Mindframe(s)

Dave Canfield and Michael Cockerill

Each week Dave and Michael talk about film and where it fits in the larger social story.

  1. JAN 23

    Episode 109: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

    28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026) Episode Summary: In this episode, Michael and Dave dissect 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the most visually ambitious and thematically rich installment in the iconic 28 Days Later franchise. They explore the film's eerie cult narrative, psychological undercurrents, and the shifting horror dynamics that turn humans into the real monsters. With Nia DaCosta in the director's chair and Alex Garland returning as writer, the film blends horror, satire, and surprising moments of hope. A rich conversation for fans of speculative horror and social allegory. 🎬 Cast & Crew Details – Who Made This Film and Why It Matters Director: Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels, Little Woods) Writer: Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation, Men, 28 Days Later) Cinematographer: Sean Bobbitt (12 Years a Slave, Widows, Hunger) Key Cast: Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson – a monument builder and reluctant scientist Alfie Williams as Spike – a returning survivor struggling with identity Jack O'Connell as Jimmy Crystal – the chilling, charismatic cult leader Chai Lewis-Perry as Samson – a towering infected in the midst of transformation ⏱️ Timestamps & Topics – Your Guide Through the Conversation Time Topic 00:00 Opening Banter & Setting the Stage for Bone Temple 00:41 Introducing the Film – Context Within the Franchise 01:19 Directorial Approach: Nia DaCosta's Vision & Filmography 02:24 Comparing to 2025's 28 Years Later – Evolution or Echo? 04:18 Characters Returning & The Cult of the Jimmies Introduced 07:34 Revisiting the Franchise's Viral Origins & Setting 10:01 Plot Overview: Bone Temples, Cults, and Scientific Obsession 10:44 Cinematography Upgrades & Visual Tone Shifts 13:26 Danny Boyle's Influence & Where DaCosta Departs 15:38 Narrative Tightness vs. Thematic Breadth 16:23 Box Office Woes & The "January Dump" Conspiracy 17:35 Jimmy Crystal as a Breakout Villain 18:18 Spoiler-Free Reviews: Performances, Style, and Reception 21:46 Ralph Fiennes' Complex Turn as Dr. Kelson 23:32 Missteps in Marketing & Missed Opportunities 26:20 Themes vs. Advertising: What the Film Really Offers 27:26 Final Thoughts and Personal Ratings ⚠️ Spoiler Discussion Highlights – Deeper Themes, Arcs, and Revelations The Jimmies as Symbol & Horror: The gang discusses how the Jimmies reflect societal decay, inspired by the real-life figure of Jimmy Savile. Their cultish behavior and unflinching cruelty mirror deeper fears about manipulation, lost innocence, and the rot at the core of community leadership. Samson's Redemption Arc: A standout element of the film, Samson's transformation from infected monster to near-human symbolizes the potential for recovery even in corrupted bodies and minds. His scenes with Dr. Kelson evoke tenderness, contrast with the Jimmies' savagery, and challenge the notion of what makes someone "monstrous." Human Evil vs. Infected Violence: The conversation explores how the infected, though dangerous, follow instinct—while the Jimmies choose cruelty. This blurs the line between traditional "monster" narratives and moral horror, echoing themes from Lord of the Flies and The Road. Visual Juxtaposition of Horror and Beauty: Bone temples, lush landscapes, and surreal moments (like cloud-gazing while high) create a strange harmony. These sequences ask whether beauty can exist in a world of collapse and whether healing is possible amid trauma. Cultural Legacy & Genre Evolution: Dave and Michael reflect on how the 28 franchise redefined the zombie genre, and how Bone Temple may mark a new phase—one that values emotional depth and psychological horror as much as jump scares. Mentioned in this Episode: Films: Candyman (2021), Widows, Red Dragon, Gangs of London, Deluge (1933) Cultural Figures: Jimmy Savile, Mr. Rogers Literary/Genre References: Lord of the Flies, The Walking Dead, Mad Max, Godzilla Connect with Us: Website: https://mindframesfilm.com

    1h 13m

  2. JAN 19

    Episode 108- What can we expect for 2026?

    Show Notes Film / Topic Title: Looking to 2026: The Future of Cinema Focus: Industry trends, cultural anxieties, and the most anticipated films of 2026 IMDb: N/A (discussion episode) Episode Summary In this episode of Mindframes, Michael and David look ahead to 2026 and ask a deceptively simple question: what kind of year will it be for movies? Coming off what they consider a creatively rich—but commercially uneven—2025, the conversation explores the tension between artistic vitality and economic uncertainty. From box office struggles and bloated marketing budgets to shifting audience habits and global cinema's rising influence, the hosts balance cautious concern with genuine excitement for what's coming next. Themes & Discussion Theme 1 – Cinema Thriving Creatively, Struggling Economically While 2025 delivered exceptional films and performances, many acclaimed movies failed to connect with large audiences. The episode interrogates whether this gap reflects streaming habits, rising costs, marketing excess, or deeper cultural fatigue with the theatrical model. Theme 2 – Event Movies vs. Personal Cinema The hosts contrast massive IP-driven releases (Avengers: Doomsday, Dune: Part Three, Toy Story 5) with filmmaker-driven projects from auteurs like Nolan, Villeneuve, Gerwig, Eggers, Spielberg, and Iñárritu—questioning whether spectacle alone can sustain moviegoing culture. Theme 3 – Hope Through Global & Generational Shifts Despite storm clouds, there are signs of renewal: Gen Z showing renewed interest in theaters, international films breaking through, and genre cinema thriving on modest budgets. The episode argues that cinema isn't dying—it's recalibrating. Timestamps Time Topic 00:00 Intro & framing the question of 2026 05:30 Why 2025 was a great creative year 12:00 Box office disappointments & marketing excess 22:00 Streaming, audience fatigue, and cultural shifts 34:00 Big tentpoles vs. auteur-driven films 47:00 Superhero fatigue & the future of franchises 58:00 Dune, Nolan, Spielberg, and prestige cinema 01:12:00 Horror, genre films, and low-budget success stories 01:25:00 Why there's still reason to be hopeful 01:32:00 Final thoughts on where cinema is heading Hosts Michael Cockerill David Canfield Contact & Links 🌐 https://mindframesfilm.com 📘 Facebook: Mindframes Film 🎧 Now Playing Network ✉️ info@mindframesfilm.com

    1h 32m

  3. JAN 9

    Episode 107 - The Mindframes top 10 of 2025

    Mindframes — Best of 2025 Episode Title Best Films of 2025 — Trends, Themes, and the State of Cinema Film Information This is a multi‑film recap episode. Primary Shared Films Discussed: Weapons Eddington Hamnet Sinners One Battle After Another Train Dreams Universal Language Frankenstein Additional Films Referenced: It Was Just an Accident Ebony and Ivory Sirât The Zone of Interest Everything Everywhere All at Once Avatar: Fire and Ash Episode Summary In this year‑end episode of Mindframes, Michael Cockerill and David Canfield look back on what they agree was one of the strongest years in cinema in recent memory. Rather than ranking films strictly by quality, the discussion centers on how 2025's movies reflected the emotional, cultural, and political realities of the moment. The hosts explore major technical trends—such as the return of controlled formalism, the renewed importance of sound design, and a more disciplined use of CGI—before turning to deeper thematic currents running through the year's films. Across genres, 2025 cinema repeatedly grappled with loss, systemic failure, alienation, and the fragile possibility of hope. The episode concludes with personal picks, shared favorites, and a defense of films that dared to resist cynicism through human connection and formal craft. Themes & Discussion Controlled Formalism Returns Many of the standout films of 2025 rejected frenetic camera work in favor of classical composition—locked‑off shots, wide frames, symmetry, and negative space. This stylistic restraint allowed emotion to emerge gradually rather than being chased by the camera. Films like Hamnet exemplified how formal discipline can deepen emotional resonance and restore cinematic patience. Sound, Silence, and the Off‑Screen World Sound design emerged as a dominant expressive tool, often prioritizing diegetic and off‑screen audio over traditional sweeping scores. Silence itself became a source of tension, especially in horror, where absence of sound replaced musical cues. This trend reflects both creative evolution and the challenge of balancing theatrical sound design with home viewing habits. Loss, Systems, and the Crisis of Hope Across genres, filmmakers returned obsessively to stories of missing or dead children, institutional collapse, and moral ambiguity. These narratives frame despair as a defining emotional condition of the era, while asking whether hope can survive systemic pressure. Some films embraced the darkness; others, like Universal Language, quietly resisted it through small acts of human connection. ⏱ Timestamp Breakdown Time Topic 00:00 Episode introduction & format 02:00 Why 2025 was a great year for film 03:00 Controlled formalism & visual trends 07:00 Superhero films & genre reinvention 10:00 Sound design, silence, and scoring 18:00 CGI vs practical effects 21:00 Lighting: flat vs dynamic 25:00 Thematic trends: children, systems, despair 32:00 Criteria for personal picks 35:00 Dave's picks: Train Dreams & Ebony and Ivory 42:00 Michael's picks: It Was Just an Accident & Universal Language 50:00 Shared Top Films discussion 1:18:00 Final reflections on cinema & culture Hosts Michael Cockerill David Canfield Links & Contact 🌐 https://mindframesfilm.com 📘 Facebook 🎧 Now Playing Network ✉️ info@mindframesfilm.com Mindframes is a sometimes half‑assed but always wholehearted conversation about film, culture, and the moments that shape us.

    2h 8m

  4. 12/13/2025

    Epsode 106 - Hamnet

    🎧 Episode Title: Hamnet and the Ghosts We Inherit 🎮 Film Discussed: Hamnet (2025) 🗓️ Release Date: December 13, 2025 🎧 Hosts: Michael & David ⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights: 00:00 – Intro Michael and David introduce the show and kick off discussion of Hamnet, Chloe Zhao's adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's novel. 00:48 – Film Overview Chloe Zhao's recent directorial triumph, premiere at TIFF, her filmography from Nomadland to Eternals, and Hamnet's awards buzz. 02:23 – Plot & Themes The story centers on Agnes Hathaway and her marriage to Shakespeare, their shared grief over their son Hamnet's death, and how personal loss influenced artistic creation. 04:11 – Cinematography by Lukasz Zal Discussion of Zal's previous work (The Zone of Interest, Loving Vincent), his visual storytelling, use of natural light, and the film's stunning forest imagery. 06:15 – Book Origins and Historical Context Exploration of Maggie O'Farrell's novel, historical liberties, Shakespeare's personal life, and their dramatized relationship. 10:00 – Jesse Buckley as Agnes Performance praise and her emotional depth, evolution from earlier roles (I'm Thinking of Ending Things, The Lost Daughter). 17:00 – Paul Mescal as Shakespeare A restrained but complex portrayal. Debate over his reception compared to Buckley's, and reflections on artistic introspection. 23:00 – Visual Language & Direction Comparison to Zone of Interest, Chloe Zhao's style (landscapes, close-ups), forest symbolism, and interiority of grief. 30:00 – Pacing & Emotional Resonance Defense of the film's slow pace, importance of patient visuals, and building emotional payoff. 35:00 – Art vs Family Sacrifice Broader film trends about artistic sacrifice, complexity of Shakespeare as a father, and cultural reflections. 45:00 – Critical Response & Awards Speculation David and Michael reflect on Oscars potential, critical responses, and "devastating" as a recurring descriptor. 47:00 – Third Act & Theatrical Closure A spoiler-free nod to the finale's emotional crescendo, visual poetry, and synthesis of nature and performance. 50:00 – Final Reviews Michael gives it 5 stars, calls it a career-best for Buckley; David praises its emotional impact and timeless resonance. 🧠 Final Takeaways: Theme(s): Grief, art as legacy, sacrifice, nature vs language, emotional communication, family and connection. Mindframe(s) Rating: 5/5 haunted honeybees 🐝 Listener Question: How do you process grief—through nature, through storytelling, or something else entirely?

    1h 17m

  5. 11/11/2025

    Episode 105 - Bugonia

    Bugonia Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos Written by: Will Tracy and Jang Joon-hwan Starring: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aiden Delvis, Alicia Silverstone, Stavros Halkias Cinematography: Not specified (shot on VistaVision, 35mm, Willcam equipment) Release: 2025 IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12300742/ 🎧 Episode Summary In this episode, Dave and Michael dive deep into Bugonia, the latest satirical and enigmatic offering from Yorgos Lanthimos. With a plot centering on two conspiracy-minded men who kidnap a powerful CEO they believe to be an alien, the hosts explore Lanthimos' signature blend of absurdism, social critique, and tonal precision. The conversation touches on thematic elements like power hierarchies, detachment from humanity, and the inescapable dynamics of empathy. Throughout, Dave and Michael reflect on Lanthimos' evolving filmography, his standout collaborations with Emma Stone, and the fascinating psychological and visual language of the film. 🧠 Thematic Discussion Bugonia offers a searing satire of corporate detachment, power inversion, and societal alienation. The film explores how humanity is distorted by institutional power, media messaging, and emotional denial. Through its bizarre plot and aesthetic choices, it challenges viewers to empathize with morally gray characters and question the systems that produce them. ⏱️ Major Segments & Timestamps Time Segment Description 00:00 Introduction Dave and Michael introduce the episode and set the tone with a brief synopsis of Bugonia. 01:00 Yorgos Lanthimos' Filmography Discussion of Lanthimos' previous works like The Favourite, Poor Things, The Lobster, and how Bugonia fits into his oeuvre. 03:00 Themes of Power & Hierarchy Analysis of power dynamics and hierarchical inversions common in Lanthimos' films. 06:00 Empathy and Detachment Examination of how the film toys with emotional distance and the audience's capacity to empathize. 10:00 Emma Stone's Performance A focus on Stone's physicality, transformation, and recurring collaborations with Lanthimos. 13:00 Supporting Cast Breakdown of performances by Jesse Plemons, Alicia Silverstone, Stavros Halkias, and Aiden Delvis. 20:00 Visual Style & Cinematography Conversation about the film's use of camera angles, lens choice, lighting, and aspect ratio to reflect power and control. 25:00 Corporate Satire & Alien Allegory The hosts unpack the film's critique of corporate culture and dehumanization. 33:00 Spoiler Territory A deeper dive into specific scenes, character arcs, and philosophical implications, including a heated debate on "inhumanity" and moral ambiguity. 🌐 Contact & Links Website: mindframesfilm.com Facebook: facebook.com/mindframesmovies Network: Now Playing Network Email: info@mindframesfilm.com

    1h 19m

  6. 11/03/2025

    Episode 104: Frankenstein (2025)

    Mindframes Podcast: Frankenstein (2025) Directed by: Guillermo del Toro Written by: Guillermo del Toro, based on the novel by Mary Shelley Starring: Oscar Isaac (Victor Frankenstein), Jacob Elordi (The Creature), Christoph Waltz (Von Klemper), Mia Goth (Elizabeth/Claire Frankenstein), Charles Dance, Ralph Ineson, and David Bradley Cinematography: Dan Laustsen Release: 2025 (Netflix) IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1312221/ 🎧 Episode Summary Dave and Michael explore Guillermo del Toro's long-awaited adaptation of Frankenstein — a film that blends gothic horror, Catholic melodrama, and emotional fantasy. They discuss del Toro's lifelong fascination with monsters, the film's lavish design, and how it rehumanizes one of literature's most tragic creations. The conversation dives into themes of creation, responsibility, and the eternal bond between monster and maker, while connecting the film to the long cinematic history of Frankenstein. 🧠 Thematic Discussion The hosts highlight del Toro's Frankenstein as both a love letter to monster cinema and a meditation on faith, class, and parenthood filtered through a Latin American Catholic lens. They note how del Toro's signature gothic romanticism tempers horror with empathy, positioning the creature as both victim and philosopher. Ultimately, they frame the film as a study of what it means to create—and to be responsible for what we bring into the world. ⏱️ Major Segments & Timestamps Time Segment Description 00:00 Introduction Dave and Michael introduce Frankenstein (2025) and Guillermo del Toro's career-long passion for the story. 02:00 Del Toro's Vision Discussion of del Toro's love for classic monster films, "monster kids" culture, and gothic influence. 06:30 Cinematography & Design Michael details Dan Laustsen's visual approach, lighting style, and practical effects. 10:00 Cast Overview Breakdown of performances: Oscar Isaac's intense Victor, Jacob Elordi's soulful creature, Christoph Waltz's enigmatic benefactor, and Mia Goth's dual role. 12:30 Visual & Thematic Tone The hosts debate whether the movie's look favors Netflix's small screen or theatrical presentation. 15:00 Spoiler-Free Reviews Both hosts offer initial impressions and star ratings (Michael: ★★★, Dave: ★★★★½). 21:40 Frankenstein Through History A deep dive into past adaptations—from the silent era to Hammer Horror, to Branagh's 1994 version—and how portrayals of the monster evolved. 30:00 The Mad Scientist Trope Comparing Victor Frankenstein to mad scientists through film history, including Cushing, Clive, and Branagh. 36:00 Modern Takes & Decline They explore recent attempts to revive the story (Victor Frankenstein, I, Frankenstein) and why few have matched its cultural power. 39:00 Del Toro's Achievement Did he deliver the definitive Frankenstein? Dave says yes—an affectionate, gothic triumph for lifelong fans. 40:30 Outro & Next Episode Tease for the next episode on Bugonia, the follow-up collaboration from Poor Things director Yorgos Lanthimos. 🌐 Contact & Links Website: mindframesfilm.com Facebook: facebook.com/mindframesmovies Network: Now Playing Network Email: Reach the team via their assistant "Abby Normal" at info@mindframesfilm.com

    1h 1m

  7. 10/16/2025

    Epsiode 103: Anemone

    Episode 103: Anemone 🎬 Principal Cast & Crew Director: Ronan Day-Lewis (feature debut) Writers: Ronan Day-Lewis & Daniel Day-Lewis Cinematography: Ben Fordsman Main Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis as Ray Sean Bean as Jem Samantha Morton as Nessa Stoker Samuel Bottomley as Brian Stoker Safiya Oakley-Green as Hattie 🕰️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Intro & Overview Michael and Dave introduce Anemone, a moody psychological drama and feature debut by Ronan Day-Lewis, starring his father Daniel Day-Lewis. They tease the film's atmospheric visuals, layered performances, and thematic heft. 01:25 – Plot Summary Dave summarizes the plot: Ray (Daniel Day-Lewis), a haunted recluse in rural England, is visited by his brother Jem (Sean Bean), prompting a confrontation with past traumas, estrangement, and the question of familial reconciliation. 02:50 – Visual Aesthetic & Cinematography The hosts explore the film's striking use of natural light, magical realism, and "damp, green" Northern England landscapes, captured by cinematographer Ben Fordsman. The weather acts as a near-character in the story. 05:50 – Symbolism & Style Michael critiques some symbolic elements and magical realism as heavy-handed. Dave defends their emotional resonance. Both agree the film shows great directorial promise despite moments of overreach. 08:52 – Cast Discussion Daniel Day-Lewis: Praised for his intensity, though some monologues feel forced due to script limitations. Potential Oscar buzz. Sean Bean: Commended for nuance and believability in a rare emotionally rich role. Samantha Morton: Strong but underwritten role as the estranged wife. Supporting Cast: Critique of thinly developed side characters, including son Brian and friend Hattie—sparking a broader conversation on representation in modern cinema. 31:00 – Reviews Dave: ★★★☆☆ – "Solid film with strong performances; a bit drawn out but emotionally effective." Michael: ★★★½☆ – "Visually compelling with a stacked cast. First-time director missteps but shows real talent." 39:00 – Thematic Deep Dive: Masculine Emotional Suppression The second half focuses on the film's central theme: male emotional repression—especially within British working-class culture. Ray's emotional barricades, military trauma, and the generational consequences are dissected. 46:00 – Symbolism of the Anemone Flower Michael interprets the title's metaphor: a subtle inheritance from the father, symbolizing buried emotion and unprocessed trauma blooming in isolation. 52:00 – Comparative Film Talk Mentions of The Lighthouse, Tree of Life, Phantom Thread, and The Witch as points of stylistic and thematic comparison. 59:00 – Closing Banter Discussion of upcoming episodes (likely Frankenstein by Guillermo del Toro), humorous talk of "OnlyVans" and critic calendars, and shoutouts to listeners and fellow reviewers.

    1h 2m

  8. 10/11/2025

    Episode 102: One Battle After Another

    Cast & Crew Director: Paul Thomas Anderson Cinematographer: Michael Bauman Composer: Jonny Greenwood Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson Chase Infinity as Willa Ferguson Sean Penn as Colonel Lockjaw Benicio Del Toro as Sensei Luis Regina Hall as Mother Helena Episode 102: One Battle After Another Film Discussed: One Battle After Another (Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson) Hosts: Michael Cockerill & Dave Canfield Runtime: ~3 hours Theme: Resistance, legacy, generational change ⏱ Timestamps & Major Segments: 00:00–02:30 – 🎙 Intro & Film Overview Michael and Dave introduce PTA's latest film, outlining the premise, setting, and stylistic tone. 02:30–10:15 – 🎥 Visual Style & Cinematography A deep dive into Michael Bauman's kinetic visuals, PTA's aesthetic trademarks, and how imperfections amplify tension. 10:15–17:00 – 🎶 Sound & Musical Trends Discussion on loud, eclectic music as a storytelling device and how this film navigates current audio mixing trends. 17:00–25:00 – 🌟 Cast & Performances Praise for Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Chase Infinity, and Benicio del Toro. Emphasis on character depth and casting synergy. 26:00–33:00 – ⭐ Reviews & Final Verdicts Both hosts award 5 stars, highlighting rhythm, emotional weight, and thematic power. 33:00–56:00 – 🧠 Themes: Resistance & Generational Struggle (Spoilers) Exploration of resistance as a timeless cycle, the burden of political fatigue, and the promise of youth-led change. 56:00–End – 🧵 Closing Reflections Analogies to classic films (E.T., Pan's Labyrinth), personal insights on activism, and why this is a capital "I" important film. Would you like this exported as a PDF or formatted for your website backend?

    1h 5m
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4.4
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Each week Dave and Michael talk about film and where it fits in the larger social story.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Canfield and Michael Cockerill
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Mindframe(s)