Episode 16: Michael Almereyda's Cymbeline Aven McMaster, Mark Sundaram, & John Kelly Download

We review Ethan Hawke & Ed Harris's Cymbeline (2014), a movie that wasn't well received when it came out, but may offer interesting insights into the Shakespearean play it adapts. Is it a flat production of a poor play, as many critics said, or a philosophically coherent interpretation of work that offers us surprisingly existential insights into the violence of the modern world? Join Aven, Mark, & John as they work through their reactions to this sometimes perplexing movie.

Episode 15: Charlton Heston's Antony & Cleopatra Aven McMaster, Mark Sundaram, & John Kelly Download

We discuss Heston's Antony, how little his Cleopatra gets to say, and the perils of rewording Shakespeare's text. And then we speculate about our dream casting for Antony & Cleopatra: who could be the power couple among current actors? Suggestions welcome!

Episode 14: Westside Story Aven McMaster, Mark Sundaram, & Jon Cox Download

We discuss the classic musical adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, and how the music of Bernstein & the lyrics of Sondheim transform Shakespeare's play and its message.

Episode 13: Slings & Arrows Aven McMaster, Mark Sundaram, & John Kelly Download

Aven & Mark introduce John to their favourite tv show about Shakespeare, Slings & Arrows, with Season 1 (2003). They discuss how it casts new light on Hamlet as a play and as a cultural force, its commentary on art and commercialism, Canada/US relations, and our connections to death--all while revelling in its deliciously funny dialogue.

Also check out John's writing about Shakespeare and about etymology.

Episode 12: Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo & Juliet Jon Cox, Aven McMaster, Mark Sundaram, & John Kelly Download

All four co-hosts convene to discuss the classic Zeffirelli version of Romeo & Juliet, with its young co-stars, beautiful architecture, lush scenery and costuming, and evocative score. Jon, Aven, Mark & John elaborate on the cuts to the text, the emphasis on the political threat of the feuding families, the ridiculousness of considering this a love story to be emulated, and the developments in cinematography and editing evident in this iconic movie.

Episode 11: Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet Aven McMaster, Mark Sundaram, & John Kelly Download

After a longer than usual break, we return with a longer than usual movie--and episode! John Kelly joins Aven and Mark to discuss this lavish, star-studded, and unabridged version of Hamlet. What is gained by filming the entire text? How does it enrich our understanding of Hamlet's character -- and does it make us like him more or less? To learn more about John Kelly and his work, visit mashedradish.com.

Episode 10: Orson Welles's Chimes at Midnight Aven McMaster, Mark Sundaram, & John Kelly Download

Aven & Mark are joined by a guest host, John Kelly, to discuss Orson Welles's adaptation of several plays into the story of Falstaff. A stylish, moving, and fascinating piece of cinema, it gives us lots to discuss about the plays, the characters, and Welles's personal connection to Falstaff himself. To learn more about John Kelly and his work, visit mashedradish.com.

Episode 9: Verdi & Zeffirelli's Falstaff Jonathan Cox, Aven McMaster, and Mark Sundaram Download

We explore some of the history of opera in our discussion of this filmed version of Franco Zeffirelli's production of Verdi's Falstaff at the Metropolitan Opera. A comic romp with some lovely music and lavish staging, the show provides some interesting insights into Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor, on which it's based.

Episode 8: Kenneth Branagh's Henry V Jonathan Cox, Aven McMaster, and Mark Sundaram Download

Join us this month as we watch Kenneth Branagh's Henry V, an excellent adaptation of this history play which proves startlingly relevant in the aftermath of the Brexit vote. His first movie as director, Branagh delivers a sharp and thrilling adaptation of the play.

Episode 7: River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves in My Own Private Idaho Jonathan Cox, Aven McMaster, and Mark Sundaram Download

In this episode, Mark, Aven, and Jon watch and discuss Gus Van Sant's 1991 indie classic My Own Private Idaho. A visually stunning and inventive movie, it incorporates the story of Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 and Henry V into a tale about love and loss among the gay escorts in the Pacific Northwest.

Episode 6: Michael Fassbender's Macbeth Jonathan Cox, Aven McMaster, and Mark Sundaram Download

Join Mark, Aven, and Jon as we watch and discuss the 2015 film version of Macbeth. A visually stunning but very muted film, this movie keeps the time period intact but is presented in a very contemporary manner.