MAGNOLIA (1999) is an opus character study film which exposes strange coincidences of life. While we may be through with the past, the past ain’t through with us.
▶️Synopsis: An intricately woven, relatable story of interconnected families stemming from a long-spanning quiz show. Within an intense 24 hours, multiple people experience life-altering situations, all of which move toward a cathartically-needed final release.
⏩⏩Discussions include: Breaking down MAGNOLIA’s very-involved, fast-paced plot points with a character-by-actor tree, as well as the film’s themes of coincidence, failure, loneliness, death, regret, trauma and dysfunctional family patterns. The film’s aesthetic, style and behind the scenes moments which shape this emotionally-charged story are discussed, as will the two most divisive scenes — the frogs and the cast singalong. Loose ends are also tied up by explaining a character and story which were both omitted from the theatrical release. This episode seeks to open up dialogue about MAGNOLIA’s subject matter and leave the film open to individual interpretation. **Starring Julianne Moore, Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jason Robards, Philip Baker Hall, William H. Macy, John C. Reilly, Melora Walters, Melinda Dillon, Jeremy Blackman, April Grace. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
Lindsay’s Pick — CHICAGO CAB (1997): Taking place in one day, this is the episodic story of a Chicago cabbie experiencing a range of people, emotions and eye-opening situations. **Starring Paul Dillon, featuring John C. Reilly, Julianne Moore, April Grace, Gillian Anderson, John Cusack, Harry Lennix. Directed by Mary Cybulski, John Tintori.**
Justin’s Pick — HARD EIGHT (1996): A down-on-his-luck, inexperienced gambler is helped out by seemingly very interested and kind, yet mysterious stranger. **Starring Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Billy’s no stranger to many themes contained in Paul Thomas Anderson films. Here, we’ll dive deep into the various levels of loneliness found within the characters of Billy Murray.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: A little more on Aimee Mann’s involvement in MAGNOLIA. And remember, strange and unexpected things happen all the time — including the ending of this episode.
▶️NEXT UP: DELIVERANCE (1972)!!
Episode 76 : Dazed & Confused
Episode 75 : The Terminator
Episode 74 : Stoner Movie Special
Episode 73 : Dead Presidents
Episode 72 : Big Trouble In Little China
Episode 71 : The Fly (1986)
Episode 70 : Silence Of The Lambs
Episode 69 : 9 to 5
Episode 68 : Steel Magnolias
Episode 67 Wayne’s World
Episode 66 : Election
Episode 65 : Dawn Of The Dead (1978)
Episode 64 : Ginger Snaps
Episode 63 : Exorcist III
Episode 62 : Almost Famous
Episode 61 : Ace Ventura : Pet Detective
Episode 60 : Total Recall (1990)
Episode 59 : Boyz N The Hood
Episode 58 : Pretty Woman
Episode 57 : That Thing You Do!
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