Five film-related things you’ll love, coming at you every weekend.
This week: Nicolas Cage, RRR, Ninja Thyberg, and more.
Criterion studio visit with artist David Plunkert
Illustrator David Plunkert has done several covers for the Criterion Collection including The Tin Drum and Diabolique. In this video he shows us around his studio and shares a glimpse into the creative process behind some of his beautiful work.
Plunkert is part of Spur Design, an illustration-heavy creative studio and art gallery in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent on VOD
In this latest entry into the Nicolas Cage filmography the actor takes on his wildest role yet: Nicolas Cage. Backed by a great cast that includes Pedro Pascal, Tiffany Haddish, and Ike Barinholtz, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent allows Cage to make fun of himself in a very serious way as he is recruited by the CIA to infiltrate the compound of a crime lord who happens to be a superfan. It’s a lot of fun with a ton of references to Cage’s past roles, and now you can watch it at home.
Here‘s where to watch.
RRR
Buckle up! This Indian film from director S. S. Rajamouli is one wild ride. And at just under $100 million in box office gross it’s quickly become an international sensation that you won’t want to miss.
RRR is the story of two legendary revolutionaries who join forces to find a kidnapped girl and protect their country from the British circa 1920. But the way they do it is what has everybody losing their minds. This isn’t a stuffy period drama; it’s an action film that is equal parts Avengers and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon with elaborate CGI and stunts that will make your head spin. This is the superhero movie you want to see.
Film Twitter is in love with RRR, and so are film podcasts (this episode of Unspooled in particular is especially fun and thorough).
RRR is available on Netflix and is also still in theaters.
Ninja Thyberg interviewed at Little White Lies
Ninja Thyberg, director of Pleasure, discusses her evolving relationship with porn and how it affected her experience directing the film with Hannah Strong at Little White Lies. It’s a really interesting interview.
Read it here.
Blonde trailer
The teaser trailer for Andrew Dominik’s Marilyn Monroe biopic, Blonde, is out. The film is based on the novel by Joyce Carol Oates and looks like it could be interesting, even from the clip’s incredibly brief moments. Ana De Armas plays Marylin and the cast also includes Adrien Brody, Bobby Carnivale, Scoot McNairy, and more. Take a look below: