Film By Numbers

In Episode 37 of Film By Numbers, we take a deep dive into the South African crime thriller Nommer 37 (2018), the feature debut from writer-director Nosipho Dumisa. Set against the backdrop of Cape Town, this tense and stylish thriller reimagines Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window through a distinctly South African lens, blending suspense, crime, and social commentary. We explore how Dumisa transforms...

In this episode of Film by Numbers, we step into the legendary 36 Chambers to explore the artistry, history, and impact of martial arts cinema. From the philosophy behind kung fu storytelling to the choreography that shaped action filmmaking around the world, we break down why this genre continues to captivate audiences decades later. Joining us for the discussion is writer David West, who brings...

Episode 35 of Film By Numbers turns the spotlight on the mesmerizing cinema of Claire Denis in “35 Shots of Rum – The Films of Claire Denis.” In this episode, we dive deep into the sensual, poetic, and quietly devastating filmography of one of modern cinema’s most singular voices. From her hypnotic visual style to her fearless explorations of intimacy, identity, and atmosphere, we unpack what make...

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 🎄 In Episode 34 of Film By Numbers, we use Miracle on 34th Street as our festive jumping-off point to talk about Christmas movies as a whole. Along the way, we compare and contrast it with other seasonal favorites, including National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Carol, and It’s a Wonderful Life. From heartfelt tradition to sharp comedy and...

In this laugh-packed episode of Film by Numbers, we dive headfirst into the wonderfully absurd world of Lt. Frank Drebin as we explore Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult—and the entire Naked Gun trilogy. From sight gags to slapstick, deadpan delivery to jokes that should not work (but absolutely do), we break down what makes this series a comedic landmark. Join us as we discuss the legacy of the Z...

In Episode 32, we dive headfirst into the zombie horror genre, exploring what makes it endlessly compelling — from its bleak social metaphors to its ever-shifting rules of survival. We break down the evolution of zombie cinema, the tropes we love, the ones we’re tired of, and how the genre keeps reinventing itself for new audiences. Whether you're fascinated by the genre as a whole or curious abou...

In this episode, we dive into the cheeky, chaotic, and charming world of the Carry On films — one of Britain’s longest-running and most iconic comedy franchises. From its early slapstick roots to its later, famously saucy humour, we break down all 31 films in the series and explore what made them such a staple of British cinema. Join us as we discuss the recurring cast, the evolving comedy style,...

Yippee-ki-yay, movie lovers! In our 30th episode, we climb all the way up to the 30th floor of Nakatomi Plaza for a full-scale deep dive into Die Hard — the explosive 1988 action classic that redefined the genre. Join us as we unpack John McClane’s one-man war against Hans Gruber and his band of Euro-terrorists, explore how Die Hard turned everyday vulnerability into heroism, and debate the eterna...

John Ford’s name is synonymous with American cinema. From Stagecoach to The Searchers, his films helped shape not only the western genre, but the very language of storytelling on screen. In this episode, we explore Ford’s artistry—his eye for landscape, his complex sense of community and individualism, and his enduring influence on generations of filmmakers. Using the seldom-seen silent film The G...

In this thrilling 28th episode of Film by Numbers, we dive deep into the post-apocalyptic horror that redefined the zombie genre — 28 Days Later. And it wouldn't be a proper celebration without a very special guest: Noah Huntley, who plays Mark in the film, joins us on the pod! We chat with Noah about his experience working on Danny Boyle’s genre-defining classic, behind-the-scenes stories, the fi...

BONUS EPISODE: Tamar Jeffers McDonald on the Romantic Comedy In this special bonus episode of Film By Numbers, we’re thrilled to share the full interview with renowned film historian Tamar Jeffers McDonald. Join us as Tamar brings her expert eye to the world of the romantic comedy—unpacking its visual language, cultural impact, and enduring appeal. From golden age Hollywood charm to modern-day cla...

In this episode, we say “I do” to one of the most beloved—and misunderstood—genres in film: the romantic comedy. Using 27 Dresses (2008), starring Katherine Heigl and James Marsden, as our jumping-off point, we explore the rom-com's tropes, evolution, and cultural impact. Why do so many critics dismiss rom-coms as fluff? What makes 27 Dresses both a quintessential and subversive entry in the genre...

Following his passing on 16th January 2025, we take the opportunity to honour the film career and genius of American director David Lynch in this episode of Film By Numbers. A true artist who transformed cinematic language with his surrealist soundscapes and dream-like imagery, the ‘Lynchian’ dialogue is one of the subconscious manifested as a progressive narrative by which to share our darkest, y...

To mark our 25th episode, we're diving into 25th Hour and the powerful, provocative filmography of Spike Lee—one of the most vital voices in American cinema. We're joined by special guest host Odie Henderson, the Boston Globe film critic and Spike Lee expert, for a passionate, insightful conversation about Lee's signature style, recurring themes, and cultural impact—from Do the Right Thing to Da 5...

In this special full-length interview, Film By Numbers sits down with actor Kieran O’Brien for an unfiltered, wide-ranging conversation about his bold and fascinating career. From his early days on British television to roles in films like 9 Songs, 24 Hour Party People, and The Look of Love. We talk about working with visionary director Michael Winterbottom and the lessons learned from decades in...

In this episode of Film By Numbers, we explore the bold and diverse filmography of Michael Winterbottom—a director known for blurring the lines between fiction and reality, and for tackling everything from war zones to rock tours to raw human intimacy. We’re also joined by special guest Kieran O'Brien, long-time Winterbottom collaborator and star of 9 Songs, 24 Hour Party People, and The Look of L...

Joel Schumacher: Chaos, Camp & Cult Classics In this episode of Film By Numbers, we dive into the wild, unpredictable world of Joel Schumacher—a filmmaker whose career is as varied as it is misunderstood. From cult classics like The Lost Boys, to controversial turns in Batman Forever and Batman & Robin, to raw dramas like Falling Down and 8MM, Schumacher’s work is bold, stylish, and often...

In this episode, we’ll break down Catch-22, Joseph Heller’s satirical masterpiece, and whether Mike Newell’s film adaptation could ever do it justice. Are some books just impossible to adapt? Is it true that "the book is always better"? And can film ever capture the depth, nuance, and psychological insight of a novel? Plus, we explore the two-way relationship between books and films—does one help...

Hello and welcome to Film By Numbers! This is episode 21 and we have named it '21 Grams - the Films of Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu'. Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu Mexican filmmaker. He is primarily known for making modern psychological drama films about the human condition. His projects have garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades including five Academy Awards, as well as a Special Achievem...

Hello! This is episode 20 and we have named it Twentieth Century Fox – Movie Studios and the Golden Age of Hollywood. We’ll be looking at the influence of the ‘Big 5’ movie studios, MGM, Paramount, Warner Bros, RKO, and, of course, 20th Century Fox, who took cinema from the silent era through to the one of sound and discuss how they created a dynasty of romanticism, escapism and drama, though the...

This is episode 19 and we have named it K19: The Widowmaker and the subject up for discussion is films set on submarines. The film that gives us our title is Kathryn Bigelow’s 2002 historical thriller about Russia's first nuclear submarine which malfunctions on its maiden voyage. A race against time ensues as the crew put their lives on the line to prevent a nuclear disaster. The film is based on...

We're delighted to share with you our full interview with filmmaker Elliot Goldener. In this interview we discuss the complexities of shooting a 'found footage' film and celebrate the 10 year anniversary of his film 'The Borderlands'. Many thanks to Elliot for taking the time out to speak with us. Interview conducted by Phil Slatter. Produced and edited by Matthew Simmonds

Hello and welcome to episode 18 of Film By Numbers! We've named it Apollo 18 and the subject up for discussion is the fairly unique sub genre of found footage. The film that gives us our title is the 2011 found footage sci-fi horror that tells the tale of a covert mission to the moon after the Apollo space programme had officially ended. We're also joined by filmmaker Elliot Goldner. Ellio...

Our Hitchcock conversation continues with this exclusive interview with film critic, author and scholar, David Sterritt. David has vast knowledge of Hitchcock's work (and he's met Hitch!) and has published critical studies and taught courses on Alfred Hitchcock. Many thanks to David for sharing his extensive knowledge of the Master of Suspense. The interview was conducted by Film By Numbers produc...

Hello and welcome to the latest episode of Film By Numbers!  It is Episode 17 and we have called it ‘Meeting at Number 17: The Films of Alfred Hitchcock’. Number 17 was an early feature film of Hitchcock’s from 1932 that the great man himself denounced as “a terrible picture, very cheap melodrama.”  It’s a crime thriller about a gang of thieves who gather at a safe house following a robbery whilst...