Philosophy In Film Chris McTavish and Alain Beauclair

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)

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the gang at Philosophy in Film explores love and the afterlife in 1990’s surprise Box Office smash, Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Tony Goldwyn, and Whoopi Goldberg. Tag along this journey of treachery and self-discovery beginning with Producer’s Notes (5:40), then Alain gives his patented Beauclair Synopsis (13:46). Next, Craig takes us down the winding turns of Philosopher’s Corner (24:00), then the gang dukes it out over the Round Table (33:16), with Reviews (1:40:15) and Mailbag (1:49:58) lighting the way to the end. As always, we discuss the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that caught our attention, and even some deep diving takes on a classic film. 
 
Featured Beer: My Best Friend’s Girl - The Establishment Brewing Company (Calgary, Alberta)
 

Philosophy in Film brings in the new year with Netflix’s 2023 thriller Leave the World Behind. Directed by Mr. Robot's Sam Esmail and based on the 2020 novel by Rumaan Alam, the gang prepares for cataclysmic crisis by cracking this week’s featured beer, starting with Producer’s Notes (8:40) and the Beauclair Synopsis (21:09), heading down the Philosopher’s Corner (37:08), diving deep into the film with the Round Table (50:37), with Reviews (1:24:52) & Mailbag (1:45:01) bringing it all crumbling down. As always, we discuss the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that caught our attention, and maybe even discuss the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. finale a little. 
 
Featured Beer: Irish Red - from The Red Hart Brewing Company (Red Deer, Alberta)