Ep 370 - Kinds of Kindness

In this episode of 'The Actor and the Engineer,' Paul James and Josh Knapp delve into the complexities of Yorgos Lanthimos's 'Kinds of Kindness.' They discuss the balance between humor and existential dread in the film, its three distinct vignettes, and the thematic elements of control, belief, and absurdity. The conversation also touches on the deliberate choice of visual elements, such as color schemes and costume design, as well as the controversial aspects of screenwriting and character decisions that challenge viewers on multiple levels.


00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks
00:27 Discussing Yorgos Lanthimos' Style
02:47 Analyzing the Film's Humor and Dread
06:31 Exploring Themes of Control and Belief
08:32 Absurdity in Film and Personal Reflections
22:06 Comparing to Other Directors and Films
27:59 Humorous Moments and Costume Choices
32:57 Color Symbolism in Set Design
35:48 Questioning the Use of Sexuality in Film
39:21 Hollywood's Potential Fetishization of Homosexuality
48:53 Yorgos Lanthimos and Female Agency
51:51 Analyzing Controversial Storytelling Choices
01:01:37 Final Thoughts and Reflections