, director, old conservative. Michael and Abe decide to take a film that's been called the best western ever and discuss how it’s not as advanced or progressive in the pantheon of westerns as one expects. This episode we dive into the themes, the cowboy ethos, and the concept of the western hero. It’s remembered as a big step in updating the western, but is it actually more of the same? How has the western been updated since? One could even argue that we need to severely update the western as a whole. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

This week the professor discusses the nature and future of Air. We are joined by “social media person” and free speech mogul Juliet Parker who discusses her award-considered project GirlAir. Professor Scott Bug endorses. Features: Professor Scott Bug: https://twitter.com/profscottbug Cody Johnston: https://twitter.com/drmistercody Jamie Loftus: https://twitter.com/jamieloftusHELP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

Tom Reimann and Abe Epperson, the “Spielboys,” have created a new podcast. They will examine the films of Steven Spielberg one by one. They discuss the development of Spielberg as an artist, the themes and execution of the movie, and the behind the scenes trivia you probably didn’t know. This series will alternate releases between the Small Beans network and the Gamefully Unemployed network. To receive all episodes, patronize both channels. You get this one for free though! Features: Tom Reimann: https://twitter.com/startthemachine Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Art/Logo created by Michael Vincent Bramley. Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

We begin our new trilogy set with 1999’s The Matrix! Oh boy oh boy, let’s go down this rabbit hole, baby! Bridgett and Sarah discuss the legacy, themes, and gender critique of the Wachowski Sisters’ smash hit. A lot of what we reference was specifically in regards to gender, and how the Wachowskis' coming out recontextualized this film for many, many people. As a cis hosts, we want to make sure the trans authors of these works are credited and our listeners have access for additional reading: Why The Matrix Is a Trans Story According to Lilly Wachowski | Netflix Film Club https://youtu.be/adXm2sDzGkQ “How The Matrix universalized a trans experience — and helped me accept my own” by Emily VanDerWerff | Vox https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/3/30/18286436/the-matrix-wachowskis-trans-experience-redpill “What We Can Learn About Gender From The Matrix” By Andrea Long Chu | Vulture https://www.vulture.com/2019/02/what-the-matrix-can-teach-us-about-gender.html Features: Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk_griffi

Abe walks us through his theory about how the horror flick Don’t Breathe (2016) creates a sequence in the first 20-25 minutes that basically walks through the movie right in front of your eyes and you barely notice. Is this a good technique? Does it make the film more enjoyable? You know, write some stuff in the comments. Let’s get an algorithm going, huh! Features: Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

The first episode of our new deep-dive podcast that chronicles the films of Paul Thomas Anderson and Wes Anderson. We start with the star-studded feature debut of PTA: the tale of an older scam artist who takes a young gambler who’s down on his luck under his wing, only to find that there’s always a cost. The hosts return to their patented format of three spectra: diegesis (a plot walkthrough), pedagogy (symbolism and themes), and “Howdy Do Dat?” (behind the scenes trivia and production notes). Join us next time for Wes Anderson’s debut! Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

We did it! We reached our 420th podcast (not including exclusives)! Join us in what will be forever remembered as “that movie you watch probably because you’re high!” David Bell sits down and discusses the legacy, the meaning, and the methodical production of undeniably the most influential space movie of all time. We also spend some time telling off Kubrick for being a prick! What a brilliant, egotistical prick who makes great movies! Features: David Bell: https://twitter.com/MovieHooligan Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

Adam walks us through the directorial playbook of the film Full Frontal (2002) and how it’s message, the techniques Soderbergh uses, and it’s annoyingly elusive ending all point to how Steven Soderbergh was never comfortable making Hollywood blockbusters. Features: Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

Today’s discussion covers the “breakup album” as in the album you would play during a breakup for whatever reason. The reasons and albums our hosts choose could not be more distant which is fascinating in its own right. Adam picked an album that is just as old as Maggie! Also, Maggie drops the knowledge that her dad is a big fan of Michael Swaim, so he’ll be using that as a power move in the future. Bask in the charm of the Show Me Yours-ers! If you patronize us, feel free to email us suggestions for episodes at any time at magsandganz@gmail.com. Maggie Mae Fish: https://twitter.com/MaggieMaeFish Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

That’s right! It’s the KOK COC episode! So let’s talk about some murderous kids! Abe and Mike discuss King’s relationship with religious tales, the cult-y love for this film, the numerous sequels it birthed, and it’s rank along other King tales. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

We wrap up our first trilogy with the third installment of the 50 shades films. Listen as Sarah and Bridgett discuss how these movies are not actually stories but just series of things that happen, how communication would solve all of the protagonists’ problems in their relationship, and how Christian’s numerous red flags seem to be buried by Ana’s inability to see them! Next month, we’ll start diving into our next trilogy. Bridgett goes over it at the end of the podcast. Please comment below your feelings on the next group of films! Is Jaws a trilogy? Is Jaws 3-D canon? These are good questions you should have opinions about. So type em, what’s your problem? Features: Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk_griffith Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweets Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

Ivette Ale (@dignityandpowernow, @justicelanow) and Dahlia Ferlito (@wp4bl) talk with Chanelle Gallant (@ChanelleGallant) about decriminalization and sex work. This is a collaboration between Small Beans and Showing Up for Racial Justice, produced by White People 4 Black Lives. You can find full show notes, including useful links and recommended reading, at patreon.com/smallbeans.

Big Bean Bridgett Greenberg sits in to discuss Tom Ford’s 2016 psychological thriller/noir Nocturnal Animals. With quick pacing and two simultaneous stories, this film is not a casual viewing experience, but is it a rewarding one? The group discusses the obvious metaphor surrounding the film, the scenes that made them tense, and how the outside life of a director/storyteller scopes the stories they tell. They all agree that Michael Shannon rules in this movie. Features: Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweets Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

This time around Abe tells us about the paint-by-numbers approach of the direction of Jurassic Park 3. It’s not the franchise’s most memorable film by a mile, but the story of Joe Johnston’s artistic involvement in the project makes its production a very unique story. Features: Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

Usually a patreon-only release, we decided to bring the Professor Scott Bug podcast to you for free this week! Enjoy! For today’s lecture, Professor Scott Bug explains the sneaky nature of stars, constellations, and the creatures that make them. Abe and Scott are joined by Dr. Uvula Tardonis I who helps us put into perspective the unique lives and psychology of stars. They’re just like us! Features: Professor Scott Bug: https://twitter.com/profscottbug Cody Johnston: https://twitter.com/drmistercody Teresa Lee: https://twitter.com/leresatee Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

After the events of “Bean Town, A 23 Minute Radio Play,” Trish and Barb float in the void that once was time and space. However, there seems to be remnants of the universe seeping into the void. So, in order to prevent boredom, they manifest a TV to watch their favorite program, Ads. What will become of Trish and Barb? What eerie presence seems to be able to pierce the veil of nothingness? Is “Bean Town” like a Boston joke or is it just a pun on our name? What is this thing? ---- Cast List ---- Katie Willert, Maggie Mae Fish, Sarah Griffith, Cody Johnston, Abe Epperson, Michael Swaim, Jacquis Neal, Teresa Lee, Tom Reimann, Adam Ganser, Mark Little, Jeff May, Nick Kocher, Adam Tod Brown, David Bell Written by Michael Swaim & Abe Epperson Edited by Abe Epperson Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

2006. Tom Skerritt, Ron Perlman, Steven Weber. A god-like earth spirit destroys a town and local motorists. Seems pretty straight forward. So why do Abe and Michael take an hour to discuss King’s fascination with the “outsider” trope in moral tales, the nature of faith in storytelling, and centrism in Hollywood? Because it’s Kings of King, baby! Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

Old came out this weekend so we wanted to look at Shyamalan’s approach to scene work and camera motivation. In this episode, Adam dissects Unbreakable and offers an explanation as to why some of his films don’t connect with the audience emotionally. Features: Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

As we learned, this franchise is not really a story as much as a continuous series of fantasy scenes. Good thing we have Sarah and Bridgett to walk us through it. At one point, Bridgett slams her leg on their table and like a classic dom, Sarah takes over the podcast. I’m just keeping track of how their status changes through these episodes. Anyway, as Sarah says in this podcast: “Let’s get to the fucking. This movie’s about the fucking. Let’s get to the fucking.” Features: Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweets Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk_griffith Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691

Friend of the pod, Daniel O’Brien, a man from the Garden State himself, joins Michael and Abe to discuss writer/director Zach Braff’s debut, Garden State. The gang talks about how the following years have turned against this once beloved film. As one of the seminal Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope films, they unpack it’s at times misguided narrative, it’s attention to style, and how it’s message could be damaging to teens. Features: Daniel O’Brien: https://twitter.com/dob_inc Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store?ref_id=22691