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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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    Lanterns #06 with Blake Howard

    Lanterns is a miniseries celebrating 10 years of Karyn Kusama's THE INVITATION (2015) with some of the brightest lights in contemporary film criticism and podcasting. Through a hybrid of personal essay and long form interview, host/creator Jim Penola weaves a narrative conversation around the persistent merits and prescient lessons of Kusama's cult masterpiece.Episode #06, the finale, welcomes none other than Blake Howard—who Michael Mann once called "insane" (for good reason). Blake is the host and creator of One Heat Minute which famously examined Mann's HEAT one minute at a time in exhaustive detail. Blake has since produced countless other film podcasts, including Miami Nice and All The President's Minutes, that have emerged under the broader One Heat Minute Productions banner. He is the patron saint of granular film analysis and, without him, there would be no An Invitation to THE INVITATION, et al. Our talk slaloms through a variety of topics—Blake's surreal experience meeting Michael Mann, the fallacy of the "easy way," the reciprocal dialogue that occurred between our two podcasts—with one unifying notion:the end. 🍷 🏮 🍷Lanterns is written, produced, edited, mixed, and hosted by Jim Penola.Original music by John Penola. 🍷 🏮 🍷Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    Lanterns #05 with Jon Gabrus

    Lanterns is a miniseries celebrating 10 years of Karyn Kusama's THE INVITATION (2015) with some of the brightest lights in contemporary film criticism and podcasting. Through a hybrid of personal essay and long form interview, host/creator Jim Penola weaves a narrative conversation around the persistent merits and prescient lessons of Kusama's cult masterpiece.Episode #05 welcomes the illustrious, the insightful—the hilarious!—Jon Gabrus. Gabrus is a comedian, an actor, and an extremely prolific creator known for his podcasts High & Mighty and Action Boyz. His comedy/travel show with Adam Pally, 101 Places To Party Before You Die is currently streaming on HBO Max. Gabrus is also a frequent guest on many other legendary shows including Comedy Bang Bang (see: his recurring character Gino Lombardo) and Blank Check with Griffin & David.We get into a lot here: our experience with cults (me: Landmark, him: CrossFit + UCB), the "lantern" that is live comedy, and why he would make a great Pruitt.🍷 🏮 🍷Lanterns is written, produced, edited, mixed, and hosted by Jim Penola.Original music by John Penola. 🍷 🏮 🍷Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    Lanterns #04 with Philip Gawthorne

    Lanterns is a miniseries celebrating 10 years of Karyn Kusama's THE INVITATION (2015) with some of the brightest lights in contemporary film criticism and podcasting. Through a hybrid of personal essay and long form interview, host/creator Jim Penola weaves a narrative conversation around the persistent merits and prescient lessons of Kusama's cult masterpiece.Episode #04 features dear friend and returning favorite, Philip Gawthorne—co-host/creator of Die Hard on a Blank—the podcast that examines the influence of DIE HARD (1988) on action cinema one action film at a time, in chronological order. Phil is also a playwright and screenwriter with credits at Netflix, Universal, Warner Bros, and many more. As an LA resident and expat, Phil is uniquely qualified to penetrate THE INVITATION’s regional specificity, not to mention its themes of feeling "lonely in a crowded room." We also discuss how the LA public transportation system (or lack thereof) reflects the disconnection that drives the film, not to mention the ways Kusama’s film could credibly be read as “Die Hard in the Hollywood Hills."🍷 🏮 🍷Lanterns is written, produced, edited, mixed, and hosted by Jim Penola.Original music by John Penola. 🍷 🏮 🍷Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    Lanterns #03 with Cows in the Field (Justin & Laura Khoo)

    Lanterns is a miniseries celebrating 10 years of Karyn Kusama's THE INVITATION (2015) with some of the brightest lights in contemporary film criticism and podcasting. Through a hybrid of personal essay and long form interview, host/creator Jim Penola weaves a narrative conversation around the persistent merits and prescient lessons of Kusama's cult masterpiece.Episode #03 features guests Justin & Laura Khoo, co-hosts of Cows in the Field: a podcast about philosophical themes in popular films. Justin is professor of philosophy at MIT and Laura is an art historian turned fundraiser and teacher.The Khoos' life experience as educators, parents, and prolific film podcasters facilitates a level of ease and depth within our talk that I both treasure and seek. Topics discussed include: Naomi Klein and doppelgängers ("what if Tom Hardy played David?"), how Logan Marshall-Green embodies Kusama's interest in complex gender roles, and what quantum superposition has to do with grief.🍷 🏮 🍷Lanterns is written, produced, edited, mixed, and hosted by Jim Penola.Original music by John Penola. 🍷 🏮 🍷Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    Lanterns #02 with Eye of the Duck (Dom Nero & Adam Volerich)

    Lanterns is a miniseries celebrating 10 years of Karyn Kusama's THE INVITATION (2015) with some of the brightest lights in contemporary film criticism and podcasting. Through a hybrid of personal essay and long form interview, host/creator Jim Penola weaves a narrative conversation around the persistent merits and prescient lessons of Kusama's cult masterpiece. Episode #02 features guests Dom Nero & Adam Volerich, co-hosts of Eye of the Duck. Eye of the Duck is a podcast about movies and the scenes that make them special—what David Lynch calls 'eye of the duck' scenes (a.k.a. the scenes that define the whole). Dom is a writer and Webby award-winning video editor and Adam is a director and filmmaker. As seasoned film scholars and storytellers, Dom & Adam bring tremendous insight to THE INVITATION and what it means in 2025. Topics discussed include: the anxiety of being a New Yorker in Los Angeles, the foundational influence of David Lynch on Karyn Kusama, and the relevant virtues of jettisoning politeness in times of strife. 🍷 🏮 🍷Lanterns is written, produced, edited, mixed, and hosted by Jim Penola.Original music by John Penola. 🍷 🏮 🍷Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    Lanterns #01 with Scout Tafoya

    Lanterns is a miniseries celebrating 10 years of Karyn Kusama's THE INVITATION (2015) with some of the brightest lights in contemporary film criticism and podcasting. Through a hybrid of personal essay and long form interview, host/creator Jim Penola weaves a narrative conversation around the persistent merits and prescient lessons of Kusama's cult masterpiece. Episode #01 features author, critic, filmmaker, and video essayist Scout Tafoya of RogerEbert.com–a brilliant mind who sheds considerable light on Kusama's cinematic verve, aesthetic fluency, and most critical influences. Via a conversation that explores the dark humor, radical vulnerability, and deep catharsis of Kusama's film, Tafoya and host Jim Penola argue in favor of the ongoing merits that THE INVITATION still offers a decade later. 🍷 🏮 🍷Lanterns is written, produced, edited, mixed, and hosted by Jim Penola.Original music by John Penola. 🍷 🏮 🍷Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    A.I.P. Tapes #005: The Best Film of 2024

    A.I.P. Tapes invites new release recommendations and concise film analysis into your feed.Today, you're invited to watch GOOD ONE (2024) — the feature film directorial debut of India Donaldson. A deeply understated yet highly authentic portrait of the ways maturity is both earned and inflicted upon us. RSVP now.Written, produced, and hosted by Jim Penola.Original music by John Penola.Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    Thematic Content #04: AGAINST ALL ODDS with Philip Gawthorne and Michael IQ Jones

    Thematic Content is an audio essay series about the themes that define film history—across eras, genres, and filmmakers—even mediums.Episode #04 sees the return of screenwriter, playwright, and podcaster Philip Gawthorne (Die Hard on a Blank) who brings yet another Jeff Bridges vehicle to the table: the Taylor Hackford directed neo-noir AGAINST ALL ODDS (1984). A remake of classic noir OUT OF THE PAST (1947), ODDS follows disgraced football player Terry Brogan (Bridges) who is tasked with returning a beautiful and affluent heiress (Rachel Ward) to her parents. Once found, the two fall in love and things get complicated. Via the film's disparate notions of sex, corruption, and capitalism, Gawthorne and host Jim Penola explore how the unusual conditions of the premise (i.e. organized sports) are surprisingly well suited to address the concerns of traditional film noir storytelling.Furthermore, Penola welcomes writer Michael IQ Jones to assess the implications of AGAINST ALL ODDS' iconic soundtrack (Phil Collins, anyone?), not to mention the unsustainable business model it helped popularize. Ultimately, the frank yet ebullient conversations of the episode place their bets on hope and friendship. *Thematic Content is written, produced, edited, mixed, 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. Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    A.I.P. Tapes #004: Top Five Horror Films of 2024

    A.I.P. Tapes invites new release recommendations and concise film analysis into your feed.Today, you're invited to watch host Jim Penola's Top Five Horror Films of 2024.RSVP now.Written, produced, and hosted by Jim Penola.Original music by John Penola.An Invitation Productions is now on TikTok!Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    A.I.P. Tapes #003: WOMAN OF THE HOUR

    A.I.P. Tapes invites new release recommendations and concise film analysis into your feed.Today, you're invited to watch WOMAN OF THE HOUR (2024) — the feature film directorial debut of Anna Kendrick. The based-on-a-true-story thriller is effective, affecting, and at its best when conveying how seemingly “benign” men winge (Pete Holmes), flatter (Tony Hale), and venerate (Daniel Zovatto) as a way to manipulate women. Ultimately, WOMAN OF THE HOUR is a rich text that is expressed with equally impressive craft. Hopefully Kendrick's time as a filmmaker well exceeds a mere 60 minutes.RSVP now.Written, produced, and hosted by Jim Penola.Original music by John Penola.An Invitation Productions is now on TikTok!Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    A.I.P. Tapes #002: THE SHADOW STRAYS

    A.I.P. Tapes invites new release recommendations and concise film analysis into your feed.Today, you're invited to watch THE SHADOW STRAYS (2024) — the latest blood-spattered-action-symphony from writer/director Timo Tjahjanto, now streaming on Netflix. THE SHADOW STRAYS, through its many ecstatic set pieces, provokes not-insignificant questions of mortality (not to mention the reason we even welcome the action genre into our viewing diet). Tjahjanto himself even endorsed host Jim Penola's take over on Twitter/X.  RSVP now.Written, produced, and hosted by Jim Penola.Original music by John Penola.An Invitation Productions is now on TikTok!Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    A.I.P. Tapes #001: SMILE 2

    A.I.P. Tapes invites new release recommendations and concise film analysis into your feed.Today, you're invited to watch SMILE 2 – the glossy, inventive sequel to 2022's biggest Horror movie. Though the film doesn't fully explore its new setting, writer/director Parker Finn still manages to inject his sharp direction with noteworthy symbols and imagery.RSVP now.Written, produced, and hosted by Jim Penola.Original music by John Penola.An Invitation Productions is now on TikTok!Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    Thematic Content #03: BIG BLACK DELTA x TENET with Jonathan Bates

    Thematic Content is a series about the themes that define film history—across eras, genres, and filmmakers—even mediums.Episode #03 takes an unexpected (but welcome) detour towards the world of contemporary electronic music with special guest Big Black Delta, a.k.a. Jonathan Bates, the prolific recording artist with credits on BILL AND TED FACE THE MUSIC, THE SINNER, HALT & CATCH FIRE, and more. During the episode, host Jim Penola not only guides listeners through Big Black Delta’s unmistakable sound and history, but spotlights Bates commitment to sheer sonic emotion. What’s revealed is a fascinating kinship with Christopher Nolan’s TENET, and how each occupy an interest in the ineffable power of feeling and service. *Thematic Content is written, produced, edited, mixed, 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. *• The Zebrah (4:07)• Lord Only Knows (5:02)• Steer The Canyon (6:23)• Huggin & Kissin (7:14)• Politics of Living - Acoustic (8:50)• whoRU812 (19:48)• Politics of Living - Acoustic (24:03)Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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

    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. *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. *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. Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    Thematic Content #01: BLADE RUNNER with Dom Nero

    Thematic Content is a series about the themes that define film history—across eras, genres, and filmmakers—even mediums. This inaugural episode takes a look at Ridley Scott's 1982 film, BLADE RUNNER, and features special guest Dom Nero—a writer, a video editor, and the co-host of the excellent film podcast Eye of the Duck. Throughout their discussion, Dom and host Jim Penola examine the colossal influence of BLADE RUNNER through the unique lens of dystopian etiquette, pervasive noir trappings, near-future fascism, and the horrors of (in)humanity that these conditions create. *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. Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    Ellipsis #10: "One Good Choice" with Karyn Kusama

    Karyn Kusama is the writer/director of GIRLFIGHT (2000), the director of JENNIFER'S BODY (2009), THE INVITATION (2015), and of course, DESTROYER (2018). She is also an Emmy nominated director of television that includes work on YELLOWJACKETS, DEAD RINGERS, THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, and much more.During this very special episode of ELLIPSIS, Karyn and I discuss the slippery yet operatic nature of time, the unique moment that Nicole Kidman had never experienced on any other film set, and the importance of telling stories about complicated people.Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    An Invitation to DESTROYER #08: "The Chase"

    In episode #08 of "An Invitation to DESTROYER," host Jim Penola examines the nocturnal foot chase between Erin Bell (Nicole Kidman) and Arturo Guerrero (Zach Villa), an ex-criminal and former friend of Bell's. The ensuing discussion breaks down the significant narrative/stylistic choices of their relationship—including a fourth-wall-breaking close-up, the difference between doing good versus undoing bad, and a visual echo of THE INVITATION's indelible climax. Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    Ellipsis #09: "The Preservation of Family" with Matt Manfredi

    Please enjoy this unlocked episode of my Patreon-exclusive series "Ellipsis" – the official companion podcast to "An Invitation to DESTROYER" – where I discuss the movie with fellow superfans, critics, and the creators themselves. *Matt Manfredi is an Emmy nominated screenwriter with decades of experience inside both the independent and studio systems. His credits include CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL, RIDE ALONG 1&2, THE INVITATION, DESTROYER, and Disney+'s THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY among others.During this episode of ELLIPSIS, Matt and I cover considerable ground – discussing the ways family life influenced DESTROYER, what the mental toll of shooting the ill-fated MINA HARKER might have been, and why Matt is more optimistic than not when it comes to the capricious future of screen stories. Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    An Invitation to DESTROYER #07: "There's No Such Thing As An Unexpressed Emotion"

    In the 7th proper episode of "An Invitation to DESTROYER," host Jim Penola continues to assess the fragile heart of the film: the contentious relationship between Erin Bell (Nicole Kidman) and her teenage daughter, Shelby (Jade Pettyjohn). Through a dramatic reading of pages 38–41 of the DESTROYER screenplay, Penola spotlights the ordinary ways that long term resentment festers, the satisfaction of unbridled female rage, and the subsequent ruin that both these emotional blast radiuses can create.Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    Ellipsis #08: "The Euphoria of Lawlessness" with Philip Gawthorne

    Please enjoy this unlocked episode of my Patreon-exclusive series "Ellipsis" – the official companion podcast to "An Invitation to DESTROYER" – where I discuss the movie with fellow superfans, critics, and the creators themselves.  Today, my guest is Philip Gawthorne. Phil is the creator and co-host of podcast, DIE HARD ON A BLANK – the podcast that explores the influence of DIE HARD on action cinema one action movie at a time. During this episode of ELLIPSIS, Phil and I put a special emphasis on DESTROYER’s place in the pantheon of Noir – specifically Los Angeles Neo-Noir –– citing comparisons to William Friedkins’ TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA and Curtis Hanson’s LA CONFIDENTIAL. The result is an energizing discussion that underlines the liminal spaces between crime and virtue, and even the spiritual ascension (as Phil calls it) that can come from reconciling that chaos and order. If you enjoy the episode, please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com/jimpenolaAbove all, thank you for listening.Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    An Invitation to DESTROYER #06: "Your Heart"

    "Indelible in the hippocampus, it was the laughter. The uproarious laughter between the two." | "That scene – Megan and I agreed, before we started shooting it – that she was not going to *ever* wink at the audience.  That no matter what was happening to her in terms of how other people were behaving – whether they were cracking jokes – the horror of it *is* that they are cracking jokes."Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    Ellipsis #06: "The Brutality of Time and Sunlight" with Phil Hay

    Please enjoy this unlocked episode of my Patreon-exclusive series "Ellipsis" – the official companion podcast to "An Invitation to DESTROYER" – where I discuss the movie with fellow superfans, critics, and the creators themselves. Today, my guest is the esteemed Phil Hay: co-writer, co-producer, and co-creator of DESTROYER. During our full conversation, Phil describes the unusual level of involvement he's brokered as a screenwriter, the way Erin Bell's unvarnished shame attracted Nicole Kidman to the role, and how Phil once broke his finger playing football with Logan Marshall-Green.If you enjoy the episode, please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com/jimpenolaAbove all, thank you for listening. <3 Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    An Invitation to DESTROYER #05: "Hesitation Marks"

    "I was always quite fascinated by people who could suppress really dark, deep, painful experiences. And I wanted to explore the idea that perhaps pushing down on those terrible experiences is harder than facing them." –Jennifer KentSupport the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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    An Invitation to DESTROYER #04: "How Do You Make a Cop Movie in an ACAB World?"

    How do you make a cop movie in an ACAB world? In episode 4 of "An Invitation to DESTROYER," writer/producer/host Jim Penola continues to wrestle with DESTROYER's depiction and dramatic centering of a police officer – a choice that continues to reverberate dynamically in our fraught, present-day relationship with law enforcement.Through comparisons to contemporaries such as BAD BOYS FOR LIFE (2020) and cult classics like MIAMI VICE (2006), Penola echoes a "duty to interrogate" these stories as offered by DESTROYER's screenwriter, Phil Hay. Indeed, the film transcends the surface nature of cop life to explore the deeper nature of pain itself. Guest Editor: Sarah GorrSupport the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  25. 29

    An Invitation to DESTROYER #03: "Stray Dog"

    In the 3rd episode of "An Invitation to DESTROYER," host Jim Penola discusses Karyn Kusama's fascination with coyotes as a symbol of untamed rage, the importance of DESTROYER's mother/daughter dynamic, and the ways that Dire Straits may be the code to understanding Erin Bell. Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  26. 28

    An Invitation to DESTROYER #02: "I Don't Need to Morally Sustain What She's Doing"

    In the 2nd episode of "An Invitation to DESTROYER," host Jim Penola elaborates on the film's unflinching portrait of a moral but self-immolating woman in the form of Erin Bell (Nicole Kidman). Beneath and within Bell's many layers lies a tragic variation of the classic Femme Fatale archetype. One that stands out amid a recent glut of female-fronted action movies that, while technically pro-woman, also have little to offer beyond that.Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  27. 27

    An Invitation to DESTROYER #01: "This Is How It Ends"

    In the inaugural episode of "An Invitation to DESTROYER," host Jim Penola recreates the first 4 pages of 2018's DESTROYER, directed by Karyn Kusama and written by Phil Hay & Matt Manfredi, as an audio play. His subsequent analysis of those specific pages celebrates the clarity of the screenplay, the confidence of the direction, and the feminist context that drove its creation... all while setting the stage for what is to come.Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  28. 26

    An Invitation to JUPITER ASCENDING

    A special "one-off" bonus episode dedicated to The Wachowskis' JUPITER ASCENDING (2015). | Original Score by John Penola | Artwork by Jim Penola | Shout-out to some of my lovely & amazing patrons: Rupa dasGupta, John Penola, and Jane Penola. | Receive exclusive/extended/uncut content, early access, and more at Patreon.com/jimpenola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3 Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  29. 25

    An Invitation to COOL RUNNINGS

    A special "one-off" bonus episode dedicated to Disney's COOL RUNNINGS (1993). | Original Score by John Penola | Artwork by Joseph Penola | Shout-out to some of my lovely & amazing patrons: Rupa dasGupta, John Penola, Stephanie Pavlick, and Jane Penola. | Receive exclusive/extended/uncut content, early access, and more at Patreon.com/jimpenola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3 Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  30. 24

    THE INVITATION: An Unabridged Audio Dramatization

    This unique bonus episode compiles all 15 of the "radio play" portions from the limited series "An Invitation to THE INVITATION" into one seamless aural experience. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this one-of-a-kind re-telling of Phil Hay & Matt Manfredi's superb screenplay –– complete with every deleted and extended scene that didn't make it to the film's final cut. | Script: Phil Hay & Matt Manfredi | Original Score: John Penola | Production, Editing, Sound Design: Jim Penola | Voice Cast (in alphabetical order): Michael Barnett, Jess Kellner, Tighe Kellner,  Summer Mastain, Jim Penola, Christina Roman, Ryan Smith, Rebecca Spiro. | Shout-out to some of my lovely & amazing patrons: Rupa dasGupta, John Penola, Stephanie Pavlick, and Jane Penola. | Receive exclusive/uncut content, early access, and more at Patreon.com/jimpenola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3 Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  31. 23

    A Conversation with Karyn Kusama

    In the 7th (and likely final) bonus episode of the series, Jim Penola sits down for an extended talk with who else? Karyn Kusama. During their conversation from December 2020, Jim and Karyn –– often through the unavoidable-but-revealing lens of Covid –– discuss the ways THE INVITATION remains ahead of its time, as well as the way it thoughtfully addresses evergreen human dilemmas. Enjoy. | Shout-out to some of my lovely & amazing patrons: Rupa dasGupta, John Penola, Stephanie Pavlick, and Jane Penola. | Receive exclusive/uncut content, early access, and more at Patreon.com/jimpenola | Original Score by John Penola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3 Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  32. 22

    A Conversation with Lindsay Burdge

    In the 6th bonus episode of the series, Jim Penola sits down for an extended talk with prolific indie actor Lindsay Burdge (A Teacher, Easy, Thirst Street, Black Bear) who of course plays Sadie. During their conversation from December 2020, Lindsay and Jim discuss (among many other things) their shared struggle to uphold small talk and social decorum during the best of times, let alone during a pandemic. Additionally, Lindsay describes the uniquely sensitive and adaptive directing style of Karyn Kusama. Enjoy. | Shout-out to some of my lovely & amazing patrons: Rupa dasGupta, John Penola, Stephanie Pavlick, and Jane Penola. | Receive exclusive/uncut content, early access, and more at Patreon.com/jimpenola | Original Score by John Penola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3 Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  33. 21

    A Conversation with John Carroll Lynch

    In the 5th bonus episode of the series, Jim Penola sits down for an extended talk with revered character actor John Carroll Lynch (Fargo, Zodiac, The Founder, American Horror Story, Big Sky). During their conversation from December 12th, 2020, JCL and Jim discuss everything from on-set pull-up contests all the way to the universal need for forgiveness. Enjoy. | Shout-out to some of my lovely & amazing patrons: Rupa dasGupta, John Penola, Stephanie Pavlick, and Jane Penola. | Receive exclusive/uncut content, early access, and more at Patreon.com/jimpenola | Original Score by John Penola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3 Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  34. 20

    A Conversation with Mike Doyle

    In the 4th bonus episode of the series, Jim Penola sits down for an extended talk with THE INVITATION's co-star, Mike Doyle. During their conversation from December 4th, 2020, Mike discusses his long history with Logan Marshall-Green, his hilarious/fortuitous introduction to the film's screenplay, and the important ways THE INVITATION side-steps cliché. | Shout-out to some of my lovely & amazing patrons: Rupa dasGupta, John Penola, Stephanie Pavlick, and Jane Penola. | Receive exclusive/uncut content, early access, and more at Patreon.com/jimpenola | Original Score by John Penola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3 Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  35. 19

    A Conversation with Logan Marshall-Green

    In the 3rd bonus episode of the series, Jim Penola sits down for an extended talk with THE INVITATION's star, Logan Marshall-Green. During their conversation from November 28th, 2020, Logan and Jim discuss a wide variety of topics including what made THE INVITATION's on-set family so special, the dilemma of waking up to societal grief, and much more.  | Shout-out to some of my lovely & amazing patrons: Rupa dasGupta, John Penola, Stephanie Pavlick, and Jane Penola. | Receive exclusive/uncut content, early access, and more at Patreon.com/jimpenola | Original Score by John Penola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3 Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  36. 18

    A Conversation with Phil Hay

    In the 2nd bonus episode of the series, Jim Penola sits down for an extended talk with THE INVITATION's co-writer/co-producer—and 1st gentlemen to director Karyn Kusama—Phil Hay. During their conversation from November 21st, 2020, Phil and Jim cover the pervasive nature of grief, the purpose of creating art, and the connection & dialogue each can create. | Shout-out to some of my lovely & amazing patrons: Rupa dasGupta, John Penola, Stephanie Pavlick, and Jane Penola. | Receive exclusive/uncut content, early access, and more at Patreon.com/jimpenola | Original Score by John Penola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3 Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  37. 17

    A Conversation with Matt Manfredi

    In the first bonus episode for "An Invitation to THE INVITATION," Jim Penola welcomes his first ever guest, Matt Manfredi (DESTROYER, RIDE ALONG 1 & 2, etc.), co-writer and co-producer of THE INVITATION.In this full-length conversation recorded during November 2020, Jim and Matt touch on the film's deeply personal nature, the benefits of studio movies vs. independent ones, and the distinct, collaborative role of the writer. | Shout-out to some of my lovely & amazing patrons: Rupa dasGupta, John Penola, Stephanie Pavlick, and Jane Penola. | Receive exclusive/uncut content, early access, and more at Patreon.com/jimpenola | Original Score by John Penola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3 Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  38. 16

    An Invitation to THE INVITATION: Pages 96–98

    In the final episode of the series, host Jim Penola insists that the THE INVITATION’s unforgettable ending transcends its inherent bleakness and offers a universal solidarity within its depiction of great loss. | Original Score by John Penola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3 Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  39. 15

    An Invitation to THE INVITATION: Pages 88–96

    In the penultimate episode of the series, Jim Penola celebrates THE INVITATION's cathartic subversion of genre cliche´ while acknowledging the potential cost of those choices. Similarly, the film's deliberate and measured use of violence comes to the forefront as a career-long theme of internalized trauma emerges. | Original Score by John Penola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3 Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  40. 14

    An Invitation to THE INVITATION: Pages 79–88

    In episode 13, Jim Penola finally tackles the brutal and stunning climax of THE INVITATION––touching on the film's long-gestating turn towards the horrific, Karyn Kusama's increasingly destabilized camera, as well as her striking, painterly visuals. | Original Score by John Penola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3 Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  41. 13

    An Invitation to THE INVITATION: Pages 72–79

    In episode 12, Jim Penola explores THE INVITATION's sinister & inextricable ties to Los Angeles, the necessity of rigidly adhering to Will's (Logan Marshall-Green) point-of-view, and the striking deleted scene revealing Claire's (Marieh Delfino) fate. | Original Score by John Penola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  42. 12

    An Invitation to THE INVITATION: Pages 65–72

    In episode 11, Jim Penola addresses Will's (Logan Marshall-Green) climactic meltdown at the dinner table––discussing how the conspicuous absence of Choi (Karl Yune) functions as a terrific red herring but also gets to the heart of what Will's real issue is with his hosts: their erasure of his son, Ty. | Original Score by John Penola | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  43. 11

    An Invitation to THE INVITATION: Pages 61–65

    In episode 10, Jim Penola contrasts the differences between Will's (Logan Marshall-Green) interactions with Sadie (Lindsay Burdge) and Tommy (Mike Doyle). These memorable exchanges bring Will's only trusted instinct to the foreground: survival. | Original Score by John Penola | Additional Audio Production by Brandon Sheer | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  44. 10

    An Invitation to THE INVITATION: Pages 55–61

    In episode 9, Jim Penola highlights THE INVITATION's unflinching-yet-cathartic depiction of  isolation––using Will's internal meltdown at the dinner table as a means to examine the ways emotionally posturing can often do more harm than good. | Original Score by John Penola | Additional Audio Production by Brandon Sheer | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  45. 9

    An Invitation to THE INVITATION: Pages 48–55

    In episode 8, host Jim Penola continues his discussion around the unsettling party game introduced in the previous installment – addressing, in detail, the complicated wants and relative moral ambiguity of the film's antagonists. | Original Score by John Penola | Additional Audio Production by Brandon Sheer | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  46. 8

    An Invitation to THE INVITATION: Pages 41–48

    In episode 7, host Jim Penola breaks down & analyzes the party game presented by David (Michiel Huisman) and its stealthily insidious goal of obliterating personal boundaries. | Original Score by John Penola | Additional Audio Production by Brandon Sheer | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  47. 7

    An Invitation to THE INVITATION: Pages 30–41

    In episode 6, host Jim Penola discusses the double meaning of the film's title, the complex discomfort of David's recruitment video, and the "false promises of beauty" expressed by the script. | Original Score by John Penola | Additional Audio Production by Brandon Sheer | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  48. 6

    An Invitation to THE INVITATION: Pages 26–30

    In episode 5 – focusing on pages 26 through 30 of THE INVITATION's screenplay – host Jim Penola highlights the aching, self-destructive, Man-versus-Self conflict on display during this section of the film. | Original Score by John Penola | Additional Audio Production by Brandon Sheer | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  49. 5

    An Invitation to THE INVITATION: Pages 21–26

    In episode 4, host Jim Penola analyzes pages 21 through 26 of THE INVITATION's original script and corresponding final cut – discussing the notable arrival of Pruitt (John Carroll Lynch) and the subsequent verbal parrying between Will (Logan Marshall-Green) and David (Michiel Huisman). Furthermore, the way social decorum and the fear of offending can mute one's survival becomes even more embedded in the film's DNA. | Original Score by John Penola | Additional Audio Production by Brandon Sheer | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

  50. 4

    An Invitation to THE INVITATION: Pages 15–21

    In episode 3, Jim Penola breaks down pages 15 through 21 of THE INVITATION's script and its on-screen counterpart––putting an emphasis on the film's cutting depiction of memory. | Original Score by John Penola | Additional Audio Production by Brandon Sheer | Follow us on Twitter: @AnInvitation and Instagram: @Invitation2Invitation | Email us: [email protected] | <3Support the show•••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: [email protected]•••

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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.

HOSTED BY

Jim Penola

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does An Invitation Productions have?

An Invitation Productions currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is An Invitation Productions about?

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...

How often does An Invitation Productions release new episodes?

An Invitation Productions has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to An Invitation Productions?

You can listen to An Invitation Productions on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts An Invitation Productions?

An Invitation Productions is created and hosted by Jim Penola.
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