1001 by 1

As we began our “decade-by-decade” celebration of film, we started with an important film. Not only is that how we are ending this run of films, but we are also checking off the “Foreign Film” and “Documentary” boxes by watching Patricio Guzman’s 2010 film “Nostalgia for the Light”. This week, Adam and Ian do their best to explore what happened in Chile in 1973: the coup, Pinochet’s dictatorship, and the torture & killing of thousands of innocent people. They also discuss how Chile’s history works with the astronomical metaphors the film is presenting. Also, this week two documentaries are being recommended: Adam’s is “Boys State” (available on AppleTV+) and Ian’s is “Happy People: A Year in the Taiga” (available on Kanopy).

A film so epic that 2 hours and 2 hosts were not enough. We welcome Josh Nielson (certified Russell Crowe expert) to discuss the epic 2000 blockbuster “Gladiator”. During the episode, the gang explores the work of Ridley Scott (and ponder whether the four films he has in the book are the right ones), Russell Crowe (each participant shares their Mt. Rushmore of Crowe performances), and what films “make men cry”. To make the episode as epic as possible, “Gladiator” was playing on mute during the recording so we could bathe in its visual glory. We also discuss the year 2000 at the Academy Awards and why Roger Ebert’s review of this film is WAY off. Also, this week Josh recommends “The Nice Guys” (available on HBO), Ian recommends “Kingdom of Heaven – the director’s cut” and Adam recommends “Dead to Me” (available on Netflix).

We started 2020 with a Scorsese anniversary knowing full well that there would be one more before 2020 ended. As we proceed to 1990 we proceed to one of our favorite films here at 1001 by 1: “Goodfellas”. Adam and Ian try to limit how much they gush about this film, but cannot help but discuss the wonderful cast, glorious dialogue, and iconic tracking shots. Also, we learn that Adam drove hundreds of miles to complete his Nolan ranking and Ian gives some strong indications as to what next week’s film is. This week both gents recommend other Scorsese films: Adam recommends “Casino” (available on Fubo) and Ian recommends “George Harrison: Living in the Material World” (available on HBO).

A new decade, a new director, and a new guest! We have arrive at 1980 to discuss our first David Lynch film “The Elephant Man” with actor/filmmaker/David Lynch fanatic MJ Seiber. Join us as we breakdown all things David Lynch (yes…even “Dune”), MJ’s personal experience with the theatrical version of “The Elephant Man”, and just what Roger Ebert though of this film. Also, this week Ian recommends another David Lynch film – “Wild at Heart”, MJ recommends the Kurt Russell thriller “Breakdown” (currently available on Starz), and Adam recommends “Upgrade”.

We have made it to the back half of our decade-by-decade celebration of film and landed at 1970 to discuss the Jack Nicholson led “Five Easy Pieces”. During the episode, the guys at 1001 by 1 talk about the BBS, Jack Nicholson’s “Mt. Rushmore”, and just how gorgeous the Pacific Northwest is (but don’t move here, it’s not that nice…) Also, this week Ian recommends “The King of Marvin Gardens” and Adam recommends “The Straight Story” (available on Disney+).

This week we wrap up our Billy Wilder double-feature by jumping 10 years ahead to 1960 and his Best Picture winning film – “The Apartment”. During the episode, Adam and Ian discuss the AFI’s Top 20 Laughs of All Time (and whether or not those film are actually funny), what it means for actors to not deviate from the script at all, and just how good Jack Lemmon & Shirley MacLaine really are. In addition to all this, Ian expresses his thought on Wilder’s other feature “Stalag 17” and Adam finally watches Kubrick’s “The Killing”. Also, this week Adam recommends “The Exorcist III” (available on Prime) and Ian recommends “Women in Love”.

As we cross into 1950, the guys at 1001 by 1 are going to finally to chat about one of the most prolific directors of this era by discussing two of his film in consecutive episodes. That director is Billy Wilder and the first film we’ll be discussing is “Sunset Blvd.”. During the episode, Adam ranks all five films nominated for Best Picture in 1950, Ian doesn’t fall into his normal trap (we’ll explain), and both guys have quite the hot take on the “Die Hard” franchise. And be on the lookout for the first film to be made by 1001 by 1 – the unauthorized biopic on New York Times film critic Bosley Crowther (sure to be a doozy). Also, this week Ian recommends “Stan and Ollie”(currently on Starz) and Adam recommends the entire Linklater “Before” trilogy – Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, (both available on HBO) & Before Midnight (currently available on Starz).

Moving along here from 1930 to 1940 brings a huge change in storytelling: from a gritty World War I film to a children’s story about being your best. That’s right – it’s 1940 and we’re discussing the Disney, animated classic “Pinocchio”. Join Adam and Ian (who have no strings to hold them down) as they discuss whether or not “Sleeping Beauty” is a good movie, serenade you with a song from “South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut”, and ponder about the purpose of art. Also, this week Adam recommends “4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days” (currently on The Criterion Channel) and Ian recommends “A Scanner Darkly (currently free on VUDU).

Here we are in the second week of our decade-by-decade celebration of film talking about the seminal World War I film, “All Quiet on the Western Front”. Adam and Ian find themselves in opposing trenches this week as Adam lists the 5 things he didn’t like about this film and Ian returns fire as to why this film should be in the book. During this in-depth discussion, Ian runs us through the AFI’s best “epic” films of all time and Adam runs us through the early years of the Academy Awards (AQOTWF won best picture). Also, this week Ian recommends the new Tom Hanks film “Greyhound” (available on Apple+) and Adam recommends the Andy Samberg comedy “Palm Springs” (available on Hulu).

In anticipation for our 100th episode, we’re doing something special here at 1001 by 1. Each week, we will discuss a film celebrating an anniversary and then jump a decade later to discuss a different film celebrating an anniversary (1920, 1930, 1940, etc.). To start all the way back in 1920 to discuss a film celebrating its 100th anniversary, we were only given one option…but we are sure glad it was the only film to pick from: Oscar Micheaux’s “Within Our Gates”. During the episode, Adam & Ian discuss not knowing much (if anything) about Micheaux before watching the film, the unfortunately still relevant topics being examined in the film, and the “white savior” characters in films discussing race. Also, this week Adam recommends “Hamilton” (Available on Disney+) and Ian recommends “Da 5 Bloods” (Available on Netflix).