In this episode of Intrepid Filmographers, hosts Bobby Shortle and Nick Rocco Scalia take a deep dive into Joseph Kosinski’s sci-fi thriller Spiderhead. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, and Jurnee Smollett, Spiderhead brings viewers into a psychological experiment gone wrong, based on George Saunders' short story Escape from Spiderhead. Bobby and Nick discuss Kosinski’s unique direction, Hemsworth’s charming-yet-sinister performance, and the movie’s themes of free will, morality, and the impact of technology.
The hosts explore Kosinski’s transition from big-budget blockbusters to a contained, psychological thriller. They dissect Hemsworth’s “tech bro” portrayal, the use of mind-altering drugs on prisoners, and the film’s balance of dark humor and moral tension. Join them for a conversation on the film’s strengths, challenges, and how it stands within Kosinski's diverse filmography.
Topics Covered:
Spiderhead as an adaptation of George Saunders’ short story
Chris Hemsworth's performance as a twisted, charismatic tech mogul
Joseph Kosinski’s visual style and production design choices
Themes of mind control, consent, and ethical boundaries in science
The contrasting performances of Miles Teller and Chris Hemsworth
How the film reflects the “COVID core” style of minimalist, contained production
Chapter Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction to Spiderhead and Kosinski’s filmography
8:00 - The premise and Hemsworth’s “tech bro” character
15:30 - Kosinski’s directing choices and the visual aesthetic of Spiderhead
25:00 - The ethical implications of the experiments in the film
35:00 - Analysis of Miles Teller and Jurnee Smollett’s roles
50:00 - The influence of George Saunders’ original story
1:05:00 - Final thoughts and Spiderhead’s place in sci-fi cinema
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