Frames of Reference

Joseph W. and Mark D.

0.0 (0)
TV & FILM
UPDATED WEEKLY

Frames of Reference—a podcast where co-hosts Mark and Joseph take a focused dive into the conversations shaping contemporary cinema. Whether it's a titan classic film pitted against modern arthouse, or a dissection of an adapted story, 'Frames of Reference' aims to revive a global appreciation for cinema through comparison, discussion, and reflection on our favorite movies throughout time. Thanks for listening!

25/12/2025

Editing (It's A Wonderful Life | The Holdovers)

In this Christmas Special, Mark and Joseph discuss the elemental glue that holds together your favorite films. Editing, the art of shot transitions, is the penultimate step in turning a screenplay into a cinematic masterpiece. Mark and Joseph discuss the technology, philosophy, and execution of editing. The film selection for today’s episode is It’s A Wonderful Life, a Christmas staple with Hollywood’s timeless invisible editing style, pitted against the newcomer, The Holdovers, a modern movie intentionally edited to feel like a holiday classic your family has watched for many years. Thank you so much for listening, and have a merry Christmas!

1h 8m
15/12/2025

Acting (The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance | True Grit)

In this episode, Mark and Joseph are joined by a special guest to discuss the lifeblood of film itself: the actors. They critique the progression of acting from theatrical expressiveness to understated realism by studying two iconic westerns. 1962’s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance starring the legendary John Wayne and James Stewart directed by John Ford, and the 2010 remake of True Grit with Hailee Steinfeld in a breakout role alongside Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin, and directed by the equally talented Coen brothers. Thank you so much for listening!

1h 13m
08/12/2025

Animation (Sleeping Beauty | Tangled)

Today, Mark, Joseph, and a special guest, look at classic Disney animation. Animation is more than just a genre, it is an entirely different medium than traditional film, but the elements apply just the same. Join our trio of hosts as they discuss topics related to animation studios, the role of storytelling, and the process of creating animated content. The film selection for today’s episode is the classic Brother Grim tale, Sleeping Beauty (1959), and a contemporary take on Rapunzel, Disney’s Tangled (2010). Thanks for listening!

1h 20m
31/10/2025

Halloween Special: Production Design (The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari | Shutter Island)

Happy Halloween! In this special episode Mark and Joseph take a look at the production design of two iconic horror movies. First, our oldest selection to date, 1920s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, is considered by most to be the first horror movie of all time. Comparing that to Martin Scorceses neo-noir thriller Shutter Island sets the stage for a terrifying showdown. They cover topics like setting, character design, costume and makeup, and even the idea of art direction itself. Thanks for listening!

1h 3m
27/10/2025

Digital vs Film (Lawerence of Arabia | Dune: Part Two)

Today Joseph and Mark explore two tales of wanderlust and desert dust. Perhaps the most epic tale of all time, Lawrence of Arabia crosses blades with the masterpiece Dune: Part Two in the finale of our Cinematography mini-series to determine how the elements of film has changed through the sands of time. These two films have defined and redefined genres, need no introduction, and have produced some of the most stunning visuals of all time. Thank you so much for tuning in!

1h 18m
20/10/2025

Digital Cinematography (Avatar | The Batman)

In the newest era of cinematography digital cameras have brought unimaginable worlds to life. From the lively flora and fauna of Pandora in James Cameron’s Avatar, to the grim underbelly of Matt Reeves’ The Batman, digital cameras have reshaped the movies we love today. Though the technology has only been in cinemas for less than 30 years, it has undergone major improvements leading to its current dominance. Join Joseph and Mark as they discuss the pros and cons of digital cinematography, the worlds they help create, and the future of “film”.

59 min
09/10/2025 · BONUS

Get to Know Joseph ( Oppenheimer | Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse)

In today’s bonus episode Mark interviews co-host Joseph W. to look at two of his favorite films that tackle how we utilize the weight of expectations: Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse, a revolutionary animated film, and Oppenheimer, a revolutionary tale of the Nuclear frontier. Afterwards they discuss topics like rewatchability, technical achievement, and the personal baggage we bring into the films we hold near and dear to our hearts.

56 min
19/09/2025

Film Cinematography (2001: A Space Odyssey | Interstellar)

Today’s episode sets the stage for our mini series on the elements of cinematography through the years. In this first episode Mark and Joseph critique film cinematography by looking at the genre defining 2001: A Space Odyssey, and a monolith in and of itself, Interstellar. Tune in as they discuss topics like lens selection, films place in a digital world, the physical limitations of film stock, modeling spacetime itself, and more!

1h 27m
27/08/2025 · BONUS

Get to Know Mark ( Seven Samurai | How to Train Your Dragon)

Today’s Bonus episode is all about Frames of Reference co-host Mark! Joseph interviews Mark; centered around his life experience with film, his favorite films, and filmmakers, before diving into a thorough cross examination of Marks two favorite movies: Seven Samurai, and How to Train Your Dragon.

43 min
27/08/2025

Elements - Sound Design (Alien | A Quiet Place)

Today’s episode covers sound design old and new. By analyzing Ridley Scott’s 1979 masterpiece Alien against its modern analog, John Krazinski’s A Quiet Place, Mark and Joseph set out to determine if modern technology has made sound design inherently better. They go over important aspects of a movies mix such as music, dialogue, and sound effects—while also exploring how sound can be used to assist the narrative and bring focus to a films thematic heartbeat.

1h 1m

10 Episodes

Frames of Reference—a podcast where co-hosts Mark and Joseph take a focused dive into the conversations shaping contemporary cinema. Whether it's a titan classic film pitted against modern arthouse, or a dissection of an adapted story, 'Frames of Reference' aims to revive a global appreciation for cinema through comparison, discussion, and reflection on our favorite movies throughout time. Thanks for listening!

Creator

Joseph W. and Mark D.
Years Active

2K
Episodes

10
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Joseph W. and Mark D.
Show Website

Frames of Reference