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?
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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
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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: .
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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:
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Jeremy Saulnier
07/21/2021
Jeremy Saulnier
Saulnier's films might remind you of some genre classics, but he's no imitator. We were lucky enough to have Jess Manzo (French Toast Sunday) help us work through Saulnier's rather tense filmography.
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Tamara Jenkins
06/24/2021
Tamara Jenkins
In this episode, we explore the three films of Tamara Jenkins. From Slums of Beverly Hills to Private Life, Jenkins has told engaging, intimate stories while always managing to find humor. She's not prolific, but give a listen and you'll find a lot to suggest this Oscar-nominated filmmaker.
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Chloé Zhao
04/26/2021
Chloé Zhao
Chloé Zhao just won the Best Director Academy Award for Nomadland, which also took home best picture. In perhaps our most timely episode, we delve into the three feature films of Zhao to educate ourselves about this Oscar winner whose next film just happens to exist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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Pete Docter
04/12/2021
Pete Docter
This month, we cover another member of the Pixar brain trust. Pete Docter got in early at Pixar, he's directed Oscar winners, and now he's Pixar's Chief Creative Officer. Jonathan Sundy, official animation expert for the Popcorn Auteur, joined us as we talked about Docter's four films from Monsters, Inc. to 2020's Soul.
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Guilleromo del Toro - Part 2
03/05/2021
Guilleromo del Toro - Part 2
We are back with part 2. We had a lot of fun discussing del Toro's second half. Hope you enjoy us debating if inter-species sex is Oscar bait and if ALF would have been a better character design than the fish man.
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Guillermo del Toro - Part 1
01/20/2021
Guillermo del Toro - Part 1
As we conclude season 4, we tackle one of the busiest filmmakers working today. Guillermo del Toro is a creator of genre fiction on film, television, and in print. He is also beloved by critics and has a recent Academy Award to round out his credentials. In this episode, we examine the first four films written and directed by del Toro.
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John Milius
12/04/2020
John Milius
John Milius never reached the levels of acclaim as Spielberg, Lucas, or Coppola; however, the screenwriter behind Dirty Harry and Apocalypse Now wrote and directed cult classics such as Conan the Barbarian and Red Dawn. He did it in a larger than life manner. In this episode, we are joined by Todd Liebenow of Forgotten Films to discuss and breakdown the films of Milius.
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Robert Eggers
10/31/2020
Robert Eggers
As a filmmaker, Robert Eggers is clicking on all cylinders. His two films (both of modest budget), The Witch and The Lighthouse, have been nearly universally praised by critics. He's filming a new much bigger film, The Northman, with a star-studded cast.
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