This week we start with Paul recounting his recent performance in a play up in Virginia, sharing his thoughts on the experience and the audience's reception. We also touch on the emotional and technical challenges faced during his performance. Then we get into the film 'Weapons,' directed by Zach Cregger. We discuss the film’s characters, notable scenes, and the overarching themes, touching on its horror elements and the director’s unique storytelling approach.

Welcome to the 400th episode of The Actor and the Engineer! Paul shares his top four acting performances seen during the podcast's run, discussing the tremendous talent showcased in movies like 'If Beale Street Could Talk' and 'Birdman.' Meanwhile, Josh delves into advancements like digital film projection, drone usage, the ARRI Alexa cameras, and the revolutionary use of virtual sets. Join us for a dynamic and heartfelt discussion as we honor filmmaking and reflect on our podcast journey.

In this episode we kick off with Paul announcing his new play, 'The Lifespan of a Fact'. Then we have an in-depth analysis of the film ‘Eddington', directed by Ari Aster. We explore various plot points, character motivations, social media's impact, and the film's complex themes.

In this episode we delve into the latest DC film, Superman, directed by James Gunn. They discuss their excitement for Gunn's take on the DC Universe, our impressions of the cast and the film's overall tone and stylistic choices. We also touch on various plot elements, special effects, and how the movie fares against the backdrop of other superhero films.

In this episode we dive into Jean-Luc Godard's influential 1960 film, Breathless. We discuss Godard's journey from critic to filmmaker, the unique production techniques that shaped the film, and the impact of its groundbreaking style, including the use of jump cuts and overdubbing.

Join us as we get into ‘Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning.' We analyze the movie's storyline, character development, and overall execution. We compare it to 'Dead Reckoning' and other Mission Impossible films, touching on our thoughts about the movie's pacing, action sequences, and emotional impact. Don't miss our exploration of the film's highs, lows, and everything in between!

Join us as we dive into Marvel's Thunderbolts*. We discuss the depth and complexities of the characters, the overarching themes of mental health and familial bonds, and how the movie stands out in the vast Marvel Cinematic Universe. From reflections on performances to the significance of character development, we cover how Thunderbolts shows us a little more than the last few MCU movies.

In this episode we delve into Ryan Coogler's new vampire film, Sinners. We explore Coogler's departure from conventional storytelling, discuss the film's allegory on art and commerce, and dissect the intricate performances, especially highlighting Michael B. Jordan's dual role and Delroy Lindo's masterful acting. We also debate the necessity of the film's multiple endings and reflect on the genre elements that make this film a remarkable piece.