Director's Club
A monthly show that reviews one film director per show. Episodes #123-172 were hosted by Brad & Al. As of 2022, new episodes will be hosted by either Jim & Bill and a variety of guests. We also have yearly retrospectives, interviews and more!
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Episode 223: Olivier Assayas (feat. Patrick Ripoll)
03/25/2024
Episode 223: Olivier Assayas (feat. Patrick Ripoll)
Two reasons this podcast exist: Film Junk and Patrick Ripoll. So I'm always grateful when Patrick returns since he's the OG co-host of this show. He's always doing killer work with Reg on 96 Greers that I highly recommend. But I vividly recall two moments of the past decade: his love of Clouds of Sils Maria and my love for Personal Shopper. Made a mental note to put French filmmaker on the list of potential directors and the time has come to cover him. He will have a movie out later this year but there are plenty of past titles and new discoveries for both of us to discuss even if ultimately, he didn't become an all-time favorite for either of us. We cover the majority of his filmography and have plenty of laughs along the way! Thank you to Patrick for being a consistently smart, insightful guest with plenty to say. No new episode in April but you'll get two special ones in May featuring Bill Ackerman early in the month and then Mitchell Beaupre later in the month! Footnote: The opening comes courtesy of Assayas' Cold Water and a time when Patrick broke some glass recording the podcast. 00:00 - 07:36 - Introduction 07:37 - 27:57 - His early work 27:58 - 01:14:20 - Cold Water, Irma Vep 01:14:21 - 01:43:20 - Demonlover, Boarding Gate, Summer Hours 01:43:21 - 02:20:06 - Carlos, Something In The Air, Clouds of Sils Maria 02:20:07 - 02:43:50 - Personal Shopper, Non-Fiction 02:43:51 - 02:50:52 - Top 3 Assayas / Outro 96 Greers!
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Episode 222: 1994 - The Year In Review
03/07/2024
Episode 222: 1994 - The Year In Review
The epic yearly retrospectives continue as we travel back 30 years to rewatch, reconsider and share favorites along with many memories too! Join me on this 6-hour plus journey alongside Chicago critics and . Many laughs, songs, clips, trailers, excerpts and so much more! Thank you so much for the support and for listening. And of course, thank you so much to Collin & Erik for spending time nerding out about a wide range of titles. For all the retrospective episodes click here and see you next year for 1995. Follow Collin: Follow Erik: My 1994 List: Check Out the List We Follow:
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Episode 221: Alain Resnais (feat. Kate Blair)
02/01/2024
Episode 221: Alain Resnais (feat. Kate Blair)
When I first saw Hiroshima Mon Amour, this particular director went on the long list of names I wanted to cover. is an internationally acclaimed film director, associated with both the Left Bank Group and the Nouvelle Vague. His preoccupation with the themes of time, memory and history, and his dazzling exploration of cinematographic technique, made him one of France’s most distinctive and influential filmmakers for over 60 years, inspiring the likes of David Lynch & Michel Gondry. For this episode, previous guest and friend to the show Kate Blair (who joined me for Agnes Varda) returns for a delightful discussion on close to ten films of his, including a high recommendation of some of his short films as well at the end. Then I'm taking the rest of the month off to concentrate on prepping for the epic 1994 retrospective recording the first weekend of March. Thank you to Kate for a great conversation on a filmmaker I grew to love the more we talked about him. Follow Kate:
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Episode 220: Favorite Films Of 2023 (feat. Bill Ackerman & Patrick Ripoll)
01/08/2024
Episode 220: Favorite Films Of 2023 (feat. Bill Ackerman & Patrick Ripoll)
The title of this episode says it all. Over four hours of nerdy movie conversations and recommendations all about the year 2023. Two Director's Club mainstays return. Bill Ackerman (host of and guest host of this show) along with Patrick Ripoll (co-host of ) join me as well all share their favorite films of 2023. No categories this year (like Best Actor, etc.) but plenty of reflection, surprising disagreement and even a wild story about what happened when Patrick tried to see one of Jim's favorites. Thank you so much for the support this past year, listeners. And huge thanks to Patrick and Bill for joining me again. Opening Song: Closing Song: 00:00 - 23:14 - Introduction / Thoughts on 2023 23:15 - 01:23:34 - #25-11 Favorites 01:23:35 - 01:28:59 - Chloe Waryan's Favorites 01:29:00 - 02:44:20 - #10-6 02:44:21 - 04:20:00 - #5-1 04:20:01 - 04:29:00 - Outro Follow Bill: Follow Patrick: Follow Jim:
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Episode 219: Charlie Kaufman (feat. Sharon Gissy)
01/02/2024
Episode 219: Charlie Kaufman (feat. Sharon Gissy)
Happy New Year! This is a podcast. The Director’s Club Podcast. Maybe you should get a coffee first before listening. A coffee and a muffin might help. Gosh I’m so tired. But what a way to start the new year. Podcasting with a wonderful person like Sharon. Then editing it. Then writing these show notes. The thing that you’re reading right now. Or maybe you’re not reading this, you’re listening to the podcast. Wouldn’t it be weird if suddenly you were on the podcast? You the listener? Sometimes it all blurs and blends together. Anyway, you’re probably wondering who this podcast episode is all about. I also cheated a little this time because the first three movies, he didn’t even direct. I’m talking about my favorite writer, who is responsible for my 2nd favorite movie Synecdoche New York among many other incredible screenplays most of us know and love. More importantly, joining me for this lively discussion is the creator of the Mental Filmness Film Festival, Sharon Gissy. She’s also a huge fan of Charlie Kaufman and I knew she would bring a lot of insight, passion and joy to the podcast. If you’re a fan of Synecdoche, hopefully you enjoy the final minute (in other stay til the very end). In about a week, the favorite films of 2023 episode will drop featuring Patrick Ripoll and Bill Ackerman. What a way to start the year and I couldn’t be happier getting to talk about the great Charlie Kaufman with Sharon. 00:00 - 10:20 - Introduction 10:21 - 32:21 - Being John Malkovich32:22 - 01:11:59 - Adaptation, Eternal Sunshine01:12:00 - 01:59:13 - Synecdoche New York, Anomalisa01:59:14 - 02:20:02 - I’m Thinking of Ending Things / Outro02:20:03 - 02:21:11 - Jim Directs You Via Earpiece Sharon’s Film Festival: Jim’s Writing: Charlie Kaufman’s Other Play:
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Episode 218: Frank Oz (feat. Ross Bratin & Tripp Burton)
11/21/2023
Episode 218: Frank Oz (feat. Ross Bratin & Tripp Burton)
Just in time for turkey day, in which we have a lot to be thankful for, comes this delightful discussion with plenty of fixins. Fresh from their excellent new podcast, , two new guests join me but I've been following them ever since we all met during Triviaspotting. Ross Bratin and Tripp Burton join me to talk all about the filmography of , someone each of us love and grew up with - whether as a Muppet or as a director, his achievements and talent are immeasurable. We start with his very first solo gig as a director, The Muppets Take Manhattan and go all the way up to his last narrative feature, Death at a Funeral. We discover some thematic ties and most importantly, we have lots of laughs due to Oz's incredible skills as a comedic filmmaker. In other words, mostly (but not entirely) a love fest for someone that we hope gets together again to make another film in the future. But if not, we're glad he accomplished so much throughout his career. Thank you so much to Tripp & Ross and to you for listening! 00:00 - 36:29 - Intro / Get To Know Ross + Tripp 36:30 - 01:21:27 - The Muppets Take Manhattan, Little Shop Of Horrors, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 01:21:28 - 01:48:47 - What About Bob?, Housesitter, The Indian in the Cupboard 01:48:48 - 02:27:15 - In & Out, Bowfinger, The Score 02:27:16 - 02:56:43 - The Stepford Wives, Death at A Funeral 02:56:44 - 03:07:30 - Top 3 Frank Oz Films / Outro Follow Ross: Follow Tripp: A Tripp Through Comedy: Jim Is Here:
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Episode 217: James Wan (feat. Chloe Waryan)
10/24/2023
Episode 217: James Wan (feat. Chloe Waryan)
This episode is about the same running time as The Conjuring 2! Why does a horror movie need to be well over two hours? One might inquire to breakthrough horror filmmaker and that's exactly what I set out to do for this Halloween spooktacular! This is my favorite month of the year for a reason! Well, actually we have another delightful episode due in large part to a very special guest making her Director's Club debut. Joining me is librarian and Instagram sensation to talk all about the current state of horror while reviewing the work of James Wan, covering the majority of his filmography, particularly the franchises he helped to create which changed the face of horror forever! Chloe also recommends some recent horror films and books she has loved and much more! Thank you Chloe and thank you listeners. Happy Halloween! P.S We do spoil these films (Malignant especially) so you’ve been warned! 00:00 - 14:36 - Intro / Getting To Know Our Guest 14:37 - 39:24 - James Wan + Saw 39:25 - 01:25:54 - Insidious + The Conjuring Films 01:25:54 - 01:59:44 - Malignant + Other Wan Films 01:59:45 - 02:21:33 - Chloe's Recommendations / Top 3 Wan / Outro Follow Chloe's Instagram: Check Out Chloe's Website: Follow Chloe On Letterboxd: Follow Jim On Substack:
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Episode 216: Don Bluth (feat. Billy Ray Brewton & Ryan Verrill)
10/02/2023
Episode 216: Don Bluth (feat. Billy Ray Brewton & Ryan Verrill)
The new episode arrives a few days later than planned (since it was scheduled to be our September episode) but nevertheless, we have a delightfully animated episode on tap here featuring another two of my favorite podcasters. The talented, prolific Billy Ray Brewton (of The Incinerator Podcast & Movie Mixtapes) joins me alongside his good friend and co-host Ryan Verrill, who also has own podcast that I highly recommend called The Disc-Connected. We learn about their passion projects and their origin stories at the start since this is their first time on! Together we three have delved into the legendary work of one Don Bluth, the man brave enough to depart from Disney at a time when their output wasn’t the strongest. He set out to make his own distinguishable work and was mostly successful particularly at the start of his career as a director. Then there are a couple of weird detours along the way (oh Rock-A-Doodle) but even a late career highlight that ends up being a favorite of ours! This was such a joy and for you animation fans of the 80s and 90s, I have a feeling you’ll feel as nostalgic as we did taking this journey. Coming in about three weeks - something completely different - for the next episode, I’ll be stuck in another dimension alongside librarian Chloe Waryan for a spooky discussion on Mr. James Wan! Thank you all for listening and thank you to Billy Ray & Ryan for joining me! 00:00 - 27:14 - Introduction / Origins of Billy Ray + Ryan 27:15 - 58:54 - Secret of NIMH, An American Tail 58:55 - 01:23:59 - Land Before Time, All Dogs Go To Heaven 01:24:00 - 01:46:52 - Rock-A-Doodle, Thumbelina, Troll in Central Park, Pebble & Penguin 01:46:53 - 02:08:00 - Anastasia, Titan A.E. 02:08:01 - 02:20:58 - Top 3 Favorites / Outro Jim's Substack, etc: Billy Ray's Podcast, etc: Ryan's Podcast, etc:
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Episode 215: Wendell B. Harris, Jr. (feat. Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com)
08/28/2023
Episode 215: Wendell B. Harris, Jr. (feat. Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com)
is an American independent filmmaker trained in drama at Interlochen and Juilliard. His family founded Prismatic Images, a multi-award-winning film/video/audio production facility in Flint, Michigan, in 1979 and he broke onto the scene by making the breakthrough Sundance smash, just one year after Steven Soderbergh broke with his debut film. One of my favorite film critics, Robert Daniels joins me to talk about and the reason why it was Harris' only film to date. (He has tried many times to get projects greenlit but it still hasn't happened as of this recording). Robert and I celebrate the audacity of this remarkable talent both in front of the camera and behind it. Before that, we learn about Robert's background and have a discussion on the current state of film criticism. Then later on, we preview our next conversation for next year on Charles Burnett and more! 00:00 - 41:30 - Introduction / Views on Film Criticism 41:31 - 01:34:55 - Chameleon Street / Wendall B. Harris 01:34:56 - 02:06:33 - Other Films / Outro Follow Robert's Work: Buy The New Chameleon Street Blu-Ray:
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Episode 214: Carl Franklin (feat. Jack & Clay of Exiting Through The 2010s)
07/10/2023
Episode 214: Carl Franklin (feat. Jack & Clay of Exiting Through The 2010s)
Delightful guests Jack Draper and Clay Williams of a new favorite show of mine, , make their debut to talk about a mutual favorite directors of theirs: (ONE FALSE MOVE, DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS). We focus on the five films he made all in a row, most of which are highly acclaimed and one of them should be far more acclaimed than it seems to be. Wondering which one that is? You'll have to listen! Before we launch into the filmography, Clay and Jack talk about their humble beginnings and how they become cinephiles as well. This was such a blast and they'll be back next year without a doubt! 00:00 - 25:44 - Introduction 25:45 - 01:20:18 - One False Move, Devil In A Blue Dress 01:20:19 - 02:26:16 - One True Thing, Hi Crimes, Out Of Time 02:26:16 - 02:40:00 - Top 3 Franklin Films / Outro Check Out Exiting Through The 2010s: My Episode With Jack & Clay - The Duke Of Burgundy! Jack On Twitter: Clay On Twitter: Follow Me Everywhere:
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Bonus Episode: 1993 Review - The Year In Music
06/14/2023
Bonus Episode: 1993 Review - The Year In Music
Soon enough Bill Ackerman will be bringing us an official director-centric episode soon and I will be discussing another in early July. For this excursion into something besides movies, in case you didn't know, I once hosted called Voices & Visions and I would recruit friend and Austin-based journalist to go back 20 years to talk about a year in music - an art form that I love every bit much as film. For this retrospective, my guests and I curate a new list of ten favorite records from a favorite year, playing snippets of certain songs and discussing our feelings about music in general. As of 2021, I decided to include my friend , also a writer, to join us in this endeavor, he's back to experience the fun as well. As listeners know, I've been going back 30 years to talk about with Collin Souter and Erik Childress, so I asked Jason and Dan to do the same from now on with records. 1993 was the year I officially started my own band so it's a special discussion for me, in terms of records that had a bigger impact than most. Hearing my number one choice for favorite record of this year changed my life forever. Hopefully everyone enjoys this discussion about our favorite records from 1993, even if there are very few references to films and directors for this bonus episode. It was such a blast sharing memories with dear friends from high school as well as getting to hear a lot of incredible music from the early 90s (Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, The Afghan Whigs, Liz Phair and so much more). If you want to hear the older episodes of the music retrospective, they are now archived below as well. Thank you so much for listening and much gratitude to Dan & Jay for their insights, opinions and a 30-year plus friendship. Other episodes recorded over the years: Follow Dan On Twitter: Pre-Order/Buy Dan's New Book: Follow Jason On Twitter: Hear Me Talk All About Exile In Guyville on The Great Albums:
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Episode 213: Tsai Ming-Liang
06/07/2023
Episode 213: Tsai Ming-Liang
Two years ago Bill Ackerman and Patrick Ripoll joined forces to do a deep dive into the filmography of Wong Kar-wai, an Asian filmmaker who found great acclaim with his quirky tales of loneliness and longing set among a world of urban alienation in contemporary Hong Kong. Now they return to do a deep dive into the filmography of Tsai Ming-Liang, an Asian filmmaker who found great acclaim with his quirky tales of loneliness and longing set among the world of urban alienation in contemporary Taipei. Time is a wheel we all can't help but ride. But any close examination will reveal Tsai Ming-Liang to be a peerless artist with a fascinating body of work totally unlike that of anyone in film history, a queer slow-cinema maverick whose fierce independence, devotion to his lead actor Lee Kang-Sheng, and intricately connected filmography rewards you more and more the closer you look. From his humble days in Taiwanese television to directing the first film ever commissioned by The Louvre, Patrick and Bill are here to guide you through the winding paths and enigmatic hidden treasures of one of Taiwan's greatest filmmakers, by charting a course through four of his most foundational works: REBELS OF THE NEON GOD (1992), WHAT TIME IS IT THERE? (2001), GOODBYE, DRAGON INN (2003) and STRAY DOGS (2013). 0:00 - 11:53 - Introduction 11:54 - 13:29 - Filmography through Rebels of the Neon God 13:30 - 58:38 - Rebels of the Neon God 58:39 - 1:01:15 - Filmography between Rebels of the Neon God and What Time Is It There? 1:01:16 - 1:38:34 - What Time Is It There? 1:38:35 - 2:13:06 - Goodbye, Dragon Inn 2:13:07 - 2:31:31 - Filmography between Goodbye, Dragon Inn and Stray Dogs 2:31:32 - 2:40:30 - The Walker series 2:40:31 - 3:03:50 - Stray Dogs 3:03:51 - 3:19:37 - Days & Outro
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Bonus Episode: Jim's 45th Birthday Special Request (feat. Patrick Ripoll)
05/04/2023
Bonus Episode: Jim's 45th Birthday Special Request (feat. Patrick Ripoll)
Every year I ask my friend Patrick to provide me with something special in the form of a podcast gift. His friendship of course is the real gift but his presence for this episode is also a present. Not only does it celebrate my 45th birthday (May the 4th be with me) but we also decided to celebrate this here podcast! I asked Patrick this time to revisit the first two films we actively disagreed on going all the way back to Episode 2. What happens 12 years later when both him and I decide to re-watch (dir. Rob Zombie) and (dir. Sofia Coppola). Do we feel the same now as we did back then? The only way to know is to listen and find out. If you want to celebrate my birthday, all you have to do is give this your time. Thank you to my dear friend and former co-host / guest co-host Patrick for another delightful talk. 00:00 - 08:27 - Intro 08:28 - 01:00:20 - The Devil's Rejects 01:00:21 - 01:46:36 - Somewhere 01:46:37 - 02:11:35 - Outro
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Episode 212: Joan Micklin Silver (feat. Marya Gates & Bill Ackerman)
04/20/2023
Episode 212: Joan Micklin Silver (feat. Marya Gates & Bill Ackerman)
For this episode I recruited two terrific and talented film writers and commentators especially since two of the movies we talk about happen to be all-time favorites for the both of them. Guest co-host and Supporting Characters host Bill Ackerman returns as well as Chicago film critic for a delightful discussion on the work of . She's responsible for a number of excellent films including HESTER STREET, CHILLY SCENES OF WINTER, BETWEEN THE LINES, CROSSING DELANCEY and so much more! Thanks to this episode I have a new favorite romantic comedy to add to my list so I'm grateful for my guests for bringing their A-game to this conversation and please do follow their work as well as discover Joan Micklin Silver's films in any form possible! We also briefly preview the upcoming ! Stay tuned next month for a lot to come featuring both Bill Ackerman and former co-host Patrick Ripoll. I'm taking a little time off for my birthday month but there will be a surprise episode as always to make the occasion :) 00:00 - 20:19 - Introduction / Catching Up / CCFF 20:20 - 01:31:44 - JMS' First Few Films (Hester Street, Between The Lines, Chilly Scenes Of Winter) 01:31:45 - 02:10:49 - Crossing Delancey, Loverboy, Big Girls Don't Cry 02:10:50 - 02:27:32 - Other Films 02:27:33 - 02:41:03 - Top 3 JMS Films / Outro The Chicago Critics Film Festival: The Projection Booth Covers Chilly Scenes Of Winter w/JMS: Read Marya's Work on JMS: Watch JMS Films On Mubi: Follow / Subscribe To Marya: Check Out Bill's Podcast, Supporting Characters:
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Bonus Episode: Favorite Food Movies (feat. Matt Strauss) + Midnight Snacks (feat. Marissa Robertcop)
03/28/2023
Bonus Episode: Favorite Food Movies (feat. Matt Strauss) + Midnight Snacks (feat. Marissa Robertcop)
Yep, more bonus content to close out the month before Bill comes aboard in April with an epic series on Jean-Luc Godard. For this delicious treat of an episode, up front you get a delightful conversation featuring from who oversees a number of New York restaurants and food + beverage venues in and around NYC. He has a lot to say about his exciting feast planned for this week which was inspired by his love of the film Babette's Feast which Bill and I discussed for the Director's Club Patreon at Matt's request! Check out tickets for this event right here if you're in the NYC area and get to this in time: Matt and I also serve up a three course meal of our own discussing favorite food movies that I chose along with some honorable mentions. Definitely some surprise picks there! Following Matt's interview, you get an evening snack in the form of an excerpt of a bonus episode I once did with my friend Marissa all about The Top 25 Snacks In America! Hope you're hungry and stay tuned for more from Bill next month as well! 00:00 - 52:07 - Matt Strauss / Favorite Food Movies 52:08 - 01:16:45 - Marissa + The Top 25 Snacks In America
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Bonus Episode: Ethan Warren (The Cinema Of Paul Thomas Anderson) + Patrick Ripoll (Licorice Pizza)
03/27/2023
Bonus Episode: Ethan Warren (The Cinema Of Paul Thomas Anderson) + Patrick Ripoll (Licorice Pizza)
As if 2 hours plus for wasn't enough, you are about to get even more content all about my favorite filmmaker. This time I interview author/writer extraordinaire about his recently released book, that I highly recommend. We talked for 40 mins about what inspired him to write it, along with thoughts on PTA in general. Soon after that, you'll get to hear more conversation from my former co-host Patrick Ripoll. About a year ago for Patreon, we reviewed Licorice Pizza which Patrick felt strongly about whereas I thought that it wasn't one of his strongest films for reasons you heard me bring up with Nick & Steve. I decided it was best to conclude this double dose of PTA talk with the original hosts on a film that Patrick did love. Speaking of that, be sure to stick around for the intro monologue since I go into greater detail on how I feel about Inherent Vice since I didn't express it entirely last time. Coming soon is Bill Ackerman's next contribution and it'll be a doozy for sure! Thank you all for listening, and thanks to Ethan & Patrick! 00:00 - 18:00 - Intro / Inherent Vice Summation 18:01 - 52:06 - Interview With Ethan Warren 52:07 - 02:17:30 - Patrick Reviews Licorice Pizza Visit Ethan Warren's Site: Buy His Book on PTA: Follow Ethan On Twitter: In Case You Missed PTA Part II: Check Out Patrick's Podcasts:
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Episode 211: Paul Thomas Anderson Part II (feat. Nick Digilio & Steve Prokopy)
03/21/2023
Episode 211: Paul Thomas Anderson Part II (feat. Nick Digilio & Steve Prokopy)
Way back in 2012 before THE MASTER had come out, for Episode 35, my former co-host Patrick and I enlisted Steve Prokopy to talk about my favorite director of all time. There were some disagreements here and there but it was a memorable discussion back then. Now that PTA has released four fascinating movies since the last time we recorded, it’s about time I recruit one of the people responsible for turning me into a movie freak: Mr. Nick Digilio of The Nick D Podcast. We catch up with Nick, talk very briefly about the Oscars and then we have conversations about THE MASTER, INHERENT VICE, PHANTOM THREAD & LICORICE PIZZA and we end with listing our top three favorites.. For an albeit dated discussion on the other films, check out the first PTA episode linked below. It was an honor to have Nick and Steve back on the podcast and stay tuned for Bill Ackerman’s next contribution (which will be multiple episodes) coming early next month. 00:00 - 18:23 - Introduction / Oscar Talk 18:24 - 01:10:59 - The Master / Inherent Vice 01:11:00 - 02:04:17 - Phantom Thread / Licorice Pizza 02:04:18 - 02:13:13 - Top 3 PTA Films / Outro Paul Thomas Anderson Part 1: The Nick D Podcast: That Show Hasn’t Been Funny In Years: Steve’s Third Coast Reviews: Steve on The Movie Madness Podcast: Nick Digilio’s Martin Scorsese Director’s Club Eps: Jim’s PTA Filmography Ranked: Nick’s PTA Filmography Ranked:
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Bonus Episode: Alex Heller (THE YEAR BETWEEN)
03/20/2023
Bonus Episode: Alex Heller (THE YEAR BETWEEN)
One of my favorite films of the year so far is Alex Heller's , now available on VOD. The reason for that is detailed further in my review during the first ten minutes but after that, stay tuned for guest correspondent (and film festival founder) Sharon Gissy as she speaks with the writer/director and star of this excellent, insightful look at Bipolar disorder and so much more. It'll be playing on March 30th at the so I encourage you to come that night if you live in and around the Chicagoland area! 00:00 - 12:32 - Intro / Jim's Review of THE YEAR BETWEEN 12:33 - 37:47 - Sharon's Interview With Alex Heller
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Episode 210: 1993 - The Year In Review
02/28/2023
Episode 210: 1993 - The Year In Review
We found… a way. You may be wondering why there hasn’t been an official new episode for a while? Well, I’ve been spending the past six weeks binging on movies from 1993 for an annual tradition that has taken place for the past 8 years! Yes it’s that time folks. The yearly retrospectives continue as we travel back 30 years to rewatch, reconsider and share favorites along with many memories too! Join me on this 6-hour plus journey alongside Chicago critics and . Stay tuned for the next official episode in late March when two other Chicago critics (Steve Prokopy & Nick Digilio) join me for a Paul Thomas Anderson Redux/Sequel episode! Thank you so much for the support and for listening. And of course, thank you so much to Collin & Erik for spending time nerding out about a wide range of titles. For all the retrospective episodes click here: Please visit the Now Playing Network for some new shows! Jim's 1993 Year In Review Ranked: Check out the list of released films:
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Bonus Episode: Lukas Dhont (CLOSE) + Mia Hansen-Løve (ONE FINE MORNING)
01/27/2023
Bonus Episode: Lukas Dhont (CLOSE) + Mia Hansen-Løve (ONE FINE MORNING)
Hosts Bill Ackerman and Jim Laczkowski were asked to talk with two filmmakers about their latest work - both of which has received awards consideration and acclaim. First up, Jim speaks with Lukas Dhont about his coming-of-age tale which is opening on February 3rd here in Chicago. Then, Bill had the opportunity to interview Mia Hansen-Løve about her latest drama . Incredibly grateful to both directors for taking the time to talk with us. 00:00 - 02:39 - Intro 02:40 - 16:45 - Jim's Interview With Lukas Dhont (CLOSE) 16:46 - 43:43 - Bill's Interview With Mia Hansen-Løve (ONE FINE MORNING) Order Tickets In Advance For Close (Chicago): Order Tickets For One Fine Morning (NYC):
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Episode 209: Favorite Films Of 2022 (feat. Bill Ackerman + Brad Strauss)
01/04/2023
Episode 209: Favorite Films Of 2022 (feat. Bill Ackerman + Brad Strauss)
It's the most wonderful time of the beginning of the year! The title of this episode says it all and I'm so grateful to my two guests for joining me for this epic reflection on the film year that was 2022! Now I'll be going back to 1993 for February's retrospective episode so until then enjoy 6 hours of nerding out. Also please be sure to check out the two new podcasts soon to be added to the Now Playing Network! Thank you so much for listening to a yearly tradition that is always a complete joy! 00:00 - 22:50 - Intro / General Thoughts 22:51 - 01:07:33 - Ancillary Awards 01:07:34 - 02:17:55 - Honorable Mentions 02:17:56 - 04:16:10 - #10-#6 04:16:11 - 05:54:23 - Top 5 Films Of 2022 05:54:24 - 06:03:43 - Outro _______ Feelin Film Podcast: We Doing Filmographies: Uptown Song Club: Bill Ackerman's List: Jim Laczkowski's List: Brad Strauss' List:
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Episode 208: Ken Russell (feat. Samm Deighan)
12/23/2022
Episode 208: Ken Russell (feat. Samm Deighan)
Guest host Bill Ackerman invites author, film historian and Twitch Of The Death Nerve co-host Samm Deighan to discuss the work of Ken Russell, the visionary talent who directed groundbreaking profiles of artists for the BBC before attaining international acclaim and notoriety through bold, often controversial films like WOMEN IN LOVE, THE MUSIC LOVERS, THE DEVILS, THE BOY FRIEND, MAHLER, TOMMY and ALTERED STATES. 00:00 - 21:49 - Introduction 21:50 - 38:51 - Monitor, ELGAR and the early BBC years 38:52 - 46:30 - Early Theatrical Features and THE DEBUSSY FILM 46:31 - 59:09 WOMEN IN LOVE 59:10 - 1:09:19 DANCE OF THE SEVEN VEILS and World War II imagery 1:09:20 - 1:16:46 THE MUSIC LOVERS 1:16:47 -1:37:23 THE DEVILS 1:37:23 - 1:51:17 THE BOY FRIEND 1:51:18 - 2:00:17 SAVAGE MESSIAH and Andrzej Żuławski’s THE BLUE NOTE 2:00:18 - 2:17:10 MAHLER, TOMMY, LISZTOMANIA and VALENTINO 2:17:11 - 2:31:53 ALTERED STATES and Ken Russell in the 80s 2:31:54 - 2:44:15 WHORE and the later films of Ken Russell 2:44:15 - 2:46:40 Favorite Ken Russell movies and conclusion Follow Samm Deighan on Patreon Listen to Twitch Of The Death Nerve: Buy The Legacy of World War II in European Arthouse Cinema by Samm Deighan: Read Samm Deighan’s Ken Russell Retrospective series at Diabolique Magazine: Listen to The Projection Booth Podcast on Ken Russell: Director Joe Talbot on WOMEN IN LOVE: Elgar The Debussy Film Dance Of The Seven Veils The Music Lovers Mahler Salome’s Last Dance The Blue Note (Andrzej Żuławski’s 1991 film about Frédéric Chopin)
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Episode 207: Michael Curtiz Redux (feat. Dave Canfield & Michael Cockerill)
11/18/2022
Episode 207: Michael Curtiz Redux (feat. Dave Canfield & Michael Cockerill)
hosts Michael Cockerill and Dave Canfield join me for this special tribute to honor our dear friend Sergio Mims. Several years ago, I did an episode on one of his favorite directors, . Of course you are encouraged to listen to that. But I asked Mike & Dave to join me to revisit two titles in particular from Curtiz as well as recommend several others as a way of honoring the memory of Sergio. Perhaps one of these films is an all-time classic called CASABLANCA? In addition, we review a couple of recent titles like RRR and AFTERSUN. Not only that, but after our conversation, you'll get to hear Sergio one last time on this show. Over a year ago, we did a Patreon exclusive episode on THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE, only not the Curtiz version surprisingly. Wanted everyone to hear Sergio's thoughts on that excellent film since it steps things up and is more faithful to the true story than Curtiz's take. Thank you so much for listening and mucho gratitude to Mike and Dave for coming on to talk some classics. We briefly mention our love of DOCTOR X, KING CREOLE and THE SEA WOLF! Listen to Sergio Mims’ Michael Curtiz episode (7 years ago): For more Mike & Dave reviews, check out Mindframes! 00:00 - 08:04 - Intro 08:05 - 30:33 - What We Watched Recently 30:34 - 01:18:57 - Curtiz & Casablanca 01:18:58 - 01:55:20 - The Breaking Point 01:55:21 - 02:16:10 - Other Curtiz Films / Outro 02:16:11 - 03:01:11 - Sergio Mims Talks About The Charge Of The Light Brigade!
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Episode 206: Sergio Mims' Song Of The South Commentary
11/03/2022
Episode 206: Sergio Mims' Song Of The South Commentary
Normally something like this would be a bonus episode, but this is a special exception. As Erik wrote: Sergio Mims, our noted film scholar and friend, was well on his way to becoming “King Commentary” with all his official contributions to Blu-rays for Kino, Vinegar Syndrome and others. During the pandemic at the peak of lockdown, Collin Souter of Christmas Movies Actually, suggested that our good friend record one for Disney’s controversial 1940 film, Song of the South. Sergio did not hesitate and delivered something for his friends. Some of them are here to again pay brief tribute to the man who was a regular part of the Movie Madness podcast. Jim Laczkowski is joined by both Collin and the Movie Madness host, Erik Childress, to introduce this track that can now be experienced by everyone. Whether you have a version of the film to sync up with or not it doesn’t matter, because you can just sit back and soak in the words of a film lover who left us way too soon. Stay tuned for one more official episode around Thanksgiving followed by another upcoming contribution by guest co-host Bill Ackerman! 0:00 – A Tribute To Sergio Mims by Erik Childress, Jim Laczkowski & Collin Souter 16:43 – Instructions To Cue Up Commentary 17:36 – Song Of The South Commentary By Sergio Mims Be sure to also check out Collin's CMA tribute to Sergio feat. clips here:
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Bonus Episode: Happy Halloween
10/31/2022
Bonus Episode: Happy Halloween
There's something strange... in your podcast feed... but don't call me. I have no idea how it got there. Perhaps the devil? Maybe an alternate version of me came here from a different universe and placed it here? Regardless, I think a few years back I strung together some scary songs and weird sounds but I added a little bit extra to accompany it. Better live up to the title of being "craaaazy!" Can you make it thru these 40 minutes? If you want the real deal from Patrick this year for your trick or treating, then you should absolutely check out his latest Halloween Mix here if you haven't already: Happy Halloween To All! Stay scarrry!
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Bonus Episode: Philip Brubaker (How To Explain Your Mental Illness To Stanley Kubrick)
10/24/2022
Bonus Episode: Philip Brubaker (How To Explain Your Mental Illness To Stanley Kubrick)
A special bonus episode is here to highlight one of the many excellent offerings from the . Hopefully the title alone is enough to get you intrigued to check out the title I’m focusing on for this conversation. is my guest today and a multi-talented one at that. He has created and edited comedic shorts, experimental films, video essays, documentaries and more! His 2009 documentary BRUSHES WITH LIFE: ART, ARTISTS AND MENTAL ILLNESS won multiple awards within the film industry, screened at festivals and aired state-wide on public television. Most recently, he has garnered a lot of acclaim and attention for his work as a video essayist (of which there are many examples of that you should track down) and of course, my first introduction to his work was due to the fact that he did an essay on work by my favorite director, Paul Thomas Anderson showcasing correlations between PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE and THE LONG GOODBYE. Now he’s hitting the festival circuit with a personal, often very funny and meta-layered essay-memoir-experimental feature in which the title says a lot - that would be HOW TO EXPLAIN YOUR MENTAL ILLNESS TO STANLEY KUBRICK now streaming for a couple of more weeks via Sharon Gissy’s that I truly hope you’ll make time for. Thank you so much to Philip for taking the time to talk about his past and present work that I know you will get a lot out of once you see it. 00:00 - 08:43 - Introduction 08:44 - 01:12:30 - Interview With Philip Brubaker Check Out Philip’s Film Streaming Free Till November 6th: Philip’s Website: Philip’s Vimeo: Philip’s YouTube: Philip's Twitter: Philip’s Instagram: Mental Filmness (Watch For Free Now):
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Episode 205: Allan Moyle (feat. Justin Decloux)
10/07/2022
Episode 205: Allan Moyle (feat. Justin Decloux)
What an episode in so many ways that it’s hard to know where to begin in even writing an introduction. The first ten minutes are mostly about me remembering a friend and film critic near and dear to many of us along with promoting and supporting an as well. I hope you won’t skip over the beginning since it would mean a lot if you listened to the tribute about someone very important to my life and to the lives of many. There will be more words and a separate write-up on that to come. Of course the bulk of this episode surrounds the work of a filmmaker that also means a lot to me personally: - a name I’m sure you know by now due to how many times I’ve mentioned the film PUMP UP THE VOLUME on this podcast. But what about his other work as well? My guests today are recurring co-host and Supporting Characters host and a delightful and accomplished newcomer, co-host of The Important Cinema Club Podcast, . All three of us have a lot to say about different personal experiences not just involving Allan Moyle’s work, including TIMES SQUARE and EMPIRE RECORDS, but early on, due to this coming out in October, we provide various horror film recommendations that we consider to be “outside the box” (though mine are certainly ones I’ve championed in the past but they’re now available to stream via The Criterion Channel). Be sure to grab a pen and paper to jot down some titles! This was recorded during an emotional time to be sure (what a year) but I’m truly grateful to my guests for coming on with short notice for this discussion and stay tuned to the feed for much more to come. The spirit of friend / hero and Chicago film historian Sergio Mims is infused in this episode as you’ll hear. We are thinking of him and his many friends and family. Stay tuned for more information about an upcoming tribute to him at the at the Gene Siskel Film Center. 00:00 - 10:20 - Introduction / Sergio Mims10:21 - 17:00 - Intro To The Show17:01 - 53:49 - Horror Recommendations For This Month53:50 - 01:35:38 - The Rubber Gun, Times Square01:35:39 - 02:04:39 - Pump Up The Volume02:04:40 - 02:33:46 - Empire Records, New Waterford Girl02:33:46 - 02:55:35 - Other Moyle Films / Top 3 / Outro Bill’s Conversation With Sergio Mims: More About Sergio Mims: Mental Filmness Film Festival (Virtual): Mental Filmness Film Festival (Live): Criterion Channel (80s Horror): Learn More About Justin & The Important Cinema Club:
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Episode 204: Mia Hansen-Løve (feat. Gianna D'Emilio)
09/19/2022
Episode 204: Mia Hansen-Løve (feat. Gianna D'Emilio)
Guest host Bill Ackerman invites writer Gianna D’Emilio to discuss the work of Mia Hansen-Løve, the acclaimed writer/director of films like THINGS TO COME, BERGMAN ISLAND, EDEN and GOODBYE, FIRST LOVE. In anticipation of her latest effort, ONE FINE MORNING, they take a close look at her first seven features. Read “Girlhood, Postfeminism and Contemporary Female Art-House Authorship: The “Nameless Trilogies” of Sofia Coppola and Mia Hansen-Løve” by Fiona Handyside Read Mia Hansen-Løve in conversation with Elena Lazic on MAYA: Read “All Is Forgiven” by James King: Read “In Praise Of Mia Hansen-Løve’s ‘Things To Come’” by Joanna Biggs: Read “The Cinema of Mia Hansen-Løve Candour and Vulnerability” by Kate Ince: Buy a Mia Hansen-Løve T-shirt: Watch the THINGS TO COME Press Conference with Isabelle Huppert & Mia Hansen-Løve:
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Bonus Episode: New Movie Reviews + Interview With Neil LaBute (House Of Darkness)
09/05/2022
Bonus Episode: New Movie Reviews + Interview With Neil LaBute (House Of Darkness)
Oh hello there! This is my way of reviewing new releases once in a while and provide them here for you - monologue-style. This time I'm providing some reviews for early September including something very special: a bonus interview with the writer/director of one of the new films I’m reviewing. Neil LaBute has been making interesting features for well over 20 years and his latest is a creepy little Gothic horror film called (opening on September 9th). Listen to him talk about it, then give a listen to my review along with three other titles as well. Usually these are available on but decided to include this one on the main feed as well. I also talk a lot more than usual in the intro for personal reasons concerning mental health and why there was a bit of an absence in August. Hopefully you enjoy this bonus episode right before hearing the next official episode from guest host Bill Ackerman coming within the next week. Give it up for his great work so far with the too! Thank you for the support & for listening to this episode. Huge thanks to Neil LaBute for taking the time to talk with me as well. 00:00 - 16:30 - Intro / Update 16:31 - 30:20 - Interview With Writer/Director Neil LaBute (HOUSE OF DARKNESS) 30:21 - 37:10 - HOUSE OF DARKNESS (Available in Theaters, Sept. 9 and on Demand and Digital Sept. 13) 37:11 - 50:14 - THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING 50:15 - 59:24 - ON THE COUNT OF THREE 59:25 - 01:13:50 - VENGEANCE Opening Song: - Daniel Johnston Closing Song: - Papa Roach
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Episode 203: Stephen Sayadian (feat. Heather Drain, Justine Smith and Daniel Bird)
08/15/2022
Episode 203: Stephen Sayadian (feat. Heather Drain, Justine Smith and Daniel Bird)
Guest host Bill Ackerman invites film/culture writer Heather Drain and writer/programmer Justine Smith to discuss the films of Stephen Sayadian (aka Rinse Dream), the singular talent behind films like NIGHTDREAMS, CAFÉ FLESH and DR. CALIGARI. As an added bonus, Bill also includes a new interview with writer/historian/film preservationist Daniel Bird, who produced the 2021 4K restoration of DR. CALIGARI and is presently working on an upcoming restoration of CAFÉ FLESH. 00:00 - 1:59:00 - Stephen Sayadian discussion w/Heather Drain & Justine Smith 1:59:00 - 2:01:55 - Daniel Bird Introduction 2:01:55 - 2:59:30 - Daniel Bird Interview 2:59:30 - 3:00:45 - Outro Fantasia 2021: A Masterclass with the Legendary Stephen Sayadian, in conversation with Justine Smith Watch Wall Of Voodoo “Do It Again” video: Hear Stephen Sayadian, Jerry Stahl and Heather Drain talking about DR. CALIGARI on The Projection Booth: Hear a discussion of NIGHT DREAMS on The Projection Booth: Trailer for PARTY DOLL A GO GO: Party Doll A Go-Go! (1991) Condensed Dialogue (Censored) The Ramones “Psycho Therapy” video: Silk Stalkings - Pilot Episode: Visit Heather Drain’s website: Follow Justine Smith on Twitter:
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