Paul and Corey Cross the Streams is a bi-monthly podcast in which hosts Paul Pakler and Corey Pepper watch and review streaming content. It’s the Great American Podcast where two friends learn about life as they float down the river of streaming services.

Having amassed more than 100 episodes in its run, PACCTS’ sixth season will focus its sights on “the greatest films of all time” (both in the US and internationally), as assembled by the British Film Institute’s 2022 Sight and Sound Poll of industry critics. Corey will be choosing American films from the list, and Paul will be choosing international ones. 

Our goal is to examine the films that are considered great, and why that may be the case.  

Ranked 21, Carl Th. Dreyer’s The Passion of Joan of Arc (1927) is a masterpiece (unless you’re Corey). With over 1500 shots, whereas most American films of the time had 100-500; unrelenting close-ups throughout; and ahead-of-its-time naturalistic performances; the film feels completely alien if you’ve ever watched other silent films.

Paul and Corey discuss what works for them and what doesn’t; the history of Joan of Arc and the Hundred Years’ War; and whether this story (and the story of the Passion of Jesus) is even interesting.

Whether you watch this film at 20 or 24 fps, Paul thinks you’re in for a treat. 

This Episode’s Focus: The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
Host’s Choice: Paul Pakler
Stream on Tubi, Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Sling TV, YouTube, The Criterion Channel; Rent on Apple TV
Corey’s Recipe Recommendations for This Episode: Mexican Mole and Braised Rabbit

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Special thanks to Tobin for our incredible theme song and Dave Droxler for our podcast’s logo and artwork.