The Secret Mailbox

The Secret Mailbox

Author: Slate Podcasts January 8, 2020 Duration: 1:13:38

This week on the Culture Gabfest, Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner dive into Little Women, writer-director Greta Gerwig’s adaption—perhaps the best adaption yet—of Louisa May Alcott’s novel that follows the lives of the four March sisters. Next, they discuss the risky jokes, heartfelt speeches, and weird red carpet looks of this year’s Golden Globes. Finally, they chat about The Movie Club, Slate’s annual conversation among film critics led by Dana about this year in film. 

On the Slate Plus segment this week, the panel spoils the ending to Little Women. 

Endorsements

Dana: 

Atlantics, a Cannes Grand Prix-winning film by French-Senegalese director Mati Diop, streaming on Netflix.

Julia: 

A withdrawal of a previous endorsement—the book The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow—because of its sexist treatment of women. 

The Marvel supervillain M.O.D.O.K.

Steve: 

The German-Austrian comedy-drama Toni Erdmann, directed, written, and co-produced by Maren Ade. Available for rent on Amazon Prime.


Outro Music: It’s Romance by Alexandre Desplat from the Little Women Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 

Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Production assistance by Rachael Allen.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each week, the lively and insightful critics of Culture Gabfest gather to dissect what’s happening across the cultural landscape. Hosted by Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner, the conversation flows effortlessly from the latest film releases and television phenomena to books, music, and broader artistic debates, blending highbrow analysis with genuine pop enthusiasm. Their dynamic is less a formal review and more like eavesdropping on a brilliant, sometimes heated, coffee chat between friends who happen to be experts. You’ll hear them grapple with the nuances of a challenging new series, champion an overlooked artist, or passionately disagree about a blockbuster’s merits, all with a sharp wit and deep knowledge that clarifies your own thinking. This Slate Podcasts production has become an essential weekly ritual for many, praised by voices like New York Times critic Dwight Garner for its consistent intelligence and engaging rapport. For those who can’t get enough, a Slate Plus subscription offers ad-free listening and additional bonus segments, extending the discussion even further. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting a curated, conversational briefing on everything that matters in arts and entertainment, delivered with a personal touch that reminds you why culture is worth talking about in the first place.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 862

Culture Gabfest
Podcast Episodes
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