Danger Close

What has not already been said about this monumental film?

The Omaha Beach landing sequence it opens with is one of the most gritty and violently realistic combat scenes ever put on film to this day, and it gave a new generation of viewers an idea of what their grandparents had gone through in that war while they were still around to see it themselves.

Critics and viewers alike have long praised it as one of the best war films ever made (despite the admittedly schmaltzy prologue and epilogue).

On this episode of Danger Close, we examine the groundbreaking film in all its glory, through a nuanced discussion about the impact it has had on our culture, the characters’ search for human decency in the midst of chaos, and what we really think Spielberg was trying to say.

Next Episode: The Imitation Game (2014)

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Filmed in the fjords of Norway and on the coast of France (standing in for Northumbria), this epic tale set in the ninth century immortalized a singular moment in time. The first film depiction of Viking culture since the Nazis had claimed Norse lore for themselves, the story is based as much in myth and legend as it is in history (like most of what we know about Vikings).

Famously the film set that brought Janet Lee and Tony Curtis together so they could bless the world with Jaime Lee Curtis, the casting is phenomenal, although the film gets a bit rapey (viewer discretion advised).

So put on your best pair of swashbuckling sandals, grab your probably not completely period-appropriate sword, and start rowing!

Join the Danger Close team as we set the record straight on this classic of the silver age of cinema!

Next Episode: Saving Private Ryan (1998)

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Releasing to critical acclaim, this film took home seven Academy Awards, including Best Actor (George C. Scott), and

It is often at the top of “best war films” lists, and a favorite of film buffs. It follows Patton's various commands through their campaigns in North Africa and the invasion of Europe in the latter part of World War II.

It’s widely considered one of George C. Scott’s best performances, and he definitely storms his way through the film. But is the portrayal of General Patton historically accurate? And did we love it or hate it?

Join us and find out!

Next Episode: The Vikings (1958)

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BONUS EPISODE: The Terminator!

The Danger Close team is taking their holiday break for this week's release, but we didn't want to leave you all empty-handed. So here is a gift from us, our first Patreon episode from last year!

You can listen to two of us gush over one of James Cameron's most popular films, and hear the other host be wrong.

If you enjoy this episode and want to hear us return for T2, you can sign up for just $4 a month at: www.dangerclosepod.com/support

You will get access to our entire catalogue, and a brand new episode every month of Danger Close...Enough, the show where we discuss sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy war films (or close enough).

Next Episode:

Patton (1970)

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DISCRETION ADVISED: This film depicts several sexual assaults that are discussed in the episode.

Our first David Lean film, but certainly not our last!

Set during World War I and the October Revolution of 1917, this love triangle (square? parallelogram?) takes place during turbulent times, and the production spared no expense with its full-scale recreation of ten square blocks of Moscow, thousands of extras, and beautiful vistas captured in Spain and Canada.

Based on the book by Boris Pasternak, and banned in the Soviet Union for decades along with the film, this Oscar-winner is one you won’t want to miss.

Find out which one of us sides with the Reds, the Whites, or just Omar Sharif's dreamy mustache!

Stick around after the end music to hear a reading of Boris Pasternak's "Hamlet" poem (at the end of the book amongst Zhivago's poems), by Russian friend of the show Tanya Lukyanova and our very own Katie Schaefer.

Next Episode: Patton (1970)

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In this sprawling two-part biopic, director Steven Soderbergh shows us the experiences of Ernesto "Che" Guevara during the Cuban revolution in 1956, and Che’s subsequent failed attempt at revolution in Bolivia in 1967.

Approaching Gettysburghian lengths, the two parts relay in sometimes oppressive detail (drawing from Guevara’s own journals) the conditions these rebels were up against and the obstacles they faced.

The filmmaker knew that he was covering a controversial topic; Che is still simultaneously reviled as a mass murderer by some, and lauded as a hero by others. The film’s critical reception was just as polarized.

So what was Soderbergh trying to tell us about this larger-than-life figure? Did the writers have an opinion, or is this a mostly neutral depiction of the events?

Next Episode: Doctor Zhivago (1965)

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A rebellion film if there ever was one, Italian director Gillo Pontecorvo's magnum opus dramatizes the fight against French Colonialism in 1950s Algeria.

A quintessential example of Italian neorealism, the documentary-style of the filming, the film stock itself, and the use of non-professional actors give this film a gritty, real-life feel.

It has been an inspiration to terrorist organizations and governments alike, and is an important and thought-provoking part of cinema history.

Next Episode: CHE - Part one and two (2008)

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Are we doing it? We're doing it! We are diving into our very first musical!

Depicting two pivotal battles in the American Revolutionary war (1775-1783), it certainly has some war in it. And it is a FILMed performance of the stage play.

It has been a sensation since its debut on Broadway for good reason, and it really does bring some of America's founding fathers to life with that wonderful blend of jazz and hip-hop that only Lin-Manuel Miranda could pull off.

Constitutional rap battles, muskets, and adultery, OH MY!

Join us as we explore An American Musical.

Next Episode: The Battle of Algiers (1966)

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From British director Ken Loach, this story is set in 1920 during the War for Irish Independence, depicting the conflict between Irish militants and occupying British forces, and the internal struggle between the newly formed Irish Free State Army and the IRA.

One side supported a treaty with the British, while the other side would only accept an unconditional departure of all British troops from Ireland.

Two brothers end up on opposing sides of that conflict in this intimate portrayal of the combat and personal strife between these factions.

Just how many Irish words can we mispronounce? Join us and find out!

Next Episode: Hamilton (2020 live stage recording)

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Groom your beards and dust-off your Civil War uniforms and dresses, cause we are going back to 1863!

This popular Ron Maxwell film has no shortage of stellar actors: Martin Sheen, Jeff Daniels, Tom Berenger, and even Sam Elliot and his mustache make an epic and most welcome return.

But is this just a four and a half hour battle reenactment, or is there something more to it? Do we get a neutral and unbiased depiction of the events, or is there an agenda at work?

Join us and find out!

Next Episode: The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006)

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