Three Films. One Theme. Infinite Exploration.
Each week, we recommend three movies connected by a single idea. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or just beginning your journey, join us in discovering new pictures, perspectives, and possibilities.
Primer, Politics, and a Parasite
I based this week’s Flight around a request a Film Colossus reader made for an explanation on Primer, a film that’s been near the top of my to-write-about list for a long time. Shane Carruth only has one other picture, Upstream Color, so it made sense to include that as well. With a Flight being three movies, we had one more spot to fill. What to do?
I looked up movies that inspired Primer. In an interview with Filmmaker Magazine, Carruth cited All the President’s Men. From the article: Most obviously Primer shares with Pakula’s Watergate docudrama a focus on process, a belief that people doing important things is in itself dramatic. Like All the President’s Men, Primer has little need for backstories and B-plots, and it doesn’t dawdle with girlfriends, wives or “relationships” other than those between the scientists. And there’s also no traitor within the group selling their secrets to the evil giant corporation. There’s just a few guys in a garage — and one storage locker — trying to figure out why they are getting the results that they are getting.
Are you going to join me in watching Film Flight 1? Do you have your own Film Flight for this week? Let me know in the comments what you’ll be watching.
Film Flight 1
- All the President’s Men (rent)
- Primer (rent)
- Upstream Color (rent)
What else I’m watching
In Theaters
- Queer
- Y2K
- Wicked
Queer and Y2K are slightly advanced screenings put on by FONS PR, so I’ll see those a few days ahead of the wide release.
I don’t really know much about Queer, aside from the director and cast. Challengers is still in my top 5 movies of 2024 (well, maybe top 10), so while I’m excited to see another Luca Guadagnino film, I’m also blown away that I’m seeing another Luca film in 2024. But that speaks to just how delayed the Challengers release was.
I haven’t seen a trailer for Y2K. As far as I know, it’s a Kyle Mooney end-of-the-20th-century comedy? You’re probably wondering why I don’t just look up details, but, honestly, I like going into movies like this blind. I missed Brigsby Bear but have always been a fan of the weird, end-of-show sketches Mooney did on SNL.
With Wicked, I had hoped to avoid some of the initial insanity, so I’m a bit delayed getting to it. I’m also nervous that I won’t like it, even though I tend to enjoy musicals. There was something about the trailers that really left me with a sense of dread about the quality of storytelling. But I have to stop avoiding it and get my ticket, sit down, and see what happens.
My full 2024 movie rankings.
On TV
- Shrinking | Season 2 (Apple)
- The Voice | Season 26 (Peacock)
- Disclaimer (Apple)
- Berserk 1997 (YouTube)
I’ve really enjoyed season two of Shrinking. It took me until the second to last episode to realize the actor for Liz played Kate on The Drew Carey Show. Growing up in Ohio, I adored that show and the entire cast, including Christa Miller, who was such a force of nature. But I never watched Scrubs (I know, I know) or Cougar Town. So I haven’t seen Miller on screen in over 20 years. Crazy. She’s still a force!
The Voice is just one of those dumb comfort shows I’ve watched since its third season. I don’t do a lot of reality TV but it’s one I make an exception for. I have a feeling Sofronio will win.
Three episodes into Disclaimer. It’s been interesting but I’m still waiting for something more. As of right now, it just makes me want to rewatch Nocturnal Animals. I’m a big Cate Blanchett fan so watching her put on a masterclass has been fun.
Berserk I’m slowly making my way through. Just finished episode 6, where they introduce Zodd. That’s definitely my favorite so far. The show has been cool but I’m still waiting for that “oh my God, I have to binge watch this now” moment.
