Addendum to my previous review: Originally I gave this podcast a very high rating. You can see the earlier review below. Unfortunately, at this point, I have to stop supporting this podcast. I alluded to their seeming support of abusive directors and others in the film industry before, but this latest episode on Three Kings sealed the deal. One of the hosts acknowledged that David O. Russel admitted to abuse of a minor. However, she will continue to watch his films. In my opinion, supporting an active director by watching their movies is what empowers people like this to continue their abusive behavior. Roman Polanski didn’t stop. In fact, he was celebrated. And he continued his behavior. People who opposed him were seen as less elevated. There’s a long list of people who continued to abuse victims because we decided to separate the art from the artist. This is a completely ridiculous stance in my opinion. If you are supporting the art, you are supporting the artist. You are granting them more power and money to help conceal and continue their behavior. They can hire better lawyers and gain more influence.
My earlier review:
To start with, the hosts are extremely knowledgeable and funny. And I mean both of the hosts are funny. That’s kind of rare. Their insights into filmmaking are informative and welcome. I’ve learned so much and it helped me sympathize with some of the actors, especially the child actors. They bring a pretty unique and welcome contribution to film review podcasts. Also, the length of the podcasts are appropriate. I’ve never felt that they were too long or full of filler material. Greta job. Okay, I would have given a 5 star review. But I think they can do better in some areas. The hosts are right to point out some of the misogyny and just plain terrible things that were done to women, children, film crew, and actors during the making of these films (I love that people are finally starting to realize there is more and more: “art” isn’t more important than people). However, while they are quick to point out the responsibility of the men involved, I’m not sure they always hold some of the women as accountable. Case in point: as atrocious as Richard Burton’s behavior was (sorry for being judgmental) to his wife, Elizabeth Taylor was also an adult woman. She had agency as well. In the hosts’ defense, I think they were commenting on the tabloids and their single minded focus on Mrs. Taylor’s role in the affair. Also, the comments about whitewashing don’t seem to be consistent. If Gal Gadot had actually made Cleopatra, that would have been whitewashing as well. I think one of the hosts said they would be looking forward to the movie if it came to fruition (after referring to the whitewashing in Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra). The hosts are pretty straight forward and intellectually honest. I hope they are as honest and forthcoming about current actors (though this would be risky career-wise) and directors. I could name a few who continued to support Roman Polanski and are still unapologetic about their support and continue to make movies with the man. All in all, I wish I could give a 4.5 star or 5 star review with an asterisk. Honestly, in two days, I’ve listened to probably 10 or more episodes. Great show!
