Episode 6-Ammonite

05/22/23 • 92 min

In this episode, Andreina and Gabriela discuss the 2020 film Ammonite with a very special guest.
Ammonite tells the story of 19th-century British paleontologist Mary Anning. An imaginary retelling of a brief period of her life, the film is directed by Francis Lee and stars Kate Winslet in the role of Mary Anning and Saoirse Ronan as Charlotte Murchinson, her lover.
Join us as we discuss this period film mixing science, history, and romance in the South West of England. In the process, we explore the dichotomy between artistic vision vs reality, period film clichés, and what dignifies or not a character.
***Spoiler alert! While reviewing this show we go through key scenes and may reveal the ending, so be warned of spoilers!***

Sources & further readings:

Article with film’s synopsis prior to release

Interview with Kate Winslet on LGBTQ+ Representation and Honouring The History of Mary Anning

Behind the scenes

Sources & further readings:

Article with film’s synopsis prior to release

Interview with Kate Winslet on LGBTQ+ Representation and Honouring The History of Mary Anning

Behind the scenes

Previous Episode

Episode 5 - Emily

In this episode, Gaby and Andreina discuss the 2022 film Emily, written and directed by Frances O'Connor in her directorial debut. Emily is a part-fictional portrait of English writer Emily Brontë mostly converting the period of her life before she wrote her novel Wuthering Heights. Gaby and Andreina talk about the cinematic representation of Emily as a historical character, Brontë’s relationship with her equally celebrated siblings, and how the film fits within the period film movie genre.

***Spoiler alert! While reviewing this show we go through key scenes and may reveal the ending, so be warned of spoilers!***

Sources & further readings:

Interview with director Frances O’Connor and main cast at the People + Entertainment at TIFF 2022

And because they’re so good, here’s also the Q&A at the TIFF 2022

Film Review from The New York Times

Next Episode

Episode 7 - The Liberator

The Liberator tells the story, in wide strokes, of Simón Bolívar, the military leader, and most important Venezuelan historical figure. In this episode, Gaby and Andreina discuss the 2013 film with the help of a very special guest. Placing the film in the historical and political context in which it was made, we look at the role of historical films in creating a national identity and memory.

Join us as we discuss the relevance of cultural representation on the big screen, the humanisation of a mystified historical figure and the risks of too ambitious screenwriting.

Sources:

The Liberator Interview with actor Edgar Ramirez The Liberator Interview with director Alberto Arvelo (Spanish)
TIFF Interview with director Alberto ArveloGoogle Hangout The Liberator (Spanish)