SEEING FACES IN MOVIES

It’s bonus episode time. In today’s Special Features episode Felicia is joined by Nick Sheist to discuss how John Carpenter made a killer car come alive in, Christine (1983). We discuss Carpenter’s stamp on King’s horror novel, and how the use of practical effects made is a film that has stood the test of time. Nothing feels dated in this film because Carpenter was able to tell a simple story even...

Felicia is joined by Darragh McGrath to discuss John Cassavetes tale of a troubled romance, in Minnie and Moskowitz (1971). We chat about social constructs, and the way Cassavetes’ characters often fall outside of what society deems the norm - how he sympathizes with them, and doesn’t judge them for their honesty. We also discuss what makes a film a romantic comedy, and how this one defies the mol...

Felicia is joined by Martin Kessler to discuss John Cassavetes take on an actress battling her inner demons in, Opening Night (1977). We chat about Cassavetes interest in actors both on and off screen, and how his relationship with repertoire of actors adds another layer of realism to the story. We discuss the elements of the supernatural and whether Myrtle is truly being haunted by the ghost of t...

Felicia is joined by Vanya Garraway to chat about John Cassavetes’ neo-noir classic, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976). We chat about the differences between the director’s and theatrical cut, and how audiences are often not ready for certain films and they require time to age to be appreciated. We also chat about Ben Gazzara’s performance as Cosmo, and the dynamic performance he gave as the...

Felicia is joined by Rolo Tony to discuss John Cassavetes take on a woman trapped by her struggles with mental health, in A Woman Under the Influence (1974). We chat about the concept of motherhood and being wife in the 70s while battling a mental illness. Along with a quote from Cassavetes himself with his take on Mabel, and whether she is feeling the pressures of having Nick for a husband or she...

It’s bonus episode time. In today’s Special Features episode Felicia is once again joined by Perry Jackson (listen to our previous episode on 24 Hour Party People), and we chat about what Albert Brooks’ work both as a director and comedy means to us both. How his style of comedy has translated through the decades and remains fresh as ever. We also discuss the concept of an unlikeable protagonist,...

Felicia is joined by Weird Alice to discuss Brian De Palma’s shock rock opera, Phantom of the Paradise (1974). We chat about the growing cult status of the film, and how De Palma’s films were often underappreciated at the time of their release, and are now seen as masterpieces. We gush about Paul Williams songs and how memorable and grandiose they are, along with how De Palma was able to put his o...

Felicia is joined by Greg Kleinschmidt to discuss Brian De Palma’s tale of a struggling actor who witnessed a murder from afar, in Body Double (1984). We chat about De Palma’s fascination who characters who spy on others and how easy it is for them to become embroiled in a murder case. We also talk about the visual tricks De Palma uses to lead the audience astray and always keep them guessing. Bod...

Felicia is joined by Matt Curione, to discuss Brian De Palma’s take on political corruption and surveillance, in Blow Out (1981). We chat about De Palma’s use of split screen to give the audience multiple layers of information at once, through his unique style of visual storytelling. Along with using a character who works as a sound recordist, to act as the films detective. Blow Out was a box offi...

Felicia is joined by Eugina Gelbelman to discuss Brian De Palma’s iconic and shocking Dressed To Kill (1980). They chat about De Palma’s ability to elevate a B-Grade thriller to A-Grade material through his master craftmanship. His use of split screen and split diopter, and dialogue free scenes to show and not tell the audience the characters movements. They gush about De Palma being one of their...

Bonus episode alert! In today’s Special Features episode Felicia is joined by Seth Vargas (check out our previous episode on Le Bonheur), and Ben Vargas to discuss one of the most gripping desert films, Hiroshi Teshigahara’s Woman in the Dunes (1964). They chat about the how the sand engulfs the characters and the screen, how the score highlights the horrors they are facing, and the concept of ero...

Felicia is joined by Rolla Tahir to discuss Robby Müller’s vision of Elvis’ Memphis in the 80’s, in Jim Jarmusch’s Mystery Train (1989). We chat about Müller’s respect for each character’s story arc, the way the camera follows them on their journeys, and the colours he highlights to differentiate them. Mystery Train is the final film of my Robby Müller month in focus, I have been so lucky to have...

Felicia is joined by Joe Gantner to discuss Robby Müller’s vision of the underground crime scene in LA, in William Friedkin’s To Live and Die in LA (1985). We get right into why this is one of the sexiest crime films of the 80s, and Müller’s use of red and green throughout which set the time of the story. We also gush about William Petersen’s ass acting, and how no one will ever be able to live up...

Felicia is joined by Perry Jackson to discuss Robby Müller’s take on the Manchester music scene of the 70s and 80s, in Michael Winterbottom’s 24 Hour Party People (2002) We chat about the use of digital in this film and it’s tele-documentary feel. Along with Müller’s ability to create a chaotic environment with the camera to match the tone of the music in focus. We’re happy to share one of Müller’...

It’s a bonus episode! In this second edition of Special Features, Felicia is joined by Darragh McGrath, who you might recognize as the show’s very first guest (Ace In The Hole). They discuss the way in which Ulu Grosbard allows the actors performances to lead the story, but following them with static camera movements, and never forcing the audience into a specific emotion. Felicia also mentions ho...

Felicia is joined by Brendan Ross to discuss Robby Müller’s seminal work with Wim Wenders, their American film Paris, Texas (1984). We dive right into Müller’s perspective of vast American landscapes as an outsider. The way he frames his shots in order to allow the audience’s eyes to wander and discover new elements on each viewing. Paris, Texas is a film that had a profound effect on me as a youn...

Felicia is joined by Peter Merriman to discuss Robby Müller’s groundbreaking work The American Friend (Wim Wenders 1977). They chat about Müller’s ability to manipulate natural light to best suit the mood of the scene. How the framing builds tension between the characters and their multi-city settings. This is the first series on a cinematographer, and although the films are directed by different...

Felicia is joined by Jane Waldner to discuss Agnès Varda and J.R.s collaborative documentary, Faces Places (2017), focusing on the lives of the everyday working class. We discuss the ways Varda is able to highlight the beauties of everyday people and how this has been a reoccurrence throughout her career. Along with her dynamic with the younger J.R. and his artistry. This is the fourth and final f...

Felicia is joined by Seth Vargas (Movie Friends Podcast) to discuss quite possibly one of the most terrifying films about a man, Le Bonheur (Agnès Varda 1965) We discuss Varda’s take on fidelity and a man’s relentless search for happiness and its effect on the people around him. Send us your thoughts on the episode - would you consider Le Bonheur a horror film? What are your thoughts on the way th...

This week we have a heavy hitter - Felicia is joined by Vinny Tucceri (Cinephile) to discuss one of cinema’s most poignant, yet gorgeous takes on womanhood, in Agnès Varda’s Cléo From 5 to 7. We discuss Varda’s innate ability to create characters her audience can relate to, while tackling the subject of freedom as a woman. Send us your thoughts on the episode - what are some of your other favourit...

For our first Agnès Varda film of the month, Felicia is joined by José Roldan (Movie Executive) to discuss Varda’s exploration of gleaning through France, The Gleaners & I (2000). We discuss how Varda’s essence is filtered throughout the film, and her delicate nature when talk to every day people about their lives. Send us your thoughts on the episode - what are some of your other favourite first...

In our first edition of the Special Features series - these monthly bonus episodes are outside of the filmographies of the current director in focus. Special Features came about because I want to talk to someone I love about a film either they love or I love (hopefully we both love). Felicia is joined by Eugina Gelbelman (Director) to discuss Claire Denis’ cannibal love story, Trouble Every Day (2...

Felicia is joined by Sarah aka Ms. Sinclair (Talk Movie To Me Podcast) to discuss Billy Wilder’s biting take on Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard (1950) They discuss how meta the film is through the direct link to its stars, along with the treatment of writers and how things haven’t changed much since the 50s Send us your thoughts on the episode - what are some of your other favourite films about films?...

Felicia is joined by Greg Kleinschmidt (Scene and Heard Podcast, Arroyo Film Club) to discuss Billy Wilder’s award-winning film The Lost Weekend (1945) They discuss how the visuals are rooted in German expressionism, the relatable star power of Ray Milland, and Wilder’s gravitation towards dark realism. Send us your thoughts on the episode - what are some of your other favourite Ray Milland films?...

Felicia is joined by Aaron Strand (from Behind The Slate Podcast) to discuss Billy Wilder’s groundbreaking film noir Double Indemnity (1944). They discuss how Raymond Chandler’s voice resonates through the script, the effects of the story being told through flashbacks and voiceover narration, along with gushing over Barbara Stanwyck. Send us your thoughts on the episode - what are some of your oth...