Director's Club

Steven Ray Morris returns to talk with us about New Zealand director Jane Campion.  Despite touching upon a few of her films throughout the conversation, we mainly focus on THE PIANO and IN THE CUT in particular.  In addition, Steven reviews a show he's been wathing on Netflix, Jim revisits BLOW-OUT, and Patrick talks BEFORE STONEWALL and an Aerobicsploitation movie!!

In about two weeks we will be talking with Sean Dwyer from Film Junk as we discuss Ridley Scott. Please be sure to leave us a voicemail to play on the show at 224-366-9528.  If you’re a movie blogger/podcaster and would like a guest spot on the show to talk about a filmmaker whose work you admire. Thanks again for listening and be sure to check out our updated upcoming schedule in the sidebar to see which directors we’ll be talking about soon!  Questions are always welcome via email: [email protected]

Steve Prokopy AKA Capone from Ain’t It Cool News, joins us for a live discussion on the incredible Paul Thomas Anderson, a well-respected master of filmmaking.  Despite touching upon all five of his films throughout the conversation, we mainly focus on MAGNOLIA and THERE WILL BE BLOOD in particular.  In addition, Steve reviews CHERNOBYL DIARIES, Jim finally watched FIVE EASY PIECES, and Patrick continues his J-horror journey with UZUMAKI (Spiral).  

In about two weeks we will be talking with returning guest Steven Ray Morris as we discuss a director both Patrick and Jim are not too familiar with:  Jane Campion (The Piano).  Please be sure to leave us a voicemail to play on the show at 224-366-9528.  If you’re a movie blogger/podcaster and would like a guest spot on the show to talk about a filmmaker whose work you admire. Thanks again for listening and be sure to check out our updated upcoming schedule in the sidebar to see which directors we’ll be talking about soon!  Questions are always welcome via email: [email protected]

Renn Brown of CHUD.com returns to talk with us about a true auteur, the great David Fincher. We focus on the 1999 cult classic FIGHT CLUB as well as the critically-acclaimed 2007 true crime procedural, ZODIAC and then touch upon a couple other films as well.  Renn reviews BATTLESHIP, Jim praises Richard Linklater's latest BERNIE, and finally Patrick wraps things up with a discussion about J-horror and the American remake of THE RING.

In about a week we will be talking live with Steve Prokopy (Capone @ Aint it Cool News) as we discuss Jim's favorite director, Paul Thomas Anderson!   Please be sure to leave us a voicemail to play on the show at 224-366-9528.  If you’re a movie blogger/podcaster and would like a guest spot on the show to talk about a filmmaker whose work you admire. Thanks again for listening and be sure to check out our updated upcoming schedule in the sidebar to see which directors we’ll be talking about soon!  Questions are always welcome via email: [email protected]

Hello true believers! While our Fincher episode may a little late, never fear, for a bonus episode on superhero movies is here to save the day!  Patrick teamed up with humorist and comic book nerd Daniel Kibblesmith to take on the history of the genre and how it lead to Marvel's latest  mega-blockbuster, THE AVENGERS. In depth conversation on the Superman films, the Batman films, and how the one-two punch of X-MEN and Spider-Man lead to the current golden age of superhero movies. Also discussed: referring to oneself as a "poet", whether or not Godzilla is part of the Marvel universe, and what early 90's Christina Applegate comedy the Thor comic series most resembles. Assemble your favorite pair of ear-buds and dig in!

For this special 20-minute bonus episode, Jim interviews director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Under Seige, Above the Law, Holes) to talk about his debut film from 1978, STONY ISLAND which is being released on DVD & VOD on April 24th.  We learn about how the film was made, and its cultural significance including how Andrew got his start in the business.  In addition, we briefly discuss memories of filming THE FUGITIVE here in the city of Chicago back in the early 90s as well.  

STONY ISLAND was filmed on the gritty streets of Chicago's south side and tells the story of Richie Bloom (Richie Davis), the only white kid on the block, as he forms an R&B band with his best friend, Kevin (Edward "Stoney" Robinson). With the help of their mentor, aging sax legend Percy (Gene "Daddy G" Barge), they pull together a funky supergroup, stealing practice time at night in the local funeral home. Despite few resources and heavy losses this resilient group of dedicated musicians--armed only with wit, sleight of hand and outrageous Chicago bravado--must come together to finally make their smash debut. 

Thanks again to Andrew Davis for being on the show for this incredibly interesting look at an underseen gem that integrates both Chicago history and also beautifully captures how the love of music brings people together.   Order your DVD by visiting the official movie website:

http://stonyislandmovie.com/

We return to our original format with a third appearance from previous guest Brendan Leonard, covering the great crime thriller director Michael Mann. We focus on the 1995 classic HEAT as well as the critically-acclaimed follow-up THE INSIDER and then touch upon a couple other films from both earlier in his career and recently. Brendan also talks about THE RIGHT STUFF which he recently saw on the big screen, while I proclaim my affinity for INTRUDER, and Patrick wraps things up with a discussion about the original KING KONG. Brendan ducks out an hour early in this episode due to technical difficulties, but don't fret, you get to hear us conclude the conversation over Skype and once again, get into an argument about HOUSE OF THE DEVIL.

In two weeks we will be talking about another beloved auteur David Fincher with returning guest Renn Brown of CHUD.com. Please be sure to leave us a voicemail to play on the show at 224-366-9528. If you’re a movie blogger/podcaster and would like a guest spot on the show to talk about a filmmaker whose work you admire (or despise). Thanks again for listening and be sure to check out our updated upcoming schedule in the sidebar to see which directors we’ll be talking about soon! Questions are always welcome via email: [email protected]

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

Hey all, Patrick here.

Jim normally does these show write-ups but this time around he insisted that I do it, saying (and I quote) "I don't want to hear another f*****g word about Coleman Francis ever again." The reason why will soon become apparent as you listen to this episode about the man himself. We were lucky (no, blessed), to have prestigious professor of film and author of the upcoming book "The Franciscan: The Beast Of The Hollywood System" Manx (yes, that's his whole name) with us in person to discuss the history and films of Coleman Francis, one of the greatest and most underrated filmmakers in American history.

Focusing on his magnum opus The Beast of Yucca Flats, we dove into the controversial and groundbreaking techniques that Francis utilized to create almost hidden art films that dove into the very heart of humanity, technology, and the basest most animal instincts that connect us and tear us apart. And speaking of tearing us apart, somehow Jim didn't catch on all the heartbreaking nuance and depth that The Beast of Yucca Flats had to offer, and it caused a bit of tension. Yelling may have happened. Thank you Daniel Kibblesmith for introducing us to Manx.

There may or may not be a next episode. Check back in 2 weeks to see if we patch things up or not. Email us if you want: [email protected]

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

Our mouths get big and macho as we discuss the great action thriller Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow. Mike Flynn of CHUD.com returns for some further insights about her, as we focus on the beloved cult surfer bank robber classic, POINT BREAK, as well as her anticipated follow-up which turned out to be a box office failure STRANGE DAYS. In addition, Ryan reviews 21 JUMP STREET, Jim elaborates on the powerfully understated HEAVY, and Patrick decides to talk once again about favorite submarine movies after watching U571.

In only one week (!) we will be talking about Coleman Francis with an author who is currently on a book tour, that has much to say about this misunderstood filmmaker. Please be sure to leave us a voicemail to play on the show at 224-366-9528. If you’re a movie blogger/podcaster and would like a guest spot on the show to talk about a filmmaker whose work you admire (or despise). Thanks again for listening and be sure to check out our updated upcoming schedule in the sidebar to see which directors we’ll be talking about soon! Questions are always welcome via email: [email protected]

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

Movie podcaster and blogger Ryan McNeil of The Matinee Cast joins us for an enlightening conversation on the incredibly creative Michel Gondry.  We focus on his beloved 2nd breakthrough success, ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, as well as his anticipated follow-up but widely misunderstood THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP.  In addition, Ryan reviews PICKPOCKET, Jim requests to see more films like RACE WITH THE DEVIL, and Patrick decides to talk about his love of the music video art form, since Gondry had such a tremendous impact and is considered one of the most uniquely conceptual directors.

In a couple weeks, we will be talking about the winner of the listener's poll, Kathryn Bigelow.   Please be sure to leave us a voicemail to play on the show at 224-366-9528.  If you’re a movie blogger/podcaster and would like a guest spot on the show to talk about a filmmaker whose work you admire (or despise). Thanks again for listening and be sure to check out our updated upcoming schedule in the sidebar to see which directors we’ll be talking about soon!  Questions are always welcome via email: [email protected]

Musician and cinema studies student Jordaan Mason joins us for a rather intoxicating discussion on the versatile Gus Van Sant. We focus on his 2nd indie breakthrough success, DRUGSTORE COWBOY, as well as the first entry in his self-described death trilogy, GERRY. In addition, Jordaan reviews LOVERS ON THE BRIDGE, Jim brings the hate for TIM & ERIC'S BILLION DOLLAR MOVIE, and Patrick discovers that he is not really a fan of the original DRACULA with Bela Lugosi.

In a couple weeks, we will be talking about the quirky and eccentric work of the great Michel Gondry! Thank you again for a year of support, emails and listenership! This month marks our one-year anniversary for Director’s Club and we couldn’t be happier with our fans for being so complementary and sticking with us. Please be sure to leave us a voicemail to play on the show at 224-366-9528. If you’re a movie blogger/podcaster and would like a guest spot on the show to talk about a filmmaker whose work you admire (or despise). Thanks again for listening and be sure to check out our updated upcoming schedule in the sidebar to see which directors we’ll be talking about soon! Questions are always welcome via email: [email protected]

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