Landmark Theatres Q&A Podcast

Internationally renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel and Director Ted Braun discuss their new documentary ¡Viva Maestro! with moderator Matthew Carey (Deadline Hollywood). Recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on April 8th, 2022. Gustavo Dudamel is the acclaimed Music and Artistic Director for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. When the conductor’s international tours are disrupted by deadly protests across his native Venezuela, one of the world’s finest and most beloved musicians faces a daunting set of challenges—to his commitment to the mentor who changed his life, to friends and musicians he’s led since his teens, and to his belief in art’s transformative capacity. ¡Viva Maestro!, the uplifting and timely new documentary from acclaimed director Ted Braun (Darfur Now), follows Dudamel around the world as he responds to unexpected and imposing obstacles with stirring music-making that celebrates the power of art to renew and unite.

Director Guillermo Del Toro speaks with moderator Scott Mantz about the Black and White version of his latest film, entitled NIGHTMARE ALLEY: VISIONS OF DARKNESS AND LIGHT. Recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on 1/14/22. When charismatic but down-on-his-luck Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) endears himself to clairvoyant Zeena (Toni Collette) and her has-been mentalist husband Pete (David Strathairn) at a traveling carnival, he crafts a golden ticket to success, using this newly acquired knowledge to grift the wealthy elite of 1940s New York society. With the virtuous Molly (Rooney Mara) loyally by his side, Stanton plots to con a dangerous tycoon (Richard Jenkins) with the aid of a mysterious psychiatrist (Cate Blanchett) who might be his most formidable opponent yet. Shown in Black & White with the authorization of the filmmaker, Nightmare Alley: Vision in Darkness and Light is written and directed by Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth).

Moderator Scott Mantz speaks about documentary BRIAN WILSON: LONG PROMISED ROAD with director Brent Wilson and Rolling Stone Editor Jason Fine. Legendary musical genius Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys also stops by. Recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on 11/17/21. Join The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson on an intimate journey through his legendary career as he reminisces with Rolling Stone editor and longtime friend Jason Fine. Featuring a new song, "Right Where I Belong," written and performed by Wilson and Jim James (My Morning Jacket), and interviews with Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Nick Jonas, Linda Perry, Jim James, Gustavo Dudamel and Al Jardine.

Kristin Stewart discusses her performance as Princess Diana in Pablo Larrain's SPENCER with moderator Marc Malkin (Variety). Recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on 11/7/21. The marriage of Princess Diana (Kristen Stewart) and Prince Charles (Jack Farthing) has long since grown cold. Though rumors of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate. There's eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. But this year, things will be profoundly different. Spencer is an imagining of what might have happened during those few fateful days. Also starring Timothy Spall, Sean Harris, and Sally Hawkins. Written by Steven Knight (“Peaky Blinders”) and directed by Pablo Larraín (Jackie).

Writer/Director Julia Ducournau speaks about her Palme D'Or-winning film TITANE with moderator Carlos Aguilar. Recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on 10/1/21. TITANE: A metal highly resistant to heat and corrosion, with high tensile strength alloys, often used in medical prostheses due to its pronounced biocompatibility. Julia Ducournau, the director of Raw, delivers “a heart and head-thumping visceral masterpiece” (i-D) that's “dazzling, horrifying, tender, brilliant” (Time Out).

Actor Dan Stevens discusses his latest film I'M YOUR MAN with moderator Janelle Riley (Variety). In this playfully romantic tale about what love and longing really mean in the modern age, Alma (Maren Eggert) is a scientist coerced into participating in an extraordinary study in order to obtain research funds for her work. For three weeks, she has to live with a humanoid robot tailored to her character and needs, whose artificial intelligence is designed to be the perfect life partner for her. Enter Tom (Dan Stevens, “Downton Abbey,” The Guest), a machine in human form in a class of its own, created solely to make her happy. Germany's Official Selection for Best International Feature at the 2022 Academy Awards. Written and directed by Maria Schrader (“Unorthodox”). Recorded at the The Landmark in Los Angeles on 9/25/21.

Writer/Director/Actor Natalie Morales discusses her directing debut LANGUAGE LESSONS with moderator Carlos Aguilar (LA Times). This conversation was recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on 9/10/21. When Adam's (Mark Duplass) husband surprises him with weekly Spanish lessons, he's unsure about where or how this new element will fit into his already structured life. But when tragedy strikes, his Spanish teacher, Cariño (director Natalie Morales), becomes a lifeline he didn’t know he needed. Adam develops an unexpected and complicated emotional bond with Cariño—but do you really know someone just because you’ve experienced a traumatic moment with them? Bittersweet, honest, and at times darkly funny, Language Lessons is a disarmingly moving exploration of platonic love. Winner of the Audience Award at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival.

Producer Talleah Bridges McMahon and Editor Cinque Northern discuss their new documentary MY NAME IS PAULI MURRAY with moderator Jasmyne Cannick. This conversation was recorded at The Landmark in Los Angeles on 9/17/21. They are one of the most influential figures in American 20th century history. It’s time you learn their name. Fifteen years before Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat, a full decade before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned separate-but-equal legislation, Pauli Murray was already knee-deep fighting for social justice. A pioneering attorney, activist, priest and dedicated memoirist, Murray shaped landmark litigation—and consciousness—around race and gender equity. As an African American youth raised in the segregated South—who was also wrestling with broader notions of gender identity—Pauli understood, intrinsically, what it was to exist beyond previously accepted categories and cultural norms. Both Pauli’s personal path and tireless advocacy foreshadowed some of the most politically consequential issues of our time. Told largely in Pauli’s own words, My Name is Pauli Murray is a candid recounting of that unique and extraordinary journey. Directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen (RBG).

In this exclusive interview, Academy Award Best Actress winner Juliette Binoche gets deep into the psychology of self-deception, self-acceptance, social media, aging and more, as it relates to her latest film, WHO YOU THINK I AM, a romantic cyber-drama turned psychological thriller. In the film she plays a dual role, that of Claire, a mature literature professor, author and single mother of two teen boys - and Clara, her 24-year old online avatar who engages in a steamy relationship with a young photographer. Binoche is in conversation with Landmark's Margot Gerber. The film is now playing on the big screen in Landmark Theatres. Distributed by Cohen Media Group. To see what's onscreen: LandmarkTheatres.com

Actor Annette Bening discusses her new film Hope Gap with moderator Scott Mantz. Recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on 3/6/20. The intimate, intense and loving story of Hope Gap charts the life of Grace (Annette Bening), shocked to learn her husband (Bill Nighy) is leaving her for another after 29 years of marriage, and the ensuing emotional fallout the dissolution has on their only grown son (Josh O’Connor). Unraveled and feeling displaced in her small seaside town, Grace ultimately regains her footing and discovers a new, powerful voice.

Writer/Director Benh Zeitlin speaks to moderator Gregory Ellwood (The Playlist) about his new film WENDY, the seven-years-in-the-making follow-up to his acclaimed 2012 feature BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD. This conversation was recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on 2/29/20. The classic story of Peter Pan is wildly reimagined in this ragtag epic from Benh Zeitlin, director of Beasts of the Southern Wild. Lost on a mysterious island where aging and time have come unglued, Wendy (Devin France) must fight to save her family, her freedom, and the joyous spirit of youth from the deadly peril of growing up.

Moderator Jenelle Riley (Variety) speaks with Writer/Director Andrew Heckler and actors Crystal Fox and Austin Hebert about their film BURDEN, which won the Dramatic Audience Award at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. This conversation was recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on 2/28/20. When a museum celebrating the Ku Klux Klan opens in a small South Carolina town, the idealistic Reverend Kennedy (Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker) resolves to do everything in his power to prevent long-simmering racial tensions from boiling over. But the members of Kennedy’s congregation are shocked to discover that his plan includes sheltering Mike Burden (Garrett Hedlund), a Klansman whose relationships with both a single-mother (Andrea Riseborough) and a high-school friend (Usher Raymond) force him to re-examine his long-held beliefs. After Kennedy helps Mike leave behind his violent past, the Baptist preacher finds himself on a collision course with manipulative KKK leader Tom Griffin (Tom Wilkinson). In the face of grave threats to himself and his family, the resolute Kennedy bravely pursues a path toward peace, setting aside his own misgivings in the hopes of healing his wounded community. From Oscar-nominated filmmaker Robbie Brenner (Dallas Buyers Club) and writer/director Andrew Heckler comes this dramatic true story of compassion and grace in the American South.

Writer/Director Michael Winterbottom and Actor Steve Coogan discuss their latest film, GREED, with moderator Scott Mantz. Recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on 2/28/20. Greed tells the story of self-made British billionaire Sir Richard McCreadie (Steve Coogan, The Trip, Stan & Ollie, Philomena), whose retail empire is in crisis. For 30 years he has ruled the world of retail fashion—bringing the high street to the catwalk and the catwalk to the high street—but after a damaging public inquiry, his image is tarnished. To save his reputation, he decides to bounce back with a highly publicized and extravagant party celebrating his 60th birthday on the Greek island of Mykonos. A satire on the grotesque inequality of wealth in the fashion industry, the film sees McCreadie’s rise and fall through the eyes of his biographer, Nick (David Mitchell). Written and directed by Michael Winterbottom (The Trip, The Wedding Guest, A Mighty Heart, 24 Hour Party People).

Music legend Robbie Robertson of The Band discusses the new documentary ONCE WERE BROTHERS with radio host and music journalist Nic Harcourt (KCSN). Recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on 2/20/20. Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band is a confessional, cautionary, and occasionally humorous tale of Robertson’s young life and the creation of one of the most enduring groups in the history of popular music, The Band. The film is a moving story of Robertson’s personal journey, overcoming adversity and finding camaraderie alongside the four other men who would become his brothers in music, together making their mark on music history. Once Were Brothers blends rare archival footage, photography, iconic songs and interviews with Robertson’s friends and collaborators including Martin Scorsese, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, and more.

Director Autumn de Wilde and Director of Photography Chris Blauvelt discuss their new film adaptation of Jane Austen's EMMA. Moderated by filmmaker Gus Van Sant. Recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on 2/22/20. Jane Austen’s beloved comedy about finding your equal and earning your happy ending is reimagined in this delicious new film adaptation of EMMA. Handsome, clever, and rich, Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Joy) is a restless queen bee without rivals in her sleepy little town. In this glittering satire of social class and the pain of growing up, Emma must adventure through misguided matches and romantic missteps to find the love that has been there all along.

Actor Barbara Magnolfi (Olga) speaks about her experience working with Dario Argento in the 1977 horror classic, Suspiria. This conversation was recorded prior to a Cine Insomnia midnight screening of the film at Landmark's NuArt Theatre on 2/7/20. The terrifying first chapter of Dario Argento’s “Three Mothers” Trilogy stars Jessica Harper (The Phantom of the Paradise) as Suzy Banyon, a young American ballet dancer who arrives at a prestigious European dance academy run by the mysterious Madame Blanc (Joan Bennett of TV’s “Dark Shadows”) and Miss Tanner (Alida Valli). But when a series of bizarre incidents and horrific crimes turn the school into a waking nightmare of the damned, Suzy must escape the academy's unspeakable secret of supernatural evil. Here, as in his film Deep Red, writer/director Argento gets a pulse-pounding, thrilling assist from Italian prog musicians Goblin.

Artist Matthew Barney discusses his latest film work REDOUBT with author Maggie Nelson. Recorded at Landmark's NuArt Theatre on 1/25/20. Redoubt loosely adapts the classical myth of Diana, goddess of the hunt and of nature, and Actaeon, a hunter who trespasses on her privacy and is punished. The first new film in several years by internationally acclaimed artist, writer and director Matthew Barney, creator of the CREMASTER Cycle and Drawing Restraint 9, unfolds as a series of hunts in the rugged wilderness of Idaho’s spectacular Sawtooth Mountains. Anette Wachter, a real champion sharpshooter, is cast as Diana, and the director himself plays a grizzled mountain man known as The Engraver. The characters communicate a mythological narrative through dance, letting movement replace language as they pursue each other and their prey. By layering classical myths, cosmological myths, and American myths about humanity’s place in the natural world, the film creates a complex portrait of the American landscape.

Director Bernard-Henri Lévy discusses his pair of documentaries PESHMERGA and THE BATTLE OF MOSUL, screening together theatrically at select Landmark Theatres, with Mitchell Landsberg (Senior Editor - LA Times). This conversation was recorded at Landmark's NuArt Theatre on 1/17/20. Peshmerga: In 2015, Bernard-Henri Lévy travelled to the front lines of ISIS, seeking first-hand understanding of the ongoing conflict. With unprecedented access and disarming immediacy, Lévy and a team of cameramen journey across the 650 miles separating Iraqi Kurdistan from Islamic troupes. In close quarters with the Peshmergas, the Kurdish fighters who show unfailing determination in their harrowing battle against Jihadi fundamentalism, the images captured provide an arresting perspective on a still-unfinished war with immense global implications. The Battle of Mosul: Picking up where Peshmerga left off, the most recent of Bernard-Henri Lévy’s riveting cinematic dispatches begins on October 17, 2017, the first day of the battle to free Mosul from the Islamic State. The declared capital of ISIS and the burial place of the Prophet Jonah, the city of Mosul holds great significance Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. Following both the Kurds and the Iraqi Golden Division Special Forces, Lévy and his team once again provide front row access at every step of the strategic battle culminating in the reclamation of the eastern half of the city.

This episode features two Q&As recorded after two sneak preview screenings of PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE, the first featuring writer/director Céline Sciamma and actors Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel, moderated by Tracy Gilchrist (Feminism Editor - The Advocate), and the second featuring Sciamma and cinematographer Claire Mathon, moderated by Jenelle Riley (Variety). These Q&As were recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on 1/7/20 and 1/10/20. France, 1760. Marianne is commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who has just left the convent. Because she is a reluctant bride-to-be, Marianne arrives under the guise of companionship, observing Héloïse by day and secretly painting her by firelight at night. As the two women orbit one another, intimacy and attraction grow as they share Héloïse’s first moments of freedom. Héloïse's portrait soon becomes a collaborative act of and testament to their love. Winner of a coveted Cannes prize and one of the best reviewed films of the year, Portrait of a Lady on Fire solidifies Céline Sciamma as one of the most exciting filmmakers working in the world today. Noémie and Adèle Haenel turn the subtle act of looking into a dangerous, engrossing thrill, crafting the most breathtaking and elegant performances of the year. To watch Marianne and Héloïse fall in love is to see love itself invented onscreen. With contemporary themes in period dress, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is one of the greatest love stories ever told.

Director/Co-Writer Sam Mendes and Actors George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman speak about their film 1917 with moderator Pete Hammond (Deadline Hollywood). Recorded at the Landmark in Los Angeles on 1/3/20. Sam Mendes, the Oscar-winning director of Skyfall, Spectre and American Beauty, brings his singular vision to his World War I epic 1917. At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield (George MacKay, Captain Fantastic) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman, “Game of Thrones”) are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them. 1917 is directed by Sam Mendes, who wrote the screenplay with Krysty Wilson-Cairns (“Penny Dreadful”). Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Cinematography.