A discussion of Michael Bay’s 2007 film, “Transformers.”

Click To Listen and Download. (01:16:59)

Hugo Weaving Disses Megatron Gig, Michael Bay Gets Pissed by Rudie Obias
14 TV Commercials Made By Famous Movie Directors by Rudie Obias

In 2007, after the disappointing box office performance of “The Island,” Michael Bay entered a new era in his career with the Transformers film series. “Transformers” saw the first live-action version of the widely popular toy line from Hasbro, but as film adaptations of toy lines, “Transformers” was a box office and surprising critical success. While some love the Transformers film series, others feel this was a very dark era in Michael Bay’s filmography.

Why did Michael Bay decide to take on the Transformers franchise after the failure of “The Island?” Why doesn’t “Transformers” work as a movie? And what are the philosophical implications of self-aware robots changing from machine to machine?

Michael Bay’s “Transformers” is the subject of episode 189 of the AuteurCast..

A discussion of Michael Bay’s 2005 film, “The Island.”

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In 2005, Michael Bay took his first stab at the science fiction genre. “The Island” was a step in another direction for Michael Bay’s career as he re-visited the PG-13 rating. Although the film is visually stunning and action-packed, it suffered from Michael Bay’s immature approach to sophisticated storytelling and subject matter. But to many Michael Bay aficionados, “The Island” is an underrated gem.

Why did Michael Bay explore the intricacies of the science fiction genre? Why does “The Island” feel like two separate movies? And why wasn’t “The Island” as well received from general audiences as much as other Michael Bay films?

Michael Bay’s “The Island” is the subject of episode 188 of the AuteurCast…

A discussion with Scott Nye from the Battleship Pretension on Michael Bay’s 2003 film, “Bad Boys II.”

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Chaos Cinema, Abstract Painting, and Sforzandos by Scott Nye
VIDEO ESSAY: CHAOS CINEMA: The decline and fall of action filmmaking by Matthias Stork

In 2003, Michael Bay released the sequel to his directorial debut. “Bad Boys II” was released at the height of Michael Bay and Will Smith’s careers and also took a giant turn in their public persona. Will Smith was presented as an almost unlikeable and psychopathic character, wherein as his onscreen presence is usually seen as a charismatic and winning, while Michael Bay seemed fully unrestrained after releasing the PG-13 “Pearl Harbor.” “Bad Boy II” is also seen as one of the most artful Michael Bay films, in terms of putting together thrilling and exciting action sequences.

Did “Bad Boys II” fix the problems in the original “Bad Boys” film? What is the film trying to say about giving into your human nature? And why do some find “Bad Boy II” to be the most offensive of all of Michael Bay’s films?

Michael Bay’s “Bad Boys II” is the subject of episode 187 of the AuteurCast…

A discussion of Michael Bay’s 2001 film, “Pearl Harbor.”

Click To Listen and Download. (00:56:16)

In 2001, for the 60th anniversary of the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, Michael Bay released a film that was completely disrespectful to the memory of the people who died during the attack. “Pearl Harbor” is an overlong, bloated, and inept piece of work from the auteur director. The story of a love triangle that took place during the attack on Pearl Harbor was critically panned, despite its lucrative box office. “Pearl Harbor” is arguably Michael Bay’s worst offense as a director to date.

Why did the movie “Pearl Harbor” fail in almost every way imaginable? How could’ve the subject matter be salvaged? And Is “Pearl Harbor” an immoral film?

Michael Bay’s “Pearl Harbor” is the subject of episode 186 of the AuteurCast…

A discussion with Scott Nye from Battleship Pretension on Michael Bay’s 1998 film, “Armageddon.”

Click To Listen and Download. (00:54:43)

Chaos Cinema, Abstract Painting, and Sforzandos by Scott Nye
VIDEO ESSAY: CHAOS CINEMA: The decline and fall of action filmmaking by Matthias Stork

In 1998, Michael Bay followed up the critical and commercial success of “The Rock,” with a film that a small, but vocal, minority feel is his masterpiece. “Armageddon” ushered in a new era of summer blockbuster filmmaking that has been copied, with no avail, since the film was released in 1998. The film depicts the end of the world as a ragtag group oil drillers are recruited by NASA to destroy the rogue asteroid that is the cause Earth’s impending doom.

Why do some cinephilies feel this is the very best Michael Bay has to offer? How did “Armageddon” change the way movies are made in the Hollywood Studio system? And does a film like “Armageddon” belong in the prestigious Criterion Collection?

Michael Bay’s “Armageddon” is the subject of episode 185 of the AuteurCast….

A discussion of Michael Bay’s 1996 film, “The Rock.”

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In 1996, Michael followed up the success of “Bad Boys” with another unlikely duo action film, this time set in San Francisco instead of Miami, Florida. “The Rock” saw Nicolas Cage teaming with Sean Connery in the ultimate prison break in movie. While the film is as action-packed as Bay’s other films, “The Rock” is considered Michael Bay’s finest work with stunning action sequences, a compelling narrative, and fully fleshed out characters.

What separates “The Rock” from Michael Bay’s other films like “Transformers: Dark of the Moon?” Why is “The Rock” considered his best film? And does a film like “The Rock” belong in the prestigious Criterion Collection?

Michael Bay’s “The Rock” is the subject of episode 184 of the AuteurCast…

A discussion of Michael Bay’s 1995 film, “Bad Boys.”

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In 1995, a music video and commercial director named Michael Bay took the leap to make his first feature film. “Bad Boys” not only launched Michael Bay’s career, but also launched its stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence into super stardom. The film itself is a strange action thrill ride that somehow falls short of exciting with its cliche storyline and stock supporting characters.

What stylistic flourishes does Michael Bay bring to “Bad Boys?” Why does the film feel like it’s too bogged down with buddy cop genre cliches? And why is Michael Bay considered an auteur filmmaker?

Michael Bay’s “Bad Boys” is the subject of episode 183 of the AuteurCast…

A discussion of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1929 film, “Blackmail.”

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In 1929, Alfred Hitchcock release his first film with sound! “Blackmail” started off as a silent production, but with the success of “The Jazz Singer” as few years earlier, the studio behind the film decided to make “Blackmail” a talkie. The result as a phenomenal film that showcase a true cinematic genius at work.

What sound techniques did Alfred Hitchcock use to elevate “Blackmail?” Why were there two versions of “Blackmail” upon its release?” And Why is “Blackmail” the most Hitchcockian film of the 1920s?

Alfred Hitchcock’s “Blackmail” is the subject of episode 182 of the AuteurCast….

This is a bonus episode of the AuteurCast. Once a month, Rudie & West will discuss one Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Picture Winner.

The 72nd Academy Awards for Best Picture for 1999, Sam Mendes “American Beauty.”

Click To Listen and Download. (00:52:45)

A discussion of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1929 film, “The Manxman.”

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In 1929, Alfred Hitchcock released his last film in the silent era. “The Manxman” told the story of a love affair that sprung after a mistaken death that led to a love triangle between a local fisherman, a judge, and the object of their affections Kate. While the film is more than a solid entry in Hitchcock’s silent works, “The Manxman” feels like there’s something lacking with the advent of sound.

Why did Alfred Hitchcock decide to use another love triangle as a narrative device? What does “The Manxman” say about love in the 1920s? And how does the new digital restoration of “The Manxman” help Hitchcock aficionados?

Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Maxman” is the subject of episode 181 of the AuteurCast….