Le Film

American Beauty (1999)

In this episode, we discuss the deeply suburban and highly neurotic dark dramedy American Beauty, directed by Sam Mendes. We follow Lester Burnham, an everyday executive, as he experiences a midlife crisis that tears at his familial bonds, while he falls deeper into his twisted obsession with his daughter's friend. Meanwhile, his materialistic wife Carolyn and alienated daughter Jane both grapple with their own suburban dysfunction. This middle-class tale from the turn of the millennium explores how warped self-fulfillment, rampant materialism, and spiritual imprisonment create a darkly hilarious combination in the form of a loneliness epidemic that breeds negativity beneath picture-perfect facades.As always, thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy our discussion.Where to watch the film:YouTubeAmazonSend us film recommendations or feedback at:lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

Another Round (2020)

Welcome to yet another season of Le Film. In this season 2 opener, we discuss Thomas Vinterberg's 2020 black comedy-drama, Another Round. In the film, we follow four high school professors who discover an unusual method to boost student engagement and personal confidence. The method? Maintain a constant blood alcohol content of 0.05% or below. Why? Because according to psychiatrist Finn Skårderud, this constant level of alcohol in the blood makes humans more creative, confident, and relaxed. But with all tests, unexpected results follow.As always, thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy our discussion.Where to watch the film:Tubi (Free to stream in the US)Send us film recommendations or feedback at:lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

End of Evangelion (1997)

Hideaki Anno's 1997 film, End of Evangelion, came overseas to theaters for the first time ever recently. Unwilling to let this once in a lifetime experience slip away, Patrick, Jezer, and Kevin caught it on the big screen, and finally got the chance to make an episode where they discuss this extraordinary film. We encourage you to share your own thoughts on the series and movies with us as well, and you can do so through email or on our Instagram page: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com // @lefilmpodcastAs always, thank you for listening.Where to stream:NetflixWhere to buy:AmazonYouTube

Perfect Days (2023)

After viewing Wim Wenders' latest film, Perfect Days, at their local theater, Kevin and Jezer discuss their thoughts on the movie in the parking lot as their day comes to a close. The story is about a middle-aged man named Hirayama, who cleans public restrooms in Tokyo for a living. We get to know his schedule, see how he lives, and watch how he navigates the usual detours that take place from time to time. We also get to explore the moments that only exist in the pockets, corners, and other hidden spaces that lie in wait to be discovered as time goes by.If you get the chance to see this movie while it's in theaters, please do. It'll be well worth it. If not, catch it whenever you can. It's certain to leave you with something to enjoy. As always, thank you for listening, and please don't be a stranger if you'd like to write to us about anything.Instagram: @lefilmpodcastEmail: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021) Ft. Jezer Serafica

From the archives: When Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time finally made its way overseas into theaters, Patrick, Kevin, and a frequent guest of the show, Jezer Serafica, visited their local cinema to catch the conclusion of one of their favorite series, Neon Genesis Evangelion. Recorded a little over a year ago, we decided to make it extra special by capturing a field recording of our experience before and after the screening (please forgive the audio quality at times).To skip to our review, it starts midway into Jezer's initial thoughts at 24:24. If you would like us to go back and record reviews on the previous Rebuild movies, please let us know, otherwise we will leave this one as a standalone episode. We encourage you to share your own thoughts on the series and movies with us as well, and you can do so through email or on our Instagram page: lefilmpodcast@gmail.com // @lefilmpodcastThis was a wonderful experience for the three of us, and we hope you enjoy listening in as well.Where to stream the Evangelion Rebuild movies:Prime VideoIf you enjoyed the Rebuild movies, we recommend seeking out the documentary (two episodes) on the making of the Rebuild movies, entitled Hideaki Anno: The Final Challenge of Evangelion.

Southland Tales (2006)

After waking up from a strange dream, famous action star, Boxer Santaros, finds himself struck with amnesia, as he traverses through dystopian Southern California with Ronald Taverner, who is looking for his twin brother Roland, and Krysta Now, former adult actress turned reality tv star and entrepreneur, who are all entangled in a web of conspiracies that involves neo-Marxists, the Patriot Act, a prophetic screenplay, World War III, quantum teleportation, and the end of the world. 
Richard Kelly's prescient satire came at a time when the world was not ready to look itself in the mirror. Some may say Kelly himself is a prophet from the future, and others may deem him as an overly ambitious filmmaker stricken by naivety and luck. However, with a star-studded cast involving Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sean William Scott, Justin Timberlake, Mandy Moore, Amy Poehler, and Kevin Smith, Southland Tales may be the most polarizing and divisive film of all time, yet, to Kelly, it was his most proud piece of work.
Whether or not you love it, hate it, or feel somewhere in the middle, this film will garner a reaction out of you for better or for worse. Regardless, we hope you enjoyed the discussion and we strongly suggest you check out this underrated gem. 
 
Where to watch:
YouTube (rent or buy)Google Play (rent or buy)Amazon (rent or buy)iTunes (rent or buy)Vudu (rent or buy)
Instagram:
@lefilmpodcast
 
Send us questions, feedback, and film recommendations at:
lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

After Life (1998)

After living out their final moments, a group of strangers arrives at an in-between realm where a group of counselors awaits them. The group receives a final task before they depart for good: they must pick one memory from each of their lives for the counselors to recreate. At the end of the week, each memory will be screened and shared with the audience. Afterward, each visitor will shed their final ties to the world and dissipate into the ether, living out their chosen memory for eternity.
 
Hirokazu Kore-eeda's 1998 exploration of memory, mortality, and transience offers a heartfelt and offbeat perspective on the arduous task of looking back on one's life at the end of their journey. Perhaps by looking back on the characters' lives, we can find a renewed sense of purpose in our own lives.
 
We hope you enjoy our discussion and encourage you to seek this film out if you haven't already.
 
Where to watch:
Criterion Channel (Stream)
The Internet Archive (Stream)
 
Instagram:
@lefilmpodcast
 
Send us questions, feedback, and film recommendations at:
lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

The OA - Part II, Chapter 7: Nina Azarova

Following the aftermath of escaping the puzzle inside the house, Karim has his doubts about what truly happened and The OA is unraveling more clues as to who she is and how she is going to unlock Nina's memories. Meanwhile, Hap is getting closer to unleashing his plan, as he tries to get more information from Homer and Scott. We are now second to the last episode of our recap and overview of the series, The OA. Thank you so much for all of your support and for being patient with us as we release these episodes. We are so proud to have gotten this far and the reception we've received has been out of this world. 
As we near to a close, for our upcoming special episode, we'd love to hear from you! Whether you'd want to send us an audio message or any theories or discussion points you want us to have, send them our way. Reach out to us at lefilmpodcast@gmail.com or our instagram: lefilmpodcast
We hope you enjoyed the discussion and as ALWAYS, keep your front doors open and #savetheOA

The OA - Part II, Chapter 6: Mirror Mirror

We are back following the Michigan Six: BBA, French, Jesse, Steve, Buck, and Angie as they are the run looking for a safe haven while Jesse is dealing with residual trauma from the school shooting. 
This was an emotional episode as well as an emotional recording for the podcast episode. In particular, without any spoilers, there are only two episodes left. We've prolonged the series far enough and we know we're coming to an end very soon. We thank everyone for following us on this journey and cannot wait to talk about the end and what's in store for the future. As always, thank you for listening and keep your front doors open. #savetheOA
 
Where to watch:
Netflix
Instagram:@lefilmpodcast
Send us questions, feedback, and film recommendations at:
lefilmpodcast@gmail.com

Three Colors: Blue (1993)

Julie is haunted by her grief after living through a tragic auto wreck that claimed the life of her composer husband and young daughter. Her initial reaction is to withdraw from her relationships, lock herself in her apartment and suppress her pain. But avoiding human interactions on the bustling streets of Paris proves impossible, and she eventually meets up with Olivier, an old friend who harbors a secret love for her, and who could draw her back to reality.
 
As always, thank you all for listening and we hope you enjoy the discussion. 
 
Where to watch:
HBO Max, The Criterion Channel
 
Instagram:
@lefilmpodcast
 
Send us questions, feedback, and film recommendations at:
lefilmpodcast@gmail.com