Philosophy In Film

The Philosophy in Film podcast welcomes Artist and Philosopher Megan Craig (megancraig.com) to discuss Jane Campion's adaptation of "The Power of the Dog". As always, the episode is broken up into Producers' Notes (9:14), a brief synopsis (13:37), Philosopher's Corner (21:32) and a round table discussion of the film (31:33), where we discuss the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that caught our attention. Featured Beer: Prairie Fairy Blackberry Wheat Ale by Sea Change Brewing Co. (Edmonton, Alberta)

The Philosophy in Film podcast tackles the hugely successful blockbuster, "The Matrix". We roll through Producers' Notes (6:18), a brief synopsis (16:21) and Philosopher's Corner (26:26) so that Alain can re-address Philosopher's Corner during the round table discussion (34:17), where we discuss the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that caught our attention. Spoiler: the shenanigans segment never happens. Featured Beer: Dark Gate Porter by Legend 7 Brewing (Calgary, Alberta)

The Philosophy in Film podcast is honored to welcome Adrian Martinez (@tasteofadrian) to the show, to discuss his directorial debut in "iGilbert", a movie he wrote, directed, produced and starred in. We roll through Producers' Notes (5:35), a brief synopsis (10:50) and Philosopher's Corner (17:56) to leave plenty of time for Adrian (24:23) and our round table discussion (48:40) of the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that caught our attention. Hang around until the end to hear an explanation of the post-scene credits. Featured Beer: Tangerine Dream by Odd Company Brewing (Edmonton, Alberta)

The annual Philosophy in Film Christmas episode examines Irving Berlin's classic holiday musical, "White Christmas". We share a thematic beverage pairing and award a #soapsmas gift box in the annual Christmas Soap draw during Producer's Notes. A quick synopsis queues up a strangely off-topic segment of Philosopher's Corner before the discussion of the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that caught our attention. Featured Beer: Invierno, by SYC Brewing (Edmonton, Alberta)

Its back to back episodes of Dune, as the Philosophy in Film podcast follows up Lynch's 1984 version, with a look at Denis Villeneuve's updated 2021 interpretation. We once again share our weekly beverage pairing and take time for a brief aside during Producer's Notes. A brief synopsis queues up another segment of Philosopher's Corner before we delve into a discussion of the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that managed to catch our attention. Featured Beer: Arrakis Dark Sour with Cinnamon & Blueberry, by Zero Issue (Calgary, Alberta)

Its the first episode of Season 3, and after a long hiatus, the Philosophy in Film podcast returns to discuss David Lynch's 1984 epic science fiction classic "Dune". We share our weekly beverage pairing and plod through Producer's Notes (8:20), before a quick Synopsis leads us into Philosopher's Corner (35:11) and the round table discussion of the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that caught our attention. Featured Beer: Inedit, by Damm (Barcelona, Spain)

For the final episode of season 2, we discuss the 1987 American romantic drama dance film, "Dirty Dancing", and specifically how the film treats masculinity and the female gaze. As always, we share a weekly beverage pairing, and plod through some of the Producer's Notes (9:19), before a quick Synopsis leads us into Philosopher's Corner (37:49) and the round table discussion of the philosophical aspects of the movie. Featured Beer: Village Squeeze Lemon Berry Helles, by Village Brewing Company (Calgary, Alberta)

In this landmark episode, we examine Peter Weir's "The Truman Show", finally delving into the topic of utilitarianism, while welcoming our first ever "in-studio" guest. We discuss the weekly beverage pairing and power through Producer's Notes (9:54), before a quick Synopsis leads us into Philosopher's Corner (30:50) and a round table discussion of the philosophical aspects of the movie. Its worth noting that Alain's treatment of utilitarianism is suspect at best. Featured Beer: Jerkface 9000, by Parallel 49 Brewing Company (Vancouver, BC)

This episode focuses on Chloe Zhao's "Nomadland" and a discussion Oikonomia, marginalization, dealing with loss, and the broad range of tools Alain has used to steer the show in the direction he sees fit. We discuss our weekly beer pairing and follow up with Producer's Notes (6:23), The film Synopsis (19:33), Philosopher's Corner (32:27) and the Round Table Discussion of the philosophical aspects of the movie that impacted us the most. Featured Beer: Crash Pad, by OT Brewing Company (Calgary, AB)

This episode features Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window" and a discussion of scopohilia and the male gaze. Fueled by the listener's protests for the "Beauclair Cut" of our last episode, Alain comes with an abundant stack of notes for the philosophical round table. We sneak in a beer pairing, Producer's Notes (8:08), Synopsis (26:20) and a quick segment of Philosopher's Corner (41:15) before sitting back and cutting Alain loose. Featured Beer: Juicy Gossip New England IPA, by Troubled Monk (Red Deer, AB)

Philosophy In Film, Episode 44 examines "Zack Snyder's Justice League". Chris raises the concept of fates worse than death, and what makes life worth living while Alain introduces us to the "Beauclair Bypass", where he makes his point by making other points and hopefully finding his way back to the original point in the future. At our listener's request, this is the uncut version of the episode, aka, "The Beauclair Cut". Featured Beer: Metes and Bounds Extra Pale Ale, by Annex Ale Project (Calgary, AB)

In this episode, we examine Stephen Spielberg's, "Minority Report" (starring friend of the show Tom Cruise) as a launching point for a discussion of free will and determinism. We work our way through Producer's Notes (8:39) and the Synopsis (21:09) before setting up the free will discussion with the Philosopher's Corner (36:20) segment. Alain goes extremely deep, Craig works in multiple references to the Princess Bride, and we find out Alain and Chris share the same middle name. Featured Beer: Ready Paler Two, by Analog Brewing (Edmonton, AB)

Episode 42 of the Philosophy in Film podcast delves into the science fiction comedy, "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". A thematic beer selection sets the table for a discussion on the philosophy of questioning (Philosopher's Corner 35:19), ontology, and the overall effectiveness of the film. The guys also talk about Chris's neutrality, season three sponsorships, and a harrowing encounter at the local grocery store. Featured Beer: Next 3 Exits Double IPA, by Fitzsimmons Brewing Co., Balzac Craft Brewing & 948 Brewing Company

In this episode of the Philosophy In Film podcast, we discuss the 2020 sci-fi romantic comedy, "Palm Springs". After dealing with some quick but important administrative issues in Producer's Notes (9:15), Alain provides a Synopsis (17:55) that leads us into a discussion of Nihilism (Philosopher's Corner - 33:23), Existential Nihilism, dinosaurs, the denouement, and a particularly long-winded argument between two guys who may have had a smidge too much to drink. Featured Beer: Love Shack Hazy Passionfruit IPA, from Cabin Brewing Company (Calgary, Alberta)

This episode of Philosophy In Film, we exit the polar deep freeze and examine the 2005 Political Action Film, "V For Vendetta". A somewhat controversial beer selection sets the table for the philosophical discussion this episode, as we delve into the justification of coercive institutions (Philosopher's Corner - 33:30), eggs in a basket recipes, perspective, radicalization, anarchy, and some of the parallels between recent events in the US and the final scenes of the movie. A quick discussion of the differences between the movie and graphic novel closes out our longest episode to date. Featured Beer: Express ESB, from the Endeavor Brewing Company (St. Albert, Alberta)

This week on Philosophy In Film, we tackle Charlie Kauffman's 2020 Psychological Thriller, "I'm Thinking of Ending Things". Our Philosopher's Corner segment examines the concept of Aesthetics and how it relates to the film before the conversation expands to include interiority, genre, alienation and whether or not this movie works or not. Featured Beer: Total Destruction To Your Mind, The Dandy Brewing Company (Calgary, Alberta)

The Philosophy In Film Podcast returns for 2021 with an episode featuring Duncan Jones' 2009 science fiction film "Moon". Once again broadcasting from separate locations, the hosts fight through some pre-recording connection problems and the Producer's desire to hijack the show with random facts about the moon to bring you a discussion primarily focused on the philosophical aspects of personal identity. Featured Beer: Full Moon Pale Ale, Alley Kat Brewing (Edmonton, Alberta)

Philosophy In Film heads into the holidays with one last Christmas episode featuring "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation". Miles apart and broadcasting over questionable internet connections, Chris discusses the manner in which this film examines idealism, Alain tells us why it should be classified as a horror movie and Craig mostly just talks about the moon. We also announce the winner of the Christmas Soap draw! Featured Beer: Brown Christmas Spiced Brown Belgian Winter Ale, Bent Stick Brewing (Edmonton, Alberta)

In our the first ever outdoor winter broadcast from Alain's backyard, Philosophy In Film kicks off the holiday season with that age old Christmas favorite, John McTiernan's 1988 Action Thriller, "Die Hard". Different perspectives on the theme of masculinity are bantered around until the closing arguments, where three intoxicated hosts attempt to address the well travelled debate on whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Featured Beer: Claustrophobic Black IPA, Omen Brewing (Edmonton, Alberta)

A long awaited episode for Philosophy In Film, as we finally tackle the 2001 Jean-Pierre Jeunet Romantic Comedy, "Amelie". Chris fights through some technical difficulties and explains the concept of moral happiness, Alain argues that this is darkest movie we've covered yet, and Craig talks about Swiss Chalet. In a somewhat surprising turn, Alain shocks us all at the end of the episode... again. Featured Beverage: Hopped Mead from the Fallentimber Meadery. (Water Valley, Alberta)

For their 34th episode, the guys at Philosophy In Film discuss the 2006 William Friedkin Horror/Thriller, "Bug". The conversation is centered on a philosophical examination of conspiracy theories, how people become committed to them, and their increasing prevalence in today's culture. The winner of the Lamb's Soapworks Gift Box is also selected during Producer's Notes. Featured Beer: Conspiracy IPA, Yukon Brewing (Whitehorse, Yukon)

The Philosophy In Film podcast follows up the 2020 United States Presidential Election with John Avildsen's 1976's rags to riches story about the American Dream, "Rocky". Dr. "Rocky" Beauclair provides his philosophical analysis, Chris delivers the first installment of Philosophy's Corner and Craig forgets that he has to do stuff on the podcast. Featured Beer: Punch Bowl Northwest IPA, Russell Brewing Company (Surrey, British Columbia)

The Philosophy In Film Halloween episode examines Stanley Kubrick's psychological horror, "The Shining". This one takes a bit to get going while the guys empty out the mailbag, but eventually, we do get down to business. Chris guides us through some of the philosophical themes and hidden meanings, Alain raises the issue of dominion, and Craig discusses diversity... as it pertains to edamame bean selections in the grocery store. Featured Beer: Red Rage Amber Ale, Tool Shed Brewing (Calgary, Alberta)

Episode 31 of Philosophy In Film finds our hosts debating the underlying meaning of Darren Aronofsky's 2017 genre-busting film, "Mother!". While multiple interpretations of the film's message are offered up, Alain makes a strong case for the "Excluded Feminine in the book of Genesis". Chris attempts to keep the show on the rails, while Craig addresses some controversy from the previous episode and complains about not being able to find edamame beans with shells. Featured Beer: Sinners and Saints, Dog Island Brewing (Slave Lake, Alberta)

In their 30th episode the Philosophy In Film podcast tackles Ari Aster's 2019 Folk Horror "Midsommar". Differing perspectives on the movie's effectiveness ultimately leads to some interesting discussion and debate on the topics of suffering, community, relationships, graduate studies, mushrooms, the field of anthropology, Ikea and what exactly constitutes being a "bro". Chris also tells a pirate joke. Featured Beer: Cosmic Dancer, The Dandy Brewing Company (Calgary, Alberta)

The Philosophy In Film podcast returns with a long-anticipated discussion of Joe Carnahan's 2012 Survival Film "The Grey". While all three co-hosts are willing to acknowledge some issues with the film, it does set the stage for an engaging conversation about the inevitable struggle against mortality, Nietzsche, existentialism, Dermott Mulroney's ability to sneak into a movie without being noticed, and the fringe theory that the The Grey may actually take place within Ridley Scott's "Alien" universe. Featured Beer: The Wolf from Sea Change Brewing Co. (Edmonton, Alberta)

Following the lead of Marvel Studios, the Philosophy In Film podcast also follows up Infinity with an episode examining the Russo Brothers 2019 blockbuster "Avengers Endgame". The discussion focusses primarily on the philosophy of time travel, except when it doesn't. This episode includes an installment of the Listener Mailbag as well as an impromptu ranking of some of the hosts' favorite Marvel movies to date. Featured Beer: Thor's Hammer Dry Hopped IPA form the Norsemen Brewing Co. (Camrose, Alberta)

The Philosophy In Film podcast finally dips its toes into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with 2018's "Avengers: Infinity War". The discussion eventually finds its way to utilitarianism and deontology after the hosts address some listener feedback and share their recent experiences with Lambs Soapworks soaps. The conversation wraps up with theories as to how the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been so much more successful that its DC counterpart. Featured Beer: Nemesis IPA from the Zero Issue Brewing in Calgary, AB.

The Philosophy In Film podcast returns with Hayao Miyazaki's 2001 Anime blockbuster "Spirited Away". This installment of the show features a soap draft, a contract renewal for Intern Neil, the first appearance of the Listener Mailbag (sort of) and of course, a discussion of the philosophical themes examined within the movie, including the maturation and growth of the main character, consumerism, labour, and environmental pollution. Featured Beer: Pesky Pig Pale Ale from Troubled Monk Brewery in Red Deer, Alberta.

The Philosophy In Film crew starts its second season with David Lynch's "Lost Highway" from 1997. After 6 weeks of Alien movies, all three hosts breathe a little easier, despite the heat wave and lack of air conditioning. the Producers Notes segment exposes some trade secrets and proposed changes, before a discussion of Psychogenic fugue, disassociation disorder, the effect of trauma and the difference between creepy, spooky and sleazy. Intern Neil provides us with Pullman Pale Ale from Siding 14 Brewing Company out of Ponoka, Alberta.

The conclusion of a 6 episode Alien Saga Retrospective, Season 1 of Philosophy In Film draws to a close with "Alien Covenant". This episode sees a rare truce between Alain and Craig, while the two of them repeatedly ask Chris to defend his stance on the movie, and his rankings for each of the other installments. Intern Neil helps Nickel with a fallen tree in his yard, and chooses the beverage"Hay Maker Wheated Pilsner" from Bent Stick Brewing Company in our hometown of Edmonton Alberta.

Reeling in the aftermath of "The Alien Resurrection Screwjob" the @PhilInFilm crew collect themselves and continue the Alien Saga retrospective with a look at Ridley Scott's directorial return to the franchise, "Prometheus". Alain demands an apology, Chris skips ahead to the Covenant episode, repeatedly, and Nickel keeps trying to pitch soap. Intern Neil provides the beverage for this episode, and chooses "Rushing Waters Bohemian Pilsner" from Apex Brewing Company in Yellowhead County Alberta.

This is the episode where the Philosophy In Film finds the magic of a Mixer with inline sound effects,and Alain pulls the rug out on his co-hosts after arguing a conflicting opinion for over 2 hours. As the consensus seems to be that this is a low light for the Alien Saga, we feature Sea Change Brewery's "Low Life" Lager in this episode.

The episode where three middle aged white guys try to talk thoughtfully about the issues surrounding race and racism while discussing Jordan Peele's horror-thriller "Get Out". Feature Beer: Blue Buck by Phillips Brewing (Victoria, BC)

The crew continues its Alien franchise retrospective by tackling David Fincher's 1992 "Alien 3." Birth, Life, and now Death. Maybe a Resurrection later. Feature beer: African Queen Dragon (Alley Kat Brewing Company, Edmonton, AB)

Join your three @PhilInFilm co-hosts (actually two co-hosts and a producer) for the much anticipated continuation of the Alien Saga retrospective, as we examine the second installment, James Cameron's "Aliens". Alain struggles with an off microphone request to tighten up the synopsis, Craig complains about his local grocery store, and Chris tables a 9-point argument to support the merits of the film as one of his all-time favorite Action movies. Feature Beer: Rebel Daughter Hazy Pale Ale, Medicine Hat Brewing Company (Medicine Hat, AB)

Join the @PhilInFilm guys for a far more heated discussion than we planned for, during this week's episode on Ridley Scott's 1979 science fiction horror classic, Alien. Dr. Beauclair and the man behind the glass find a few reasons to get into it as Chris saves himself for the sequel. Feature Beer: Countdown Pale Ale by Beau's All Natural Brewing Company (Vankleek Hill, Ontario)

Join the @PhilInFilm fellows for a discussion of the movie Groundhog Day and its exploration of the limits of Egoism for human fulfillment. Chris and Alain spread their philosophical wings while Nickel interjects with an exploration of the trials and tribulations of riding a bike around the city streets. In other news, Alain continues to dream about Dolly Parton. Feature Beer: 9 to 5 IPA from The Establishment Brewing Company (Calgary, AB)

The @PhilInFilm crew commits to a night of watching the Watchmen and then meeting in the virtual studio to examine how the film explores moral ideologies and a little bit of sexual expression. Alain and Chris are dreaming dreams, and our Producer pulls another fantastic Flintstones comparable near the end of the episode. Feature Beverage: Superb Owl from Parallel 49

For the 15th episode of @PhilInFilm the guys delve into Bruce McDonald's independent horror film "Pontypool" and discuss how the film utilizes the theme of language and the prescribed meaning of language. Producer's Notes makes its triumphant debut, and Alain almost tells us about his erotic Tiger King dreams. Feature Beverage: Glenfiddich

For their 14th installment, the @PhilInFilm fellows discuss the Safdie brothers' Uncut Gems (a24/Netflix) and how it deals with issues of morality, humanity and alienation. Alain defines the word "viscera" for us, and looks at the movie's similarities to classic gangster movies, Chris tries to convince us of the main characters redeeming qualities, and Nickel interrupts the conversation occasionally and compares yet another film to an episode of the Flintstones. We are also introduced to a new segment for the podcast, "Producer's Notes". Feature Beer: "Dead Guy Ale" by Rogue. Special Thanks to Michelle, the City of Edmonton Law Branch, Color De Vino and Strathcona Spirits.

This week the @PhilInFilm fellows discuss how the Rian Johnson movie "Knives Out" illuminates the importance of family and our tendency to overlook the conditions that facilitate social inequality. Chris reiterates his love of Contagion, Craig compares the movie to an episode of the Flintstones, and we once again experience a long and winding trip through the fascinating mind of Alain Beauclair. Feature Beer: "Stranger Than Fiction" by Collective Arts Brewing Special Thanks to Color De Vino for help with the beer selection and Strathcona Spirits for the hand sanitizer.

In this episode the Philosophy In Film crew discusses the bizarre and macabre film, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The discussion is paired with a plum gose from Calgary's 'Cabin Brewing'. The themes discussed include; The Obscenity of Labor, the dissolution of the traditional family, the ethics of eating meat, and humanity's animality. Feature Beverage: In The Hallway With The Axe (Cabin Brewing).

In what turns out to be the podcasts most hotly debated film choice to date, we turn our attention to a movie that everyone seems to be watching amidst the worldwide COVID 19 pandemic, Contagion. The discussion focuses on the topical nature of the film relative to current events, and Alain's many many issues with the film. Featured Beer: La Fin du Monde from Unibroue (Chamblay, Quebec)

In this episode the Philosophy In Film team looks at capitalist ideology in the film "Robocop", while also making fun of Nickel for owning a Che Guevara t-shirt. Alain fulfills his guarantee of getting his co-hosts to rate the movie 2.5 or higher, in the style of hockey legend, Mark Messier. Feature Beer: Retro Stylez Pre-Prohibition Cream Ale (by Analog Brewing)

In this episode we discuss "Parasite" and examine the depiction of social stratification and how the characters react to their place within it. Feature Beverage: Soju

In this episode we discuss "Joker" and the consider the extent to which the movie relies on a depiction of mental illness and an uncaring world to motivate its eponymous central character. Feature Beer: Abandoned By Wolves IPA by Driftwood Brewing

The Philosophy in Film fellows discuss Once Upon A Time in Hollywood and examine the role Masculinity has within the film, pairing this episode with Rick Dalton's favorite beverage, the Whisky Sour, featuring unaged Whisky from Strathcona Spirits.

The Philosophy in Film fellows examine The Big Lebowski through the lens of stoicism, pairing the discussion with some strong and delicious White Russians featuring the single grain Vodka from local distillery Strathcona Spirits.

In this episode we try to make sense of David Lynch's Mulholland Drive and we discuss how this film prompts us to think about how the human imagination can impinge upon our lived reality, and vice versa. Feature beer: "Lunar Phase" by SYC Brewing