“How can you tell what’s a dream or what’s real when you can’t even tell when you’re awake or when you’re asleep?” Dalton Trumbo's Controversial Anti-War ClassicIn 1971, blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo adapted his own 1939 anti-war novel Johnny Got His Gun for the big screen. The film marked Trumbo's directorial debut and only feature film as director. Set during World War I, the story follows a young American soldier who becomes a quadruple amputee after being hit by an artillery shell. ...
Aug 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 14Ep. 5
“I don’t have anything. Never did have anything. Never will have anything.” The Tale of Barbara Loden's Unsung MasterpieceIn the late 1960s, actress Barbara Loden came across a newspaper article about a woman on trial for bank robbery who thanked the judge for her sentence. Perplexed by what could drive a woman to such a point, Loden crafted a story that would become her sole feature film, Wanda. Despite being married to acclaimed director Elia Kazan, Loden struggled to get the film made, eventu...
Aug 22, 2024•51 min•Season 14Ep. 4
“Now that you know everything about me, you still love me?” A Twisted Love Story and a Director's Only FilmThe Honeymoon Killers, released in 1970, is a crime drama based on the real-life story of Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck, the infamous "Lonely Hearts Killers" who murdered as many as 20 women in the 1940s. The film was originally set to be directed by a young Martin Scorsese, but after a start too slow for the budget, the project was handed over to the producer’s friend and roommate Leon...
Aug 15, 2024•48 min•Season 14Ep. 3
“Why can’t anybody hear me?!” The Fascinating Origins of a Classic Horror FilmIn the early 1960s, director Herk Harvey stumbled upon an abandoned amusement park in Salt Lake City, sparking the idea for what would become the classic horror film Carnival of Souls. With a shoestring budget and a cast of mostly unknown actors, Harvey set out to capture the haunting atmosphere of that desolate park. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off the One-and-Done series with a conversation abo...
Aug 08, 2024•51 min•Season 14Ep. 2
“I don't believe in magic, Wombat, but a few times in my life, I've seen things. Things I can't explain. And I've come to believe it's not so much what you believe. It's how hard you believe it.” The Final Chapter(?) in the Indiana Jones SagaAfter a 15-year hiatus, the legendary archaeologist Indiana Jones returns for one last adventure in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Directed by James Mangold, this fifth installment aims to capture the spirit of the original trilogy while bringing the...
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 14Ep. 1
“It’s a helluva thing, killin’ a man.” A Western Classic RevisitedClint Eastwood's 1992 Western masterpiece, Unforgiven, was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The film, which Eastwood directed and starred in, was a revisionist take on the classic Western genre, exploring themes of violence, redemption, and the myth of the American West. With its complex characters and morally ambiguous storyline, Unforgiven challenged traditional Western tropes and helped revitalize the genre f...
Jul 31, 2024•11 min•Season 13Ep. 60
“Can we talk about something other than Hollywood for a change?” Robert Altman's The Player is a satirical dark comedy that takes a sharp look at the inner workings of Hollywood and the movie industry. The film was nominated for Best Film Editing at the 1993 Academy Awards, competing against Basic Instinct, The Crying Game, A Few Good Men, and the winner Unforgiven. The Player marked Altman's return to the spotlight after a string of critical and commercial disappointments in the 1980s.Join us –...
Jun 30, 2024•10 min•Season 13Ep. 59
“We’re all useless alone. It’s a good thing you’re not alone.” Everything Everywhere All at Once is a unique and ambitious film that defies genre conventions. Directed by the Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), the film was born out of their desire to create something that would explore the multiverse concept in a fresh and exciting way. With an all-star cast led by Michelle Yeoh, the Daniels set out to craft a story that would not only entertain but also provoke thought and emotion. Joi...
Jun 27, 2024•51 min•Season 13Ep. 58
“It’s not the plane, sir. It’s the pilot.” The Long Road to Top Gun: MaverickThe original Top Gun was a massive success in 1986, but it took over 30 years for a sequel to finally take flight. Development on Top Gun: Maverick began in 2010 when Paramount Pictures approached producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Tony Scott about a sequel. Unfortunately, the project was put on hold after Scott's death in 2012. The studio eventually moved forward with the sequel in 2017, with Joseph Kosinski takin...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 13Ep. 57
“You want to dance the masque, you must service the composer. You gotta sublimate yourself, your ego, and, yes, your identity. You must, in fact, stand in front of the public and God and obliterate yourself.” A Cinematic Masterpiece from Director Todd FieldDirector Todd Field may not be a prolific filmmaker, but his small body of work showcases his incredible talent and strong voice. After a 16-year hiatus, Field returns to the director's chair with Tár, a film that has been praised as a perfect...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 13Ep. 56
“Everything happens for a reason.” Spielberg's Passion Project Comes to LifeFew filmmakers have had as much impact on cinema as Steven Spielberg, but it wasn't until recently that he felt ready to tackle his most personal project yet. With the passing of his parents, Spielberg finally felt he could tell the story of his youth and early days as a filmmaker without hurting their feelings. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 2023 DGA Awards Outstanding Directorial Achievement...
Jun 06, 2024•57 min•Season 13Ep. 54
“You’re an ambulance chaser with a rank. You’re nothing.” This is a member bonus episode. We'd love it if you became a member to support our show, but you’d love it because of everything you get. We have monthly member bonus episodes that only members can access. You also get member content in episodes, access to members-only Discord channels, and early releases for every episode. Plus, no ads! And you get to vote on the movies we discuss in our members only episodes! What can we say? It pays to...
May 31, 2024•7 min•Season 13Ep. 55
“It was all going fine until he chopped off all his fingers.” In 2022, writer-director Martin McDonagh reunited with his In Bruges stars, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, to create a haunting tale of friendship, loss, and the far-reaching consequences of our actions. Set against the backdrop of the Irish Civil War in 1923, The Banshees of Inisherin was filmed on the breathtaking Achill Island and Inishmore, capturing the essence of a remote Irish community. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelso...
May 30, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 13Ep. 53
“Don’t go chasing shadows, Arthur.” Adapting a Classic Ghost Story for the Big ScreenThe Woman in Black, based on Susan Hill's 1983 novel of the same name, has been adapted for the stage, television, and radio. In 2012, James Watkins directed a feature film version starring Daniel Radcliffe in his first major role since the Harry Potter series. With a talented team behind the camera and a compelling lead actor, The Woman in Black aimed to bring a classic ghost story to life for a new generation....
May 23, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 13Ep. 52
“Happy. That’s exactly my problem – that I can’t be happy. Not even when good things happen to me.” A Gripping Spanish Psychological ThrillerSleep Tight (Mientras Duermes) is a 2011 thriller directed by Jaume Balagueró that delves into the complex themes of obsession, trust, and the violation of personal space. The film follows César, a concierge at an apartment building, and his interactions with the residents, particularly Clara. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 2013 ...
May 16, 2024•59 min•Season 13Ep. 51
“I like that you made the movies longer, they are better this way.” Scott Derrickson's nightmare after watching The Ring sparked the creation of Sinister, a chilling tale that taps into the growing fascination with true crime. Co-written with his frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill, Derrickson's film follows a true crime writer who moves his family into a house with a brutal past, only to uncover a sinister supernatural force at work. Released in 2012, Sinister arrived just as the true crime...
May 09, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 13Ep. 50
“How many on the list?” A Slow-Burn Descent into DarknessBen Wheatley's second feature film, Kill List, was released in 2011 to critical acclaim. The film follows Jay, a former soldier turned hitman, as he takes on a new job with his friend Gal after a traumatic event in Kiev leaves him unable to work for eight months. As Jay and Gal begin their new assignment, they quickly realize that there is more to their targets than meets the eye, and they find themselves embroiled in a dark and twisted co...
May 02, 2024•56 min•Season 13Ep. 48
“They weren’t eating him. They were killing him.” A Harrowing Tale of Survival in the Alaskan WildernessIn 2011, director Joe Carnahan set out to create a film that would push the boundaries of the survival genre. With a script co-written by Ian Mackenzie Jeffers, based on his short story "Ghost Walker," Carnahan assembled a talented cast led by Liam Neeson to bring this harrowing tale to life. Filming took place in the harsh conditions of British Columbia, Canada, where the cast and crew faced ...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 13Ep. 47
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Talking About Ferris Bueller’s Day Off with our guest, dialect coach William ConacherIn this episode of Movies We Like, Andy Nelson and Pete Wright are joined by renowned dialect coach William Conacher to discuss his fascinating career and the beloved classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Conacher shares his journey from actor to dialect coach, working on projects like The Crown, Spencer, and No Time to D...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 14 min
“It'll be just like in the movies. We'll pretend to be someone else.” A Winding Road to ProductionDavid Lynch's Mulholland Dr. started life as a television pilot for ABC, but when the network passed on the project, Lynch reworked it into a feature film. The resulting movie is a surreal, non-linear exploration of the dark side of Hollywood, blending elements of mystery, romance, and psychological horror. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 2002 Film Independent Spirit Award...
Apr 18, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 13Ep. 46
"You can’t trust a man’s life to your little notes and pictures.” REBROADCASTChristopher Nolan’s second film, Memento from 2001, caught a lot of attention on its release. The clever screenplay structure where the story unfolds both forward and backward in time creates an experience much like that of our protagonist Leonard Shelby (wonderfully played by Guy Pearce), a man suffering from anterior grade memory loss. Some people said Memento was too clever for its own good or that it was all style w...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 3 min
“It’s what I have to work with.” Adapted from the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway musical, Hedwig and the Angry Inch tells the story of an East German rock star on a journey of self-discovery. Directed by and starring John Cameron Mitchell, the film premiered at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 2002 Film Independent Spirit Awards Best Cinematography Nominees series with a conversation about Hedwig and the Angry Inch.With standout perfo...
Apr 11, 2024•48 min•Season 13Ep. 45
“Make a sound and I’m going to drown you in the lake.” A Sundance Standout That Earned Cinematography HonorsScott McGehee and David Siegel, the directing duo behind The Deep End, began developing the project in the late 1990s. Inspired by the 1940s novel The Blank Wall by Elisabeth Sanxay Holding and the 1949 film adaptation The Reckless Moment directed by Max Ophüls, they set out to create a modern noir thriller centered around a mother's fierce love and protection for her son. With the help of...
Apr 04, 2024•57 min•Season 13Ep. 43
“I’ve never understood this joke, but then I’ve never been to Earth.” Shooting for the Stars on a Shoestring BudgetIn 1996, writer/director Cory McAbee set out to make a wholly unique film that blended elements of science fiction, Western, comedy and musical genres. With a background in music and short films, McAbee threw everything he had into crafting the world of The American Astronaut. Shot on stark black and white 35mm film, this low-budget labor of love caught the attention of the Film Ind...
Mar 28, 2024•54 min•Season 13Ep. 42
In this inaugural episode of Cinema Scope, host Andy Nelson is joined by professors Leon Hunt and Chris Hamm to explore the captivating world of wuxia, a Chinese film genre that blends philosophy, action, and legend. They discuss the key elements that define wuxia, such as the chivalrous heroes, period settings, and fantastical elements, as well as the concept of jianghu, a unique world within wuxia stories.Leon and Chris trace the evolution of wuxia from its roots in early Chinese literature to...
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 18 min
“You call it luck. I call it destiny.” Talking About John Huston’s The Man Who Would Be King with our guest, actor Patrick FabianIn this engaging episode of Movies We Like, hosts Andy Nelson and Pete Wright are joined by special guest Patrick Fabian to discuss John Huston's epic adventure film, The Man Who Would Be King. Fabian, known for his roles in numerous TV shows and films, including his standout performance as Howard Hamlin in Better Call Saul, shares his passion for this classic movie an...
Mar 25, 2024•58 min•Season 5Ep. 8
“My grandma always said, ‘Family pulling together in times of need will make it strong.’” The Family That Eats Together: A Discussion of Soul FoodBefore Soul Food hit theaters in 1997, writer and director George Tillman Jr. struggled to get his first feature film made. After selling the script, the production company went under before filming began. Undeterred, Tillman persevered and found new backing from Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and his wife Tracey. Their shared vision brought Tillman’s semi...
Mar 21, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 13Ep. 41
“Romance is about the possibility of the thing.” Love Jones hit theaters in 1997 as writer/director Theodore Witcher’s acclaimed debut. With an eclectic jazz soundtrack and romantic story filled with poetry slams, complex relationships, and career passions, the film earned praise and award nominations. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1998 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture Nominees series with a conversation about Witcher’s 1997 film Love J...
Mar 14, 2024•50 min•Season 13Ep. 40
“Let’s be realistic. Now, sooner or later, they’re going to get around to offering me a plea deal, and you know that. That’s why you are here to kill me.” Jackie Brown Rides High in Tarantino’s Homage to BlaxploitationQuentin Tarantino burst onto the film scene in the 1990s with unique stylistic choices and sharp dialogue. After achieving critical acclaim for Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, Tarantino turned to Elmore Leonard’s novel Rum Punch for his third directorial effort, Jackie Brown. Set ...
Mar 07, 2024•59 min•Season 13Ep. 38
“Memory is a selection of images, some elusive, others imprinted indelibly in the brain. The summer I killed my father, I was ten years old.” Exploring the Layers of Eve's BayouWith her moody directorial debut Eve's Bayou, independent filmmaker Kasi Lemmons immerses us in a vividly realized Louisiana bayou community in the 1960s. Through the eyes of daughter Eve Batiste, we witness the complexity of her affluent African-American family as simmering secrets threaten to tear them apart. Join us – ...
Feb 29, 2024•55 min•Season 13Ep. 37
