Spin Dog-tors: 'Wag the Dog' (1997) with Idris Goodwin

Emilio, Madeline, and Julian continue their "Politics" episode cycle with a "Mise-Unseen" entry on Barry Levinson's 1997 film "Wag the Dog," and are joined to do so by special guest Idris Goodwin - a playwright, educator, fellow cinephile, and significant role model from Emilio's Chicago upbringing. The group get into the movie by discussing its place in the canon of mid-budget 90s studio films, as well as in the greater careers of its heavy-hitting stars, Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman. Looking more broadly, they also consider the category of satire that "Wag the Dog" falls into, and of course its famously prescient view on the handling of political scandals, and eerily good timing in doing so. Idris Goodwin is currently the Artistic Director at the Seattle Children's Theatre, and Board President of TYAUSA, a member organization committed to live theater in the lives of children everywhere. You can follow him and find his plays, music, published works, and varied artistic endeavors at http://www.idrisgoodwin.com/ If you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice. This really helps us find new listeners and grow! Follow us on IG and TikTok: @sleeplesscinematicpod Send us an email at sleeplesscinematicpod@gmail.com On Letterboxd? Follow Julian at julian_barthold and Madeline at patronessofcats