Becky D'Anna and Dave Eves join to discuss PASSION OF ANNA by Ingmar Bergman. We recorded this episode in a different world. Since we recorded this episode, Max von Sydow has passed (rest in peace). And pandemic has shut down our world. But Bergman's films are timeless, no? The nameless evil permeating Fårö in this film makes as much sense today as ever. The questions might change, but Bergman always has the answers.

Welcome film scholar/minister/existential philosopher Charles B. Ketcham, author of THE INFLUENCE OF EXISTENTIALISM ON INGMAR BERGMAN and THE SEARCH FOR A NEW MYTHOLOGY: FEDERICO FELLINI. (You can still find used copies of his books on Amazon.)

We discuss the beginnings of art house film and film scholarship in America, as well as existentialism and Ingmar Bergman's PERSONA.

He is joined by his one-time student Dr. Rebecca Rabin. She discusses how confronting Bergman led her to confront a few other things, and, ultimately, becoming a psychotherapist.

We enjoy a wide-ranging conversation about film, philosophy, education, and laughing into the abyss. Enjoy.

Second half of the 2019 Top 10 episode. Featuring Josh Hornbeck (of the Criterion Channel Surfing podcast) and DJ Moore (of The Reel Conversation).

Welcome back the dynamic duo of Josh Hornbeck (Criterion Channel Surfing podcast) and DJ Moore (The Reel Conversation instagram) to discuss the best films of 2019. This is the episode part 1 of 2.

Martin Kessler (of Flixwise Canada fame) joins to discuss Aleksei German’s KHRUSTALYOV, MY CAR! Recently released by Arrow here in the US, this movie gives us the opportunity to revisit the absurd-grotesque-comedic world, that feels like a parallel universe to HARD TO BE A GOD… probably because it is.

Martin is one heck of a guest, and he makes an impassioned argument for why we should all be fans of German’s work.

Marcus Pinn takes a quick break before putting out episode 100 of Zebras in America (!) to come on FBF and discuss NIGHTCRAWLER and VELVET BUZZSAW. Pinn and Laubinger collaborate to discuss the Gyllenhaal and Gilroy team ups. We discuss the sad plight of film/art criticism in the age of social media, and we discuss which movie is creepier.

Spoiler: both movies are pretty creepy.

This episode brings together Ingmar Bergman super-fans Becky D’Anna and Dave Eves for a Bergman Music episode. We discuss three of the director’s films that have a musical focus, namely TO JOY, THE MAGIC FLUTE, and AUTUMN SONATA. Topics discussed include: why Dave was a total failure as a professional musician, Becky’s love for the sappy side of Bergman, as well as which movie Jon thinks he will rewatch the most. We also discuss an upcoming spin-off podcast, where the three of us talk nothing but Bergman gossip.

Bergman is the patron saint of this podcast, and Becky and Dave are the two best people to discuss him with. If you have half as much fun listening as we did recording… you’ll still have a lot of fun.

Becky D’Anna joins FBF to discuss Ingmar Bergman’s THE SEVENTH SEAL. This is the first time I’ve dared to discuss such a historically significant film, and thankfully Becky was more than up for the challenge. Becky discusses her favorite scenes in the film, the religious and biographical themes, and makes a spirited defense for THE SEVENTH SEAL as a life-affirming movie.

While many podcasts have been recorded about Bergman’s classic film, I am confident few have had this much discussion of HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U.

Join Dave Eves and your host Jonathan James as they discuss one of Ingmar Bergman’s most terrifying films: HOUR OF THE WOLF. Dave and Jon sift through the truths, semi-truths, and outright lies surrounding Bergman’s life story and discuss how they impact their interpretation of the film. Jon also presents some half-baked theories, and Dave offers a spirited defense of CRIES AND WHISPERS.

Listening to this episode is more fun than attending a haunted dinner party where all the other guests are Udo Kier.

Martin Kessler (of Flixwise Canada fame) joins to discuss Aleksei German’s KHRUSTALYOV, MY CAR! Recently released by Arrow here in the US, this movie gives us the opportunity to revisit the absurd-grotesque-comedic world, that feels like a parallel universe to HARD TO BE A GOD… probably because it is. Martin is one heck of a...