2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

If you’ve seen it, you probably understand why we categorize 2001: A Space Odyssey as a prestige film. Yes, it takes place almost entirely in space. Yes, it has spaceships and aliens and wormholes. But it’s just so dang good that it deserves better than to be lumped in with the likes of pulpier sci-fi, like, say, an Armageddon. Thanks to Dr. John for commissioning this podcast on one of Stanley Kubrick’s most celebrated films. We hope you enjoy.

Bald Move Prestige - Dr. Strangelove (1964)

Today’s commissioned podcast is one for the pantheon, Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 masterpiece of satire, Dr. Strangelove.  Kubrick set out to make a nuclear thriller, but instead decided to lean heavily into the existential absurdism that was and still is the world’s nuclear weapon deterrent, mutual assured destruction.  Hey, it’s worked for sixty years, let’s keep the streak going!  Special thanks to our committee of commissioners, “Breaking Bad Fest” Jennie, Gulleen, Manoj, Flash Gordon, Anthony, leaplizard, hiroprotagonist2002, tingudu, Don M, Zack Z, Sean R, and Alex K for making this happen.  We loved revisiting this film and it’s as funny and relevant today as it was back in ’64.  Enjoy!

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Special thanks to Judd Blevins, who as a Marine has a special place in his heart for Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket and thus pulled the metaphoric trigger on this commission. A tale of two movies if there ever was one, and featuring what A.Ron describes as a very “un-Kubrickian” structure and asthetic, they guys talk about life in the military, ethics and morality in times of war, season two of Serial Podcast, and probably ill-informed commentary on geopolitics.

Bald Move Prestige - The Shining (1980)

Jim and A.Ron check into the Overlook Hotel as we are compelled to podcast on the 1980 Stanley Kubrick psychological-horror masterpiece, “The Shining”. Starring Jack Nicholson and Shelly Duvall, it’s an incredible combination of beautifully crafted shots, stunning and terrifying visuals and imagery, and Jack Nicholson’s fully insane acting. There is so much to discuss; the film itself, our reactions, Stephen King’s antagonism towards the film, the various theories and documentaries the film has spawned, subliminal messages and hidden meanings, and fine naked ladies with implausible afros. All this and more is discussed, and we felt like we hardly scratched the surface.