Half of God’s Face Podcast

Intro by Sampson Hollander. This episode is a conversation about Warren Beatty's 1998 political satire Bulworth. The discussion focuses on how the movie predicted Trump, showing that even in the 90's people were tired of robotic politicians. Also Beatty's frustration with the Clinton administration is analyzed.

Intro by Sampson Hollander. This episode is a conversation about Ari Aster's new movie Eddington. The discussion covers the film's depiction of the height of covid, and its portrayal of MAGA and politics in general. Author Robert Coover's potential influence on the film is also considered.

Intro by Sampson Hollander. This episode is a conversation about the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, featuring special guest George Bye! Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's life and connections are discussed, including their relationship with Robert Maxwell and a massive assortment of celebrities/world leaders.

Intro by Sampson Hollander. This episode is a discussion of the new Adam Curtis series Shifty. Austin and Zach talk about how Curtis portrays international political figures, and celebrities throughout his work, and how his style has evolved away from his iconic voice-over. Some of Adam Curtis' artistic influences are also brought up.

Intro by Sampson Hollander. This episode is a conversation about the life and career of Marilyn Monroe, featuring special guest Ben Lobel! Discussion covers her best roles, how Marilyn innovated and added to film history, and some of the most legendary behind the scenes stories which built her myth.

Intro by Sampson Hollander. This episode goes through what films won awards at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, and what surprisingly didn't. Austin and Zach also explain what films they're most excited to see, and why, including talking about which films got the most praise from critics. Zach goes on an unhinged rant about Lav Diaz starting at 45 minute 11 second mark.

Intro by Sampson Hollander. This episode is an extended discussion of the JFK assassination, featuring special guests Niko Robledo and Eamonn Kreitzer! Also Austin is alive, we were just joking about that. Dr. Curtis shows where he thinks the bullets came from, at 4 minute 40 second mark. "And he was AN IRISH MAN! THAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT PART!" 1 hour 3 minute, 37 second mark. Kennedy's face learning Lumumba had been killed, at 1 hour 15 minute 24 seconds. The wink, 1 hour 39 minute, 53 second mark. Altgens photo, at 1 hour 45 minute, 47 seconds. "When a king is killed . . . " 1 hour 51 minute, 39 second mark.

Intro by Sampson Hollander. This episode is a discussion of David Cronenberg's new release The Shrouds. It's all about death and grief in an age of advanced technology.

Intro by Sampson Hollander.
This episode is a discussion of Paul Thomas Anderson's film Inherent Vice, featuring special guest Sean Fahey! Pynchon's life and career are also brought up at length, and some interesting connections to Dave McGowan's work are made.

Intro by Sampson Hollander. Logo by Dylan Bernard. This episode features hot gossip from Zach's trip to Los Angeles, followed by discussion of the new Pynchon novel and its connection to the new PTA film (starting at 37 minute 20 second mark). Pynchon's Shadow Ticket and PTA's One Battle After Another to be released 2 weeks apart, in late September and early October 2025. Plus ending comments on the 2025 Cannes lineup.