The Bulwark Goes to Hollywood podcast offers a dynamic analysis of the latest movies and their politics. Host Sonny Bunch talks with directors, producers, and critics about the film business. He also talks about TV shows like Peacock's Bupkis.
Sonny is a journalist, editor, and writer specializing in film. He writes for The Bulwark as well as The Washington Post. The Bulwark is a center-right website that promises "honest news" and "smart analysis." Sonny brings this guarantee and his movie love to his work on the show.
Moviemaking is an evolving business. The streaming wars of today mean fewer people are walking down the movie aisle at the theater. But the magic of acting keeps people watching films. Sonny talks about Hollywood's biggest nights, like the openings for Barbie and Oppenheimer. Ticket sales suggest they will be among the year's biggest Hollywood hits. The show also talks about what's to come in the industry.
Special guests on the podcast include Richard Rushfield, Shannon Moore, and Alison Macor. Sonny talks with Alison about her book, Rewrite Man. In it, she reveals the challenges of Warren Skaaron, who wrote for films such as Batman and Top Gun. How many Hollywood screenwriters, like Warren, struggled to get credit for their work? What makes working in the film industry so rewarding and so frustrating? Sometimes, Sonny concludes, it's best to do things the old-fashioned way. "Making a living is hard," he has noted.
In another episode, Alan Zilberman visits to discuss what being a film critic is like. Awards season, he explains, is overwhelming. Critics must watch as many movies a day as they can. He and his colleagues do this, knowing their input may not matter. The frontrunner gets the Oscar. At least, Alan says, that's the way it seems to go. David Thomson joins another episode to chat about the evolution of movie directors. He offers a fascinating perspective on people behind the camera. The show also talks about what's to come in the industry.
The Bulwark Goes to Hollywood may be an excellent podcast for film lovers and experts. Sonny rolls the camera on the show weekly.
Episodes