66. Coppola Cast Redux: Sofia #10: On the Rocks (2020)

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This episode we review the feature length reunion of Sofia Coppola and Bill Murray: On the Rocks. Filmed in 2019 but released during the 2020 COVID pandemic, Sofia’s marital comedy and detective story of sorts played only briefly in theaters before ending up on AppleTV+ (though it is thankfully available on DVD & Blu-ray). We discuss the performances and chemistry of Bill Murray and Rashida Jones, how this differs stylistically from Sofia’s previous films, and how Life Without Zoe, Lost in Translation, and On the Rocks make an unofficial trilogy. Also, Bryan points out references to Lost in Translation and A.J. rants against AppleTV+. This episode’s themed drink was: Cutty (Sark) on the rocks. 

44. Coppola Cast #25: New York Stories (Life Without Zoe) (1989)

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Francis Coppola closed out the 1980’s with a contribution to the omnibus film New York Stories, along with Martin Scorsese and Woody Allen. Coppola’s segment, “Life Without Zoe” has long been derided as the worst of the 3 short films and Bryan and A.J. discuss it perhaps more than it has ever been discussed. We also review Scorsese’s “Life Lessons” and Allen’s “Oedipus Wrecks” and look at where each filmmaker was at this point in their careers. We talk about the origins of New York Stories, the original choices for directors, why Coppola maybe wasn’t the best for this project, and how “Life Without Zoe” is secretly a Sofia Coppola film. This episode’s Coppola wines were: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 and Rose of Pinot Noir 2019.