ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN (1976): How Watergate Changed Journalism Forever
Watergate, the scandal that toppled Nixon. All the President’s Men (1976) tells the story of Woodward and Bernstein, the two Washington Post journalists who “followed the money” and uncovered corruption at the highest level. But does the film hold up today or has it become a mythologized version of journalism that no longer exists? Richard, Thorin, and MonteCristo dig into Robert Redford & Dustin Hoffman’s iconic roles, the slow-burn procedural style, the myth of journalism as a heroic truth-to-power force, and why this movie may feel like historical fiction in today’s cynical political world.
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ADAPTATION (2002): Nicolas Cage’s Strangest (And Best?) Role
Nicolas Cage playing twin brothers in the same film should have been a disaster, but in Adaptation (2002), it became one of his greatest performances. Charlie Kaufman’s meta-masterpiece about writer’s block, Hollywood compromise, and the agony of the creative process pushes Cage to deliver both the funniest and most heartbreaking roles of his career. Richard, Thorin, and Monte break down why Adaptation remains one of the smartest films ever made about art, obsession, and storytelling. From Kaufman’s genius screenplay to Spike Jonze’s direction and Chris Cooper’s Oscar-winning supporting role, we unpack how this strange, self-referential film became a modern classic. Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code FOURPLAY at shopmando.com! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/FOURPLAY and use code FOURPLAY and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup!
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8MM (1999): What Made it Too Dark for the 90s?
Critics called Joel Schumacher’s 8MM (1999) “sleazy, appalling, and exploitative.” With Nicolas Cage as a private investigator dragged into the world of underground snuff films, James Gandolfini at his sleaziest, and a young Joaquin Phoenix in one of his earliest breakout roles, the movie was condemned as too dark and disturbing for the 1990s. But does 8MM deserve its reputation as sleaze cinema, or is it a misunderstood neo-noir about cursed destinies and the abyss staring back? On this episode of Four Play, Richard, Thorin, and Monte debate Cage’s performance, the film’s noir roots, and how it compares to other notorious “snuff myth” films like Hardcore, Faces of Death, and Cannibal Holocaust.Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code FOURPLAY at shopmando.com!
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LEAVING LAS VEGAS (1995): Nicolas Cage’s Greatest Role... or His Most Tragic?
Leaving Las Vegas (1995) is Nicolas Cage at his most raw and devastating and he delivers a performance that won him an Oscar and became one of the bleakest love stories ever put on film. Cage plays Ben Sanderson, a man who moves to Las Vegas to drink himself to death, where he meets Elisabeth Shue in a career-defining role as a sex worker who chooses to love him anyway. In this episode, Richard Lewis, MonteCristo, and Thorin break down Cage’s Oscar-winning performance, Elisabeth Shue’s shocking transformation, and the film’s unflinching depiction of addiction, despair, and fleeting connection. They also discuss Roger Ebert’s surprising praise, the film’s cultural impact, and why Leaving Las Vegas still resonates nearly 30 years later.
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THE ROCK (1996): How GOOD is Michael Bay's Action Classic 30 Years Later?
We dive into Michael Bay's 1996 action film 'The Rock' starring Nicholas Cage, Sean Connery, and Ed Harris. Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo explore the film's iconic moments, characters, and unique blend of comedy, action, and drama. They discuss why 'The Rock' stands out as a classic in the action genre, Michael Bay's directorial choices, and the unforgettable performances from the stellar cast. We also cover the film's background, including its commercial success, cultural impact, entrance into the Criterion Collection, and Roger Ebert's surprising defense of its artistic merits. Don't miss this comprehensive analysis of one of the best action movies of the 90s!
Four Play selects four iconic films from a theme or genre to meticulously analyze and place in their proper historical context. Hosted by veteran esports commentators Richard Lewis, Duncan "Thorin" Shields, and Christopher "MonteCristo" Mykles, Four Play showcases both legendary Hollywood movies as well as hidden gems outside the mainstream. Be sure to watch along with our hosts each week to get the most of each conversation!
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