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In all seriousness though, I had a conversation with my brother, who is a mental health counselor, about the very topic of suicidally depressed people who are very kind and seem outwardly positive. Within days of Brody taking his own life, I heard a public radio story about a college basketball player who exhibited these tendencies to the letter and ended up committing suicide as well. In the case of the athlete, his peers and his family were totally shocked that he would do such a thing, totally oblivious to his symptoms. A lot of that has to do with the culture of athletics and the community he grew up in, both of whom tend to sweep such problems under the rug. So it behooves all of us to reach out to people who are hurting, to make them feel recognized and appreciated, at least so they know they have some place to go to for help. Thank you all for doing that here.

You are all wonderful humans and even if my own mental health issues make me a swirling gyre of self-doubt, I want you all to know that you are all awesome and appreciated! But if there is one thing I CANNOT tolerate, it is shade throne at Michael Fassbender. I could stare into his dreamy cold-steel eyes forever. He's even who I picture when I think of Macbeth. BUT you are all SO GREAT that I still love coming here even if you are unimpressed by Mr. Fassbender

And, because I don’t say it enough, I just want to say how much I appreciate Taylor Anne. You’re my oldest friend on the boards and I probably take your presence here far more than I should. In fact, old friends and new friends alike, thank you for being here! I talk about you all (in good ways) far more than you would probably guess.

Thanks guys. I am sending virtual hugs, etc. i actualky did have to describe this podcast to my therapist, because she is all about like, coping in advance. And I was going to do something stressful (it involves seeing my parents) and she was like, you should put some episodes of that podcast on your phone. What is it again? And I was like, oh it’s kind of silly, it’s these comedian friends talking about bad movies they watch. I guess I was kind of sheepish and she said it makes sense, because when I feel isolated (which I do Around my parents or when I’m depressed) I can listen to friends talk and laugh, and it sort of simulates having friends in the room without me having to do any emotional work/or get stressed—because I am an introvert and usually people drain me. Plus movies are meant to be escapist. That is why I love storytelling and work with books. But books are my job so sometimes even when I’m reading for fun, it feels like work. I don't know, I was kind of stunned by this summation. I kind of thought I was just a weirdo. I would also definitely include all of you as stress free friends! And, because I can’t be serious for long stretches, I too thought people were sending in their stuff to get free promotion which made me wonder, should I be sending in books I worked on? Am I an idiot for not thinking of this before Paul figured out the game?

I'm a huge fan of Private Ryan, so I was a bit surprised to hear so many criticisms of what I thought was an almost universally revered movie. Yes, I know the bookends are a problem for a lot of people. And some think that it's an overly simplified presentation of warfare. And maybe having seen it for the first time at age seventeen, i was more impressed by the spectacle, and the solemn "adultness" of it all, than i would have been in my more discerning years. But it still enthralls me every time I watch it. The cinematography dazzles, and the performances are extremely solid, especially Hanks and Davies. That John Williams score does a lot to heighten the emotions, even if the characters aren't fully fleshed out. However I would argue that the anonymity of the soldiers is an essential thematic thread that is carried throughout (Cpt. Miller's enigmatic origins, anyone?). And also, I was a little irked by Amy's criticism that it doesn't pass the Bechdel test. Given the time, place and subject matter of the film, I feel it's an unfair, and (forgive me) an almost inane, critique. Social consciousness is extremely important for films, but i'm of the opinion that when creating art, one should not feel the need to reshape one's work in order to check all the appropriate boxes. Art should provoke and challenge, not placate and cajole.

Two years ago, we had Dunkirk and Darkest Hour. It's not three movies but it's two WWII movies covering (in part) Dunkirk.

I echo everyone's thoughts on suicide. Without making this too much about me, I, also struggle with depression/anxiety and suicidal ideation. The podcast, and this forum are excellent respites for the soul pounding the world can give us. Grateful fur all of you!

Same, on all counts. To reiterate what Paul said, if anyone reading this needs someone to talk to (confidentially and for free) call 1-800-273-8255. Their site has resources for Spanish speakers and deaf/hard of hearing people too. And if you're trans and you want to connect with fellow trans people who understand what you're going through, the volunteers at Trans Lifeline are waiting. Call 1-877-565-8860.

I battle clinical anxiety and depression every day and let me just say that I could not agree more with everything Elektra has said here. I've never met anyone that suffers from a mental illness that wasn't actively trying to be the best and nicest person they can be. Also, Elektra, we love you so much here and every time I see you post it makes me happy.

Hi guys, I was kind if tearing up about the suicide. Long-time posters might remember I had a depressive episode about two years ago and my doctor put me in the hospital. What I learned there is that mentally ill people are some of the nicest, most sensitive folks and we have terrible mental healthcare in this country (I heard there was a doc about it at Sundance this year and I can't wait to see because it's a problem that needs some work). Anyway, if you are depressed and reading this, please do call a hotline or someone you love. I know a lot of people don't like to use the phone now days but those people volunteer for this. They want to talk to you. And, tbh, it couldn't make you feel worse, could it? Anyway that was more serious than I wanted. I am excited about THE SNOWMAN. It looks awful and I don't really understand the appeal of Fassbender. (As an actor, please don't comment about penis size, weirdos.) Does he have more teeth than other people, I want to know.