The Envelope

Our guests are Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini, who play Jen and Judy in the Netflix show “Dead to Me.” Applegate and Cardellini talk about the true friendship that developed between them on set, how Wi-Fi challenges nearly thwarted the Emmys last year, and the TV shows they're watching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo credit: Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter.

Our guest is Rachel Brosnahan, who stars in the dramatic crime thriller “I’m Your Woman.” Brosnahan talks about the self-discovery of her character in the film, stepping into the role of producer for the first time, and actors she admires for disappearing seamlessly into their roles. Photo credit: Sam Jones.For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter. Sponsors include:Today’s podcast is brought to you by Hulu, presenting "The United States vs. Billie Holiday," and by NEON and Hulu, presenting "Palm Springs." Both films for your consideration in Best Picture and all other categories.

Our guest is Radha Blank, writer, director and star of the film “The Forty-Year-Old Version.” Blank talks about her experiences with discrimination and gatekeepers in the arts, the empowerment of Black voices, and her rap persona, “RadhaMUSprime.” Photo credit: Jeong Park/Netflix. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter.

Our guest is Hugh Grant, who recently starred in the HBO miniseries “The Undoing.” The actor talks about why he prefers playing darker roles, transitioning from film back into TV, and why he’s terrified of the word “action” on set. Photo credit: Jason Bell.For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter.

Our guest is Kemp Powers, writer of the play-turned-film “One Night in Miami.” Powers talks about fictionalizing real-life figures, his career transition from journalism to entertainment, and working with Pixar on the film “Soul.” Photo credit: Deborah Coleman Pixar.For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter.Sponsors include:HBO, presenting “Lovecraft Country” and “Perry Mason,” two critically acclaimed HBO original dramas. Now streaming on HBO Max.

Our guest is Shira Haas, the star of the Netflix miniseries “Unorthodox.” Haas talks about how she tapped into her Israeli roots to play an Orthodox Jewish character, handles her newfound American fame, and promotes her work during a pandemic. Photo credit: Eyal Nevo.For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter.

Our guest is Rashida Jones, who recently starred in the film “On the Rocks.” Jones talks about her evolving relationship with her father, music producer Quincy Jones; the difference between producing and acting; and pushing Hollywood to acknowledge her biracial identity. Photo credit: Sam Jones.For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter.

Our guests are actress and producer Aubrey Plaza and writer and director Lawrence Michael Levine, who teamed up on the film “Black Bear.” Plaza and Levine talk about the head-spinning plot, working on commercial versus independent films, and collaborating on set. Photo credit: Brian Bowen Smith. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter. Sponsors include: Apple TV Plus, presenting “Boys State,” the Critics Choice Award and Sundance Grand Jury winner for Best Documentary. Go to fyc.appletvplus.com for more.

Our guest is Anya Taylor-Joy, star of Netflix’s drama “The Queen’s Gambit.” Taylor-Joy talks about the similarities between herself and her character, Beth, what it's like to shoot to stardom, and how she learned to play chess for the role. Photo credit: Pip/Netflix.For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter. Sponsors include:Apple TV Plus, presenting "Wolfwalkers," the animated film. Go to fyc.appletvplus.com for more.

Our guest is Jurnee Smollett, who plays Letitia “Leti” Lewis in HBO’s horror drama “Lovecraft Country.” Smollett talks about drawing on her own family history in preparation for this role, finding power through art, and playing charades with Samuel L. Jackson. Photo credit: Courtesy of Jurnee Smollett. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter. Sponsors include:Apple TV Plus, presenting "Wolfwalkers," the animated film. Go to fyc.appletvplus.com for more.

Our guest is Andy Samberg, who recently starred in and produced Hulu’s romantic comedy “Palm Springs.” Samberg talks about what draws him to more serious acting roles, how “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” will address police brutality in the next season, and prepping for the dance numbers in “Palm Springs.” Photo credit: Ethan Miller.For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter.Sponsors include:Apple TV Plus, presenting "Wolfwalkers," the animated film. Go to fyc.appletvplus.com for more.

Beginning Dec. 9, join Los Angeles Times television and film reporters Yvonne Villarreal and Mark Olsen every Wednesday to hear interviews with award season's top contenders, from the Golden Globes to the Oscars and everything in between. Our interview-style, entertainment podcast will showcase key voices from both TV and film. First in the series is Olsen’s interview with Andy Samberg about his film “Palm Springs.” Samberg provides a glimpse into what it’s like to be a performer and producer in contemporary Hollywood. Other upcoming guests include Anya Taylor-Joy for “The Queen’s Gambit,” Rashida Jones for “On The Rocks,” Jurnee Smollett for “Lovecraft Country” and Aubrey Plaza for “Black Bear.”Subscribe, wherever you get your podcasts.

Writer and filmmaker Alex Garland joins host Mark Olsen to talk about his sci-fi thriller television series, “Devs.” Garland talks about the differences between working in film and television. Before “Devs,” Garland created the feature films “Ex Machina” and “Annihilation.” The complete limited series of “Devs” is now available on FX on Hulu.

Television writer and producer Dahvi Waller joins host Mark Olsen to talk about “Mrs. America,” FX on Hulu’s new miniseries based on the historical movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s. Waller discusses how the show explores the struggle to ratify the amendment and showcases the women at the center of the movement.

Writer-director Eliza Hittman joins host Mark Olsen to talk about her new film “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” a drama focused on reproductive rights and a lack of local support. Hittman describes why she created this movie and what it’s been like to have a movie publicly released right when movie theaters began to close their doors worldwide.

A very special interview with film critic Kenneth Turan, recorded on his last day in the position of Times film critic after nearly 30 years. Host Mark Olsen has a wide-ranging conversation with Turan about his years reviewing film. He talks to Olsen about some of his most memorable reviews and reminisces on some of his interviews from decades ago. They talk about what it’s like being a film critic, and whether the process has changed over time.

We’re talking “Tiger King” the new, hit Netflix docuseries that everyone’s been talking about. Plus, host Mark Olsen catches up with TV reporter Yvonne Villarreal who shares some of her favorite reality TV shows she suggests watching to help pass the time at home. And then, Olsen speaks with entertainment reporter Amy Kaufman about “Tiger King” and why so many people are binging on the series right now.

We’re back with more TV and film recommendations for you and your family while you’re spending some extra time at home. Our team is still self-isolated, so we continue to check in with our entertainment colleagues to see what they’re watching. LA Times film critic Justin Chang talks with host Mark Olsen about some light-hearted comedies he recommends for all of us to watch from home. Plus, TV Critic Robert Lloyd joins the show to talk about two shows he recently reviewed and whether they’re worth checking out: The new FX on Hulu sci-fi series “Devs” and HBO’s “The Plot Against America.”

We’re taking a short break from our usual format to help guide listeners who may be staying home more often than usual. If you're wondering what to watch, what’s worth streaming now and what you can watch with your kids who are home from school… We’ve got you covered. Host Mark Olsen sits down with film reporter Jen Yamato to talk about specific genre films you may want to check out. Plus, television reporter Lorraine Ali joins the show to talk about the latest season of “Westworld” and how it relates to the real world a little more than you may realize.Here are some related links mentioned in this episode:Streaming Deals: https://lat.ms/2QsMVAc“Westworld”: https://lat.ms/2wlM8ue

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This episode was taped on March 11, 2020. Many new developments have emerged and continue to rapidly develop after the taping of this episode.) Entertainment business reporter Ryan Faughnder joins host Mark Olsen to talk about the impact of the coronavirus and how it’s affecting the Hollywood and entertainment industries. Plus, this week marked the final episode of HBO’s six-part documentary series, McMillions. Olsen is joined by two Los Angeles Times television writers to discuss all the series and how it brought the McDonald’s Monopoly scam to light.

This week we’re following some of the latest in pop culture and Hollywood. First, host Mark Olsen speaks with two reporters who were actually in the courtroom during Harvey Weinstein’s trial in New York. We take a serious look at the trial and discuss what happens next and whether the verdict marks a milestone for survivors. Then, later in the show, we shift toward a lighter conversation about the television sensation that so many people are talking about: “Love Is Blind.” Olsen is joined by Amy Kaufman and Yvonne Villarreal to discuss Netflix’s new reality dating show that has so many viewers talking.

The Netflix movie “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You” is out now and we take an inside look at the highly anticipated sequel. Host Mark Olsen sits down with entertainment reporter Jen Yamato, who recently spoke with star Lana Condor and author Jenny Han about the second installment of “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.” Olsen and Yamato discuss the Netflix film series and go behind the scenes of the teen romance movie. Plus, Olsen also talks with entertainment business reporter Ryan Faughnder about the ups and downs of the “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie release.

The Oscars are over and this year’s awards season has come to an end. Host Mark Olsen and a team of entertainment colleagues and critics recap the 92nd Academy Awards and share their thoughts on Parasite’s historic night. Plus, Olsen sits down with “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” writer and director, Céline Sciamma.

The 92nd Academy Awards are almost here. Host Mark Olsen and a team of entertainment reporters and critics sit down for one final roundtable before the big night. Listen to hear final thoughts and predictions for what’s to come at this year’s Oscars. Plus, hear from entertainment, culture writer Carolina Miranda who breaks down this year’s Oscar nominated movies with a unique angle… architecture. Get a full roundup of Oscars talk right here in this week’s episode.

“The Reel” is live in Park City at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Host Mark Olsen had a chance to catch up with some actors and filmmakers to explore different storytelling formats. He moderated a panel, taped live at Audible’s Sundance studio setup, which included Tessa Thompson, Colman Domingo and Justin Simien. Plus, Olsen sits down with a group of Times colleagues to recap and talk about the films of the festival.

The 2020 Sundance Film Festival has just begun, and host Mark Olsen and entertainment business reporter Ryan Faughnder sit down to discuss the wheeling and dealing behind the festival. Plus, Olsen is joined by Justin Chang, Glenn Whipp and Jen Yamato, who sit down to talk about this year’s overlooked films and dive into the movies not being considered for major Academy Awards categories.

From this year’s most celebrated films to the biggest surprises, host Mark Olsen looks at the 92nd Academy Awards nominations from every level. First, Olsen sits down with entertainment business reporter Ryan Faughnder to dive into the business of awards season and how streaming services may be impacting the dynamics. Plus, Justin Chang, Mary McNamara and Glenn Whipp join the show to dissect the Oscar nominations and provide unique input on this year’s top films, why some face criticism, and which movies were left behind.

Screenwriting duo Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski talk with Mark Olsen about the film “Dolemite is My Name” starring Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore. Plus, Times film and TV writers discuss highlights from the 77th Golden Globe Awards.

Wishing our listeners a Happy New Year! Thanks for joining us every week for “The Reel," we hope you’ve been enjoying the show. We look forward to sharing more episodes with you in the New Year. Keep checking back here every Friday for more. Happy Holidays!

Writer-director Noah Baumbach sits down with Mark Olsen to talk about his latest film “Marriage Story.” He describes the inspiration for his movie and how he was able to find love through divorce while creating the film. Plus, Times entertainment writers Jen Yamato and Justin Chang on "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" and "Cats."

Writer-director brothers Josh and Benny Safdie talk about their latest film, “Uncut Gems,” and why it took them 10 years to finally get it off the ground. Plus, host Mark Olsen talks with Times reporter Amy Kaufman about the latest on Harvey Weinstein.

Mark Olsen talks with director Melina Matsoukas about her transition from directing music videos to her directorial debut in feature film for “Queen & Slim.” Matsoukas is also known for directing Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” as well as “Formation,” which won her a Grammy Award for Best Music Video. Plus, Olsen sits down with Los Angeles Times entertainment reporters to talk everything about the Golden Globes nominations.

Host Mark Olsen talks with Taron Egerton, who plays Elton John in the film “Rocketman.” They discuss how Egerton prepared to portray the music-icon in the film. Egerton also talks about the close friendship he’s formed with the “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” singer. Plus, Olsen talks with television critic Lorraine Ali about all that’s happening with Gabrielle Union and “America’s Got Talent.”

*** SPOILER ALERT in second half of the show ***Heading into the Thanksgiving holiday, here's a replay episode from one of our most popular shows. With a title that suggests the opening of a child’s storybook, Quentin Tarantino revisits the Hollywood of 1969 and that summer night 50 years ago when members of the Manson family set out for Benedict Canyon with murder in their hearts. The grisly slayings on Cielo Drive — including that of a very pregnant Sharon Tate — cast a long shadow over the romance of the ‘60s counterculture. Tarantino has said that Charles Manson’s ability to manipulate and control his followers still seems "unfathomable" to this day.In "Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood," the writer and director takes the occasion to revel in the details of the era, complete with commercials, TV shows, songs, radio news and famous locations and restaurants around Los Angeles. But Tarantino also offers up a study of actors — their anxieties, insecurities and the pride they take in their performances. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the fictional actor Rick Dalton, and Brad Pitt as his stunt double, along with Margot Robbie as the very real Sharon Tate, the film is more emotional and personal than other Tarantino movies.In fact, Tarantino — who grew up in Los Angeles — has called "Once Upon a Time" his "Roma."Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) talks with Times film critics @KennethTuran and @JustinCChang, as well as film reporter @jenyamato and special guest Julia Turner (@JuliaTurner), Deputy Managing Editor of Entertainment and Arts.

Host Mark Olsen talks with “Knives Out” director Rian Johnson about his latest Agatha Christie-style whodunit movie. Johnson describes his film as a mystery with a Hitchcockian thrill set in 2019 America. Plus, Olsen talks with corporate media reporter, Meg James, about the so-called Paramount decrees that are being tossed out by the U.S. Justice Department.

Host Mark Olsen sits down with “Ford v Ferrari” Director James Mangold to talk about his latest action film starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale. Mangold also responds to the latest comments from Martin Scorsese about Marvel movies. Plus, you’ll hear from entertainment columnist Glenn Whipp, who talks about his experience following around comedian Louis C.K. on his latest world tour.

Host Mark Olsen speaks with director Lauren Greenfield about her latest documentary, “The Kingmaker,” which explores the extravagant lifestyle and rise to power of former First Lady Imelda Marcos in the Philippines. They discuss the origin of the story and what it was like for Greenfield to meet and cover Imelda Marcos. You’ll also hear from Glenn Whipp about the latest awards season buzz. Plus, Olsen talks with Jen Yamato about the Martin Scorsese controversy over Marvel movies.

Host Mark Olsen sits down with “Harriet” director and co-writer Kasi Lemmons to talk about creating a biopic based on the life of abolitionist leader Harriet Tubman. The movie is based on the true-events of Tubman’s life as freedom fighter. Lemmons tells Olsen that she’s not surprised it had taken so long to make a big-screen biopic of Tubman. She also elaborates on using research to accurately tell Tubman’s story. She says she read multiple books and all the research she could find on the subject so that she could get the story right. Lemmons, whose directorial debut was the 1997 film, “Eve’s Bayou,” also discusses how she landed the opportunity to direct “Harriet.” Plus, on today’s episode you’ll hear from entertainment columnist Glenn Whipp and film business reporter Ryan Faughnder.

An empty nest and a midlife sexual awakening do not seem like things that normally go hand in hand. But that is the launching point for “Mrs. Fletcher,” the Tom Perrotta novel that’s now been adapted into a new limited HBO series, starring “Transparent’s” Kathryn Hahn. Perrotta, who is also the showrunner and executive producer for the series, tells host Mark Olsen that the seed for the story came to him seven years ago, when he dropped his daughter off at college. “Mrs. Fletcher” also follows the experiences of the title character’s college freshman son. Young, white, straight and self-centered, he finds out the hard way how his sense of entitlement collides with campus culture and sexual identity politics.Perrotta has had several novels adapted for the screen, including HBO’s “The Leftovers”; the Oscar-nominated “Election” starring Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon; and the Oscar-nominated “Little Children,” starring Kate Winslet.Also in this episode, as the heated competition in the video subscription world gets underway, Olsen talks with the Times’ TV editor Matt Brennan about the streaming wars. And in the “Glenn Whipp Awards Minute,” entertainment columnist Whipp discusses this year’s honorary Oscar winners who will be recognized this Sunday at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Governors Awards.

Taika Waititi is not interested in making movies that please everyone — he says that would be too safe and boring.The writer and director of “Jojo Rabbit” — who also plays a cartoonish Adolph Hitler in a comic coming-of-age story about a Nazi youth who discovers a Jewish girl hiding in his attic — tells host Mark Olsen that he prefers making films that could end his career. Balancing satire and the Holocaust was always going to be tricky, and “Jojo Rabbit” has already divided critics. But only in America is ‘divisive’ a bad thing, the New Zealand filmmaker says — everywhere else, it’s considered art. Comedy, the filmmaker argues, is an effective weapon against bigotry and authoritarian leaders.The movie is based on the book “Caging Skies” by Christine Leunens. Waititi added comedic elements and an imaginary Führer.Also in this episode, Olsen speaks with the Times culture columnist and critic Mary McNamara about some of the revelations in Ronan Farrow’s new book “Catch and Kill,” including Farrow’s allegations that NBC News shut down his reporting about disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. And in the “Glenn Whipp Awards Minute,” entertainment columnist Whipp gives an early survey of the best actress race.

“Parasite” is poised to be South Korea’s first-ever nomination for Best International feature, but it also looks to be competitive for best director, original screenplay and even best picture.Rave reviews have poured in for the darkly comedic drama about social inequality, with some critics calling it director’s Bong Joon Ho’s masterpiece.The much-anticipated movie is now out in limited release, and host Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) talks with film critic Justin Chang (@JustinCChang) and film reporter Jen Yamato. (@jenyamato)Chang says “Parasite” is one of the best heist movies he has seen in quite some time, and he compares Bong to a conductor masterfully conducting a symphony.Yamato says the class warfare themes in the film will be recognizable to everyone.In our new culture news segment, Olsen discusses the official opening of Tyler Perry Studios with reporter Greg Braxton. (@GeBraxton)And in the “Glenn Whipp Awards Minute,” Whipp (@GlennWhipp) gives the state of the best actor race after the openings of “Joker,” starring Joaquin Phoenix, and “Pain and Glory,” starring Antonio Banderas.

Even before “Joker” opened in theaters, the film sparked debate over its violent content, and a narrative that seemed to track with that of the alienated, white male shooter who’s become our real-life recurring horror story.An exploration of a familiar comic book character who has scared us for nearly 80 years, this iteration of his creation story is dividing critics over the sympathy it seeks to elicit for the Joker, played by Joaquin Phoenix.Members of the Times film staff discuss “Joker” and the controversy surrounding it.Film critic Justin Chang (@JustinCChang) says the film strives to have the sensibility of Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy, but it’s “nastier” and more “nihilistic and brutal.”Entertainment columnist Glenn Whipp (@GlennWhipp) calls the movie “a cynical and glib treatment of societal malaise,” and he says it’s neither as edgy nor as nervy as it presents itself.And film reporter Sonaiya Kelley (@sonaiyak) enjoyed “Joker” but found it “relentlessly dark,” and says that while she watched it, she kept checking the exits because she was afraid someone was going to come in and try to kill members of the audience.With its premieres at major international film festivals, Warner Bros. is shrewdly positioning “Joker” as more artistically substantial than your average, blockbuster comic book movie, Chang says.In our new cultural news segment, host Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) and Kelley discuss how the impeachment inquiry has impacted late-night TV and celebrity culture.And in the “Glenn Whipp Awards Minute,” Whipp shares his thoughts about Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman” after seeing it at the New York Film Festival.

Heading into this year’s Emmy Awards, there may have been tension between coronating beloved, long-running series and recognizing impressive, convention-bending newcomers, but in the end voters largely seemed to favor a recent crop of fresh, forward-thinking shows, including “Fleabag.”That choice may have been because of what fans and critics were saying on social media about the programs they watch, says the Times TV editor Matt Brennan But it could also reflect that in the age of Peak TV with an ecosystem of 500 shows, it’s easier to split the sea of competitors and snap up a nomination — and a win. The 71st Emmys signaled that the world of TV has changed, with a wide-open landscape that spans multiple platforms, says Times TV Critic Lorraine Ali.Comedy is having a moment. But, strong limited drama series with cinematic sensibilities — like “Chernobyl” and “When The See Us” — are also real standouts.. Host Mark Olsen talks with Times TV critic Lorraine Ali (@LorraineAli), TV editor Matt Brennan (@thefilmgoer) and TV reporter Yvonne Villareal. (@villareally). On this week’s episode, “The Reel” is also rolling out a couple of changes. Over the next few months of awards season, Olsen plans to check in with Entertainment Columnist Glenn Whipp (@GlennWhipp) in a segment we’re calling “Glenn Whipp’s Awards Minute.”We’ll also start each episode off with a conversation on a news item from the world of culture. This week, Olsen and Ali discuss the chatter around “Joker,” and the fear from some people outside Hollywood that the film might inspire violence.

Two films designed for grown-ups hit theaters this weekend.“Ad Astra,” a space thriller starring Brad Pitt, takes a moody, meditative approach to science fiction.Director James Gray invests in character development and emotion, and the film is that rare fusion of blockbuster spectacle and thoughtful sensibility, says the Times’ Justin Chang (@JustinCChang).Chang also tells host Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) that the plot of “Ad Astra” is “kind of preposterous,” but that’s why he likes it.Pitt delivers a memorable performance, holding long close-ups as the camera gazes deeply into his eyes — the kind of scrutiny not many actors can pull off.“Downton Abbey” picks up where the beloved television series left off, with 20 of the regular characters showing up in the theatrical release.There’s an optimistic, uplifting spirit to the film, and the Times’ Kenneth Turan (@KennethTuran) tells Olsen that “Downton Abbey” offers an escape from the unrelenting news days of 2019. It’s a comforting, far-away world in which problems are solved and everything works out.

In this special bonus episode, a team of Times reporters at the Toronto International Film Festival give the low-down on this year’s crop of films at the festival — both the hits and the misses.Among the films premiering at this year's festival are “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," starring Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers and Matthew Rhys as a cynical journalist who interviews him; "Knives Out," a whodunit with an all-star cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans and LaKeith Stanfield; and Taika Waititi's "Jojo Rabbit," a satire about a young German boy and his imaginary friend, Adolph Hitler.Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus), Justin Chang (@JustinCChang), Jen Yamato (@jenyamato), Glenn Whipp (@GlennWhipp) and Amy Kaufman (@AmyKinLA) also discuss films that premiered at the Venice and Telluride Film Festivals, including Noah Baumbach's “Marriage Story,” starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, and "Uncut Gems," starring Adam Sandler.

Only eight months passed between the green light for “Hustlers” and its release date, but writer-director Lorene Scafaria fought for years to get the project off the ground.Scafaria said films about women doing “bad things” are always hard to get made, but she found that the stigma associated with sex workers was also being attached to her telling of the real-life story of strippers who turned the tables on their Wall Street clients.Speaking from the Toronto International Film Festival — where “Hustlers” had its world premiere — she told Mark Olsen that the movie explores what she calls “a broken value system,” where a woman’s worth comes from her beauty and body, and a man is judged for his wealth, power and success.Starring Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu, the filmmaker said she drew inspiration from all women who hustle to get by, as well sports-themed films and gangster movies like “Goodfellas.”

Awards season is around the corner and highly anticipated movies are on full blast at film festivals across the world. Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) talks with Amy Kaufman (@AmyKinLA), Glenn Whipp (@GlennWhipp) and Jen Yamato (@jenyamato) about what to expect from the onslaught of movies premiering across festivals as we head into awards season.The Venice and Telluride Film Festivals kicked off this fall season, screening major titles like James Gray's “Ad Astra,” Todd Phillips' “Joker,” Steven Soderbergh's “The Laundromat,” and Noah Baumbach's “Marriage Story.” Next, filmmakers turn to Toronto, New York and London, ending the wave of key festivals sure to shape the fate of awards season.It’s the moment of truth for filmmakers who eagerly await reactions from critics and audiences. The post-festival rhetoric often forecasts which movies may receive awards season love, or which films leave audiences wanting more.The Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu stripper drama, “Hustlers,” has audiences talking. There’s also Martin Scorsese’s “Irishman,” a three-and-a-half-hour-long crime drama starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino.Last year, movies like “Roma,” “A Star is Born” and “Green Book” left festivals feeling like top Academy Award candidates. We’ll see if the same proves true after this year’s fall festival season wraps up.

Set during World War II and the internment of Japanese Americans, AMC’s “The Terror” weds that real-life horror story with a tale of the supernatural.But showrunner Alex Woo says the second season of the anthology series, titled “Infamy,” is not just a period piece. Instead, it uses the horror genre to bring a story from the past into the present to represent the fear and terror of American citizens betrayed by their own government. “Infamy” was intentionally cast with actors of Japanese descent, so the show is very personal for many of the people working on it, including star Derek Mio, who plays Chester Nakayama, a second-generation Nisei, or American-born Japanese. Mio’s grandfather’s family lived in the same Japanese American community portrayed in the show, the one that once existed on Terminal Island in San Pedro. Its residents were forced into internment camps after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The show also features George Takei, who was interned along with his family when he was 5 years old. Writers, directors and crew members also bring their personal and family experiences with the incarceration. Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) talks with Mio ( @derekzmio) Woo (@thealexwoo) and Times film writer Jen Yamato (@jenyamato).

While Netflix’s “Mindhunter” is based in a time when serial killers were shocking and terrifying Americans, the second season of David Fincher’s true-crime drama feels especially topical and relevant for our time.With a primary focus on the Atlanta child murders — a series of killings, mostly of black children in and around the city between 1979 and 1981 — the show examines disturbingly contemporary topics like distrust of police, embedded racism and white supremacist violence.It also addresses questions of which crimes get investigated and which victims garner wide public sympathy.The real-life Atlanta case was recently reopened because of continuing questions over whether the crimes were ever truly solved. While Wayne Williams was convicted of killing two adults —and is serving life in prison — he was never tried in the child homicides because of a lack of evidence.“Mindhunter” also features portrayals of some of the most infamous serial killers in American history, including Charles Manson and David “Son of Sam” Berkowitz.Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) talks with Lorraine Ali (@LorraineAli) and Matt Brennan (@thefilmgoer).

From the very first line of dialogue, Craig Mazin makes clear that “Chernobyl” is far more than a dramatization of the 1986 nuclear meltdown in the USSR.Mazin, the creator and writer of the HBO miniseries, tells a story of the “cost of lies” and the real-life dangers that result from a culture disconnected from the truth. The Soviet system was built on propaganda and misinformation, and the heroes of the nuclear disaster are the people who sought the truth and stuck to the facts — even at great personal cost.As he developed the story in 2016, Mazin saw parallels in American politics, with whole segments of the public growing untethered from the truth.The five-part series resonated with viewers, and has drawn the largest audience for an HBO miniseries since “Band of Brothers.” It’s been nominated for 19 Emmys.Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) talks with Mazin (@clmazin) about how the medium of episodic television gave him the space to tell a mystery — as well as a story of a culture, a system of government, and the nature of love.