Film School

Somebody in this camp ain't what he appears to be.

The Thing was almost universally REVILED when it first came out in 1982, but time told the true story: people just weren't ready for it, it was so far ahead. John Carpenter had no interest in remaking the classic Howard Hawkes version, so he went back to the source material and found some real inspiration. The result is legit one of the most terrifying, bonkers, thrill ride of a horror film that's ever been made to. This. Day. Josh watches for the first time!

What is your relationship with failure? Do you embrace it, or avoid it at all cost? Because failure is a necessary and important part of success, a healthy relationship with it probably lies somewhere in between those two extremes. Josh and Ira discuss what works for them, and what doesn't.

Also, Josh recommends John Carpenter's Vampires, and Ira recommends the Apple TV+ documentary series Home, which just released its second season.

Hurrah me yoller girls, doodle let me go!

Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson star in Robert Eggers second feature as two men stationed on an island in the middle of the ocean and tasked with maintaining a lighthouse. Madness ensues, literally and/or metaphorically depending on how much stock you take in our main character's point of view. This one certainly brings the noise, kids. We discuss!

Are you a pantser or a plotter? Do you just sit down and write the story as it comes to you? Or do you outline and plan and plot out your story in detail before you actually write it? OR...something in between? This week, we talk about the spectrum of plotting and pantsing, what works for us, and the benefits and drawbacks to each end of that spectrum.

Also: Josh recommends the 90s De Niro/Robin Williams film Awakenings, and Ira recommends the docu-series The Web of Make Believe on Netflix.

Tetsuoooo!!!!

This week, we take a peek at Katsuhiro Otomo's masterpiece, and one of the definitive anime films full-stop, Akira. It's over thirty years old now, which is crazy because we're still making this movie. An all-time influential movie, it's up there with Bladerunner in terms of how many movies owe a debt to the way they depict the near-future. So, after all these years, how does it hold up?

What *is* "ego," anyway? How does it get in our way, and how do we need it? This episode, we dive into walking the fine line between self-esteem/confidence, and delusion/insecurity.

Also: Josh recommends A Monster Calls on Netflix, and Ira (really, really highly) recommends 3:10 to Yuma from 2007, which is currently playing on Hulu.

My wife deserves vengeance...

This week, we watch the film that put Christopher Nolan on the map. Guy Pierce stars as Leonard, a man who can no longer make memories. His last memory is of his wife being raped and murdered, and he's obsessed with finding the man responsible and bringing him to justice. But, if he can't remember anything...how? Top-notch premise. Great acting. An Academy Award-nominated script...this is a fun one.

When writing/creating, how do you know what to throw into the trash bin, and how do you know what to keep and tweak until it's working right? It's the central question of editing and revising, and there is no easy, simple answer. But, there *IS* an answer. Josh and Ira share their thoughts on the matter.

Also, Josh recommends Hulu's docu-series The Deep End, and Ira recommends the 1973 horror classic The Wicker Man.

Finally...Josh's debut feature film is available to rent or purchase RIGHT NOW ON AMAZON PRIME! Run, don't walk, and leave a nice review if you liked it.

https://www.amazon.com/Monroe-Josh-McClenney/dp/B09RVX6187/

The monsters of the id!

Easily one of the most influential sci-fi films ever made, Forbidden Planet was the standard set for space opera for an entire generation including Gene Roddenberry, the guy behind Star Trek. Leslie Nielsen is there before his spoofy comedy days. It was a sensation in terms of its special effects. It introduced the beloved character Robby the Robot. We watch and discuss!

How important is it to have community as a creative person? How do you choose the people to surround yourself with? Josh and Ira talk about how they've chosen their own communities, and what to look for.

Also, Josh recommends Shrek, and Ira discusses his recent watches of Kingdom of Heaven and The VVitch.