Director's Club

Once again, couldn't resist including this Pop Culture Club episode in the Director's Club feed due to the level of talent involved. And hey, they happen to be directors as well of course, and very good ones. The introduction finds me reflecting on baseball, The Cubs, and the city of Chicago which segways nicely into my first guest who is from the South Side. John McNaughton got his start early on in theater, and then collaborated with talented actors to make the truly disturbing HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER. Most of our conversation is about the making of that seminal horror film, but couldn't resist asking John about working with Bill Murray again as well.

Secondly, I talked to Courtney Hunt who had a huge breakthrough success with FROZEN RIVER. Her latest films stars Keanu Reeves as a defense attorney who is struggling with the ethics of his position, all while trying to solve a murder case involving a young adult. I truly thought this film was a step-above most courtroom dramas so don't let that deter you from seeing it. Courtney made a lot of great points surrounding the theme of the reliability of memory as well as what it's like being a woman in the industry.

Finally, the last of the conversations involves a duo -- the minds behind the latest animated sensation from Dreamworks, TROLLS.  Lots of great songs and a few big laughs were had. This one is definitely going to bring a smile to your child's face. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with directors (and voice actors) Walt Dohrn & Mike Mitchell, the latter of which is also responsible for the underrated SKY HIGH.  Essentially, you have a buffet of talent to listen to here, and I promise there isn't a dull moment.  Enjoy this special episode along with many more to come!

00:00 - 11:03 - Introduction / World Series
11:04 - 35:33 - John McNaughton Interview (HENRY)
35:34 - 52:00 - Courtney Hunt Interview (THE WHOLE TRUTH)
52:01 - 01:06:16 - Mike Mitchell & Walt Dohrn (TROLLS)
01:06:17 - 01:08:00 - Outro

My review of THE WHOLE TRUTH:
http://popcultureclub.net/reviews/wholetruth

Please visit:
http://nowplayingnetwork.net

 

 

 

 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Folks, I had no choice. I was forced to allow DJ Tanner to take over the feed at exactly 12am on October 31st, 2016, or my soul would be damned forever. Sadly, the same goes for you if you choose NOT to listen.  So please, save yourselves!  Listen to this special mix of scary songs, followed by a scary story hosted by DJ Tanner who will introduce you to the proceedings before letting the shuffle button take control. I am still traumatized by the masked men that came into my home and forced me to upload this at 12am. Please, you have to listen to this either on Halloween or any day you want to get the willies. Happy Halloween to all, and to all a good fright!

00:00 - 02:04 - Introduction by DJ Tanner
02:05 - 34:18 - Snippets Of Scary Songs - PLAYLIST DOWNLOAD HERE
34:19 - 36:11 - Man Screaming
36:12 - 01:05:33 - Escape presents "The Ox-Bow Incident"
01:05:34 - 01:07:17 - ?????

Talk to you in two weeks when Bill Ackerman stops by to talk about Peter Bogdanovich. If you haven't seen TARGETS yet, be sure to do so immediately!

http://directorsclubpodcast.com

http://nowplayingnetwork.net

 

Cross-posted on the Pop Culture Club podcast feed

The Hollywood Reporter said that MEATHEAD GOES HOG WILD is "A psycho-breakdown flick that goes full-tilt violent without losing its odd, almost endearing underlying friendliness." Which is a great summation of this thought-provoking dark comedy that is somewhat inspired by one of my favorite movies AFTER HOURS. One of its creators, Sean Pierce has been on the show twice before as a guest for the Wim Wenders and Rainer Werner Fassbinder episodes. Along with Zach and Kevin, they each played a significant role in putting together an urban monster movie of sorts that's sometimes funny, sometimes disturbing, but consistently entertaining.

Now that this very good film was just released on DVD and available on Amazon Prime, I figured it was a good time to catch up with this talented trio about the making of MEATHEAD, which if you look in the closing credits, you'll see my name as well as the name of this show!  A lot of interesting topics emerge in addition to the filmmaking process, such as white privilege, mass shootings, as well as what it was like watching this film with an audience at the Fantasia Film Festival.  Even if you've yet to see this film, and you should, this was a blast to record with three great guests supplying enlightening stories throughout.

MEATHEAD GOES HOG WILD (IMDB):
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4797076/

MEATHEAD GOES HOG WILD (AMAZON PRIME):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZWYGS1

MEATHEAD GOES HOG WILD (FACEBOOK):
https://www.facebook.com/seekthegoo/

 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Happy Halloween everyone!  Ever wondered the origin of the "jump scare?" Well, it has been documented as being in the director of this episode's classic masterpiece known as CAT PEOPLE!  French film director known for the classic film noir Out of the Past and a series of low-budget horror films he made for RKO Studios, we're talking about another old-school master of the craft.  Of course, with a filmography as vast and versatile as Jacques Tourneur's, I needed help. Well, I always need help and lots of it. Thankfully I employed the ghoulish intellect (?) from two excellent former guests and podcasters. Robert Reineke and Nat Almirall are back, live in-person to talk about a number of Tourneur's greatest hits including CAT PEOPLE, I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE, THE LEOPARD MAN, OUT OF THE PAST, STARS IN MY CROWN, THE FLAME AND THE ARROW, CURSE OF THE DEMON and more!

00:00 - 05:40 - Introduction
05:41 - 16:36 - Interesting Arthouse Fare We've Seen Recently
16:37 - 17:56 - Director Song
17:57 - 48:36 - CAT PEOPLE, I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE
48:37 - 01:13:42 - THE LEOPARD MAN, OUT OF THE PAST
01:13:43 - 01:33:19 - STARS IN MY CROWN, FLAME & THE ARROW, APPOINTMENT IN HONDURAS
01:33:20 - 01:45:29 - CURSE / NIGHT OF THE DEMON
01:45:30 - 01:56:06 - Top 3 Lists / Outro

So excited for the next episode in which Supporting Characters host and favorite to the show, Bill Ackerman, returns once again to dissect the work of the legendary Peter Bogdanovich. Until then, send me an email at [email protected]. Visit http://directorsclubpodcast.com
Visit http://nowplayingnetwork.net

Lots of announcements coming soon so stay tuned throughout the next couple of months for updates, new episodes, and the plan for 2017!  Thanks as always for listening!

 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

I tied my dear friend Patrick Ripoll to a f*****g couch!  Former co-host and podcaster extraordinaire, is back for this special bonus episode. We are hoping that this bonus offering for October will encourage you to donate any amount to the network to help keep our shows running, but again, no obligation, just a request: http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/donation/

Patrick is a movie commentary savant at this point, thanks to his terrific show Tracks of the Damned. So I invited him down to my place for an in-depth analysis on John Carpenter's THE THING. Many laughs were had, theories were discussed, and a blood test was administered. The big question is: Who is THE THING and when? And does the introduction of McCready tie into the way the film wraps up?  Also why did DMX show up for a few minutes?  All of these questions may or may not be answered. I should've given Patrick a bottle of whiskey at the end of this truly joyful commentary on one of my all-time top five favorite horror films. 

Cue up your copy and get ready to experience this classic movie, Jim & Patrick style for this wonderful time of year. Happy Halloween and Happy October to all!

Patrick's Horror Movie Commentary Podcast:
http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/tracksofthedamned

Follow Patrick on Letterboxd:
https://letterboxd.com/patrickripoll/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Two very good friends and former guests join me for a live roundtable discussion on New Zealand director Peter Jackson.  Both Collin Souter and Al Kwiatkowski have contributed to the show many times before, and they're among my favorite people to talk films with.  As most of you know, Peter Jackson wasn't always the award-winning mastermind behind LORD OF THE RINGS, he started out in horror/comedy, long before there was SHAUN OF THE DEAD.  We begin with his debut splatterfest that took him about 3 years to complete. BAD TASTE is what got his foot into the door but I would consider his breakout film to also be the first film of his that I rented at a videostore as a teenager and that would DEAD-ALIVE.  We also touch upon HEAVENLY CREATURES, THE FRIGHTENERS, KING KONG and THE LOVELY BONES. 

In the midst of the conversation you'll find some acclaim and insight about that abovementioned franchise he's mostly known for.  I decided to skip the usual director song parody, simply to take a break from recording one. It will return next time and plus, the conversation here was so lively and engaging with my excellent guests, I wanted to present it seamlessly as is.  Stay tuned for a bonus episode coming very soon featuring a familiar voice, and the content is very appropriate as we get closer to Halloween!

0:00 - 05:54 -  Introduction
05:55 - 44:29 - BAD TASTE, MEET THE FEEBLES, DEAD-ALIVE
44:30 - 01:16:41 - HEAVENLY CREATURES, FRIGHTENERS, FORGOTTEN SILVER
01:16:42 - 01:37:06 - (brief) LORD OF THE RINGS, KING KONG
01:37:07 - 02:08:37 - THE LOVELY BONES, His next film?
02:08:38 - 02:13:00 - Top 3 Films / Outro

In about three weeks, you'll hear another spooky episode when more friends and former guests return. Robert Reineke and Nat Almirall joins me for an episode on a dear friend of Val Lewton's by the name of Jacques Tourneur (eventually I will pronounce the last name correctly).  He's not explicitly a horror filmmaker, but an interesting one worth mentioning this time of year. Then in November, Supporting Characters' host Bill Ackerman returns to talk all about the great Peter Bogdanovich!  Until next time, send me an email at: [email protected], Visit: http://directorsclubpodcast.com and
http://nowplayingnetwork.net

Collin's Review of HOUSE OF STRAW:
http://www.rogerebert.com/balder-and-dash/short-films-in-focus-house-of-straw

 

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

CROSS-POSTED as an official Pop Culture Club episode

Well everyone, after a couple of months of waiting in anticipation, I was able to get a hold of Allan Moyle. "Who?!" you might ask.  Well, he's responsible for films such as TIMES SQUARE, EMPIRE RECORDS, NEW WATERFORD GIRL, and many more. But the film that has a special place in my heart, as listeners should know, is his 1990 teenage rebellion masterpiece PUMP UP THE VOLUME.  At the time of viewing this movie, I wasn't the biggest fan of Christian Slater, my music taste was limited, and I was going through my first experience of severe depression. 

Then my favorite film critic, Nick Digilio of WGN Radio, reviewed PUMP in the summer of 1990. I went to see it, and my life was forever changed. It didn't cure me of depression obviously, but it helped and gave me a renewed sense of hope.  A faith that cinema and art could also become a therapeutic, enlightening experience. I felt a connection to the character and to the material for the first time in my life to where I saw myself on-screen and knew I wanted to discover more music and movies to feel that kind of awe and euphoria again.  So for all these reasons, I spend the beginning of our conversation revealing a lot of what I went through to Allan Moyle.  He was taken aback, and the "interview" became more of a friendly conversation about my experiences, his current state of mind, what it was like making PUMP, and a whole lot more. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if there's another conversation on the horizon since we barely scratched the surface behind Allan's incredible career.

00:00 - 04:02 - Introduction
04:03 - 48:56 - Interview with Allan Moyle
48:57 - 51:16 - Outro

Special thanks to Mike White for helping me get in touch with Allan Moyle. You can hear Robert St Mary's interview here: http://projection-booth.blogspot.com/2016/02/episode-259-pump-up-volume.html

I decided that this interview was too special to only include it as a Pop Culture Club episode which is why I shared it in the Director's Club feed as well. Until next time, please send me an email at [email protected], and subscribe to PCC and visit http://popcultureclub.net. The next interview is also a special one, and it'll be up on Friday. I talk with the great Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne, Ivy) who is recently writing songs for my favorite TV show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. We talk about his extensive career as a musician and what it's like composing music for the great Rachel Bloom and more!  Thank you all so much for the support and for listening to this truly wonderful conversation.  Check out http://nowplayingnetwork.net for more great shows on film & music!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Before we begin, let me remind you that you can vote on which director will be covered in late November. Since the beginning of that month, I’ll be covering Peter Bogdanovich, and then in early December, I’m covering William Wyler, I thought it would be a good idea to create a poll of directors with smaller filmographies that we’ve yet to cover on this show. And you can be the deciding factor.  Right now, we have 314 votes, but it would be wonderful to get some more. I’ve decided to extend this poll until the end of the month so you have until Friday, September 30th to cast your vote. Go to:
http://tinyurl.com/dcpoll11

You can choose between the following directors: Edgar Wright, Rian Johnson, Jonathan Glazer, Andrea Arnold, Andrew Dominik, Richard Kelly, and Asghar Farhadi… all names that I’m excited to talk about in the future, but you can decide who gets picked first come November.  As far this episode, you are in for another treat as we go back to another classic filmmaker and producer that changed the way films are made forever.  On board this time is another great returning guest by the name of Chris Olson of The Pop Culture Lens podcast. It was an immense pleasure to have a fantastic discussion on the true pioneer of independent filmmaking, Mr. Roger Corman. Obviously, it’s hard to see every movie he’s ever been involved with but we do our best to cover such notable titles like A BUCKET OF BLOOD, MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, THE PREMATURE BURIAL, THE INTRUDER, FRANKENSTEIN UNBOUND and many many more.  We accidentally skipped over a Ray Milland title that is mentioned briefly towards the end, that Chris considers a favorite as well.  Undoubtedly, there will be a sequel episode on this particular legend at some point in the future.

00:00 – 06:32 – Introduction
06:33 – 18:14 -  Introduction with Chris
18:15 – 19:39 - Director Song
19:40 – 49:12 - IT CONQUERED THE EARTH, BUCKET OF BLOOD, LITTLE SHOP
49:13 – 01:20:57 - THE INTRUDER, Poe Adaptations
01:20:58 – 01:57:41 - THE TRIP, FRANKENSTEIN UNBOUND, Films he’s produced
01:57:42 – 02:05:36 - Top 3 Corman Films / Outro

In about two weeks, we return with guests Collin Souter and Al Kwiatkowski for a horror-centric dissection on the great Peter Jackson. We won’t be discussing his epic fantasy triologies due to the October Halloween-themed season, but don’t fret. At some point we’ll revisit those for a sequel episode. Then in late October, closer to Halloween, returning guests Nat Almirall and Robert Reinecke take on the work of Jacques Tournier!  So stay tuned, stay subscribed, tell your friends about the show and visit NowPlayinNetwork.net, DirectorsClubPodcast.com, and send me an email at [email protected]!  Lots of great content to come over at PopCultureClub.net too!  Thanks as always for listening!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Nicholas Ray is now one of my top ten favorite filmmakers of all time. I had seen REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE when I was younger, but it wasn’t until recently that I went back to check out about a half a dozen of his films back-to-back. I realized the more that I watched, the more I responded to his work thematically. Joining me once again to talk about this legendary director is returning guest Sergio Mims, one of the smartest critics I know. And boy does he have some stories to share throughout our conversation that made my jaw drop. We go through several titles including THEY LIVE BY NIGHT, IN A LONELY PLACE, ON DANGEROUS GROUND, JOHNNY GUITAR, REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE, and BIGGER THAN LIFE.  Sergio also mentions a couple of other films worth seeking out. Nicholas Ray has lead quite the life, and we dive into a lot regarding the man and his movies, both on-screen and off.  I really think you’ll enjoy this one, even if you’re not familiar with the man’s work. 

00:00 – 05:13 – Introduction
05:14 – 19:14 - Introduction with Sergio
19:15 – 20:04 - Director Song
20:05 – 52:14 - They Live By Night, In A Lonely Place
52:15 – 01:13:19 - On Dangerous Ground, Johnny Guitar
01:13:20 – 01:58:27 - Rebel Without A Cause, Bigger Than Life
01:58:28 – 02:17:23 - Top 3 Films / Outro

I will be taking a couple weeks off from this podcast.  When I return it’ll be in mid-late September alongside Chris Olson, as we explore the work of another legend: Roger Corman!  Until next time, please send your emails to [email protected].

Visit: http://nowplayingnetwork.net and check out the archives: http://directorsclubpodcast.com.  Hope to hear from you during my break!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Two hosts from my favorite movie podcast return for a second appearance!  Sean Dwyer and Frank Knezic from Film Junk are back to have some laughs and deconstruct the art of the parody genre, focusing on the acclaimed trio Zucker Abrahams Zucker.  We talk about the origins of the term “spoof,” revisit and review the three films that ZAZ created together, and talk about other comedies that each of them directed. There’s also a discussion over the recent wave of bad parody films, the legacy of Leslie Nielsen, and many more topics throughout.  How silly can we get?  Find out as we dive head first into the world of comedy. Surely, you’ll enjoy this episode?   

00:00 – 25:41 - Introduction
25:42 – 26:35 - Director(s) Song
26:36 – 56:14 - Kentucky Fried Movie, Airplane!
56:15 – 01:40:12 - Top Secret, The Naked Gun
01:40:13 – 02:07:49 - Other Comedies We Watched
02:07:50 – 02:12:50 - Top 3 ZAZ Films / Outro

Big thanks to Sean and Frank for coming on the show and be sure to listen to Film Junk if you haven't already!  The next episode will arrive in two weeks, featuring returning guest Sergio Mims as we talk about the work of the legendary Nicholas Ray, director of such classics like Rebel Without a Cause.  In the meantime, send me an email over at [email protected], visit the website at http://directorsclubpodcast.com and of course, the NPN network where this show along with many great movie and music podcasts are available: http://nowplayingnetwork.net

Visit Film Junk:
http://filmjunk.com

Support Film Junk:
http://filmjunk.bandcamp.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe