Philosophy In Film Chris McTavish and Alain Beauclair

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)

In this heartwarming episode, we unravel the magic of "Love, Actually" (2003), a romantic masterpiece directed by Richard Curtis. Producer's Notes (7:05) set the scene, with insights into the Bonnie Doon moments that shape the Christmas narrative. The Beauclair Synopsis (19:45) delicately weaves the intertwined lives, creating a tapestry of romance and holiday spirit that even the Grinch would find enchanting. Philosopher's Corner (36:45) takes a phenomenological dive into the concept that love actually is, exploring the always-already nature of affection and invoking Meno by Plato. At the Round Table (46:30), we shoehorn ourselves into discussions, digging into the movie's bromantic elements and navigating the terrain of spirited arguments. Reviews (1:45:22) measure the film's warmth in squirts of butter, a delightful metric of its heartwarming appeal. The Mailbag (1:55:30) celebrates your feedback, a Christmas gift of sorts, adding to the magic of this enchanting cinematic journey. Join us as we celebrate the holidays, love, and the sheer magic that is "Love, Actually."
 
Beer: Santa's Private Reserve Toffee Chocolate Stout by Rogue Ales brewery. 
 
 

In this introspective episode, we delve into "Into the Wild" (2007), a cinematic journey directed by Sean Penn. Producer's Notes (6:30) kick off our exploration, providing unique insights into local interests and the film's creation. The Beauclair Synopsis (21:15) paints a vivid picture of the transcendental experience, where simplicity and a return to nature shape the narrative. Philosopher's Corner (37:20) we navigate the film's philosophical landscape, where the pursuit of a simpler life takes center stage. At the Round Table (44:30), we delve into the film's profound exploration of a "wild" existence, contemplating whether happiness is shared when one goes back to basics or if it depends on human knowledge and interaction. Reviews (1:34:20) capture the essence of this transcendental journey, while the Mailbag (1:49:11) brings forth engaging discussions on the meaning of happiness and the allure of a life immersed in nature. Join us as we explore the philosophical depths of "Into the Wild" and the profound simplicity it offers.
Featured Beer: Rushing Waters Bohemian Pilsner - Apex Brewing (Edson, Alberta)