Summer brings heat, passion, and sometimes danger. In this episode of Film Swap, Jonathan and David explore two radically different but equally unforgettable classics.

🔥 One Deadly Summer (1983, dir. Jean Becker) – Isabelle Adjani delivers a tour-de-force in this slow-burn French thriller of desire, secrets, and revenge, set against the oppressive heat of a provincial town.
🌊 Summer with Monika (1953, dir. Ingmar Bergman) – Harriet Andersson shines in Bergman’s breakthrough film, a bittersweet tale of young love, freedom, and the fleeting nature of summer.

From the sultry, dangerous intensity of Becker’s noir-infused melodrama to Bergman’s lyrical, groundbreaking look at youth and consequence, these films reveal how summer on screen is never just about sunshine.

Brought to you by those funky film gurus at the Film Swap podcast. Your calm oasis for fun and thoughtful film discussion.

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In this searing double feature, we dive into two powerhouse classics from the 1950s that expose the dark side of influence. Under the banner of Charisma and Corruption, we explore Sweet Smell of Success (1957) and The Night of the Hunter (1955)—both directed by British filmmakers working in America, both unafraid to peel back the facade of charm to reveal something chilling underneath.

We discuss sleaze, media power, toxic masculinity, and mythic visual storytelling, from Burt Lancaster’s menacing gossip columnist to Robert Mitchum’s nightmarish preacher. These films aren’t just relics—they’re sharp, modern, and uncomfortably relevant.

🎬 Films discussed:

* Sweet Smell of Success (dir. Alexander Mackendrick)

* The Night of the Hunter (dir. Charles Laughton)

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In this episode of Film Swap, Jonathan and David dive into two riveting tales where nothing is quite as it seems. Under the theme "Trust and Treachery", they explore Nine Queens (2000), a razor-sharp Argentinian con artist thriller, and Before We Vanish (2017), a genre-bending Japanese alien invasion drama from master filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa.From layered deception and moral ambiguity to unexpected empathy and existential alien insights, these films test the limits of trust and the complexity of human connection.🔍 Films discussed:Nine Queens (dir. Fabián Bielinsky)Before We Vanish (dir. Kiyoshi Kurosawa)

Perfect for fans of twisty narratives, global cinema, and deep but accessible conversation.🎧 Brought to you by those funky film gurus at the Film Swap podcast. Your calm oasis for fun and thoughtful film discussion.Please follow or subscribe!Visit our website at: filmswap.ukFilm Swap on Letterboxd: Link

In this literary-themed episode of Film Swap, hosts David and Jonathan explore two of the most daring adaptations of classic fiction ever put to film.

First up, Jan Švankmajer’s Alice (1988) reimagines Alice in Wonderland as a surreal, stop-motion odyssey filled with unsettling imagery, tactile textures, and psychological depth. Then, Luchino Visconti’s The Leopard (1963) takes us to 19th-century Sicily, where Burt Lancaster portrays a fading aristocrat navigating Italy’s political unification with quiet dignity.

Together, these films examine change—personal, political, and philosophical—through radically different cinematic lenses.

Featuring discussions on surrealism, childhood psychology, Italian history, production design, and the art of adaptation.
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It’s time to go back to school, film style!

In this episode we take a thoughtful dive into two powerful coming-of-age dramas set in the world of education and youth. First up is Ken Loach’s *Kes* (1969), a British classic that soars with quiet defiance and one unforgettable kestrel. Then we head to a Parisian classroom with Laurent Cantet’s *The Class* (2008), a Palme d’Or winner that blends documentary realism with sharp social commentary.

Join us as we compare these two vastly different but thematically linked films that offer raw, honest portraits of education, adolescence, and defiance in very different corners of the world. We consider how each director captures the turbulence, triumphs, and tensions of adolescence. Expect sharp insights, a few laughs, and plenty of cinephile chat.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering these films for the first time, this episode is your perfect companion.

🎧 Tune in now.

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In this episode of *Film Swap*, genre film guru Richard Doyle returns to the show as we deep dive into two cult classics by legendary film directors that have a reputation for being downright awful: Robert Altman’s *O.C. and Stiggs* (1987) and Sam Peckinpah’s *Convoy* (1978). Are these the director's worst turkeys or misunderstood diamonds in the rough?

We explore Altman’s satirical take on the teen comedy genre, starring Daniel Jenkins and Neill Barry as two mischievous outsiders wreaking havoc in suburban Arizona. Then, we hit the road with Peckinpah’s high-octane trucker action-comedy drama, featuring Kris Kristofferson, Ali MacGraw, and Ernest Borgnine in a rebellious battle against corrupt law enforcement. How do these two wildly different films compare? Tune in as we discuss their themes, directorial styles, and cult status in cinematic history.

In this episode of **Film Swap**, we dive deep into two powerful films that explore aging, mortality, and human connection: **The Ballad of Narayama** (1983) directed by **Shohei Imamura**and **Venus** (2006) Directed by **Roger Michell**. These films offer poignant reflections on life's final stages and the complexities of desire, family, and dignity. 

In *The Ballad of Narayama*, **Sumiko Sakamoto** delivers a heartbreaking performance as the elderly mother preparing for her final journey, while *Venus* features **Peter O'Toole** in a remarkable portrayal of an aging actor's late-life obsession with beauty and youth. 

Join us as we explore the intricacies of both films, comparing their portrayal of aging and the delicate balance between love and loss.

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In this episode we dive into the careers of the very best of great British actors, as we focus on two absolute legends of the silver screen: Charles Laughton and Michael Caine and pick a couple of obscure gems from their considerable filmography to discuss in depth. 

From the classic charm of *Ruggles of Red Gap* to the captivating complexity of *The Honorary Consul*, we explore how these two actors left an indelible mark on these films AND the film industry. Tune in as we discuss Laughton’s masterful portrayal of a refined butler in the Hollywood screwball comedy classic *Ruggles of Red Gap* and Caine’s nuanced performance in *The Honorary Consul*, a gripping drama set in South America. We'll also explore their careers, their impact on British cinema, and the enduring legacy they've left behind. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema or modern British films, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates iconic performances and film history.

**Timestamps**:

- [00:00] Introduction to British cinema legends

- [08:00] Charles Laughton in *Ruggles of Red Gap*

- [41:00] Intermission

- [41:36] Michael Caine in *The Honorary Consul*

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In this thought-provoking episode of *Film Swap*, hosts David and Jonathan are joined by special guest David Blakeslee of the *Criterion Reflections* podcast for a deep dive into three powerful films that explore themes of faith, suffering, and redemption. The trio discusses Paul Schrader’s *First Reformed*, David Lynch’s *The Elephant Man*, and Roberto Rossellini’s *The Flowers of St. Francis*—each a unique portrayal of spiritual struggles and human resilience.

From the existential crisis of Ethan Hawke’s troubled priest in *First Reformed* to the poignant, heart-wrenching tale of John Merrick in *The Elephant Man*, and finally to the meditative, compassionate portrayal of St. Francis in Rossellini’s masterpiece, this episode offers rich insights into the intersection of cinema and spirituality.

Tune in as David, Jonathan, and David Blakeslee unpack the visual and narrative choices that make these films timeless and compelling, while exploring the enduring relevance of faith in the modern world.

Film Swap Homepage: www.filmswap.uk

David Blakeslee's podcasts and blog can be found at www.Criterioncast.com

Transcript of David Lynch interview: https://longair.net/mark/random/david-lynch/

Pack your suitcase and get ready to follow us on the ultimate cinematic adventure! In this episode, we explore two captivating films that delve into the world of fearless explorers and their encounters with uncharted territories: Bob Rafelson's Mountains of the Moon (1990) and Ciro Guerra's Embrace of the Serpent (2015).

Mountains of the Moon recounts the epic 19th-century expedition of British explorers Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke as they search for the source of the Nile. Embrace of the Serpent offers a powerful, dreamlike portrayal of two journeys through the Amazon rainforest, showcasing the devastating effects of colonialism on indigenous cultures. We discuss the stunning visuals, historical themes, and the portrayal of indigenous knowledge in both films. Whether you're a fan of adventure films or interested in post-colonial narratives, this episode unpacks the spiritual and physical explorations at the heart of these cinematic treasures.

Join us on this epic adventure through history, culture, and uncharted landscapes as we discuss the trials, ambitions, and moral questions faced by these explorers, as well as the films' stunning portrayals of nature, discovery, and the clash between civilisations. Whether you're fascinated by adventure or the complexities of exploration, this episode offers a rich analysis of the explorer's journey—both physical and spiritual.

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For more information about the extraordinary life and adventures of Richard Francis Burton go to https://burtoniana.org for a wealth of free resources.