Director's Club

This is a celebration, not just another Director’s Club episode for a reason. Back in 1990, I became an avid fan and follower of today’s guest and he’s been on this show a couple of times in the past, most recently for the Paul Thomas Anderson Part II episode. I’m talking of course about Nick Digilio.

40 years ago, he began his career as a professional film critic, reviewing movies on Roy Leonard’s radio show. It’s also amazing to think that 40 years ago, I first fell in love with movies after seeing Back to the Future in 1985.

Nick’s 40th anniversary is a month away so I thought it would be great to relive the past, share some memories and even throw a couple of lists his way, including my biggest disagreements with him over the years and some titles I’m grateful to have discovered because of Nick too (one of which is obvious since it’s the reason he became a favorite film critic of mine).

In addition to the first 80 minutes of delightful conversation and reminiscing, we then talk for a half hour about a director he’s always considered to be underrated: Kevin Reynolds. Find out why he feels that way and seek out a couple of under-seen works of his that I had the pleasure of discovering too.

It’s an honor and a pleasure to talk with Nick to celebrate all he’s done and all he continues to do. If it weren’t for him, my life might’ve gone in a different direction so I’m grateful for his time and all the support going back to 1997.

00:00 - 04:34 - Introduction.

04:35 - 33:23 - Celebrating 40 Years Of Nick.

33:24 - 01:22:27 - Top 5 Disagreements / Discoveries.

01:22:28 - 01:54:38 - Kevin Reynolds (Underrated Director).

01:54:39 - 02:10:00 - Nick’s Events / Surprise Flashback / Outro.

Follow all-things Nick:

https://www.nickdigilio.com

https://www.classiccinemas.com/events/nicks-pix/137

https://radiomisfits.com/podcasts/nickdpodcast

https://www.patreon.com/c/NickDShow

Follow all-things Jim:

https://linktr.ee/jimlaczkowski

https://directorsclub.substack.com

This is a celebration, not just another Director’s Club episode for a reason. Back in 1990, I became an avid fan and follower of today’s guest and he’s been on this show a couple of times in the past, most recently for the Paul Thomas Anderson Part II episode. I’m talking of course about Nick Digilio.

40 years ago, he began his career as a professional film critic, reviewing movies on Roy Leonard’s radio show. It’s also amazing to think that 40 years ago, I first fell in love with movies after seeing Back to the Future in 1985.

Nick’s 40th anniversary is a month away so I thought it would be great to relive the past, share some memories and even throw a couple of lists his way, including my biggest disagreements with him over the years and some titles I’m grateful to have discovered because of Nick too (one of which is obvious since it’s the reason he became a favorite film critic of mine).

In addition to the first 80 minutes of delightful conversation and reminiscing, we then talk for a half hour about a director he’s always considered to be underrated: Kevin Reynolds. Find out why he feels that way and seek out a couple of under-seen works of his that I had the pleasure of discovering too.

It’s an honor and a pleasure to talk with Nick to celebrate all he’s done and all he continues to do. If it weren’t for him, my life might’ve gone in a different direction so I’m grateful for his time and all the support going back to 1997.

00:00 - 04:34 - Introduction.

04:35 - 33:23 - Celebrating 40 Years Of Nick.

33:24 - 01:22:27 - Top 5 Disagreements / Discoveries.

01:22:28 - 01:54:38 - Kevin Reynolds (Underrated Director).

01:54:39 - 02:10:00 - Nick’s Events / Surprise Flashback / Outro.

Follow all-things Nick:

https://www.nickdigilio.com

https://www.classiccinemas.com/events/nicks-pix/137

https://radiomisfits.com/podcasts/nickdpodcast

https://www.patreon.com/c/NickDShow

Follow all-things Jim:

https://linktr.ee/jimlaczkowski

https://directorsclub.substack.com

Let’s forget all about inauguration day (since this comes out on January 20th, 2025) by focusing on someone who truly matters, the legendary comedic mind of Elaine May, pioneer of improv sketch comedy and so much more! We focus on all four of her directorial films and sing the praises of nearly all of them. Yes, that MAY include her last feature from 1987 that does not deserve the reputation or the critical bashing that it received upon its release.

Thank you so much to Sharon for being a delightful returning guest and nerding out with me for two hours, especially about a new all-time favorite film of mine which just happens to be Elaine May’s debut feature.

00:00 - 05:16 - Intro.

05:17 - 45:30 - May’s History / A New Leaf.

45:31 - 01:26:58 - The Heartbreak Kid / Mikey & Nicky.

01:26:59 - 02:03:28 - Ishtar / Outro.

Follow Sharon:https://mentalfilmness.comhttps://letterboxd.com/squissybox

Follow Jim: https://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowskihttps://linktr.ee/jimlaczkowski

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

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

Let’s forget all about inauguration day (since this comes out on January 20th, 2025) by focusing on someone who truly matters, the legendary comedic mind of Elaine May, pioneer of improv sketch comedy and so much more! We focus on all four of her directorial films and sing the praises of nearly all of them. Yes, that MAY include her last feature from 1987 that does not deserve the reputation or the critical bashing that it received upon its release.

Thank you so much to Sharon for being a delightful returning guest and nerding out with me for two hours, especially about a new all-time favorite film of mine which just happens to be Elaine May’s debut feature.

00:00 - 05:16 - Intro.

05:17 - 45:30 - May’s History / A New Leaf.

45:31 - 01:26:58 - The Heartbreak Kid / Mikey & Nicky.

01:26:59 - 02:03:28 - Ishtar / Outro.

Follow Sharon:https://mentalfilmness.comhttps://letterboxd.com/squissybox

Follow Jim: https://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowskihttps://linktr.ee/jimlaczkowski

Nearly five hours of conversation and recommendations all about the year 2024 in cinema! Bill Ackerman (host of Supporting Characters and guest host of this show) and I reveal 25 favorite films, talk about the year in general and have a lot to say as usual. In addition, you’ll get to hear thoughts from previous guest Chloe Waryan as well as a traditional song from yours truly where I sing the titles of Bill’s 40 favorites.

00:00 - 15:40 - Intro / Thoughts

15:41 - 02:50:09 - Numbers 25-11.

02:50:10 - 02:54:04 - Chloe’s Top Ten

02:54:05 - 03:45:57 - Numbers 10-6.

03:45:53 - 03:48:59 - Jim’s Song Of Bill’s List

03:49:00 - 04:55:10 - Top 5 of 2024 / Outro

Follow Bill: https://letterboxd.com/billackermanhttp://auteuristtrap.blogspot.com/2024/12/2024-40-favorites.html

Follow Jim: https://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowski/list/2024-rankedhttps://directorsclub.substack.com

favorite song of 2024 from MJ Lenderman!

Director's Club is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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

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

Nearly five hours of conversation and recommendations all about the year 2024 in cinema! Bill Ackerman (host of Supporting Characters and guest host of this show) and I reveal 25 favorite films, talk about the year in general and have a lot to say as usual. In addition, you’ll get to hear thoughts from previous guest Chloe Waryan as well as a traditional song from yours truly where I sing the titles of Bill’s 40 favorites.

00:00 - 15:40 - Intro / Thoughts

15:41 - 02:50:09 - Numbers 25-11.

02:50:10 - 02:54:04 - Chloe’s Top Ten

02:54:05 - 03:45:57 - Numbers 10-6.

03:45:53 - 03:48:59 - Jim’s Song Of Bill’s List

03:49:00 - 04:55:10 - Top 5 of 2024 / Outro

Follow Bill: https://letterboxd.com/billackermanhttp://auteuristtrap.blogspot.com/2024/12/2024-40-favorites.html

Follow Jim: https://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowski/list/2024-rankedhttps://directorsclub.substack.com

favorite song of 2024 from MJ Lenderman!

Director's Club is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Happy holidays! Grateful to my incredibly smart and passionate guests to cover a genre I’m not as well-versed in - Hong Kong cinema particularly martial arts action. I am familiar with Buster Keaton though unlike the first time I saw Rumble In The Bronx back in 1995 at the local multiplex. Nevertheless, I know I was watching a legendary talent of the highest caliber even back then. Joining me for a discussion on the directorial work of a master stunt man, actor, singer, death-defying daredevil Jackie Chan… are newcomer Sam Inglis and returning genre champion Gabe Powers. We talk about Jackie’s debut, history and transition into the mainstream focusing on many of his standout titles. Stay tuned for the favorite films of 2024 episode in a couple weeks and thank you all for the support and for listening this year and beyond! And huge gratitude to Sam and Gabe for bringing their expertise that will likely have you jotting down titles to add to your watch list the way they did for me.

00:00 - 03:57 - Introduction / Changes To The Show In 202503:58 - 10:49 - Guest Introductions / Sam’s Origin Story10:50 - 01:34:51 - Chan’s History / Fearless Hyena / Young Master / Project A01:34:52 - 02:25:19 - Police Story / Miracles / Armour Of God II02:25:20 - 02:56:53 - Drunken Master II / Other Notable Titles / Outro

Be sure to follow Sam!https://bsky.app/profile/24fpsuk.bsky.socialhttps://letterboxd.com/24FPSUKhttps://open.spotify.com/show/17u9DSmsiByQ56LijyERooBe sure to follow Gabe!https://genregrinder.comhttps://letterboxd.com/gabepowershttps://bsky.app/profile/gabepowers.bsky.social

Subscribe to the new Substack / Bluesky / Letterboxd!https://directorsclub.substack.comhttps://bsky.app/profile/jimlaczkowski.bsky.socialhttps://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowski

Director's Club is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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

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 holidays! Grateful to my incredibly smart and passionate guests to cover a genre I’m not as well-versed in - Hong Kong cinema particularly martial arts action. I am familiar with Buster Keaton though unlike the first time I saw Rumble In The Bronx back in 1995 at the local multiplex. Nevertheless, I know I was watching a legendary talent of the highest caliber even back then. Joining me for a discussion on the directorial work of a master stunt man, actor, singer, death-defying daredevil Jackie Chan… are newcomer Sam Inglis and returning genre champion Gabe Powers. We talk about Jackie’s debut, history and transition into the mainstream focusing on many of his standout titles. Stay tuned for the favorite films of 2024 episode in a couple weeks and thank you all for the support and for listening this year and beyond! And huge gratitude to Sam and Gabe for bringing their expertise that will likely have you jotting down titles to add to your watch list the way they did for me.

00:00 - 03:57 - Introduction / Changes To The Show In 202503:58 - 10:49 - Guest Introductions / Sam’s Origin Story10:50 - 01:34:51 - Chan’s History / Fearless Hyena / Young Master / Project A01:34:52 - 02:25:19 - Police Story / Miracles / Armour Of God II02:25:20 - 02:56:53 - Drunken Master II / Other Notable Titles / Outro

Be sure to follow Sam!https://bsky.app/profile/24fpsuk.bsky.socialhttps://letterboxd.com/24FPSUKhttps://open.spotify.com/show/17u9DSmsiByQ56LijyERooBe sure to follow Gabe!https://genregrinder.comhttps://letterboxd.com/gabepowershttps://bsky.app/profile/gabepowers.bsky.social

Subscribe to the new Substack / Bluesky / Letterboxd!https://directorsclub.substack.comhttps://bsky.app/profile/jimlaczkowski.bsky.socialhttps://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowski

Director's Club is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Hello everyone! I am no longer putting out episodes via Libsyn, they are now hosted right here at my Substack. Formerly known as the 5 Years Substack, this is now the hub for all-things Director’s Club including a new URL. Learn about all this and more during my 8-minute preamble before we get to the subject at hand - indeed a very special one since today’s guest is responsible for my favorite film of 2024 (soon to be released next year so stay tuned).

I was lucky enough to spend a half hour talking with director Joel Potrykus, responsible for films that both Patrick and I have loved in the past particularly Buzzard and Relaxer which contain the same lead actor Joshua Burge. Burge and Potrykus are co-leads in his latest film, Vulcanizadora and we talk all about the experience of putting it all together and much more. We avoid spoilers so I encourage you to listen to this interview and seek out his work ASAP. Thank you to all for listening, the continued support and looking forward to sharing all content here from this point onward.

00:00 - 08:20 - Introduction / Changes To The Show08:21 - 44:48 - Interview with Joel

Director's Club is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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

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

Hello everyone! I am no longer putting out episodes via Libsyn, they are now hosted right here at my Substack. Formerly known as the 5 Years Substack, this is now the hub for all-things Director’s Club including a new URL. Learn about all this and more during my 8-minute preamble before we get to the subject at hand - indeed a very special one since today’s guest is responsible for my favorite film of 2024 (soon to be released next year so stay tuned).

I was lucky enough to spend a half hour talking with director Joel Potrykus, responsible for films that both Patrick and I have loved in the past particularly Buzzard and Relaxer which contain the same lead actor Joshua Burge. Burge and Potrykus are co-leads in his latest film, Vulcanizadora and we talk all about the experience of putting it all together and much more. We avoid spoilers so I encourage you to listen to this interview and seek out his work ASAP. Thank you to all for listening, the continued support and looking forward to sharing all content here from this point onward.

00:00 - 08:20 - Introduction / Changes To The Show08:21 - 44:48 - Interview with Joel

Director's Club is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.