In this episode of Intrepid Filmographers, hosts Bobby Shortle and Nick Rocco Scalia take a deep dive into Joseph Kosinski’s sci-fi thriller Spiderhead. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, and Jurnee Smollett, Spiderhead brings viewers into a psychological experiment gone wrong, based on George Saunders' short story Escape from Spiderhead. Bobby and Nick discuss Kosinski’s unique direction, Hemsworth’s charming-yet-sinister performance, and the movie’s themes of free will, morality, and the impact of technology.
The hosts explore Kosinski’s transition from big-budget blockbusters to a contained, psychological thriller. They dissect Hemsworth’s “tech bro” portrayal, the use of mind-altering drugs on prisoners, and the film’s balance of dark humor and moral tension. Join them for a conversation on the film’s strengths, challenges, and how it stands within Kosinski's diverse filmography.
Topics Covered:
* Spiderhead as an adaptation of George Saunders’ short story
* Chris Hemsworth's performance as a twisted, charismatic tech mogul
* Joseph Kosinski’s visual style and production design choices
* Themes of mind control, consent, and ethical boundaries in science
* The contrasting performances of Miles Teller and Chris Hemsworth
* How the film reflects the “COVID core” style of minimalist, contained production
Chapter Timecodes:
* 0:00 - Introduction to Spiderhead and Kosinski’s filmography
* 8:00 - The premise and Hemsworth’s “tech bro” character
* 15:30 - Kosinski’s directing choices and the visual aesthetic of Spiderhead
* 25:00 - The ethical implications of the experiments in the film
* 35:00 - Analysis of Miles Teller and Jurnee Smollett’s roles
* 50:00 - The influence of George Saunders’ original story
* 1:05:00 - Final thoughts and Spiderhead’s place in sci-fi cinema
