In this episode of Intrepid Filmographers, Bobby Shortle and Nick Rocco Scalia continue their exploration of director Joseph Kosinski's body of work with a deep dive into his 2013 sci-fi epic, Oblivion. With a minimalist cast led by Tom Cruise, stunning visuals, and some questionable plot choices, Oblivion is a fascinating film that sparked a lot of conversation.
Bobby and Nick discuss Kosinski's visual mastery and how it shines through in the film’s design, from the futuristic bubble ship to the striking, real-world locations. They debate the movie's story structure, Cruise's performance, and the surprising amount of influence Kosinski had on the project. The hosts also delve into the themes of memory, identity, and the film’s striking but flawed narrative twists.
Topics Covered:
Joseph Kosinski’s signature visual style
Tom Cruise’s involvement and career at the time
The impact of practical effects and real-world locations
How Oblivion compares to other sci-fi classics
The challenges of engaging storytelling in a visually-driven film
The role of Andrea Riseborough and Olga Kurylenko in the film’s emotional core
Join Bobby and Nick as they dissect what works, what doesn’t, and why Oblivion is still a visually striking, yet narratively uneven, piece of sci-fi cinema.
Oblivion