Revisionist History • Pushkin Industries

In this episode from the Revisionist History podcast, host Ethan Cross explores mental chatter — the negative and persistent inner voice of worry, rumination, and self-criticism that can dominate our thoughts. Guests like Laurie Santos and Maya Shankar share techniques for managing mental chatter, such as distancing oneself from distressing thoughts and adopting a future perspective.

Kristin Neff also discusses the transformative power of self-compassion, offering a healthier approach to inner dialogue and advocacy for self-kindness over harsh self-judgement. The episode examines how overcoming mental chatter and negative thought patterns can lead to improved well-being and performance.

Dive into the intricate process of film creation with Malcolm Gladwell and Charles Randolph in the "Revisionist History" podcast, as they delve into the complex issues surrounding the adaptation of real-life events for the silver screen. Navigate through the challenge of balancing authenticity with engaging storytelling as they explore the ethical quagmire and artistic dilemmas faced when converting the book "The Birthday Party" into a cinematic narrative, especially with stories rich in intense racial themes.

This episode not only dissects the fervent debate on the creation of depth within characters through internal conflicts but also addresses who gets to narrate specific stories. As Gladwell and Randolph discuss, the recent trend of aligning directors with the background of their subject matter brings to the fore pressing questions on ethical authority, creative license, and the potential richness brought in by an outsider's perspective in the art of storytelling. Join them in untangling this web of creative tensions that lie at the heart of culturally significant filmmaking.

In this episode of Revisionist History, the peculiar tale of Bubbles the chimpanzee's life with Michael Jackson is explored through the lens of an unreliable narrator. The summary delves into Bubbles' misinterpreted perspective of the pop icon's eccentricities and scandals—a comedic obliviousness that shields him from the darker realities. It also chronicles the demise of a movie about Bubbles after the "Leaving Neverland" documentary exposed Jackson's alleged misconduct.

Initially conceived as a whimsical story, the Bubbles movie's reimagining to confront Jackson's controversies reflects society's evolving shift away from willful ignorance. As public perceptions transformed, so did the project's narrative trajectory, offering a poignant examination of fame, innocence, and the consequences of loyalty amidst scandal.

In this episode of Revisionist History, the discussion centers on the trends among the 2023 Oscar Best Picture nominees. The analysis reveals a shift away from "middle brow" movies towards blockbusters and indie films, reflecting broader market and societal changes. The conversation touches on the omission of American regional life in cinema and the underrepresentation of women and minority directors.

The episode also delves into the analysis of specific Best Picture nominees, exploring the themes and narratives of films like "Barbie," "Oppenheimer," and "Killers of the Flower Moon." Additionally, the role and importance of film criticism are explored, highlighting the necessity of connecting audiences to broader cultural and societal themes through nuanced and thoughtful criticism.

Philip K. Dick's novel "Variable Man," a tale of an unpredictable hero in a predictable AI-driven world, poses a challenge for screenwriters tasked with adapting it into an AI-driven dystopia. The screenwriters' struggles mirror the novel's narrative on the limitations of artificial intelligence and its inability to comprehend human agency and complex storytelling.

In an ironic turn, the film executives' reliance on an algorithm to predict the project's success led to their company's bankruptcy following the failure of an AI-recommended script. This real-world narrative prompted skepticism about AI's capabilities in creative fields from co-screenwriter Angus Fletcher, who went on to advocate against AI's ability to genuinely understand and generate intricate narratives and human complexities in his academic work.