Ep 376: Melanie Lynskey & Linas Phillips

Writer/director/actor Linas Phillips & actress Melanie Lynskey with their film “Rainbow Time” produced by the Duplass Brothers. Then I welcome “Tower” filmmaker Keith Maitland for the 2nd segment. Archival footage is combined with rotoscopic animation in this dynamic and untold tragedy back in 1966.  This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Zipcar.com.

Writer/director/actor Linas Phillips & actress Melanie Lynskey with their film “Rainbow Time” produced by the Duplass Brothers. Then I welcome “Tower” filmmaker Keith Maitland for the 2nd segment. Archival footage is combined with rotoscopic animation in this dynamic and untold tragedy back in 1966.  This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Zipcar.com.

Writer/director/actor Linas Phillips & actor Melanie Lynskey with their film “Rainbow Time” produced by the Duplass Brothers. Todd (Timm Sharp) grew up under the strange shadow of his older, mentally-challenged brother, Shonzi (Phillips). As kids, Shonzi forced Todd to make action movies. As adults, Todd is pressured to share love life details, even showing Shonzi a sex tape he made with an old girlfriend to help him cope when family tragedy hits. When their dad suffers a heart attack, Shonzi, now 40, moves in with Todd and his new girlfriend (Lynskey). Shonzi wants desperately to be included in their relationship like old times.

Melanie Lynskey, Linas Phillips & Adam Schartoff at Alamo Drafthouse in Brooklyn

Then I welcome “Tower” filmmaker Keith Maitland for the 2nd segment. August 1st 1966 was the day our innocence was shattered. A sniper rode the elevator to the top floor of the iconic University of Texas Tower and opened fire, holding the campus hostage for 96 minutes in what was a previously unimaginable event. “Tower” combines archival footage with rotoscopic animation of the dramatic day, based entirely on first person testimonies from witnesses, heroes and survivors, in a seamless and suspenseful retelling of the unfolding tragedy. The film highlights the fear, confusion, and visceral realities that changed the lives of those present, and the rest of us, forever – a day when the worst in one man brought out the best in so many others.