Blockbusters and Birdwalks

Garrett Chaffin-Quiray and Ed Rosa talk through divergent feelings about a master’s lasterpiece.

This is part of a series that overlaps with, and extends, Brian Raftery’s 2020 book “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen”. Primary screenings include: “Following” (Christopher Nolan, 1998), “Varsity Blues” (Brian Robbins, 1999), “The Blair Witch Project” (Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, 1999), “The Matrix” (The Wachowskis, 1999), “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” (George Lucas, 1999), “South Park - Bigger, Longer and Uncut” (Trey Parker, 1999), “Free Enterprise” (Robert Meyer Burnett, 1999), “Eyes Wide Shut” (Stanely Kubrick, 1999), “Twin Falls Idaho” (Michael Polish, 1999), “American Beauty” (Sam Mendes, 1999), “Three Kings” (David O. Russell, 1999), “Boys Don't Cry” (Kimberly Peirce, 1999), “Topsy-Turvy” (Mike Leigh, 1999), “Magnolia” (Paul Thomas Anderson, 1999), and “Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes” (Cass Paley, 1998). 

An ADDENDA with documentarian Chris Metzler includes: “Arlington Road” (Mark Pellington, 1999), “The Limey” (Steven Soderbergh, 1999), and “American Movie” (Chris Smith, 1999).

*** 

Referenced media:

• “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen” (2020) by Brian Raftery
• “2001: A Space Odyssey” (Stanley Kubrick, 1968)
• “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” (Stanley Kubrick, 1964)
• “A Clockwork Orange” (Stanley Kubrick, 1971)
• “The Shining” (Stanley Kubrick, 1980)
• “Full Metal Jacket” (Stanely Kubrick, 1987)
• “Basic Instinct” (Paul Verhoeven, 1992)
• “Barry Lyndon” (Stanely Kubrick, 1975)
• “Top Gun” (Tony Scott, 1986)
• “Blade Runner” (Ridley Scott, 1982)
• “Showgirls” (Paul Verhoeven, 1995)
• “Spartacus” (Stanley Kubrick, 1960)
• “Lolita” (Stanley Kubrick, 1962)

Audio quotation:

• “Eyes Wide Shut” (Stanley Kubrick, 1999), including “Musica Ricercata” (1953) by György Ligeti, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV_qPnsYIaA&list=PLRU2kFDUg_RLmd-GsT1v4zzYpW1TlRw5g&index=6
• “1999” (1982) written and performed by Prince, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rblt2EtFfC4&list=RDrblt2EtFfC4&start_radio=1
• “Millenium” (1998) written by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers, Leslie Bricusse, and John Barry, and performed by Robbie Williams, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcWOviMI6Lk&list=RDxcWOviMI6Lk&start_radio=1

Garrett Chaffin-Quiray and Chris Metzler think fondly about late 1990s movie experimentation that formed the basis for streaming procedurals.

This is part of a series that overlaps with, and extends, Brian Raftery’s 2020 book “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen”. Screenings include: “Following” (Christopher Nolan, 1998), “Varsity Blues” (Brian Robbins, 1999), “The Blair Witch Project” (Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, 1999), “The Matrix” (The Wachowskis, 1999), “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” (George Lucas, 1999), “South Park - Bigger, Longer and Uncut” (Trey Parker, 1999), “Free Enterprise” (Robert Meyer Burnett, 1999), “Eyes Wide Shut” (Stanely Kubrick, 1999), “Twin Falls Idaho” (Michael Polish, 1999), “American Beauty” (Sam Mendes, 1999), “Three Kings” (David O. Russell, 1999), “Boys Don't Cry” (Kimberly Peirce, 1999), “Topsy-Turvy” (Mike Leigh, 1999), “Magnolia” (Paul Thomas Anderson, 1999), and “Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes” (Cass Paley, 1998). 

An ADDENDA with documentarian Chris Metzler includes: “Arlington Road” (Mark Pellington, 1999), “The Limey” (Steven Soderbergh, 1999), and “American Movie” (Chris Smith, 1999).

***

Referenced media:

• “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen” (2020) by Brian Raftery
• “Plagues & Pleasures of the Salton Sea” (Jeff Springer and Chris Metzler, 2004)
• “Starman” (John Carpenter, 1984)
• “Fearless” (Peter Weir, 1993)
• “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (Dick Wolf, 1999-now)
• “Law & Order” (Dick Wolf, 1990-2010, 2022-now)
• “The Odyssey” (Christopher Nolan, 2026)
• “The Sixth Sense” (M. Night Shyamalan, 1999)
• “Memento” (Christopher Nolan, 2000)
• “The Sopranos” (David Chase, 1999-2007)
• “The Player” (Robert Altman, 1992)
• “The Postman” (Kevin Costner, 1997)
• “The Postman” (1985) by David Brin
• “The Transparent Society: Will Technology Force Us to Choose Between Privacy and Freedom?” (1998) by David Brin
• “Summer of Sam” (Spike Lee, 1999)
• “Malcolm X” (Spike Lee, 1992)
• “Eyes Wide Shut” (Stanley Kubrick, 1999)
• “Being John Malkovich” (Spike Jonze, 1999)
• “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (Michael Bay, 2009)
• “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” (Michael Bay, 2011)
• “Transformers: Age of Extinction” (Michael Bay, 2014)
• “Top Gun: Maverick” (Joseph Kosinski, 2022)
• “F1” (Joseph Kosinski, 2025)
• “The Ring” (Gore Verbinski, 2002)

Audio quotation:

• “Arlington Road” (Mark Pellington, 1999), including “The Bomb”, “Bloody Boy & Neon Reprise”, “Escape”, and “Leah’s Theme” by Angelo Badalamenti, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLohYzz4btpaSQLL-JlIHAsR4dbp-f2p7J
• “Plagues & Pleasures of the Salton Sea” (Jeff Springer and Chris Metzler, 2004), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhB2ZvHVFls
• “The Sopranos” (David Chase, 1999-2007), including “Woke Up This Morning” (1997) by Alabama 3,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJpNmYeooQE
• “Eyes Wide Shut” (Stanley Kubrick, 1999), including “Musica Ricercata” (1953) by György Ligeti, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV_qPnsYIaA&list=PLRU2kFDUg_RLmd-GsT1v4zzYpW1TlRw5g&index=6
• “Blender Sound Effect” (2023), posted by Infinity Sounds, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV_qPnsYIaA&list=PLRU2kFDUg_RLmd-GsT1v4zzYpW1TlRw5g&index=6
• “EATING SOUND EFFECT” (2023), posted by Short Sound Library, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVN3HLx5IiI
• “1999” (1982) written and performed by Prince, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rblt2EtFfC4&list=RDrblt2EtFfC4&start_radio=1
• “Millenium” (1998) written by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers, Leslie Bricusse, and John Barry, and performed by Robbie Williams, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcWOviMI6Lk&list=RDxcWOviMI6Lk&start_radio=1

Garrett Chaffin-Quiray and Ed Rosa sing hosannas to a preferred religious devotion than the Big 3 of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. 

This is part of a series that overlaps with, and extends, Brian Raftery’s 2020 book “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen”. Primary screenings include: “Following” (Christopher Nolan, 1998), “Varsity Blues” (Brian Robbins, 1999), “The Blair Witch Project” (Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, 1999), “The Matrix” (The Wachowskis, 1999), “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” (George Lucas, 1999), “South Park - Bigger, Longer and Uncut” (Trey Parker, 1999), “Free Enterprise” (Robert Meyer Burnett, 1999), “Eyes Wide Shut” (Stanely Kubrick, 1999), “Twin Falls Idaho” (Michael Polish, 1999), “American Beauty” (Sam Mendes, 1999), “Three Kings” (David O. Russell, 1999), “Boys Don't Cry” (Kimberly Peirce, 1999), “Topsy-Turvy” (Mike Leigh, 1999), “Magnolia” (Paul Thomas Anderson, 1999), and “Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes” (Cass Paley, 1998). 

An ADDENDA with documentarian Chris Metzler includes: “Arlington Road” (Mark Pellington, 1999), “The Limey” (Steven Soderbergh, 1999), and “American Movie” (Chris Smith, 1999).

***

Referenced media:

• “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen” (2020) by Brian Raftery
• “Star Trek” (Gene Roddenberry, 1966-1969)
• “A Boy and His Dog” (L.Q. Jones, 1975)
• “Wizards” (Ralph Bakshi, 1977)
• “Damnation Alley” (Jack Smight, 1977)
• “The Blair Witch Project” (Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, 1999)
• “Galaxy Quest” (Dean Parisot, 1999)
• “The Player” (Robert Altman, 1992)
• “Swimming with Sharks” (George Huang, 1994)
• “Se7en” (David Fincher, 1995)
• “Manhunter” (Michael Mann, 1986)
• “The Silence of the Lambs” (Jonathan Demme, 1991)
• “The Brady Bunch” (Sherwood Schwartz, 1969-1974)
• “Logan’s Run” (Michael Anderson, 1976)
• “Will & Grace” (David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, 1998-2006, 2017-2020)
• “Star Wars” (George Lucas, 1977)
• “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (George Lucas, 1999)
• “The Sandman” (1989-1996) by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, and Mike Dringenberg
• “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” (Robert Wise, 1979)
• “Cheers” (Glen and Les Charles, and James Burrows, 1982-1993)
• “Starship Smackdown panel, SDCC 2014”, featuring our own Ed Rosa at 4:18, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tI47RSamWI

Audio quotation:

• “Free Enterprise” (Robert Meyer Burnett, 1999)
• “1999” (1982) written and performed by Prince, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rblt2EtFfC4&list=RDrblt2EtFfC4&start_radio=1
• “Millenium” (1998) written by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers, Leslie Bricusse, and John Barry, and performed by Robbie Williams, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcWOviMI6Lk&list=RDxcWOviMI6Lk&start_radio=1

Garrett Chaffin-Quiray and Ed Rosa embrace four letter curse words to review how one vulgar movie musical changed entertainment history.

This is part of a series that overlaps with, and extends, Brian Raftery’s 2020 book “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen”. Primary screenings include: “Following” (Christopher Nolan, 1998), “Varsity Blues” (Brian Robbins, 1999), “The Blair Witch Project” (Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, 1999), “The Matrix” (The Wachowskis, 1999), “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” (George Lucas, 1999), “South Park - Bigger, Longer and Uncut” (Trey Parker, 1999), “Free Enterprise” (Robert Meyer Burnett, 1999), “Eyes Wide Shut” (Stanely Kubrick, 1999), “Twin Falls Idaho” (Michael Polish, 1999), “American Beauty” (Sam Mendes, 1999), “Three Kings” (David O. Russell, 1999), “Boys Don't Cry” (Kimberly Peirce, 1999), “Topsy-Turvy” (Mike Leigh, 1999), “Magnolia” (Paul Thomas Anderson, 1999), and “Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes” (Cass Paley, 1998). 

An ADDENDA with documentarian Chris Metzler includes: “Arlington Road” (Mark Pellington, 1999), “The Limey” (Steven Soderbergh, 1999), and “American Movie” (Chris Smith, 1999).

***

Referenced media:

• “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen” (2020) by Brian Raftery
• “South Park” (Trey Parker and Matt Stone, 1997-now)
• “”Fritz the Cat” (Ralph Bakshi, 1972)
• “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” (Jay Roach, 1999)
• “Team America: World Police” (Trey Parker, 2004)
• “The Producers” (Mel Brooks, 1967)
• “Holly Randall Unfiltered: Episode 452” (Holly Randall, 2017-now)
• “Dr. Pimple Popper” (Brad Kuhlman and Casey Brumels, 2018-2023)
• “Children of Men” (Alfonso Cuarón, 2006)
• “The Devils” (Ken Russell, 1971)

Audio quotation:

• “South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut” (Trey Stone, 1999), including the songs by Trey Parker and Marc Shaiman “Mountain Town”, performed by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Mary Kay Bergman; “Uncle Fucka”, performed by Trey Parker and Matt Stone; “It’s Easy, M’Kay”, performed by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Mary Kay Bergman; “Blame Canada”, performed by Mary Kay Bergman; “What Would Brian Boitano Do?”, performed by Trey Parker and Matt Stone; and “Eyes of a Child”, performed by Michael McDonald
• “1999” (1982) written and performed by Prince, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rblt2EtFfC4&list=RDrblt2EtFfC4&start_radio=1
• “Millenium” (1998) written by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers, Leslie Bricusse, and John Barry, and performed by Robbie Williams, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcWOviMI6Lk&list=RDxcWOviMI6Lk&start_radio=1

Garrett Chaffin-Quiray and Ed Rosa negotiate a key boyhood memory that spawned too many sequels and spin-offs.

This is part of a series that overlaps with, and extends, Brian Raftery’s 2020 book “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen”. Primary screenings include: “Following” (Christopher Nolan, 1998), “Varsity Blues” (Brian Robbins, 1999), “The Blair Witch Project” (Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, 1999), “The Matrix” (The Wachowskis, 1999), “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” (George Lucas, 1999), “South Park - Bigger, Longer and Uncut” (Trey Parker, 1999), “Free Enterprise” (Robert Meyer Burnett, 1999), “Eyes Wide Shut” (Stanely Kubrick, 1999), “Twin Falls Idaho” (Michael Polish, 1999), “American Beauty” (Sam Mendes, 1999), “Three Kings” (David O. Russell, 1999), “Boys Don't Cry” (Kimberly Peirce, 1999), “Topsy-Turvy” (Mike Leigh, 1999), “Magnolia” (Paul Thomas Anderson, 1999), and “Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes” (Cass Paley, 1998). 

An ADDENDA with documentarian Chris Metzler includes: “Arlington Road” (Mark Pellington, 1999), “The Limey” (Steven Soderbergh, 1999), and “American Movie” (Chris Smith, 1999).

*** 

Referenced media:

• “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen” (2020) by Brian Raftery
• “Star Wars” (George Lucas, 1977)
• “The Empire Strikes Back” (Irvin Kershner, 1980)
• “Return of the Jedi” (Richard Marquand, 1983)
• “Star Trek” (Gene Roddenberry, 1966-1969)
• “Tombstone” (George P. Cosmatos, 1993)
• “Poltergeist” (Tobe Hooper, 1982)
• “The Matrix” (The Wachoswkis, 1999)
• “The Beginning: Making ‘Episode I’” (Jon Shenk, 2001)
• “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” (Robert Stevenson, 1971)
• “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” (George Lucas, 2002)
• “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (George Lucas, 2005)
• “Licorice Pizza” (Paul Thomas Anderson, 2021)
• “Snakes on a Plane” (David R. Ellis, 2006)
• “Star Wait” (Mike Rotman, 2005)

Audio quotation:

• “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (George Lucas, 1999)
• “Return of the Jedi” (Richard Marquand, 1983)
• “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” (Robert Stevenson, 1971)
• “Snakes on a Plane” (David R. Ellis, 2006)
• “1999” (1982) written and performed by Prince, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rblt2EtFfC4&list=RDrblt2EtFfC4&start_radio=1
• “Millenium” (1998) written by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers, Leslie Bricusse, and John Barry, and performed by Robbie Williams, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcWOviMI6Lk&list=RDxcWOviMI6Lk&start_radio=1

Garrett Chaffin-Quiray and Ed Rosa worry whether their bots enjoy shoot ’em up entertainment.

This is part of a series that overlaps with, and extends, Brian Raftery’s 2020 book “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen”. Primary screenings include: “Following” (Christopher Nolan, 1998), “Varsity Blues” (Brian Robbins, 1999), “The Blair Witch Project” (Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, 1999), “The Matrix” (The Wachowskis, 1999), “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” (George Lucas, 1999), “South Park - Bigger, Longer and Uncut” (Trey Parker, 1999), “Free Enterprise” (Robert Meyer Burnett, 1999), “Eyes Wide Shut” (Stanely Kubrick, 1999), “Twin Falls Idaho” (Michael Polish, 1999), “American Beauty” (Sam Mendes, 1999), “Three Kings” (David O. Russell, 1999), “Boys Don't Cry” (Kimberly Peirce, 1999), “Topsy-Turvy” (Mike Leigh, 1999), “Magnolia” (Paul Thomas Anderson, 1999), and “Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes” (Cass Paley, 1998). 

An ADDENDA with documentarian Chris Metzler includes: “Arlington Road” (Mark Pellington, 1999), “The Limey” (Steven Soderbergh, 1999), and “American Movie” (Chris Smith, 1999).

***

Referenced media:

• “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen” (2020) by Brian Raftery
• “The Matrix Reloaded” (The Wachowski Brothers, 2003)
• “The Matrix Revolutions” (The Wachowski Brothers, 2003)
• “The Matrix Resurrections” (Lana Wachowski, 2021)
• “The Odyssey” (Christopher Nolan, 2026)
• “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Gore Verbinski, 2003)
• “Cloud Atlas” (Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer, and Andy Wachowski, 2012)
• “Speed Racer” (The Wachowski Brothers, 2008)
• “The Terminator” (James Cameron, 1984)
• “Eternals” (Chloé Zhao, 2021)
• “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” (Stephen Herek, 1989)
• “BiRDMAN or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” (Alejandro G. Iñárritu, 2014)
• “Zabruder film” (Abraham Zapruder, 1963)

Audio quotation:

• “The Matrix” (The Wachowski Brothers, 1999), including “Main Title/Trinity Infinity”, “Training Begins”, and “Saving Morpheus” by Don Davis; “Wake Up” (1992) written by Tim Commerford, Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello, and Brad Wilk and performed by Rage Against the Machine; “Mindfields” (1997) written by Liam Howlett and Keith Andrew Palmer and performed by The Prodigy, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLohYzz4btpaRFBPlUNM4Ytw9uQzKz_88s
• “Cloud Atlas” (Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer, and Andy Wachowski, 2012), including “Cloud Atlas End Title” (2012) written by Tom Tywer, Johnny Klimek, and Reinhold Heil, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kFJBm4QhOJ4ctEN8cBq5e-hri1CV6UFSA
• “Speed Racer” (The Wachowski Brothers, 2008), including “Start Your Engines” (2008) by Michael Giacchino, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCSGe26DTvHOqU3HtJ1sya_rAMHg2sZxb
• “1999” (1982) written and performed by Prince, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rblt2EtFfC4&list=RDrblt2EtFfC4&start_radio=1
• “Millenium” (1998) written by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers, Leslie Bricusse, and John Barry, and performed by Robbie Williams, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcWOviMI6Lk&list=RDxcWOviMI6Lk&start_radio=1

Garrett Chaffin-Quiray and Ed Rosa disagree about the rewards of found footage horror craft while noting a landmark in viral marketing.

This is part of a series that overlaps with, and extends, Brian Raftery’s 2020 book “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen”. Primary screenings include: “Following” (Christopher Nolan, 1998), “Varsity Blues” (Brian Robbins, 1999), “The Blair Witch Project” (Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, 1999), “The Matrix” (The Wachowskis, 1999), “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” (George Lucas, 1999), “South Park - Bigger, Longer and Uncut” (Trey Parker, 1999), “Free Enterprise” (Robert Meyer Burnett, 1999), “Eyes Wide Shut” (Stanely Kubrick, 1999), “Twin Falls Idaho” (Michael Polish, 1999), “American Beauty” (Sam Mendes, 1999), “Three Kings” (David O. Russell, 1999), “Boys Don't Cry” (Kimberly Peirce, 1999), “Topsy-Turvy” (Mike Leigh, 1999), “Magnolia” (Paul Thomas Anderson, 1999), and “Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes” (Cass Paley, 1998). 

An ADDENDA with documentarian Chris Metzler includes: “Arlington Road” (Mark Pellington, 1999), “The Limey” (Steven Soderbergh, 1999), and “American Movie” (Chris Smith, 1999).

***

Referenced media:

• “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen” (2020) by Brian Raftery
• “Psycho” (Alfred Hitchcock, 1960)
• “Teenage Mother” (Jerry Gross, 1967)
• “Stunt Rock” (Brian Trenchard-Smith, 1978)
• “Star Wars: The Special Edition” (George Lucas, 1977)
• “The Empire Strikes Back: The Special Edition” (Irvin Kershner, 1980)
• “Return of the Jedi: The Special Edition” (Richard Marquand, 1983)
• “The Witch” (Robert Eggers, 2015)
• “Gilligan’s Island” (Sherwood Schwartz, 1964-1967)
• “Cloverfield” (Matt Reeves, 2008)
• “The Sixth Sense” (M. Night Shyamalan, 1999)
• “The Babadook” (Jennifer Kent, 2014)
• “Summer of Sam” (Spike Lee, 1999)
• “Jaws” (Steven Spielberg, 1975)
• “Lake Placid” (Steve Miner, 1999)
• “The Descent” (Neil Marshall, 2005)
• “Dog Soldiers” (Neil Marshall, 2002)
• “Scary Movie” (Keenen Ivory Wayans, 2000)

Audio quotation:

• “The Blair Witch Project” (Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, 1999), including “The Cellar” by Tony Cora
• “1999” (1982) written and performed by Prince, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rblt2EtFfC4&list=RDrblt2EtFfC4&start_radio=1
• “Millenium” (1998) written by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers, Leslie Bricusse, and John Barry, and performed by Robbie Williams, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcWOviMI6Lk&list=RDxcWOviMI6Lk&start_radio=1

Garrett Chaffin-Quiray and Ed Rosa worry about a surprisingly grim, historically successful bargain that demands a young person trade their body, future, and identity for a small town’s idea of glory.

This is part of a series that overlaps with, and extends, Brian Raftery’s 2020 book “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen”. Primary screenings include: “Following” (Christopher Nolan, 1998), “Varsity Blues” (Brian Robbins, 1999), “The Blair Witch Project” (Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, 1999), “The Matrix” (The Wachowskis, 1999), “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” (George Lucas, 1999), “South Park - Bigger, Longer and Uncut” (Trey Parker, 1999), “Free Enterprise” (Robert Meyer Burnett, 1999), “Eyes Wide Shut” (Stanely Kubrick, 1999), “Twin Falls Idaho” (Michael Polish, 1999), “American Beauty” (Sam Mendes, 1999), “Three Kings” (David O. Russell, 1999), “Boys Don't Cry” (Kimberly Peirce, 1999), “Topsy-Turvy” (Mike Leigh, 1999), “Magnolia” (Paul Thomas Anderson, 1999), and “Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes” (Cass Paley, 1998).  

An ADDENDA with documentarian Chris Metzler includes: “Arlington Road” (Mark Pellington, 1999), “The Limey” (Steven Soderbergh, 1999), and “American Movie” (Chris Smith, 1999).

***

Referenced media:

• “The Real World” (Mary-Ellis Bunim and Jonathan Murray, 1992-2017)
• “Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream” (1990) by H.G. Bissinger
• “Friday Night Lights” (Peter Berg, 2004)
• “Friday Night Lights” (Jason Katims, 2006-2011)
• “Against the Grain” (Michael Pavone and Dave Alan Johnson, 1993)
• “I Can’t Believe I Did the Whole Team” (John T. Bone, 1994)
• “Dazed and Confused” (Richard Linklater, 1993)
• “American Graffiti” (George Lucas, 1973)
• “The State” (Kevin Allison, Michael Ian Black, Robert Ben Garant, Todd Holoubek, Michael Patrick Jann, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Thomas Lennon, Joe Lo Truglio, Ken Marino, Michael Showalter, and David Wain, 1994-1995)
• “Beavis and Butt-Head” (Mike Judge, 1993-1997)
• “Liquid Television” (Japhet Asher, 1991-1995)
• “Total Request Live” (Tony DiSanto and Carson Daly, 1998-2008)
• “Dawson’s Creek” (Kevin Williamson, 1993-2003)
• “Top Gun” (Tony Scott, 1986)
• “The Water Boy” (Frank Coraci, 1998)
• “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” (Danny Cannon, 1998)
• “She’s All That” (Robert Iscove, 1999)
• “Blast from the Past” (Hugh Wilson, 1999)
• “Jawbreaker” (Darren Stein, 1999)
• “Cruel Intentions” (Roger Kumble, 1999)
• “The Rage: Carrie 2” (Katt Shea, 1999)
• “10 Things I Hate About You” (Gil Junger, 1999)
• “The Full Monty” (Peter Cattaneo, 1997)
• “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen” (2020) by Brian Raftery

Audio quotation:

• “Varsity Blues” (Brian Robbins, 1999), including “Run to Touchdown” by Mark Isham, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcZFSpYGNRk&list=RDvcZFSpYGNRk&start_radio=1; “My Hero” (1998) written by Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, and Nate Mendel, and performed by Foo Fighters; “Nice Guys Finish Last” (1999) written and performed by Green Day; “Hot For Teacher” (1984) written and performed by Van Halen
• “MTV Bumper - Moon Man” (1981) written and performed by Jonathan Elias and John Petersen, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqPBUrXgrTw
• “Whole Lotta Love” (1969) written by John Bonham, Willie Dixon, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant, and performed by Led Zeppelin, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQmmM_qwG4k&list=RDHQmmM_qwG4k&start_radio=1
• “When You Wish Upon a Star” (1985) written by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington, and arranged by John Debney, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayRlrAtnmlY
• “1999” (1982) written and performed by Prince, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rblt2EtFfC4&list=RDrblt2EtFfC4&start_radio=1
• “Millenium” (1998) written by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers, Leslie Bricusse, and John Barry, and performed by Robbie Williams, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcWOviMI6Lk&list=RDxcWOviMI6Lk&start_radio=1

Garrett Chaffin-Quiray and Ed Rosa regard small joys in Christopher Nolan’s debut.

This is part of a series that overlaps with, and extends, Brian Raftery’s 2020 book “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen”. Primary screenings include: “Following” (Christopher Nolan, 1998), “Varsity Blues” (Brian Robbins, 1999), “The Blair Witch Project” (Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, 1999), “The Matrix” (The Wachowskis, 1999), “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” (George Lucas, 1999), “South Park - Bigger, Longer and Uncut” (Trey Parker, 1999), “Free Enterprise” (Robert Meyer Burnett, 1999), “Eyes Wide Shut” (Stanely Kubrick, 1999), “Twin Falls Idaho” (Michael Polish, 1999), “American Beauty” (Sam Mendes, 1999), “Three Kings” (David O. Russell, 1999), “Boys Don't Cry” (Kimberly Peirce, 1999), “Topsy-Turvy” (Mike Leigh, 1999), “Magnolia” (Paul Thomas Anderson, 1999), and “Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes” (Cass Paley, 1998). 

An ADDENDA with documentarian Chris Metzler includes: “Arlington Road” (Mark Pellington, 1999), “The Limey” (Steven Soderbergh, 1999), and “American Movie” (Chris Smith, 1999).

***

Referenced media:

• “The Odyssey” (Christopher Nolan, 2026)
• “Oklahoma!” (1943) by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II based on the play “Green Grow the Lilacs” (1930) by Lynn Riggs
• “Memento” (Christopher Nolan, 2000)
• “Batman Begins” (Christopher Nolan, 2005)
• “The Dark Knight” (Christopher Nolan, 2008)
• “The Dark Knight Rises” (Christopher Nolan, 2012)
• “Man Bites Dog” (Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel, and Benoît Poelvoorde, 1992)
• “Noir Alley” (Eddie Muller, 2017-now)
• “El Mariachi” (Robert Rodriguez, 1993)
• “Pi” (Darren Aronofsky, 1998)
• “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen” (2020) by Brian Raftery
• “Cruel Intentions” (Roger Kumble, 1999), 
• “EDtv” (Ron Howard, 1999)
• “The Truman Show” (Peter Weir, 1998)
• “The Matrix” (The Wachowskis, 1999)
• “10 Things I Hate About You” (Gil Junger, 1999)
• “Never Been Kissed” (Raga Gosnell, 1999)
• “Go” (Doug Liman, 1999)
• “eXistenZ” (David Cronenberg, 1999)
• “The Mummy” (Stephen Sommers, 1999)
• “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (George Lucas, 1999)

Audio quotation:

• “Following” (Christopher Nolan, 1998), including “Theme” and “Opening” by David Julyan, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa1GuYGt3oGOYmkdrQwPlZ4gXLVsB0zWn
• “David Lynch on iPhones - Full Clip”, posted by Sir Mix-A-Lot Rare Music, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQiQk8AJ0YI
• “Noir Alley: His Kind Of Woman (1951) intro 20190106”, posted by Noir Fan, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggsX8WGVkpU&list=PLYb5GBzKMrkcJ5bXLh-2cofQ8YqMOPVrT&index=2
• “1999” (1982) written and performed by Prince, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rblt2EtFfC4&list=RDrblt2EtFfC4&start_radio=1
• “Millenium” (1998) written by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers, Leslie Bricusse, and John Barry, and performed by Robbie Williams, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcWOviMI6Lk&list=RDxcWOviMI6Lk&start_radio=1

Remembering the fin de siècle energy that birthed our 21st century, we’ve curated this 18-part series to overlap with, and extend, Brian Raftery’s 2020 book “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen”. 

Screenings include: “Following” (Christopher Nolan, 1998), “Varsity Blues” (Brian Robbins, 1999), “The Blair Witch Project” (Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, 1999), “The Matrix” (The Wachowskis, 1999), “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” (George Lucas, 1999), “South Park - Bigger, Longer and Uncut” (Trey Parker, 1999), “Free Enterprise” (Robert Meyer Burnett, 1999), “Eyes Wide Shut” (Stanely Kubrick, 1999), “Twin Falls Idaho” (Michael Polish, 1999), “American Beauty” (Sam Mendes, 1999), “Three Kings” (David O. Russell, 1999), “Boys Don't Cry” (Kimberly Peirce, 1999), “Topsy-Turvy” (Mike Leigh, 1999), “Magnolia” (Paul Thomas Anderson, 1999), and “Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes” (Cass Paley, 1998). This is part of a series that overlaps with, and extends, Brian Raftery’s 2020 book “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen”.  

An ADDENDA with documentarian Chris Metzler includes: “Arlington Road” (Mark Pellington, 1999), “The Limey” (Steven Soderbergh, 1999), and “American Movie” (Chris Smith, 1999).

***

Referenced media:

• “Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen” (2020) by Brian Raftery
• “The Blair Witch Project” (Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, 1999)
• “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” (George Lucas, 1999)
• “Following” (Christopher Nolan, 1998)
• “Wadd: The Life & Times of John C. Holmes” (Cass Paley, 1998)
• “American Beauty” (Sam Mendes, 1999)

Audio quotation:

• “Vintage Movie Projector | Sound Effect | Feel The Past Film Industry” posted by n Beats, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhUICp5XeJ4
• “1999” (1982) written by Prince and performed by Prince, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rblt2EtFfC4&list=RDrblt2EtFfC4&start_radio=1
• “Millenium” (1998) written by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers, Leslie Bricusse, and John Barry, and performed by Robbie Williams, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcWOviMI6Lk&list=RDxcWOviMI6Lk&start_radio=1