Philosophy In Film Chris McTavish, Alain Beauclair and Craig Nickel

Episode 84: Anatomy of a Fall
For the 84th episode of Philosophy in Film Podcast, the gang lays down the gavel on Justine Triet's 2023 Palme d'Or-winning film, "Anatomy of a Fall." This gripping legal drama follows a writer accused of her husband's murder as she navigates the complexities of truth and perception. Join us as we interrogate the evidence and cross-examine the narrative with segments including Producer’s Notes (6:43), where Craig opens the case file; the Beauclair Synopsis (15:24), where Alain presents the facts; Philosopher's Corner (30:51), where Chris examines themes of justice and truth; the Round Table Discussion (35:03), where we debate and deliberate over the film's merits; Reviews (1:45:43), where we render our verdicts; and #Mailbag (1:52:06), where we address listener questions and comments. As always, we engage in a discussion of all the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that held us in contempt of fascination.
Featured Beer: Take Your Pils by Omen Brewery (Edmonton, Alberta)
 

Episode 83: Fight Club
 
This week on Philosophy in Film, the gang grapples with the anarchic world of David Fincher’s Fight Club. Starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter, this cult classic delves into themes of consumerism, identity, and rebellion as it follows an insomniac office worker and a devil-may-care soap maker as they form an underground fight club that evolves into something much more. The chaos begins with Producer’s Notes (6:22), where Craig sets the stage for an evening of mayhem. Alain then unpacks the narrative in the Beauclair Synopsis (18:27), laying the foundation for Chris to explore the film's deeper meanings in Philosopher’s Corner (37:56). The Round Table (55:26) sees the gang in a heated debate over the film’s interpretations, followed by a revealing session of Reviews (1:34:14), and ending with a bang as the gang blows open the Mailbag (1:40:04). As always, we discuss the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie, challenging you to rethink what you know about Fight Club (without breaking the first two rules).
 
Featured Beer: Profit Märzen by Evil Corporation Brewing (Calgary, Alberta)
 

Wake up.
This week, the gang ventures down the rabbit hole of 2001’s cult classic sci-fi thriller, Donnie Darko. Set in 1988, this film explores the interconnected relationships between characters while searching for the underlying truths that bind everything together, for better or for worse. Craig guides the way first with the hare-raising Producer’s Notes (6:23), then Alain chooses to sit next to the Beauclair Synopsis (14:11) while Chris predicts our paths with (the) Philosopher’s Corner (27:33). Things take a dark turn at the Round Table (35:21), then we travel back in time to replay our Reviews (1:12:25) and maybe ask Frank for his. As always, we engage in a discussion of philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie.
 
Featured Beer: Strangers Forever by Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. (Calgary, Alberta)
 

For this week’s episode, the gang marvels at the magnificence of The Grand Budapest Hotel. With an all-star cast of both fresh and familiar faces, this charming Wes Anderson film stars Ralph Fiennes as the concierge of a first-class resort hotel in the 1930s. The story unfolds after the mysterious death of one of the patrons and M. Gustave (Fiennes) finds himself as the primary suspect in this splendid escapade. Once in the lobby, take a right and down the hall to find Craig waiting with Producer’s Notes (8:31). Alain then shows us to the Beauclair Synopsis (17:19), with Chris preparing his finest course of memory and nostalgia in Philosopher’s Corner (28:16). Round Table (38:34) brings with it all the amenities, with Reviews (1:17:14) and Mailbag (1:26:45) capping off the celebration. As always, we discuss the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie, and demonstrate to you why we think this is Wes Anderson’s Grand BudaBEST movie!
(thank you calebms7 for the pun)

Featured Cocktail: Strathcona Shaft Martini (Edmonton, Alberta)
1oz Experimental Espresso Vodka
1oz Velvet Cream
Splash of cold brew espresso
Shaken with ice and strained into a martini glass 
From Strathcona Spirits: Over ice, add 1 oz of Experimental Espresso Vodka, Cold Brew, and stir. For added effect, slowly pour Velvet Cream over top, give a light swirl and enjoy!
 

Episode 80: Roadhouse
This week, the gang takes a trip back to the glory of 1980s cinema with the high-octane feature Roadhouse! Starring Patrick Swayze as the Ph.D.-educated bouncer, the gang discusses their shared similarities with our hero, exploring the relatable parallels in their professional experiences as Craig begins the brawl with Producer’s Notes (6:37). Alain then fights his way through the Beauclair Synopsis (19:12), with Chris packing a punch in Philosopher’s Corner (30:55). The gang dukes it out over the Round Table (40:34), with Reviews (1:16:41) and Mailbag (1:24:01) bringing in backup. As always, we discuss the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie, perhaps pioneering the interconnection between Aristotle and this beloved action-packed classic. 
Featured Beer: Midwest IPA from Irrational Brewing Company (Edmonton, Alberta)

Episode 79: Oppenheimer
This week on Philosophy in Film, the gang takes on Christopher Nolan’s explosive biographical thriller, Oppenheimer. With an all-star cast including Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr., and many others, this film explores the life and dilemma surrounding physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his contributions to the Manhattan Project, along with the consequences that resulted. The discussion ignites with Producer’s Notes (8:31) and the Beauclair Synopsis (19:02). Then Chris sets the conversation ablaze with Philosopher’s Corner (32:54), leading the gang to discuss morality and much more in The Round Table (48:54). Finally, opinions clash head to head as the Reviews (1:33:05) drop, unearthing the Mailbag (1:40:48) in their wake. As always, we discuss the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that caught our attention. #HatDilemma 
Featured Beer: Frucht Bombe from Blind Enthusiasm (Edmonton, Alberta)