Shows
The Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowWe are not Materialists, Harge!This week Kerensa Cadenas joins Izzy and Murtada to chat about Celine Song’s sophomore film, Materialists. The marketing of the film seemed to suggest that the film is a rom-com, and while today’s panel certainly got the “rom,” they were left wanting for the “com.” Together, they review how the film handles the subject of sexual assault, Dakota Johnson’s monotone appeal, and whether or not legs really mean that much in the dating world. Check out more of Kerensa’s work and her conversation with an actual matchmaker here.Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IM...2025-06-2050 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowCannes! Cannes! Cannes!This week Izzy and Murtada look forward to Cannes, the most glamorous movie event this side of the Oscars. It also marks the start of the movie awards year so the hosts try to predict what might break out or which film might become a career ender.Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pri...2025-05-0847 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowOSCAR REACTIONS!The 2025 Oscar season is finally OVER and Izzy and Murtada are here to wrap up their thoughts on the ceremony. Conan O’Brien may not have wanted to waste our time, but Adrien Brody certainly did! A huge PARABÉNS para o Brasil for its groundbreaking win for I’m Still Here. Sean Baker and virtually the entire Anora team had a huge night as well, sweeping 5 of its 6 nominated categories, including Best Actress for Mikey Madison. They talk about her win, the influence of Cannes, and what this ceremony might mean for the future of cinema. Follow...2025-03-051h 04The Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowOUR OSCAR PICKS + PREDICTIONSThe Oscars are just a few days away so, this week, Izzy and Murtada return to make their picks and predictions for the awards. Does Anora’s surge at the guild awards mean it’s likely to take home Best Picture? How will mounting scandals affect the chances of Emilia Perez? Will Demi Moore win for her career or will it be Mikey Madison's breakthrough? Why is James Mangold here? Tune in next week for their reactions after the ceremony as well! Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murt...2025-02-251h 37The Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowHard Truths + The Last Showgirl + A Complete UnknownThis week, Izzy and Murtada highlight three films with a shot at Best Actor/Actress. First, a look at HARD TRUTHS, the latest collaboration from Mike Leigh and Marianne Jean-Baptiste that critics adore but has had trouble picking up wins from other awards bodies. Will Jean-Baptiste take home the BAFTA and secure the Oscar nomination? Next, they discuss Pamela Anderson’s unexpected and vulnerable lead turn as the titular Last Showgirl. Does the film have the juice to propel her to a Best Actress nomination? Finally, they attempt to unpack the ostensibly complex persona of Bob Dylan and Timothee Ch...2025-01-1553 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowDemi Moore, Fernanda Torres + Sebastian Stan are the "Babygirls" of the Golden GlobesThis week, Izzy and Murtada talk about the Golden Globes winners and SAG nominations. Does this win make DEMI MOORE the Oscar frontrunner? What does I”M STILL HERE tell us about living without freedom? How does THE BRUTALIST grapple with its monumental themes? Is BABYGIRL too tame? Why isn't A DIFFERENT MAN more of a contender? Plus the EMILIA PEREZ controversy!Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).2025-01-081h 14The Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowFERNANDA TORRES COMES TO AMERICA + NOSFERATUThis week, Izzy and Murtada talk about the Golden Globes nominations. What is Kate Winslet doing there? Is Selena Gomez’s accent bad? Does it matter that Isabella Rossellini’s performance is super short? (No). They also discuss Robert Eggers’s latest horror film Nosferatu, an update of the German Expressionist classic. Is Lily Rose Depp the new horror girlie? And why is Aaron Taylor Johnson in this?!Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Tw...2024-12-1146 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowGladiator 2 + Payal Kapadia interview on All We Imagine As LightWhile Izzy is away, Murtada welcomes back critic Karl Delossantos to discuss Ridley Scott messy sequel, Gladiator II. the conversation covers the miscast Paul Mescal, the lazy filmmaking and the bad script. Suffice it to say we are not fans. The conversation starts with awards season and the winners at the Gothams and the New York Film Critics Circle. Then filmmaker Payal Kapadia joins Murtada to talk about her sublime portrait of Mumbai, All We Imagine As Light. Kapadia discusses making the jump from documentary to fiction, her sense of character, the wonderful actresses she worked with and how...2024-12-0453 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowPOPULAR… ‘WICKED’ IS VERY POPULARThis week, Izzy and Murtada take a look at the movie musical event of the season—Wicked! The two discuss their respective histories with the musical and how that influenced their expectations of the film. Together, they try to answer the film’s most pressing question: why does it look like that? We can never be sure. But we can be sure that Ariana Grande is a star and Stephen Schwartz can write a damn tune. Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social m...2024-11-2627 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowThe "REAL PAIN" of "EMILIA PEREZ"This week, Izzy and Murtada take a look at two films: Emilia Perez, a semi-controversial musical directed by Jacques Audiard about a lawyer who is recruited by a drug cartel boss to assist in locating a doctor for her transition, and A Real Pain, a Jesse Eisenberg film about two cousins who travel to Poland together to explore their family history and rekindle their relationship. While Emilia Perez left the duo wondering what on earth Greta Gerwig’s Cannes jury was thinking, A Real Pain at least stirred some interesting thoughts about how we observe the past today. F...2024-11-2052 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowCONCLAVE: AN ELECTION WE ACTUALLY LIKEDThis week, Izzy and Murtada return to discuss Conclave, the papal thriller known online as Agatha Corpus Christi. They get into the stately performance of Ralph Fiennes, who may or may not still be hot, and the small but impactful performance by Isabella Rossellini as Sister Um Actually…Will either icon receive an Oscar nom? Or will black smoke billow from the Academy chimney?Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murt...2024-11-0737 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowInterview with NO OTHER LAND's Basel Adra & Yuval AbrahamThis week, Izzy and Murtada interview Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham whose documentary, No Other Land, won the Panorama Audience Award for Best Documentary Film at the 2024 Berlinale Film Festival. The film captures the reality of life in Masafer Yatta, a small group of villages in the West Bank subject to the laws of the apartheid state of Israel. The film is an urgent call to action anchored by astounding footage captured on the ground by these genuine friends who are unequal citizens. Donate to help Palestine survive: https://www.savethechildren.org/us/w...2024-10-2431 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowANORA, MARIA, NICKEL BOYS & RUMOURS @ NYFFThis week, Izzy and Murtada review four films they saw at the New York Film Festival: Anora, Rumours, Nickel Boys, and Maria. Is the first person framing in Nickel Boys a gimmick or a unique, empathic tool? Did Anora deserve the Palme d’Or? Will Angelina Jolie get an Oscar nom for her performance in Maria? Is Guy Maddin okay?? Tune in to find out!ollow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG...2024-10-1742 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowWill You Take THE SUBSTANCE?We’re back and hotter than ever!! Murtada and Izzy discuss Coralie Fargeat’s sophomore feature, THE SUBSTANCE, a body horror currently making waves in theaters. They debate the film’s gruesome third act and unpack some of its thought-provoking (if limited) politics. Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not...2024-10-0933 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowFilmmaker Robert Kolodny on his boxing drama "The Featherweight"If fall is in in the air, that means the podcast is coming back. As our favorite film season starts, Murtada interviews director Robert Kolodny about his new film, "The Featherweight." Out in New York this week, this is a thrilling boxing drama capturing a chapter in true-life story of Italian-American boxer Willie Pep. Set in 1960s the film works with several genres (comedy, mockumentary and drama) and has star making performances from its leads James Maddio and Ruby Wolf. Kolodny discusses his process, his inspirations, how he toggles between directing and cinematography, among other topics.Follow th...2024-09-1829 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowCarrie Courogen on the Genius of Elaine MayThis week, Izzy interviews author Carrie Courogen about her book, Miss May Does Not Exist: The Life and Work of Elaine May, Hollywood’s Hidden Genius. With this biography, Courogen achieved the seemingly impossible task of creating an intimate portrait of a woman who desperately does not want to be known, but very much deserves to be. From the origins of improv comedy to the funniest movies of the 1970s to the notorious legal battles that hovered over May’s career, Courogen gets into all of it with exquisite detail and conversational charm. Follow Carrie on social media for more...2024-08-071h 07The Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowThe Queen of My Dreams and a Fall Film Season PreviewThis week Murtada interviews writer and director Fawzia Mirza about The Queen of My Dreams. Mirza discusses her film, a mother/ daughter drama inspired by both Bollywood musicals and Mirza's own life as a queer Pakistani Muslim, and how she wanted to make a hopeful narrative and how she collaborated with her actors to ground its fantastical elements in reality. Before that Izzy and murtada discuss the fall film festival announcements and which films they are excited to see (Lady Gaga! Pedro Almodovar! Amy Adams!).Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear mor...2024-07-2544 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowIs Glenn Powell a Movie Star?After a busy few summer weeks, Izzy and Murtada catch up on the things they’ve been watching, including the latest documentaries from Tribeca like the recent Liza Minnelli documentary. Then the real debate heats up over Netflix’s Hit Man: is it a crowd-pleaser or not? Is Glenn Powell the next big movie star or would his PR people just like you to think that? They debate, you decide!Article mentioned: Every Hollywood “it” boy is a white guy!Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada...2024-06-2641 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowCatching Up on Cannes with Karl DelossantosThis week, Karl Delossantos joins Izzy and Murtada to report on his experience at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival! His favorite of the festival? Anora, Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or winning film about a sex worker who becomes involved with the son of a Russian oligarch. We also dive deep into Francis Ford Coppola’s passion project Megalopolis, a confounding statement about we’re-not-exactly-sure but are still excited to see, as well as Yorgos Lanthimos’s latest Kinds of Kindness, starring his usual cadre of actors as well as Best Actor winning Jesse Plemons. Other films discussed: The Apprentice, The Substa...2024-05-291h 08The Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowBack to Black and the Industrial Biopic ComplexIt’s summer 2024 baby! Takes are heating up faster than the alleged chemistry between Nick Galitzine and Anne Hathaway in The Idea of You. Murtada starts us off with rants about that film and The Fall Guy, before the pair turn their attention to Back to Black, the latest biopic covering the life of the late English legend Amy Winehouse. They discuss what the film gets right and wrong, and how challenging it is to play a star of such a huge magnitude. They compare Back to Black to recent biopics of music icons like Bob Marley and Whitney Hu...2024-05-0846 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowCHALLENGER? I HARDLY KNOW HER!Izzy and Murtada make their grand return to the podcast to discuss Challengers, the latest from Italian director Luca Guadagnino. Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist star in this sensual thriller that brings audiences into the melodramatic world of professional tennis. Tensions run high when their lives collide in a make-or-break match that will determine the next steps in their career. In this episode, they discuss the star power of Zendaya, Josh O’Connor’s scene-stealing performance as Patrick, the attention-grabbing score, and how Challengers fits into the broader filmography of Luca Guadagnino. Follow the show on Twit...2024-05-0141 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowEmma! Lily! Ken! It's the OSCARS REACTION Pod!The 96th Academy Awards were on Sunday and Izzy and Murtada have thoughts about them!!! In this episode they review Ryan Gosling’s fun rendition of I’m Just Ken, Jonathan Glazer’s brave political statement, possibly the worst In Memoriam segment to have ever graced a telecast, and, of course, Emma Stone’s Best Actress win. Why didn’t Killers of the Flower Moon win any awards? How come everyone loved Oppenheimer so much? Listen to find out what we think!Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada c...2024-03-1355 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowInterview with Dave Karger on his book “50 Oscar Nights”In this episode, Izzy chats with host of Turner Classic Movies, Dave Karger, about his book “50 Oscar Nights: Iconic Stars and Filmmakers on their Career-Defining Wins.” This collection of original interviews with actors, filmmakers, musicians, and craftspeople spans 60 years of Oscar history, and provides truly personal insight into a very public, much-discussed event. Karger talks about what it’s like being on the red carpet, his interviews with actors like Jane Fonda and Hilary Swank, and how he’d like to see the Oscars evolve in the future. Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear mo...2024-03-0637 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowFinal Oscar Predictions!The time has come! The Oscars are on March 10th and this week Murtada and Izzy predict the winners in all the major categories. They also advocate for who they want to see win. Gather around and hear arguments for Lily Gladstone, The Zone of Interest, Colman Domingo, Sandra Huller and Anatomy of a Fall and many others. The epsode includes a discussion about what transpired during the Indie Spirit Awards!Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: ...2024-02-281h 03The Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowAnswering Listener Questions!Ever wonder what campy double-header Izzy and Murtada would program for a live event? What’s going on with Meryl Streep’s career? Who should be Sofia Coppola’s next muse? What’s it like balancing personal passions with audience expectations? This week on the pod—you asked, we answered!!! Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Ca...2024-02-211h 03The Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowSociety of the Snow and Perfect DaysThis week Karl Delossantos joins us again to review two. best International Film nominees: Society of the Snow and Perfect Days! We discuss whether we’d survive a harrowing plane crash in the Andes (absolutely not) and how slow cinema can actually be extraordinarily riveting. Listen as you trek through the snow from the most recent blizzard for full effect. Read Murtada's review of Perfect Days.Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says...2024-02-1439 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowOscars Best Actress & interview with Moses Bwayo / Bobi Wine: The People’s President.This week Murtada interviews Moses Bwayo the director of the Oscar nominated documentary Bobi Wine: The People’s President. The conversation encompasses Bwayo’s 5-year long quest to bring to audiences the story of Wine, a popular musician in Uganda who tried to serve his community by challenging an authoritarian dictator and how that impacted him, his family and the people of Uganda. But before that Izzy and Murtada talk about their favorite Oscar category; best actress and what Annette Bening, Lily Gladstone, Sandra Huller, Emma Stone and Carey Mulligan are doing - and not doing - to win the...2024-02-0757 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowOSCAR NOMINATIONS REACTION!The Oscar nominations were announced on Tuesday morning and obviously everyone is being very chill about it—Izzy and Murtada included! This week they caught up to mourn the May December snubs, give their predictions for the major categories, and, YES, wade into the Barbie discourse. Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://ar...2024-01-241h 12The Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowAll Of Us Oppenheimer StrangersThis week Izzy and Murtada welcome Karl Delossantos to discuss All of Us Strangers, Andrew Haigh’s metaphysical meditation on the relationships of queer children to their parents. Izzy also offers her thoughts on Oppenheimer, which took her far too long to see, but which turned out to not be that urgent in her opinion. Finally, the trio gives their thoughts about the upcoming Oscar nominations—who’s in, who’s out, and who will be out but should be in! Here's Murtada's review of the fil @ AV Club.Information and tickets for Sudanese Night at Cheers...2024-01-1756 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowCatching Up with Awards SeasonIn their first recording session of 2024, Izzy and Murtada catch up on the Golden Globes and SAG nominations. They lament the gradual erasure of May December, wonder if the Bradley Cooper discourse has gone too far, and debate whether Annette Bening truly will be nominated for NYAD!Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at http...2024-01-1056 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowJohn Waters: Pope of Trash with Academy Museum Curators Jenny He and Dara JaffeThis week Izzy and Murtada are joined by Jenny He and Dara Jaffe, the brilliant curators behind The Academy Museum’s John Waters exhibition, “Pope of Trash.” The exhibition, which runs until August 2024, is the first comprehensive exhibition dedicated to Waters’s work. From his earliest 8mm silent films to his most recent film, 2004’s A Dirty Shame, it explores his filmmaking process, singular style, and the core themes of his work. In this interview, He and Jaffe share insight into the curation process, including anecdotes about collaborating with Waters, and elaborate on what it means for the filmmaker to be elev...2024-01-0448 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowPalestinian director Lina Soualem on her Oscar tipped movie, Bye Bye TiberiasThis week Murtada interviews Palestinian director Lina Soualem about her Oscar tipped movie, Bye Bye Tiberias. Soualem traces the history of four generations of Palestinian women in her family by pointing the camera at her mother, actress Hiam Abbas, of Succession fame. In playfully recreating moments from Abbas’ life in Palestine, with her sisters, mother and grandmother, Soualem pays tribute to the women in her family while creating a record of the political and cultural issues of her lifetime. The conversation touches on the warm reaction the film has been recieving in festivals while Palestinian people live with the real...2023-12-2028 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowSydney Urbanek on Beyonce's Renaissance and Taylor Swift's The Eras TourThis week Izzy chatted with Sydney Urbanek, one of our best writers and thinkers on pop stars and their visual antics. Sydney shared her thoughts on two recent theatrical releases by Beyonce and Taylor Swift—the difference between “concert films” and “filmed concerts,” how the films develop their respective personas, and why Izzy is a fool for having not seen Homecoming yet. You can follow Sydney’s writing with her newsletter, Mononym Mythology: https://sydurbanek.ghost.io/Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media...2023-12-131h 15The Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowGetting Salty about Saltburn and MaestroThis week Izzy and Murtada discuss Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn and Bradley Cooper’s Maestro, two films they are largely less than enthusiastic about. They analyze Saltburn’s odd politics and character motivations (or lack thereof), while digging into Cooper’s motivations for turning Maestro from a conventional biopic into a portrait of a marriage (of all things). Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).See Privacy Policy a...2023-12-0641 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowThe excess of "Poor Things" and the nostalgia of "The Holdovers"This week Izzy and Murtada go to bat for their respective favorite new releases in theaters this week: Poor Things and The Holdovers. Murtada sings the praises of Emma Stone’s Oscar-worthy performance, while Izzy essentially just wishes Hal Ashby were still alive. They also break down the highly competitive Best Supporting Actress race this year. Will Julianne Moore sneak a second win for May December?Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says...2023-11-2950 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowQueendom: Drag and Resistance in Russia with Agniia Galdanova and Igor MyakotinThis week Izzy and Murtada are joined by Agniia Galdanova and Igor Myakotin, the director and producer of Queendom, a documentary that follows Russian drag artist Gena Marvin through the streets of Moscow and the harsh but beautiful landscape of Magadan, Russia. The film details not only Gena’s stunning transformations, but also the increasing restrictions on queer life and protest as the invasion of Ukraine changes the shape of Russian society. Galdanova and Myakotin provide insight into how they filmed the documentary, the challenges of making art in and about Russia, and Gena’s evolution as an artist. ...2023-11-1542 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowNYAD: Netflix’s Nautical Grand GuignolThis week Izzy and Murtada take a look at Netflix’s NYAD, a biopic of marathon swimmer Diana Nyad who, at 64 years old, became the first person to successfully (?) swim from Cuba to Florida. The film stars Annette Bening as the titular Nyad and Jodie Foster as her coach and ex-lover Bonnie Stoll. The hosts rave about Bening’s exaggerated and intense performance, and admire Foster’s usual strength and intelligence. They also make a bet—will the film’s duo be nominated this year at the Oscars? Tune in next week as they lay down the stakes. Follow th...2023-11-0836 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowSofia Coppola’s Priscilla: Help! I’m in a Gilded Cage!This week Murtada and Izzy discuss Sofia Coppola’s latest, Priscilla—a film Izzy has been thinking about nonstop for 2 weeks straight. Unsurprisingly, she has a lot of opinions about it, Coppola’s filmmaking, Priscilla’s memoir, and more, while Murtada offers insight into Coppola’s larger oeuvre and why he does and very much also does not enjoy it. They also discuss the film’s stars and whether or not Oscar nominations are in the cards for them. For more from Izzy on this film, read her (first!!) piece with Filmmaker Magazine: https://t.co/mJlKc4iUtz Follow the...2023-11-0142 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowKillers of the Flower Moon—Scorsese does it again!This week Murtada and Izzy join the chorus of cinephiles raving over Martin Scorsese’s latest, Killers of the Flower Moon. The pair talk through viral clips concerning the film’s perspective, how the film fits into Scorsese’s iconic filmography, its ending, and whether or not it’s Lily Gladstone’s year. Murtada also catches us up on some titles that will appear in this year’s Doc NYC, an annual festival celebrating some of the year’s best documentaries. Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them...2023-10-2547 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowAnatomy of Falling in Love with Sandra HüllerThis week Izzy and Murtada continue their breakdown of NYFF titles, specifically focusing on Justine Triet’s Palme d’Or winning drama Anatomy of a Fall. Izzy tries to contain her unbridled love for Sandra Hüller, while Murtada breaks down how the film pulls the audience in various directions throughout—Do we believe Sandra’s version? Or is she lying? You’ll have to see the film to decide for yourself, now in theaters! Izzy and Murtada also briefly discuss Priscilla, Evil Does Not Exist, Zone of Interest and Maestro as they struggle to rank their favorites from this year’s...2023-10-1159 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowOn Strange Way of Life, May December, The Zone of Interest and other fall filmsThis week Murtada and Izzy talk about some of the films they have been watching at the New York Film Festival. They offer brief discussions of May December, The Zone of Interest, Evil Does Not Exist, The Taste of Things and deeper dive into this week’s release; Pedro Almodovar’s Strange Way of Life. They also tease a few Oscar categories where they think some of these films might compete. Plus The Lost Boys and All the Fires which are playing at NewFest.Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Iz...2023-10-0459 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowLooking back at Summer and forward to NYFF and NewFestThe show is back after a summer hiatus. And on a new day, catch now on Wednesdays. In this episode Murtada and Izzy talk about what movies they loved this summer including the phenomenon that is Barbenheimer. They look forward to the fall slate of awards ready movies like Poor Things, May December, All of Us Strangers and many more. These will play at the New York Film Festival and at NewFest New York’s LGBTQ+ film festival and will be discussed right here. (This was recorded last week so congrats to WGA on getting what they asked for and...2023-09-2735 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowAnna Bogutskaya on Unlikeable Female CharactersWhat makes a female character unlikeable? What does unlikeable mean anyway? To Anna Bogutskaya, everything and nothing. Bogutskaya unpacks these questions in her book “Unlikeable Female Characters: The Women Pop Culture Wants You to Hate” and this week on the podcast, Izzy and Murtada ask her all about it. From the mad woman, to the shrew, to the trainwreck, they talk about their favorite flawed women and why society has trouble understanding them. Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter...2023-07-1858 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowA Very Special Episode with Matt BaumeThis week, Matt Baume stops by to chat with Izzy and Murtada about his book, “Hi Honey, I’m Homo: Sitcoms, Specials, and the Queering of American Culture.” You may recognize Matt from his wonderful YouTube channel where he breaks down episodes of The Golden Girls, All in the Family, Friends, and more to examine how the media has portrayed LGBTQ+ issues throughout American history. His latest book offers this and more— “Hi Honey, I’m Homo! is the story not only of how subversive queer comedy transformed the American sitcom, from its inception through today, but how our favorite sit...2023-07-1148 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowAsteroid City: Wes Anderson’s Most Wes Anderson FilmThis week, Izzy and Murtada discuss Wes Anderson’s latest film, Asteroid City, which Paul Schrader described as “the most Wes Anderson film Wes Anderson has made.” In today’s episode, the co-hosts ask the question—is that a good or a bad thing? Controversially underwhelmed by the film’s hodgepodge of neurotic misfits navigating a story-within-a-story, Izzy and Murtada unpack Anderson’s quasi-European take on the American West, his apolitical approach to filmmaking, and why they think a film can have too many characters. Asteroid City is (probably) playing in a theater near you. Further Reading:Murtada on...2023-06-271h 01The Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowUnpacking Male Desire in Pop Culture with Manuel BetancourtThis week on the podcast, Izzy and Murtada welcome Manuel Betancourt, film critic and author of “The Male Gazed.” This book of essays helps us reframe how we talk about desiring men through deep dives into thirst traps, drag queens, Antonio Banderas, telenovelas, and more. The trio explores Betancourt’s guiding question for the book—do I want him or do I want to be him?—while thinking through the conflicting feelings of shame and attraction in queer desire.Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on so...2023-06-2055 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowJulia Louis-Dreyfus Did Not Hurt Our FeelingsThis week on the podcast, Izzy and Murtada take a look at Nicole Holofcener’s latest micro-melodrama, "You Hurt My Feelings." Julia Louis-Dreyfuss stars as a novelist who accidentally overhears her husband confess that he does not like her debut novel, despite the fact that he’d told her again and again that he loved it. The “betrayal” causes a crisis of confidence in the marriage, and forces her to reflect on the role of white lies and delusion in keeping the peace between two people who love each other. Izzy and Murtada think about YHMF in the context of Holof...2023-06-1349 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowReality to the MaxThis week, Izzy and Murtada discuss HBO’s latest Sydney Sweeney vehicle, “Reality.” Sweeney stars as Reality Winner, the whistleblower accused of leaking classified intelligence documents about Russian interference in the 2016 election to the press. The film’s dialogue is sourced directly from transcripts of Winner’s interrogation by the FBI, forming a simultaneously tedious and thrilling chamber drama. Murtada compares the film to the stage play upon which it is based, while Izzy reflects on the film’s political goals. The duo also discuss Sweeney's rise to stardom and her celebrity persona. You can watch “Reality” right now on HB—sorry, MAX...2023-06-0656 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowWe are living for “Past Lives”This week Izzy and Murtada gush about this year’s Sundance sensation, PAST LIVES. Celine Song’s film directorial debut tells the story of childhood friends Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) who are separated when Nora’s family immigrates from South Korea to Canada. Decades later, they reconnect, which prompts both of them to question the role that they play in each other’s lives and what their potent chemistry really means. Both Izzy and Murtada fawn over the film’s attention to detail, the deeply human, complicated characters Song creates, and its poetic exploration of relationsh...2023-05-3047 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowUnderstanding “The Method” with Isaac ButlerThis week Izzy and Murtada welcome Isaac Butler, author of "The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act.” The trio discusses the scourge of biopics, how the standards of what is considered “good” or “bad” have changed over time, and how the Method redefined masculinity and what’s considered “fuckable” on screen but still gets such a bad wrap. Some of the actors discussed (though not all are Method) include Marlon Brando, Kim Stanley, Joan Crawford, John Garfield, Sally Field, Daniel Day Lewis, Nicholas Cage, Joanne Woodward, Al Pacino, Jennifer Garner and Robert De Niro. Butler brings his vast knowledge o...2023-05-2352 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowBook Club 2: I’ll read what THEY’RE reading!This week Izzy and Murtada talk about the latest entry in their favorite subgenre (older actresses accepting roles to take vacations with their friends)...BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER. Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Mary Steenburgen, and Candice Bergen star as friends for life who, inspired by Paul Coelho’s The Alchemist, travel to Italy for a Bachelorette extravaganza. Izzy simultaneously fawns over and cautions against the positive fantasy of a 4K pandemic experience while Murtada wishes he’d had some wine during the screening. Is this film the escapism we need in 2023? (Yes). Follow the show on Twitte...2023-05-1640 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowMichael Schulman on his latest book, “Oscar Wars"This week, New Yorker staff writer Michael Schulman joins the podcast to discuss his latest book, Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat and Tears. In a conversation that spans from the union-busting origins of the Academy to Halle Berry’s landmark win to the possibilities of the awards ceremony’s future, Izzy and Murtada seek to find out: who are the Academy Awards for?Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: ...2023-05-0247 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowInterviews: Lisa Cortés on Little Richard and Alicia Malone on Turner Classic MoviesIzzy and Murtada are on different coasts this week. In New York Murtada spoke to Lisa Cortés, the director of 'Little Richard: I Am Everything,' about how she brought Little Richard’s big queer personality to life in her entertaining film. Cortés also talks about her process and how she set out to “decolonize” the documentary form. In Los Angeles, Izzy spoke to Alicia Malone, author and host at Turner Classic Movies. They talked about the future of the channel, how to persuade younger audiences to try classic films, and women in film. Cortés interview starts at...2023-04-251h 01The Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowWe Showed Up to 'Showing Up'Izzy and Murtada discuss Kelly Reichardt’s latest film, Showing Up! Michelle Williams stars as a sculptor who works tirelessly to finish works for her upcoming show, despite having no hot water, an injured pigeon, and escalating family drama. Murtada notes how Hong Chau steals the show (again), while Izzy admires the film’s intimacy and pace. Both raise the question…Could this be Kelly Reichardt’s best film to date?Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewi...2023-04-1843 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowFrom 'Jurassic Park' to 'Little Women,' what makes a book to film adaptation good?Kristen Lopez, film editor at The Wrap, joins the podcast to discuss her book, “But Have You Read the Book?: 52 Literary Gems That Inspired Our Favorite Films,” a collaboration with TCM that explores some of the most famous book to film adaptations in American cinema. Izzy interviews her about her favorite and least favorite adaptations, what makes an adaptation successful, and the challenges screenwriters face when turning a novel into a miniseries. Murtada joins for the first half of the episode to chat with Izzy about some of their favorite adaptations and why they think they work so well as f...2023-04-1152 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowThe cinema of queer friendship in 'Chrissy Judy'Todd Flaherty and Wyatt Fenner drop by to talk about their new film, Chrissy Judy—an examination of queer friendship that asks “What do you do when your chosen family no longer chooses you?” Flaherty plays Judy, an ambitious New York drag queen who must reinvent himself and his act when his best friend and collaborator, Chrissy (Fenner), chooses a relationship in another city over their act. Izzy and Murtada ask them about the influence of Provincetown on their work, the inspiration they drew from divas of yesteryear, and Flaherty’s decision to film his debut feature in black and white. 2023-04-0446 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowIs “Jeanne Dielman” the greatest film ever made?“Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles” was voted by the participants in Sight and Sound’s Greatest Films of All Time poll as #1. To get to the bottom of what makes this film resonate so deeply with viewers almost 50 years after its initial release, we spoke with Professor Catherine Fowler from the University of Otago, whose book on the film positions it as a ‘contrary classic’ that encourages ‘slow looking.’Purchase Professor Fowler’s book here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/jeanne-dielman-23-quai-du-commerce-1080-bruxelles-9781839022821/ Learn more about her work here: https://www.otago.ac.nz/mfco/staff/otago0...2023-03-2852 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowHere's Looking at 'Casablanca' AgainFor the 80th anniversary of its release, the show revisits the classic film Casablanca. Izzy becomes mesmerized by Ingrid Bergman’s glow while Murtada is firmly team Humphrey Bogart’s Rick and has no time for Paul Henried’s Laszlo. Joining the conversation is film professor Noah Isenberg, author of the book We’ll Always Have Casablanca, who talks about the film’s enduring legacy and the immigrants and refugees who made it.Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShowTo hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (TW: @bkrewin...2023-03-2147 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowEvery Oscar Everywhere All at OnceWhile Izzy and Murtada mourn TÁR’s total lack of Academy recognition, they delight in Everything Everywhere All at Once’s cultural resonance and its actors’ triumphant end of the Oscars season. Murtada questions the uncritical gaze of Navalny, while Izzy wonders why Bette Davis wasn’t featured in the Warner Bros centennial tribute. Plus favorite speeches and other moments from the Oscars show!Follow the show on Twitter andInstagram: @IMPictureShowTo hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (TW: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (TW: @ME_Says, IG:murtada...2023-03-1459 minThe Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowTen Movies to Rule the Oscars!In their inaugural podcast episode, Izzy and Murtada rank the Best Picture nominees for the 2022 Academy Awards! How will crowd-pleasers Top Gun and Avatar fare? Will two die-hard Cate Blanchett fans defy expectations and not give TÁR the top slot? (No).Things we mentioned in this podcast Jenny Nicholson’s Avatar Theme Park VideoFresh Air with Steven SpielbergThe World of Yesterday by Stefan ZweigMurtada’s 3 podcast episodes about TÁR and review of TÁR @ AV ClubMurtada’s review of Saint Omer @ AV Club 2023-03-071h 31The Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowAngela Bassett Did the Thing!In their second podcast episode EVER, Izzy and Murtada discuss the acting nominees for the 2022 Academy Awards! Murtada succumbs to biopicitis, and Izzy actively tries not to award everyone in The Banshees of Inisherin. Both unequivocally, yet again, support Ms. Blanchett but try not to be annoying about it. And it all starts with Angela Bassett, of course.Things we mention in the podcast: Murtada’s review of The Whale and Brendan’s Fraser’s performance @ AV Club Murtada’s review of Aftersun and Paul Mescal’s performance @ AV Club Murtada's interview with...2023-03-071h 08The Izzy and Murtada Picture ShowWelcome to The Izzy and Murtada Picture Show!Meet Izzy and Murtada—two film enthusiasts who had the incredibly unique idea to start a podcast. Each week, they'll bring you reviews of current releases, interviews with artists and writers, awards show predictions, and more!Follow them on Twitter and Instagram @IMPictureShow and hit subscribe for new episodes every week!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2023-03-0301 min
Sundays With CateTÁR: The Spoiler PodcastThe TÁR discussion continues with a special spoiler episode. Murtada Elfadl welcomes actor Wyatt Fenner, from the upcoming movie Chrissy Judy, to dig deeper into Cate Blanchett's latest towering performance, where director Todd Field places the POV, spoiling the film and in particular three big scenes that form the thesis of the film including the rather divisive ending.Hosted, Produced and Edited by Murtada ElfadlGuest: Wyatt FennerSupport the show2022-11-2754 minSundays With CateTÁR Wide ShutLike all good things, the TÁR season comes to an end. Murtada Elfadl welcomes writer and podcaster Manish Mathur, host of It Pod To You podcast, to discuss the thematic correlations between TÁR and Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut. They also delve into how repeated viewings of the film reveal deeper meaning and the popularity and memefication of Lydia Tár.Hosted, Produced and Edited by Murtada ElfadlGuest: Manish MathurSupport the show2022-11-2051 minSundays With CateCate Blanchett in TÁRThe time has come to discuss TÁR . This week Murtada Elfadl welcomes critic and prgrammer Rafa Sales Ross to discuss Cate Blanchett's latest towering performance, Todd Field's elsusive jigsaw puzzle script and Nina Hoss' fantastic reaction shots. Hosted, Produced and Edited by Murtada ElfadlGuest: Rafa Sales RossSupport the show2022-10-091h 10Sundays With CateTÁR Season: Little ChildrenOur celebration of the release of TÁR continues. This week it's Todd Field's second film as a writer / director, Little Children. For this conversation Murtada Elfadl welcomes back Kevin Jacobsen host of And The Runner-Up Is podcast, to discuss what makes Field's movies entralling, Kate Winslet quintessentially American roles, why Patrick Wilson never became a big star, suburban ennui and Madame Bovary.Hosted, Produced and Edited by Murtada ElfadlGuest: Kevin JacobsenSupport the show2022-10-021h 17Sundays With CateTÁR Season: In the BedroomThe podcast is back! There's a new Cate Blanchett movie in theaters soon so a conversation must be had. To celebrate TÁR we will have a few episodes to discuss the movies that preceded it and the ones that inspired it. This week it's Todd Field's first film as a writer / director, In the Bedroom. In this episode Murtada welcomes programmer and podcaster Desmond Thorne to discuss what makes Field's movies entralling, and the mode, tension and outsize performances of Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson in this chamber drama.Hosted, Produced and Edited by Murtada Elfadl.2022-09-2558 minSundays With CateThe FinaleWe have come to the end of this podcast project. In this episode Murtada puts a bow on the podcast and briefly talks about how and why it started, what was learned and recommends a few episodes as an entry to the project.Hosted, Produced and Edited by Murtada Elfadl.Support the show2022-03-1512 minSundays With CateCate Blanchett in 'Charlotte Gray'We are in the final stretch of the podcast series. This week it's another of Cate Blanchett's many titular roles and Charlotte Gray (2001). In this episode Murtada discusses Gillian Armstrong's World War II film, the many loving close ups she affords Balnchett and whether the film works as both a sweeping epic romance and a narrative about life in occupied France during the war.Hosted, Produced and Edited by Murtada Elfadl.Support the show2022-03-0624 minSundays With CateCate Blanchett in ‘Pushing Tin’This week we go back to almost the beginning of Cate Blanchett’s illustrious career with Pushing Tin (1999). To discuss Mike Newell’s film and the performances of Blanchett, Angelina Jolie, John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton, Murtada welcomes to the podcast Mitchell Beaupre, senior editor at Letterboxd. Hosted, Produced and Edited by Murtada Elfadl.Support the show2022-02-271h 01Sundays With CateCate Blanchett in ‘Babel’This week we tackle one of Cate Blanchett’s weirdest roles, that of an injured American tourist traveling in Morocco in Babel (2006). To discuss Alejandro González Iñárritu’s film and Blanchett’s penchant to sometimes take on small supporting parts, Murtada welcomes to the podcast Zita Short, critic for InSession Film and Jumpcut Online and host of The 300 Passions Podcast.Hosted, Produced and Edited by Murtada Elfadl.Support the show2022-02-2051 minSundays With Cate'Carol' Part Four: The Influences and Inspirations2015 film masterpiece. From those acknowledged by the director Todd Haynes - David Lean's Brief Encounter - to others we gleaned from watching the film many times - the films of George Cukor, Deborah Kerr in The End of the Affair and Haynes' own Far From Heaven. For this conversation Murtada welcomes back Izzy from Be Kind Rewind to discuss these topics and how forming a relationship with a film changes the way you view over time.Hosted, Produced and Edited by Murtada Elfadl.Support the show2022-02-131h 03Sundays With CateBonus: Oscar Nominations ReactionIn this bonus episode we are discussing the 2022 Oscar Nominations. Our take on the acting categories and best picture. The discussion touches on the performances of Kristen Stewart, Nicole Kidman, Olivia Colman, Andrew Garfield and Denzel Washington. We lament the exclusion of Ruth Negga and raise a glass to Lady Gaga's fun and fascinating press tour for House of Gucci. For this conversation Murtada welcomes back Izzy from Be Kind Rewind. Other movies discussed include West Side Story, The Power of the Dog and Parallel Mothers and of course the two Cate Blanchett movies that were nominated for best p...2022-02-0943 minSundays With Cate'Carol' Part Three: Cate Blanchett is the TopCate Blanchett’s the top is so many ways. The top star, the top actress. And in Carol she plays the top. In the third of our multiple episodes about Carol (2015), the topic is the perfect merge of actor and role with Blanchett as Carol Aird. For this conversation, Murtada welcomes Maggie Larkin to discuss how Blanchett’s screen persona makes her the ideal actor to play this role. Hosted, Produced and Edited by Murtada Elfadl.Support the show2022-02-0853 minSundays With CateBonus: The Buzz on Sundance MoviesIn this bonus episode we are discussing the many films we screened at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. For this conversation Murtada welcomes Li Lai, founder and editor in chief of Mediaversity Reviews to discuss a few films including Bill Nighy in Living, Emma Thompson in Good Luck to You, Leo Grande and two films for both Dakota Johnson (AmI OK? and Cha Cha Real Smooth) and Regina Hall (Master and Honk for Jesus Save Your Soul). Other movies discussed include Rebecca Hall in Resurection, Fire of Love, Palm Trees and Power Lines, Nanny, After Yang, Call Jane, F...2022-02-071h 05Sundays With CateCate Blanchett in 'Veronica Guerin'This week we go back to Cate Blanchett's early career and another one of her "titular" roles, playing Irish journalist Veronica Guerin (2003). To discuss Joel Schumacher's film, Murtada welcomes illustrator and designer Dash Silva to the podcast. This wide ranging conversation also covers Blue Jasmine, The Aviator, the accent work of Meryl Streep and a few of this year's best actress awards contenders including Lady Gaga, Jessica Chastain and Kristen Stewart. Hosted, Produced and Edited by Murtada Elfadl.Support the show2022-01-231h 12Sundays With CateCate Blanchett in 'The House with a Clock in its Walls'A witch and a warlock teach an orphan boy how to becme a magician in The House with a Clock in its Walls, one of Cate Blanchett's more curious film choices. We discuss her performance, what makes co-star Jack Black special on screen and briefly touch on the response to her two films on release. For this conversation Murtada welcomes filmmaker and podcaster Chels, from Untitled Cinema Gals to the podcast. Hosted, Produced and Edited by Murtada Elfadl.Support the show2022-01-1656 minSundays With Cate'Carol' Part Two: The Queer Cultural ImpactIn the second of multiple episodes about Carol (2015), the topic is the cultural impact the film had on queer people. From memes to comedy routines, Carol was adored. For this conversation, Murtada welcomes writer and film programmer Shayna Maci Warner of Critically Queer, to review the film and talk about its queer legacy.Hosted, Produced and Edited by Murtada Elfadl.Support the show2022-01-0959 min