In this episode of Film Surgery, hosts Nick Wright and Sanjay Arman Kumar dive deep into The Fault in Our Stars, directed by Josh Boone and based on the bestselling novel by John Green. They explore the emotional journey of Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters, two teens battling cancer and falling in love, while also unpacking the medical realities of thyroid cancer and osteosarcoma. Sanjay brings a neuroscience perspective to the film’s portrayal of illness, while Nick reflects on the storytelling, performances, and emotional impact of key scenes. From award wins to author cameos, and even a controversial take on the Amsterdam trip, this is a heartfelt breakdown of one of the most touching teen dramas in recent cinema.

Episode Details
Esther Grace Earl
A Fault in Our Stars - JustWatch.com
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Nick Wright Letterboxd
Sanjay Kumar Youtube
Nick Wright Youtube
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Welcome to Film Surgery!

Today's episode is extra special because a fantastic guest is joining us—Pete Wright from Trustory.fm! Pete is a highly experienced podcaster, producer, and storyteller. As a co-founder of TruStory FM, he has worked on numerous incredible podcasts covering a wide range of topics, from self-improvement to movies. With years of experience crafting compelling narratives and facilitating meaningful conversations, Pete has a talent for making complex ideas both accessible and engaging. We’re thrilled to have him with us to share his knowledge and passion for film as we dive into Patch Adams, the heartwarming and thought-provoking movie directed by Tom Shadyac. Together, we’ll explore the film’s themes, its impact, and how it blends humor with deeper messages about healing and humanity. Prepare for an engaging conversation filled with insights, laughter, and maybe even a few tears!

Notes

• Watch our conversation on YouTube! 
• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Script Options 
• Theatrical trailer: https://youtu.be/GMFCiB5Bzso?feature=shared
• Original Material
• Letterboxd

Website: SN Pictures

Individual Links

• Pete Wright's Letterboxd
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Welcome to a very special episode of Film Surgery!

This week, we are discussing our film, Unidentified. It follows the daily life of two brothers, Shawn (Eliot Derbenti) and Eli (Nick Wright), as they search for a mysterious creature that appears in their neighborhood. This movie was incredibly fun to film and served as a fantastic story for my first experience co-directing, editing, and starring in!

If you want to go check out this amazing movie, click HERE!

Thank you so much to Sanjay Arman Kumar for creating a mysterious story. If you liked this film, go check out more of Sanjay's films on his YouTube channel, which is linked here!

Other Links

• Letterboxd
• SN Pictures Youtube
• Nick Wright Instagram
• Sanjay Kumar Instagram
• Nick's Youtube

In this episode of Film Surgery, hosts Sanjay and Nick take on a more profound and emotionally resonant topic: the depiction of Parkinson’s disease and related neurological conditions in cinema. Their discussion centers around the 1990 film Awakenings, directed by Penny Marshall and starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro.

In this bonus episode of Film Surgery, we interviewed folks from LA to hear their stories from behind this tragic event.

In this episode of Film Surgery, Sanjay and Nick take a deep dive into The Theory of Everything (2014), directed by James Marsh. They explore the film's portrayal of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, focusing on the powerful performances, particularly by Eddie Redmayne, who won an Oscar for his role. Sanjay and Nick discuss their appreciation for how the film balances the personal and professional aspects of Hawking's life, showcasing both his groundbreaking scientific achievements and his struggles with ALS.

The two of them also highlight their favorite scenes, such as Hawking’s breakthrough moment during a lecture or the touching moments between Hawking and his first wife, Jane. They discuss how the film captures the struggle of relationships under the shadow of illness and fame. Additionally, they dive into filmmaking techniques, such as Marsh's direction, the use of music by Jóhann Jóhannsson, and the cinematography that visually mirrors Hawking’s evolving condition.

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In this podcast episode of Film Surgery, hosts Nick Wright and Sanjay Kumar review One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the 1975 film starring Jack Nicholson. The story, set in a psychiatric hospital, focuses on the character Randle P. McMurphy (Nicholson), who pretends to be mentally ill to avoid prison but clashes with the institution’s authority, especially Nurse Ratched. The hosts praise Nicholson's performance, discussing his unique portrayal of McMurphy, who doesn’t exhibit symptoms like other patients. They highlight comedic scenes, such as McMurphy’s antics with the bus and boat fishing scene, illustrating his rebellious, charismatic influence on fellow patients. The hosts admire Louise Fletcher's performance as Nurse Ratched, noting her ability to remain calm and subtly menacing, which made her a memorable antagonist.

STAY TUNED FOR OUR NEXT APPOINTMENT: The Theory of Everything!

Hello! Welcome to Film Surgery! Where we dissect deep into the amazing world of cinema. We’re your hosts, Nick Wright, and Sanjay Arman Kumar II, and we’re thrilled to have you join us on this journey. In each episode, we’ll dive deep into the heart of movies, exploring their stories, characters, and the fascinating ways they bring different worlds to life. So grab your popcorn and scrubs, and get ready for an exciting adventure with us here at Film Surgery!

Links
Sanjay Arman Kumar II
Nick Wright
SN Pictures