Phoenix Cinema Podcast

In this episode of Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club, we delve into the darkly comic horror 'Obsession' by Curry Barker, exploring its themes of toxic relationships, supernatural elements, and its unexpected rise in popularity. Join us as we delve into the film's intricacies exploring its themes, filmmaking techniques, and the creative journey behind its making. Perfect for horror enthusiasts and a...

In this episode, Luke and Chris dive into the latest films 'Father, Mother, Sister, Brother' by Jim Jarmusch and 'Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu'. They explore the films' themes, performances, and their personal impressions, offering a detailed critique and appreciation of these diverse cinematic works. First up, we discuss the new Jim Jarmusch movie and for once Chris and Luke don't quite f...

A deep dive into the 1969 British film 'Kes' by Ken Loach, exploring its naturalistic style, social themes, and powerful performances. Join the Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club as we analyze the film's portrayal of childhood, societal constraints, and the raw authenticity that makes it a timeless classic. The naturalism is stunning and the fact that Loach used mostly non-professional actors is not...

Chris and Luke dive into the newest release from the filmmaking duo of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Project Hail Mary. They also discuss the re-released 1988 anime classic, Akira, which is influenced by and has influenced countless movies. Project Hail Mary is Luke's favourite movie of the year so far, there is lots to enjoy here and that surprised both hosts considering they aren't the bigge...

Join us as we delve into the 1987 James Bond film 'The Living Daylights' with Ralph D. Apel, exploring its plot, music, and the debut of Timothy Dalton as Bond. We discuss the film's place in the franchise, the challenges of its convoluted plot, and the legacy of its score and theme song. Join Chris, Luke and Ralph as we delve into the nuances (or not) of James Bond films, looking at character arc...

In this episode of Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club, the hosts analyze the film 'Wilde', chosen by filmmaker/singer/activist Tim Arnold, about Oscar Wilde, exploring its storytelling, performances, and historical accuracy. They discuss the film's strengths, weaknesses, and what could be improved, offering insights into Wilde's life and legacy. It's ultimately a film about a subject that is fascina...

Chris Austin and Luke Parker dive into two recent comedies, one the British family rom-com Mother's Pride and Pixar's latest, Hoppers. Feelings are pretty clear on the first movie but some leeway is given on their assessment of the film due to a few factors (a viewing on Mother's Day with Chris/s mother being one of them) and Hoppers is a lot of fun, Pixar almost being back to their best for this...

Hosts Chris Austin and Luke Parker dive into Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho's latest film, The Secret Agent. Nominated for Best Picture at the recent Academy Awards, this is a film that has a fascinating undercurrent to the whole thing fuelled by the fascist politics of Brazil 1977. Unfortunately, this isn't a film that works for the PCP hosts and they get into the reasons why in this l...

In this engaging discussion, Phoenix Cinema Film Club enthusiasts explore the timeless classic Casablanca from 1942. They delve into its themes, characters, and legacy, offering fresh insights and personal connections to this iconic film. This episode explores the timeless influence of classic films like Casablanca, delving into their storytelling, cinematography, and cultural impact. Join us as w...

Hosts Chris Austin, Luke Parker and Stefan Krieger catch up on the Oscar-nominated films they missed by reviewing three of the contenders for the 2025 Academy Awards! They all LOVE one, and kinda feel luke-warm on the other two. Can you guess which ones they are? Reach out in the comments and let us know what you thought of these movies and then like, rate and subscribe if you like what you're hea...

On this episode of Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club, hosts Chris Austin and Luke Parker discuss the Oscar-winning film, The Deer Hunter, chosen by film writer Larry Taylor! The Deer Hunter is an epic war drama film from 1978 that follows a group of working-class Russian-American friends from a Pennsylvania steel town whose lives are irrevocably changed by the Vietnam War. The story focuses on thre...

In this episode of the Phoenix Cinema Podcast, hosts Chris Austin and Luke Parker delve into the Norwegian film "Sentimental Value" by Joachim Trier. The film explores the complex dynamics within the Borg family as they navigate grief and strained relationships during a long-awaited reunion. The return of the eccentric father, Gustav, played by Stellan Skarsgård, adds tension as he attempts to tur...

In this episode of Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club, hosts Chris Austin, Luke Parker, and Phoenix manager Zalan Pall dive into the heartwarming film 'Il Postino.' They explore the beauty of simplicity, the emotional depth of the score by Luis Bakalov, and the profound performance by Massimo Troisi. The conversation touches on themes of friendship, influence, and the cultural and political context...

In this episode of Phoenix Cinema podcast, hosts Chris Austin and Luke discuss the film 'Blue Moon,' exploring its themes of jealousy, personal struggles, and the complexities of relationships. They analyze Ethan Hawke's performance, the film's theatricality, and how it compares to other works. The conversation delves into the emotional weight of the narrative and concludes with reflections on the...

In this episode of Phoenix Cinema Podcast, hosts Chris Austin and Luke Parker, along with composer and editor Stefan Krieger, reflect on the year 2025, discussing personal growth, creative challenges, and the evolving landscape of the film industry. They share memorable moments from the podcast, highlight their favorite film concerts, and delve into the best screenplays and scores of the year, emp...

In this episode of Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club, we delve into the film 'American History X,' exploring its themes of radicalization, character development, and the impact of violence and hate. We discuss the film's production challenges, the significance of its ending, and the emotional intelligence required from viewers to grasp its messages. The conversation highlights the film's relevance...

In this episode of Phoenix Cinema Podcast, hosts Chris Austin and Luke Parker delve into Rian Johnson's latest film, 'Wake Up Dead Man,' the third installment in the Knives Out trilogy. They explore the film's gothic atmosphere, character development, and the intricate plot that intertwines themes of faith and greed. The discussion highlights the performances of the ensemble cast, particularly Dan...

In this episode of the Phoenix Cinema Podcast, host Chris Austin speaks with BAFTA-nominated composer Blair Mowat about his journey in film and TV music. Mowat shares insights into his early musical influences, the importance of short films in his career, and his transition to feature films. He discusses his work on the Doctor Who spin-off 'Class' and his recent documentary 'The Age of Disclosure'...

In this episode of the Phoenix Cinema Podcast, hosts Chris Austin and Luke Parker delve into the film 'Nuremberg,' directed by James Vanderbilt. They discuss the film's exploration of the psychological dynamics between an American psychiatrist and Hermann Goring, the highest-ranking Nazi official left alive after World War II. The conversation covers the film's themes of humanity, evil, and the hi...

In this latest episode of the Phoenix Cinema Podcast, host Chris Austin interviews renowned film composer Antonio Pinto, known for his work on films like Central Station and City of God. Pinto shares insights into his creative upbringing in a family of artists, his early musical experiences, and the pivotal collaborations that shaped his career. He discusses his breakthrough with Central Station,...

In this episode of Phoenix Cinema Podcast, hosts Chris Austin and Luke Parker delve into Yorgos Lanthimos' latest Oscar-nominated film, 'Bugonia.' They explore the film's themes of paranoia, conspiracy, and the blurred lines between delusion and reality. Chris and Luke also highlight the performances of Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, discussing their character dynamics and the film's dark humor whi...

In this episode of the Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club, we discuss the 1992 film 'Bad Lieutenant' directed by Abel Ferrara. The conversation delves into the film's challenging themes, including morality, redemption, and the role of religion. Each host shares their initial reactions, with many finding the film difficult to watch due to its graphic content and portrayal of a morally ambiguous prota...

Join Chris Austin and Luke Parker on Phoenix Cinema Podcast as they discuss Kathryn Bigelow's latest film, A House Of Dynamite. The conversation delves into the complexities of defense spending and the inherent risks associated with military technology. It highlights the tension in global politics and the uncertainty of future events, emphasizing the precariousness of the current geopolitical clim...

Welcome to our very first live episode of the podcast where Chris Austin got the opportunity to meet director Hugh Welchman after a screening of his wonderful LOVING VINCENT, the very first animated fully painted film. Listen on as Hugh talks about his entry into the world of cinema, his years spent producing many films and winning an Oscar for one of them, to the incredible behind the scenes stor...

In the next episode of Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club, Chris Austin and Luke Parker dive into the 2002 Brazilian gangster classic, City Of God. This is a brutal, brutal movie in so many ways but it's also a classic in every way. Violent, vivid, funny at times, and with a snappy pace that never lets up, this is a vision of the favelas of Rio de Janeiro that made Chris fearful of ever visiting Bra...