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Today's episode is my 100th episode(!) and my conversation about the 1927 film 7th Heaven. My friend Maria Banson from the Brunello Bombshell newsletter joins me to discuss the film and we talk about the connection between Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell that began with this film, the religious undertones that keep cropping up throughout the film, and some stunning cinematography that has to be seen to be believed.
Moulin Rouge! directed by Baz LuhrmannStreet Angel directed by Frank BorzageSadie Thompson directed by Raoul WalshAladdin directed by John Musker and Ron ClementsCasablanca directed by Michael CurtizAnora directed by Sean BakerAll Quiet on the Western Front directed by Lewis MilestoneAll Quiet on the Western Front directed by Edward BergerDownton Abbey (series)Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans directed by F. W. MurnauBirth of a Nation directed by D.W. GriffithLeave it to Beaver (series)La La Land directed by Damien ChazelleBabylon directed by Damien ChazelleThe Love Parade directed by Ernst LubitschIt Happened One Night directed by Frank Capra
You can watch 7th Heaven on YouTube and be sure to check out Maria's newsletter.
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In today's episode, I interview Victoria Warmerdam and Trent, the director and producer of the short film "I'm Not a Robot," a story of a woman who discovers that she might just be a robot and how she deals with that realization.
Second Best by David Foenkinos
Listen to hear about the inspiration for the film straight from Victoria's own experience, the wonderful music and sound design of the film, and one specific job that Trent had while on set.
Books mentioned in this episode include:Films mentioned in this episode include:
"I'm Not a Robot" directed by Victoria WarmerdamBeing John Malkovic directed by Spike JonzeParis, Texas directed by Wim WendersThe Lovers on the Bridge directed by Leos CaraxHoly Motors directed by Leos CaraxBrief Encounter directed by David LeanRumblefish directed by Francis Ford CoppolaFight Club directed by David FincherSeptember 5 directed by Tim FehlbaumStrange Darling directed by JT MollnerForce Majeure directed Ruben OstlundHannibal (series)Slow Horses (series)Killing Eve (series)"I'm Not a Robot" is currently nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards and you can watch it right now on The New Yorker Screening Room on YouTube! Tune into the Oscars live on ABC on Sunday March 2nd.
You can follow Oak Motion Pictures on Instagram @oakmotion and check out their website at https://oakmotionpictures.com/.
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Today's episode is my conversation about the 1927 film Sunrise: The Song of Two Humans. My friend Joe Cruz from the Joe's Video Club newsletter joins me to discuss the film and we talk about how modern filmmakers could take a lesson from Murnau in trusting the audience to understand the story based on visuals alone, how we disagree with the reviewers of the time when it comes to the acting in the film, and some of the incredible film techniques on display in the film.
The General directed by Buster Keaton and Clyde BruckmanThe Last Laugh directed by F. W. MurnauNosferatu directed by F. W. MurnauNosferatu directed by Robert EggersParasite directed by Bong Joon-hoThe Coffee Table directed by Caye CasasThe Godfather directed by Francis Ford Coppola
You can watch Sunrise on YouTube and be sure to check out Joe's newsletter.
Other films mentioned in this episode include:Other references:
Time Magazine reviewPhotoplay Magazine reviewVariety review"My favourite film – Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans" by Pamela Hutchinson from The Guardian -
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In today's episode, I interview Adam J. Graves, the director of the short film "Anuja," a story of two young sisters working in a garment factory in India.
Short stories of Haruki MurakamiEverything Ravaged, Everything Burned by Wells TowerPierre Bales's Historical and Critical Dictionary
Listen to hear some staggering statistics about the number of children around the world engaged in child labor, the importance of casting the film from real children that live in the are portrayed on screen, and the challenges of filming on location in the tight confines of the busy neighborhoods of India.
Books mentioned in this episode include:Films mentioned in this episode include:
"Anuja" directed by Adam J. GravesMonsoon Wedding directed by Mira NairNamesake directed by Mira NairSalaam Bombay directed by Mira NairLiyana directed by Amanda and Aaron KoppThe Lady from Shanghai directed by Orson WellesBirdman directed by Alejandro González IñárrituBiutiful directed by Alejandro González IñárrituLawrence of Arabia directed by David LeanGhandi directed by Richard AttenboroughThe Bridge on the River Kwai directed by David LeanEmilia Pérez directed by Jacques AudiardWhite Material directed by Claire DenisThe Maltese Falcon directed by John HustonTár directed by Todd Field"Anuja" is currently nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards. Tune into the Oscars live on ABC on Sunday March 2nd.
Find out more about the Salaam Baalak Trust on their website.
On Instagram Adam is @adam_j_graves and you can also follow the film @anujathefilm for all the latest updates.
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Today's episode is my conversation about the 1928 film The Last Command. My friend Vicki Lesley from the Meandering Over the Pebbles newsletter joins me to discuss the film and we talk about how actors were able to use their eyes to convey emotion in silent films, how audiences might have understood the film at the time, and how the film sometimes pokes fun at the world of Hollywood filmmaking at the time.
Underworld directed by Josef von SternbergThe Passion of the Christ directed by Mel GibsonThe Circus directed by Charlie ChaplinBenji directed by Joe CampJohn Wick directed by Chad Stahelski
You can watch The Last Command on YouTube and be sure to check out Vicki's newsletter. You can also check out her film on Netflix and Disney+ if you're in the UK and Europe, or rent it on Vimeo on demand at www.theatomfilm.com.
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In today's episode, I interview Luke Shelley, Jenna-Louise Hawkins, and Sophie Stacey, the director, writer, and producer of the short film "What We Wished We Could Be," a story of a young couple dealing with illness as a result of contaminated blood.
Bleeding Fabulous by Mark WardDeath in the Blood: the most shocking scandal in NHS history from the journalist who has followed the story for over two decades by Caroline WheelerCicero: Selected Works
Listen to hear about Jenna-Louise's personal experience that inspired the story, some of the challenges of casting the film, and the challenges of setting the film in two distinct time periods.
Books mentioned in this episode include:Films mentioned in this episode include:
"What We Wished We Could Be" directed by Luke ShelleyMarriage Story directed by Noah Baumbach The Apartment directed by Billy WilderIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade directed by Steven SpielbergMidnight Cowboy directed by John SchlesingerBlack Swan directed by Darren AronofskyThe Exorcist directed by William FriedkinMulholland Dr. directed by David LynchWatership Down directed by Martin RosenThe Untouchables directed by Brian DiPalmaErin Brockovich directed by Steven SoderberghHot Fuzz directed by Edgar WrightThe Lord of the Rings directed by Peter Jackson"What We Wished We Could Be" will be continuing its festival run throughout 2025.
On Instagram Luke is @dirlukeshelley, Jenna-Louise is @jennalouhawkins, and Sophie is @sophielst. You can also follow the film @whatwewishedfilm for all the latest updates. -
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The nominees for the 97rth Academy Awards are here. Take a listen to hear the full list, some fun trivia facts about the nominees, and my personal thoughts on the films that made the cut as well as those that were snubbed.
You can check out the full list of nominees on my Substack newsletter at theoscarproject.substack.com. While you're there, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter so you can get all the latest Oscar news and information and be notified of when you can submit your predictions in this year's Oscar Prediction Contest. If you win, you will have the opportunity to be a guest on this very podcast! -
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Today's episode is my conversation about the 1927 film Underworld. My friend Jeff Kramer from The Death Star Human Resources Department Newsletter joins me to discuss the film and we talk about other films that start off with a heist like this one, how the idea of a mobster has changed over the last century of film, and some of the film techniques used in this film that are still relevant today.
The Dark Knight directed by Christopher NolanThe Score directed by Frank OzScarface directed by Brian DiPalmaScarface directed by Howard HawksStagecoach directed by John FordGoodfellas directed Martin Scorsese
You can watch Underworld on YouTube and be sure to check out Jeff's newsletter.
Other films mentioned in this episode include:Other works referenced:
My post about The Dark Knight's opening scene (November 2023)My interview with Nat Segaloff about his book Say Hello to My Little Friend: A Century of Scarface -
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In the wake of the wildfires in Los Angeles, I wanted to leave some links to resources you can use if you are affected, or if you want to help those in need. I also provide a brief schedule update for the podcast in the next few weeks.
LA Fire Mutual Aid Resources-central repository for all sorts of resources including meals, donations, animal services and more Salvation ArmyRed Cross Monetary DonationRed Cross Blood DonationFireAid Benefit ConcertWill Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation
Finally, after hearing the news of the passing of David Lynch yesterday, I've included a portion of the interview I did with Ian Nathan in 2023 where we talked about Lynch.
Listen to the full interview with Ian Nathan about David Lynch. -
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Today's episode is my conversation about the 1927 film Two Arabian Knights. My friend Shawna Carroll from Notes from Post newsletter joins me to discuss the film and we talk about the key players involved in the film (including someone you might know better as a famous monster), how you could easily remake this film with Bugs Bunny and Wile E. Coyote, and what a shame it is that we don't have any Oscar categories specifically geared toward comedic films.
The Circus directed by Charlie ChaplinSpeedy directed by Ted WildeAll Quiet on the Western Front directed by Lewis Milestone"The Arrival of a Train" directed by the Lumiere BrothersFerris Bueller's Day Off directed by John HughesDeadpool directed by Tim MillerThe Maltese Falcon directed by John HustonFrankenstein directed by James WhaleHow the Grinch Stole Christmas directed by Charles M. JonesThe Aviator directed by Martin ScorseseScarface directed by Howard HawksGreen Book directed by Peter Farrelly
You can watch Two Arabian Knights on YouTube and be sure to check out Shawna's newsletter.
Other films mentioned in this episode include:Other works referenced:
"TCM Diary: The Strange Case of Two Arabian Knights" by Nick Davis in Film Comment (March 1, 2017)Two Arabian Knights Review from Photoplay Magazine (November 1927)Read the story that served as the basis for the film in McClure's Magazine in three parts (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3).
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Today's episode is my conversation about the 1928 film Tempest. My friend Amanda Kusek from The 90-Minute Movie newsletter joins me to discuss the film and we talk about the nature of shifting character dynamics throughout a film, how we see historical events through the lens of film, and almost being able to hear the voice of an actor from his performance on screen even in a silent film.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days directed by Donald PetrieThe Great Dictator directed by Charlie ChaplinCasablanca directed by Michael CurtizBlack Hawk Down directed by Ridley ScottUnited 93 directed by Paul GreengrassWorld Trade Center directed by Oliver StoneBack to the Future directed by Robert Zemeckis
You can watch Tempest on You Tube and be sure to check out Amanda's newsletter.
Other films mentioned in this episode include:Other links:
Tempest (1928) A Silent Film Review on Movies Silently -
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In today's episode, I interview Hannah Beach, Phoebe Campbell-Harris, and Sophie Stacey, the director, writer, and producer of the short film "A Matter of Minutes," a story of a young woman facing a life threatening situation at a house party.
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B. RosenbergA Prayer for Owen Meany by John IrvingThe Cider House Rules by John Irving Apt Pupil by Stephen King
Listen to hear about Phoebe's personal experience that inspired the story, how the film used aspect ratio to drive the story, and a partnership the film has developed with the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation.
Books mentioned in this episode include:Films mentioned in this episode include:
"A Matter of Minutes" directed by Hannah BeachMommy directed by Xavier DolanBoiling Point directed by Philip BarantiniRosemary's Baby directed by Roman PolanskiWaking Life directed by Richard LinklaterArrival directed by Denis VillenueveLife is Beautiful directed by Roberto BenigniIt's a Wonderful Life directed by Frank CapraPast Lives directed by Celine Song The Manchurian Candidate directed by John FrankenheimerRear Window directed by Alfred HitchcockSilence of the Lambs directed by Jonathan DemmeErin Brockovich directed by Steven SoderberghThe Incredibles directed by Brad BirdThe Big Lebowski directed by Joel CoenE.T. The Extraterrestrial directed by Steven SpielbergThe Empire Strikes Back directed by Irvin KershnerMy Dinner With Andre directed by Louis MalleThe Lord of the Rings directed by Peter JacksonBorat directed by Larry Charles"A Matter of Minutes" will be continuing its festival run throughout 2025.
On Instagram Hannah is @hannah__beach__, Phoebe is @phoebecampbellharris, and Sophie is @sophielst. You can also follow the film @amatterofminutesfilm for all the latest updates. Check out Hannah's film "Pockets: New York" at the London Short Film Festival this month. -
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Today's episode is a rundown of all the biggest films (and some not so big) that will be coming out in wide release in 2025. These dates are always subject to change, so be sure to subscribe to The Oscar Project newsletter to stay up to date on all the new releases coming your way each and every week.
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Happy New Year!
Wings of Desire directed by Wim WendersBabylon directed byChallengers directed by Luca GuadagninoThe Substance directed by Coralie Fargeat
The Oscar Project returns to its origins today with a conversation about the 1928 film Street Angel. My friend Beth Lisogorsky from Beth's TV & Film Recommendations joins me to discuss the film and we talk about some modern analogues to the love story, how certain stars were able to make the transition from silent to sound films while others were not, and just how many animals does one film need!
You can watch Street Angel on YouTube and be sure to check out Beth's newsletter.
Other films mentioned in this episode include: -
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It's time for my 2024 podcast year in review where I count down the 12 most listened to episode of the year. Check back in this podcast feed for all the episodes mentioned.
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Today's episode is the first of several year end episodes where I recap 2024 and look ahead into 2025. First up are my top 10s of 2024 where my lists include:
Top movie books I read in 2024Top short film of 2024Biggest surprises and disappointments of 2024Top first time watches in 2024Top films of 2024Be sure to check out my Substack newsletter for full articles on each of these as we count down to the new year and my next episode where I will be recapping everything that happened on the podcast in 2024.
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I am joined on the podcast today by fellow Substack author Vicki Lesley where we sit down to discuss 2024 in documentaries. We review the Oscar short lists that were announced earlier this week, and talk about a few of our favorites as well as some of the titles that were missing from these lists.
The Bibi FilesBlack Box DiariesDahomeyDaughtersEnoFridaHollywoodgateNo Other LandPorcelain WarQueendomThe Remarkable Life of IbelinSoundtrack to a Coup d’EtatSugarcaneUnionWill & Harper
The full list of short listed documentaries is below.
Documentary FeatureDocumentary Short Subject
“Chasing Roo”“Death by Numbers”“Eternal Father”“I Am Ready, Warden”“Incident”“Instruments of a Beating Heart”“Keeper”“Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World”“Once upon a Time in Ukraine”“The Only Girl in the Orchestra”“Planetwalker”“The Quilters”“Seat 31: Zooey Zephyr”“A Swim Lesson”“Until He’s Back”Subscribe to Vicki's newsletter.
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In today's episode, I look over the Oscar shortlists for ten categories that were released by The Academy this morning and provide initial reactions. The categories with announced shortlists are:
Documentary FeatureDocumentary Short SubjectInternational FeatureMakeup and HairstylingSoundOriginal ScoreOriginal SongAnimated Short FilmLive Action Short FilmVisual EffectsCheck out the full list of films on my Substack newsletter.
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In today's episode, I interview Aryasb Feiz, the director of the short film "Tomorrow," a story of a young boy fighting for survival in the streets of Shiraz in the 1970s. The film is currently qualified for the 97th Academy Awards.
When Nietzsche Wept: A Novel of Obsession by Irvin D. YalomThe Gambler by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Listen to hear a little bit about the meaning behind the title of the film, the ideas behind the development of the characters in the film, and how the team actually used the position of the sun in the film to help progress the story.
Books mentioned in this episode include:Films mentioned in this episode include:
"Tomorrow" directed by Aryasb FeizPrincess Mononoke directed by Hayao MiyazakiJurassic Park directed by Steven SpielbergThere Will Be Blood directed by Paul Thomas AndersonForrest Gump directed by Robert ZemeckisThe Empire Strikes Back directed by Irvin KershnerThe Jungle Book directed by Wolfgang Reitherman"Tomorrow" will be screening in L.A. in January and will continue to have a festival run throughout the winter. You can also watch it for free on YouTube.
You can follow Aryasb on Instagram @aryasb_mnm. -
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In today's episode, I interview Nebojsa Slijepcevic, the director of the short film "The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent," a story of one man who decided to stand up for those being persecuted unfairly. The film is currently qualified for the 97th Academy Awards.
The books of Kristian NovakRevenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering by Malcolm GladwellThe works of Josef ŠkvoreckýThe works of Milan Kundera
Listen to hear about the inspiration for the film and the true story it was based on, the importance of casting the right actors for the central characters, and the challenges of filming in the tight confines of an actual train car.
Books mentioned in this episode include:Films mentioned in this episode include:
"The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent" directed by Nebojsa SlijepcevicFargo (TV Series)Some Like it Hot directed by Billy WilderThe Fireman's Ball directed by Milos FormanBelovy directed by Viktor KossakovskyBack to the Future directed by Robert ZemeckisGoofy cartoonsThe films of Alfred Hitchcock"The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent" has been screening at festivals around the world and any upcoming screenings are available on the film's Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also follow Nebojsa on Instagram @neb_sli.
- Visa fler
