Thematic Content #02: 8 MILLION WAYS TO DIE with Philip Gawthorne Artwork

An Invitation Productions

An Invitation Productions sprung to life when storyboard artist Jim Penola began exploring Karyn Kusama’s 2015 masterpiece THE INVITATION with the podcast titled––what else?––“An Invitation to THE INVITATION.” 🟣 The limited series remains a unique narrative/critical hybrid that is as meticulously scripted as it is produced, using Kusama's film as a means of highlighting cinematic craft alongside rigorous self-inquiry. Jim’s passion for other films blooms further in an eclectic selection of “one-off” episodes that excavate movies like COOL RUNNINGS and JUPITER ASCENDING. 🟣 However, his fascination with audio drama married to the aural essay format continues with the series “An Invitation to DESTROYER” – centered on Kusama’s 2018 neo-noir, originally starring Nicole Kidman. 🟣 Consider yourself invited. RSVP now.

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An Invitation Productions

Thematic Content #02: 8 MILLION WAYS TO DIE with Philip Gawthorne

July 19, 2024 • Philip Gawthorne • Season 2

Thematic Content is a series about the themes that define film history—across eras, genres, and filmmakers—even mediums.

Episode #02 continues this inaugural season's exploration of a "Los Angeles Horror of Manners" with a vivid look at polarizing 80s neo-noir, 8 MILLION WAYS TO DIE, starring Jeff Bridges and Andy Garcia. Arguing in favor of the film’s many virtues, along with host Jim Penola, is esteemed guest, Philip Gawthorne – a prolific screenwriter (Underwater, Modern Life Is Rubbish), podcaster (Die Hard on a Blank), and all-around cinephile.

Throughout the episode, Jim and Phil investigate the film's portrayal of permissible conduct in a world of crime, the way our mistakes inform that lifestyle, and the iterative nature of self-actualization.

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Thematic Content is written, produced, edited, and hosted by Jim Penola.

Original music by John Penola.

Original artwork and illustrations by NoNo Flores.

Executive produced by John Penola and Jane Penola.

Additional voiceover this episode by John Rowles.

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I Live In A World I Didn't Make: Recovering 8 Million Ways to Die by Travis Woods.

8 Million Ways to Die on Blu-ray.

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•••Shout-out to some of my lovely & amazing patrons: Rupa dasGupta, John Penola, Jane Penola, and Joseph Penola. ⚫ Get early access, extended episodes, and the Patreon-exclusive companion podcast "Ellipsis" only at Patreon.com/jimpenola ⚫ Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation ⚫ Email us: Invitation2Invitation@gmail.com•••