EPISODE 48: Invites Close Listening
This week’s prompts: Opal, Calendar, 1796
In this episode, Lauren and Neal dive into illuminated manuscripts, chaotic filmmaking, and the sounds that make your palms sweat.
First up: Lauren unpacks The Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, one of the most important medieval manuscripts ever created. We explore why it's a masterpiece of Christian devotion, seasonal symbolism, and early art history—featuring astrological charts, noble feasts, a pregnant grape-picker (!), and even some cheeky peasant butts.
Then Neal breaks down why Uncut Gems (2019) is one of the most stressful films of all time. Discover how the Safdie Brothers used overlapping dialogue, handheld cinematography, telephoto lenses, and non-actors to trap viewers inside Adam Sandler’s unrelenting chaos. If you’ve ever felt stressed just watching a movie—this one’s for you.
This episode covers:
What a Book of Hours actually is—and why it matters
Zodiac symbols and queer readings of medieval art
How sound design and lens choice crank up film anxiety
Behind-the-scenes filmmaking techniques on Uncut Gems
Why comedians like Sandler make powerful dramatic actors
📚 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Our 50th episode is coming—and we're doing a Curated by Chance Book Club! Join us as we read How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin. You’ve got two weeks to grab a copy!
Next week’s prompts: Pen, Ivory, Radio, 1988
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