The Popcorn Auteur

Jon and Chris get a film education, one filmmaker at a time. Each month, we pick a famous filmmaker and watch every film that he or she wrote and directed. Then, we research the filmmaker’s history and critical assessments of their work. Finally, we talk about the films, consistent themes throughout, and answer definitively: Are they an auteur and do we like them?

Harry Elfont & Deborah Kaplan 05/22/2025

Harry Elfont & Deborah Kaplan You may not know this writing team's credits, but if you are our age, you know Can't Hardly Wait. You may also consider Josie and the Pussycats a cult classic. Hop into a time machine with us to examine the films of Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan. As always let us know what we got wrong on or email us at . Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/36679895

Megan Park 04/03/2025

Megan Park Megan Park is an up and coming filmmaker. After a lengthy career as an actress, she has now directed two films: The Fallout and My Old Ass. We saw My Old Ass on some top ten lists last year and the level of praise from had us intrigued: "“My Old Ass” is an instant classic, this generation’s “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Over the past decade, I’ve witnessed a handful of young filmmakers with this kind of extraordinary promise. Megan, along with directors like Ryan Coogler and Robert Eggers, is a crucial component of our cinematic future. Yet she expertly acknowledges the inspiration of our celluloid past, proudly walking in the footsteps of Billy Wilder, Elaine May and John Hughes." In this episode we review Park's first two films, assess coming of age stories from our youth, and consider whether Park will be a future auteur (or maybe she already is). As always let us know what we got wrong (or right) at . Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/35992955

Richard Curtis 02/19/2025

Richard Curtis Richard Curtis is one of the mosty successful screenwriters to come out of Great Britain, but he's also directed three films of his own. From the modern Christmas classic of Love Actually to the underseen About Time, we will discuss the films written and directed by Curtis. Our Holiday episode made it out while there is still snow on the ground, so that's something. As always let us know what we got wrong at . Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/35349815

Alejandro G. Iñárritu 12/16/2024

Alejandro G. Iñárritu Why did it take us this long to cover the last of the three amigos? Perhaps it was the memories of Babel or a fear of bear attacks. Or perhaps the fact that Alejandro G. Iñárritu wasn't always a screenwriter. No matter the reason, in this episdoe we have a spolier-filled discussion of the four films written and directed by Iñárritu. As an added bonus, you get to hear Chris mispronounce a number of Spanish words (in addition to the usual French words). As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/34471195

Ari Aster 10/31/2024

Ari Aster Happy Halloween! This year, Paul Kowalski is back to help us examine the films of Ari Aster. Come for the dread and decapitations, stay for the unified Ari Aster theory. Plenty of spoilers in this discussion. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/33705597

Duncan Jones 10/21/2024

Duncan Jones Duncan Jones has a famous father, but he's attempted to blaze his own trail as an artist. Once a rising star in sci-fi filmmaking, Jones has struggled to find success as of late. In this espisode, we discuss the highs and lows of his filmography. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/33547762

Sofia Coppola 09/25/2024

Sofia Coppola Sofia Coppola's surname means a lot in filmmaking, and yet she's been able to blaze her own distinct trail. She's a particular filmmaker intent on executing her particular vision. Listen as we discuss what did and did not connect with us from Coppola's filmography. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes/Sources: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coppolas-queens-pt-2-priscilla/id1057714949?i=1000635510881 /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/33202207

Don Bluth 06/14/2024

Don Bluth The talented joins us to discuss the films written and directed by Don Bluth (No Littlefoot or Fievel here). Bluth is famous for leaving Disney and then giving them a run for their money in the late 80s and early 90s. In this episode, we look at the highs and lows of Bluth's career. Check out Jonathan Sundy's books . As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/31727457

Tom McCarthy 04/03/2024

Tom McCarthy Tom McCarthy co-wrote and directed Spotlight, which took home the Oscar for Best Picture. McCarthy won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The next time McCarthy returned to the director's chair was for the direct to Disney+ Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made (since pulled from the platform). McCarthy has spent his career attempting to make films for grown-ups while also dabbling in children's movies, getting a story credit on Up. In this episode, we try to make sense of this ping-ponging. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes: https://soundcloud.com/thedirectorscut/episode-8-spotlight-with-tom-mccarthy-and-jonathan-levine?in=ozkzeqspksam/sets/dga /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/30656323

Alexander Payne 01/22/2024

Alexander Payne In this episode, we are joined by high school teacher and wine drinker (not at the same time), Mark Staron, to discuss the films of Alexander Payne. We had a fun discussion covering everything from voiceovers and Omaha to which film made us cry the most. We also drank some wines featured in Sideways, so all in all a successful podcast. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/29587958

Jordan Peele 10/31/2023

Jordan Peele Happy Halloween! This October 31st, we delve into thinking-man's horror with the films of Jordan Peele. We welcome back Paul Kowalski for this fun conversation. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Staff Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/28471946

Greta Gerwig 10/20/2023

Greta Gerwig Greta Gerwig's career is firing on all cylinders. She has the biggest film of 2023, Barbie, consistent critical acclaim, and Academy love. But will she get the Popcorn Auteur badge of approval? Join us as we review Gerwig's career as a filmmaker, starting with the oft-overlooked Nights and Weekends. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/28373159

James Mangold 08/29/2023

James Mangold James Mangold has one of the more eclectic filmmaking careers. From indie dramas to romantic comedies to R-rated superheros and now Indiana Jones, Mangold's films run the gamut. We were excited to explore this filmography and shocked to discover that Mangold lifts the time travel dynamics directy from Kate & Leopold for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/27877596

Sarah Polley 07/07/2023

Sarah Polley Fresh off of winning the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for Women Talking, Sarah Polley is posed to become a major voice in modern filmmaking. In this episode, we review Polley's short but impressive list of films. Warning: We also talk rickshaws. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/27396516

Benson & Moorhead 05/12/2023

Benson & Moorhead Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead are filmmakers that embody independent filmmaking. There latest film, Something in the Dirt was made largely by just three people. In this episode, we have a blast jumping into their micro-budget Lovecraftian multiverse. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes/Sources: https://content.libsyn.com/p/6/0/a/60a38baf727565fd/SynchronicQandAJustinBensenAaronMoorhead.mp3 /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/26825577

Kasi Lemmons 03/28/2023

Kasi Lemmons Our film education continues with the films of Kasi Lemmons. Lemmons made the transition from acting to behind the camera with the stellar Eve's Bayou. A filmmaking career that has spanned over 25 years, including 2019's Harriet, her writing and directing output is worth a look. Join us as we discuss. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/26367423

Shane Black 02/27/2023

Shane Black Shane Black was once Hollywood's hottest screenwriter. After some rough times, he transitioned into the director's chair and has helmed a Marvel Cinematic Universe film (Iron Man 3) and 2018's The Predator. Nonetheless, we were most excited to talk about his other films - Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Nice Guys. In this episode we were joined by Shane Black enthusiast and always busy podcaster Jay Cluitt. Listen as we talk through the highs and one significant low of Black's career. Find more from Jay here: Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/26054952

David Cronenberg - Part 2 12/07/2022

David Cronenberg - Part 2 In part 2 of our journey through the films of David Cronenberg, we get away from the horror. In this episode, we examine the controversial (Crash), the confusing (Naked Lunch), and the upsetting (Cosmopolis). Paul Kowalski is back for a fun draft of all 15 films written and directed by Cronenberg. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/25247424

David Cronenberg - Part 1 10/31/2022

David Cronenberg - Part 1 For our Halloween episode, Paul Kowalski is back to delve into a 2-parter on body horror master David Cronenberg. In part 1, we go from the oddities of his early experimental films to cult classics Scanners and Videodrome. Listen as we explore these wild films and try to reach some consensus on his best body horror film. Staff Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/24850278

Nora Ephron 10/06/2022

Nora Ephron Nora Ephron may have been the master of the romantic comedy (Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, & When Harry Met Sally), but her filmography is far more diverse and at times supernatural (angels and witches). Listen as we discuss the variety of films she wrote and directed during her career. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show notes/sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/24602511

Lawrence Kasdan - Part 2 08/31/2022

Lawrence Kasdan - Part 2 We are back to finish up the filmography of Lawrence Kasdan. His second half may not include the hits and critical successes of the first half, but we came into this episode hopeful. Listen to hear whether that hope was paid off or if Kasdan lost his fastball in his later works. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/24222606

Lawrence Kasdan - Part 1 07/29/2022

Lawrence Kasdan - Part 1 Lawrence Kasdan is best known for his screenwriting credits in the Star Wars and Indiana Jones universe, but he's an accomplished filmmaker in his own right. In this episode, we start our exploration of Kasdan's filmography from Body Heat to Grand Canyon. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Chris's Scene from Silverado: Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/23894931

Christopher McQuarrie 06/16/2022

Christopher McQuarrie We don't claim to be action movie experts, but maybe McQuarrie never rerally saw himself becoming a blockbuster action director. Following an early Oscar and a near exit from the film industry, McQuarrie has paired with Tom Cruise for reliable box office success. DJ Valentine from helps guide us through the four thinking-man action films written and directed by McQuarrie, from The Way of the Gun to Mission: Impossible - Fallout. Movie Clips mentioned: Where to Find more from DJ Valentine: As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/23444357

Elaine May 04/28/2022

Elaine May Elaine May is a comedy legend with a directing career that came to an infamous end with Ishtar. Her film career has undergone a bit of a positive reappraisal lately, even with earning a Criterion entry for Mikey and Nickey. You don't have to look far either to find an Ishtar defender. Listen as we conduct our own appraisal of May's film output. As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show notes/sources: . /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/22935725

Bong Joon-ho 03/31/2022

Bong Joon-ho Bong Joon-ho is an Oscar winner with a diverse filmography ranging from serial killing to a creature feature. Coming in pretty ignorant of Joon-ho and Korean filmmaking, listen to see what we thought of this hot filmmaker. Scene Picks: As always let us know what we got wrong on , on Twitter, , or email us at . Show Notes and Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/22640615

Dee Rees 02/02/2022

Dee Rees Dee Rees has an Oscar nomination (for Mudbound) and a Criterion collection film (for Pariah) under her belt. She also can boast writing and directing Bessie, which won an Emmy for Best TV Movie. In this episode, we are joined by Mark Staron for a spoiler-filled discussion of these highs and the rest of Rees's filmography. (as mentioned by Chris) Show Notes/Sources: /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/21992543

Steve McQueen 12/23/2021

Steve McQueen Steve McQueen is an accomplished filmmaker, both Cannes-approved (Camera d'Or for Hunger) and the director of an Oscar winning film (12 Years a Slave). In this episode, we dive into the films written and directed by McQueen, included the ambitious Small Axe anthology. /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/21589892

Sam Raimi 10/31/2021

Sam Raimi It's Halloween and Paul Kowalski is back to discuss the films of Sam Raimi. Raimi's a horror legend, but his films are like a haunted house with the lights on - things might be a little scary, but it's also pretty funny and almost comforting. Join us as we draft Raimi films and debate the worst protagonist decisions in the 7 films written and directed by Raimi. /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/20999642

Paul Thomas Anderson 09/30/2021

Paul Thomas Anderson Paul Thomas Anderson has amassed an impressive filmography with his ninth feature film, Licorice Pizza, scheduled for release at the end of the year. Perhaps intimidated by the run-times and heavy themes or put off by a strange belief that there was only a place for one Anderson filmmaker in our lives, the sad reality is that we had missed most of Anderson's filmography. Luckily, Nick Rehak agreed to guide us through the films of Paul Thomas Anderson. /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/20655557

Matthew Vaughn 08/26/2021

Matthew Vaughn Matthew Vaughn is doing great. He's got his own cinematic universe (Kingsman), and he has also been compared to a Bond villain. While he's been largely successful with audiences, the critical reception has been more mixed. For this episode, we were joined by Richard Kirkham of the LAMBcast to journey through Vaughn's films. /episode/index/show/popcornauteur/id/20266919

The Popcorn Auteur

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