ScreenCrush: Long Takes ScreenCrush

Last week SNL writer Katie Rich was suspended indefinitely after sharing a tasteless joke about Donald Trump’s youngest son on Twitter. But why has the show been so quiet about writer and Weekend Update co-host Michael Che over the years, who’s had a long history of making misogynist comments on social media? In this episode ScreenCrush editors Erin Whitney and Britt Hayes discuss the show’s sexist double-standard, recent offensive SNL jokes, and why essential for the show to establish a clear stance on the Trump administration.

As we enter a new era of American politics following the Inauguration this week, we’re highlighting the films and TV shows that feel vital now more than ever. ScreenCrush editors Erin and Britt share their 2017 Film and TV Survival Guide for the Trump era, from essential docs like Raoul Peck’s I Am Not Your Negro and Ava DuVernay’s 13th, to comfort shows that cheer them up. After you listen, tell us your recommendations for the the films and shows that are helping you through this changing political climate. Leave us a review on iTunes and tweet us your survival guide movies and shows.

We need to talk about ‘Passengers.’ The Chris Pratt-Jennifer Lawrence space romance isn’t as innocent as the deceptive marketing suggests, and squanders the potential of a smart sci-fi premise in favor of one of the most problematic twists in recent memory. In a new episode of Long Takes, ScreenCrush editors Erin Whitney and Britt Hayes are joined by Eric Vespe of Ain’t It Cool News to discuss the film. What would we change to improve its morally dubious premise? Would it have worked better as a horror movie? And why is Chris Pratt so creepy?

Nearly 40 years, 9 directors, and 11 films later, and not one Star Wars movie has been directed by a woman. In a new episode of Long Takes, ScreenCrush editors Erin Whitney and Britt Hayes are joined by Angie Han of SlashFilm to discuss why Lucasfilm has yet to hire a female filmmaker. But this isn’t exclusive to Star Wars and highlights a larger problem across the industry – up and coming male directors are given more opportunities to helm blockbusters than women. Erin, Britt, Angie discuss the men who have been handed big budget projects, from Colin Trevorrow to Josh Trank, and suggest a handful of capable women Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy should consider hiring.

In 2016 alone, the film and TV industry has produced multiple instances of whitewashing, from ‘Ghost in the Shell’ to ‘Doctor Strange’ and ‘Death Note.’ More and more, studios cast white actors in roles originally depicted as Asian, and fail to feature Asian actors in prominent lead and supporting roles. But there have also been signs of change thanks to social media and growing diversity on TV. In a new episode of Long Takes, ScreenCrush editors Erin Whitney and Britt Hayes discuss Asian representation in Hollywood with guest Shirley Li of Entertainment Weekly.

In the debut episode of Long Takes, ScreenCrush editors Erin Whitney and Britt Hayes are joined by Rob Hunter, Chief Film Critic of Film School Rejects, to discuss Paul Verhoeven’s Elle. The twisted French thriller stars Isabelle Huppert as Michele, a woman who’s sexually assaulted and has a very unusual response to the attack. Is the movie feminist? Is Huppert the key that ties it all together? Erin, Britt, and Rob unpack the controversial film and discuss how it represents women and handles sexual assault. Content warning: this episode contains discussion about sexual assault.