59: Unconventional Biopics, feat. Tyler Foster

59: Unconventional Biopics, feat. Tyler Foster

From Genre Grinder by Gabe Powers

March 11, 2026 · 1h 48m

About this episode

Gabe and Tyler explore unconventional biopics that defy traditional narrative and aesthetic conventions.

WITNESS THE LIVES OF INTERESTING PEOPLE MADE MORE INTERESTING VIA SUBJECTIVE TRUTHS, PLASTIC AVATARS, UNRELIABLE NARRATORS, AND CG MONKEY-FICATION!! Biopics: bland, formulaic, predictable. You've seen one, you've seen them all, right? Well, not every filmmaker is content to follow the blueprint. Join Gabe and returning guest Tyler Foster as they explore four examples of Unconventional Biopics that break the narrative and aesthetic rules of the genre. This month's titles include Alex Cox's Walker (1987), Todd Haynes' Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story (1987), Nicolas Winding Refn's Bronson (2008), and Michael Gracey's Better Man (2024). 00:00 – Intro 10:14 – Walker 40:37 – Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story 1:01:38 – Bronson 1:22:01 – Better Man 1:43:07 – Outro Check out Tyler's reviews of Lost in Space (1998) , The Mask (1994) , and Eva Man (1980) . If you are in a position to make the world a better place, please consider the following fundraisers: Immigrant Defense Project Stand with Minnesota charities and gofundmes Gender Justice MN Defend Frogtown (support vendors affected by ICE)

People in this episode

Host: Gabe Powers

Guest: Tyler Foster

Topics covered

  • unconventional biopics
  • narrative rules
  • aesthetic rules
  • film analysis
  • biographical films

Keywords

  • biopics
  • film analysis
  • Tyler Foster
  • Gabe Powers
  • unconventional storytelling
  • narrative techniques
  • cinema

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Immigrant Defense Project, Gender Justice MN, Defend Frogtown

Books & works: Walker, Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story, Bronson, Better Man

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