Jeff Gladstone: Navigating Fame From Calgary to Kryptic
Send us a textActor Jeff Gladstone shares his journey from Calgary's improv scene to Vancouver's film industry and his upcoming psychological thriller "Kryptic." His theatrical background with Keith Johnstone's innovative improv techniques created a foundation for screen success, culminating in roles on shows like Twilight Zone, Resident Alien, and Fire Country.• Started at Calgary's Loose Moose Theatre under improv pioneer Keith Johnstone• Describes improv as "theater meets professional wrestling" in terms of audience engagement• Transitioned to film acting after a decade in theater, gaining his breakthrough with director Bruce Sweeney• Appeared in notable productions including Supernatural, Goosebumps, and Fire Country• Discusses the shift from in-person auditions to self-tape submissions and how his improv background helps in both formats• Stars in the upcoming psychological thriller "Kryptic" directed by photographer Kourtney Roy• Plays a husband whose character gradually unravels in this monster-hunting mystery filmCheck out Kryptic in theaters May 9th or streaming May 29th.Support the show
--------
47:03
Cool Hand Luke: The Man Against the Machine
Send us a textA sweltering Florida chain gang. Mirrored sunglasses reflecting only your own desperate face. Fifty hard-boiled eggs and one man determined to defy expectations. "What we've got here is failure to communicate" isn't just the most famous line from Cool Hand Luke – it's the perfect distillation of this landmark film's exploration of rebellion against authority.Our deep dive into this 1967 masterpiece reveals why Paul Newman's portrayal of Luke Jackson remains one of cinema's most enduring symbols of resistance. Sentenced to two years for the minor offense of decapitating parking meters, Luke transforms from troublemaker to legend through his refusal to bow to the system. From the brutal boxing match where he won't stay down to his daring escapes that inspire his fellow inmates, Luke's journey resonates with anyone who's ever felt crushed by institutional power.The religious symbolism throughout the film surprised us – Luke as a Christ-like figure sacrificing himself for others, the crucifixion pose after eating fifty eggs, his final confrontation in a church. We explore how director Stuart Rosenberg created authentic performances by keeping actors in prison-like conditions during filming, even having them pave actual roads under the Florida sun. Paul Newman's determination to personally learn "Plastic Jesus" on the banjo resulted in one of the film's most moving scenes.Whether you're revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, Cool Hand Luke's examination of freedom, identity, and resistance against conformity remains as powerful today as when it first shocked audiences. Sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand – and sometimes a film from 1967 can still shake your world.Check out entertainthispodcast.com or follow us on social media @entertainthis_ to join our ongoing exploration of films that shaped cinema history.Support the show
--------
53:52
Brandi Burkhardt: Finding Yourself Through Different Roles
Send us a textActress Brandi Burkhardt shares her journey from pageantry to acting, discussing how playing various characters ultimately led her to discover her authentic self. She reflects on her education at NYU's Strasberg program, her television roles including Heart of Dixie, and exciting projects like her upcoming music EP.• Started as a shy child who entered pageants to fulfill her princess dreams• Studied method acting at NYU's Tisch School where she had to overcome her polite upbringing• Played Cricket on Heart of Dixie, filming on Warner Brothers' famous backlot• Performed motion capture for Red Dead Redemption as a "zombie prostitute"• Flew as Mary Poppins for Julie Andrews' lifetime achievement ceremony• Stars alongside Paul Rudd in the upcoming buddy comedy "Friendship" (releasing May 9th)• Features in "Rosemary Street," a web series highlighting Baltimore's art and music scene• Releasing her EP "Just Like This" with the first single dropping June 1stCheck out Brandi’s new EP "Just Like This" on all streaming platforms starting this summer!Support the show
--------
43:33
Batman ‘89: How Tim Burton Redefined Batman
Send us a textSupport the show
--------
1:02:42
The Man Behind the Voices You Know: James Urbaniak
Send us a textFrom accidentally stealing the spotlight on David Letterman's show as a teenager to voicing beloved animated characters for two decades, James Urbaniak's acting journey reads like a masterclass in versatility and perseverance. In this wide-ranging conversation, Urbaniak reveals the unexpected path that took him from New Jersey community theater to New York's experimental off-off-Broadway scene in the late 1980s. With remarkable candor, he shares how challenging theatrical experiences—like performing a 75-minute solo monologue in "Tom Paine"—helped develop his craft before independent filmmaker Hal Hartley introduced him to the different demands of screen acting.Fans of Adult Swim's cult classic "The Venture Bros." will delight in Urbaniak's behind-the-scenes stories from his 20-year tenure voicing Dr. Rusty Venture and other characters. He recounts the surreal experience of having a makeup artist on the set of an HBO film tell him she was more excited to meet the voice of Dr. Venture than Al Pacino himself—a testament to the profound connection voice actors can forge with audiences.Urbaniak's philosophy of acting—describing himself as "a skeptic who likes to be surprised"—offers valuable insight into navigating the entertainment industry's inherent uncertainty. Whether discussing his brief but memorable appearance in Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer," his experience playing Robert Crumb in "American Splendor," or his current work on Apple TV+'s "Palm Royale," Urbaniak demonstrates why character actors are often the secret ingredient that elevates productions across all media.For aspiring actors, film buffs, animation fans, or anyone fascinated by the creative process, this conversation provides a rare glimpse into the life of a working actor who has successfully built a diverse career by embracing opportunities across multiple entertainment platforms.Support the show
https://www.patreon.com/entertainthis_Entertainthispodcast.comInstagram: @entertainthis_Twitter/X: @EntertainThis_Join Hayden, Mitch, and Tom with upcoming movie, tv show, and game news. Listen to reviews and off the wall facts, while providing a comedic spin with our opinions on the matter. Join us for amazing behind the scene interviews. The one true original "Entertain This" podcast.
USA