In this episode, we dive deep into Michael Cimino’s 1978 epic The Deer Hunter. A film that won Oscars, divided critics, and left a lasting (and complicated) mark on American cinema. We explore its legacy, both celebrated and criticized: from its haunting depiction of Vietnam War trauma to the controversy around its historical accuracy and portrayal of Vietnamese characters.

We’ll unpack why Christopher Walken’s performance remains a career defining, soul crushing revelation, even decades later. But we’ll also confront the uncomfortable truth...despite its ambition and artistry, The Deer Hunter doesn’t entirely hold up. From its bloated pacing to a romanticized view of what it means to be a man, there's a lot that feels out of step with today’s lens.

Is it a masterpiece? Is it propaganda? Or is it something messier, more human, and more tragic? Let’s talk about the film that made roulette a metaphor for war and America.

Along with the film, here are some of the sources used in the creation of this episode:

One Shot – The Making Of The DeerHunter by Jay Glennie

https://theasc.com/articles/flashback-photographing-the-deer-hunter

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-deer-hunter-1979

https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/packages/html/movies/bestpictures/deer-re.html?scp=19&sq=%22John%20Cazale%22&st=cse

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_deer_hunter

https://letterboxd.com/film/the-deer-hunter/

https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1979

In this episode, we dive into Black Panther (2018)—the crown jewel of the MCU and, frankly, the only one truly worth your time. We explore the stunning world-building of Wakanda, a sci-fi Afro-futurist dream that feels both mythic and grounded. From the vibrant costume design to the rich cultural textures, it’s a visual and emotional celebration of heritage, and strength. Ryan Coogler’s sharp, purposeful direction elevates the superhero genre into something far more meaningful. It’s not just a Marvel movie—it’s a movement.

Along with the film itself below of a list of sources used to create this episode 

https://youtu.be/TN3rhneknow?si=QkxB0jhr5V1VByN0

Welcome to Wakanda: How Black Panther's production designer created a world never seen on film | CBC Arts

A journey into Wakanda: How we made Black Panther | CNN

In this episode, we explore Frank Capra's timeless 1934 masterpiece; It Happened One Night. Join me as I discuss the the performances of Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, whose chemistry set the standard for romantic comedies, however they were dragged kicking and screaming all the way through production. I'll also delve into the film's significance in black-and-white filmmaking and its esteemed place in the American Film Institute's Top 100. Lets tear down the "Wall of Jerico" to see what secrets lie behind it.

A bonus episode for autism awareness month.  Rain man. The first portrayal of autism in film and one of my favourites of all time. This film brought mainstream awareness to autism at a time it was poorly understood. Although overtime there is more nuanced discussions to be had. This film shows how terrible misunderstanding and treatment people on the spectrum in the 20th century. It highlights the difficulties families can face particularly in this time period of institutionalization and shame. This film also shows the beauty of autism and some of the amazing things that people on the spectrum bring to our world. Dustin Hoffman’s brilliant performance is based on real people he worked with for over a year in order to portray Raymond with the respect and accuracy he deserved. He thanked the men he based his performance on in his acceptance speech for their work. Dr Ruth Sullivan consulted on the film to assist with the portrayal of autistic individuals and their experiences. Although through a 2025 lens we can discuss the importance for more diverse portrayals of autism across the spectrum,  the implications of the term “savant” and having a non autistic actor in the role. At the time this film was the first, and still is one of the only films to have an autistic character protagonist. As a proud family member of the most beautiful individual with autism this film touches my soul in a way I can’t explain. I’m so grateful to have such a beautiful story available to the public. Please enjoy this bonus episode. This month, and every month please bring awareness, kindness and curiosity to autism. Advocate for people on the spectrum and their families. Let’s do better in cinema going forward to amplify the voices of people on the spectrum and have more nuanced portrayals.

Below are the references I used to gather information about the episode. As always all opinions are my own.

Levinson, Barry, dir. 1988. Rain Man. United States: MGM/UA Communications Co.

Oscars. 2010. “Dustin Hoffman Wins Best Actor | 61st Oscars (1989).” YouTube. January 4, 2010. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErqHXzhSuv4.

Rensin, David. 1989. “Director Barry Levinson on Making ‘Rain Man’ Starring Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman.” Rolling Stone. January 12, 1989. https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/barry-levinson-on-the-making-of-rain-man-66029/.

“Siskel & Ebert - Rain Man.” 2009. Www.youtube.com. July 7, 2009. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdGn7ZNasKs.

Wikipedia Contributors. 2019. “Rain Man.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. October 15, 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_Man.

In this episode, we dive deep into David Fincher’s haunting 2007 crime thriller Zodiac. A masterpiece that’s as meticulous as the killer it portrays. We unpack Fincher’s obsessive attention to detail, the film’s eerie stillness, and how it redefined the genre without ever needing a final answer. Plus, a look at Robert Downey Jr.’s scene-stealing performance, which feels less like acting and more like a sharp, self-aware impression of his own chaotic charm. Tune in as we explore why Zodiac remains one of Fincher’s most underrated and unsettling achievements.

References used in the creation of this episode, as always all opinions are my own.

Bradshaw, Peter. “Zodiac Review – David Fincher’s Terrific, Seductive Account of Real-Life Serial Killings.” The Guardian, May 18, 2007. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2007/may/18/thriller.robertdowneyjr.

Lewis, Hilary. “David Fincher Responds to ‘Zodiac’ Critics: ‘That’s the Book That We Bought.’” The Hollywood Reporter, June 24, 2023. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/david-fincher-zodiac-critics-thats-the-book-that-we-bought-1235522968/.

Piccotti, Tyler. “A Netflix Docuseries Offers New Clues about the Zodiac Killer’s Identity.” Zodiac Killer, 2024. https://www.biography.com/crime/zodiac-killer.

Zilko, Christian. “‘zodiac’ Turns 15: Behind-the-Scenes Facts You Didn’t Know about the David Fincher Movie.” IndieWire, March 2, 2022. https://www.indiewire.com/feature/zodiac-david-fincher-behind-the-scenes-trivia-1234702993/.

Zodiac. United States: Paramount Pictures, 2007.

“Zodiac.” Rotten Tomatoes, March 2, 2007. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/zodiac. 

In this episode, I dive into the beloved 1994 adaptation of Little Women, a film that continues to charm decades later. Explore the timeless themes of sisterhood, resilience, and identity that make it a movie you can watch again and again. The film has  exceptional casting, Winona Ryder shines as the fiercely independent Jo March, while a young Christian Bale delivers a memorable and heartfelt performance as Laurie. I know it’s a remake but it not only honours the source material but, in many ways, elevates it. Proving that sometimes, remakes are worth it. 

References used for the creation of this episode, as always all opinions are my own.

Doyle, Katie. “Little Women (1994) Retrospective Review.” The Film Magazine, February 29, 2020. https://www.thefilmagazine.com/little-women-1994-gillian-armstrong-movie-review/.

Ebert, Roger. “Little Women Movie Review & Film Summary (1994).” Roger Ebert, December 21, 1994. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/little-women-1994.

Handler, Rachel. “How 1994 Little Women Director Gillian Armstrong Convinced Men to See Her Film.” Vulture, December 23, 2019. https://www.vulture.com/2019/12/interview-with-1994-little-women-director-gillian-armstrong.html.

“Little Women (1994).” ‎Little Women (1994) directed by Gillian Armstrong • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd. Accessed May 23, 2025. https://letterboxd.com/film/little-women-1994/.

Little women. USA: Columbia Pictures, 1994.

“Little Women.” Rotten Tomatoes, December 21, 1994. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1058517-little_women.

Spencer, Ashley. “‘Little Women’: An Oral History of the 1994 Adaptation - The New York Times.” The New York Times, September 12, 2019. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/12/movies/little-women.html. 

This week we dive into A Star is Born (2018), Bradley Cooper’s stunning directorial debut and raw, immersive performance. Explore how the film’s music anchors and  elevates the emotional core of the story. With care and authenticity, the film handles themes of addiction and suicide, offering a powerful, nuanced look at fame, love, and loss. Join me as I unpack why this modern classic still resonates so deeply.

I just want you to take another look at this film

References

Bradshaw, Peter. “A Star Is Born Review – Lady Gaga Mesmerises in Streisand’s Shoes.” The Guardian, August 31, 2018. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/aug/31/a-star-is-born-review-lady-gaga-bradley-cooper. 

“Review: ‘A Star Is Born’ Brings Gorgeous Heartbreak - The New York Times.” The New York Times, October 3, 2018. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/03/movies/a-star-is-born-review-lady-gaga-bradley-cooper.html. 

“A Star Is Born (2018).” Spotify, November 11, 2024. https://open.spotify.com/episode/7yrQu8uDzOstB6fJBOvOEm?go=1&sp_cid=6b42ac3f4dd2047051e7328ac22c8be4&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=60c00a094e9c4483. 

“A Star Is Born - Movie Reviews.” Rotten Tomatoes. Accessed May 16, 2025. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/a_star_is_born_2018/reviews. 

A star is born. Warner Bros. entertainment, 2018. 

Tallicero, Brian. “A Star Is Born Movie Review & Film Summary (2018).” Roger Ebert, October 5, 2018. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/a-star-is-born-2018. 

JFK is a story about corruption and conspiracy—about the unsettling possibility that the truth has been buried under layers of lies. Through the eyes of New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison, played by Kevin Costner, we see the sheer weight of institutional resistance faced when one man dares to question the official narrative. The film becomes less about proving a single theory and more about exposing a system that thrives on obfuscation, intimidation, and fear. It challenges viewers to consider: what happens when those in power decide that truth is too dangerous to be known?

But beyond the political intrigue and courtroom drama lies a deeper, more personal theme—the profound sorrow and loss that rippled through the American psyche after JFK’s assassination. Stone’s film taps into a collective wound, a sense that something bright and promising was extinguished on that day in Dallas. The president’s death is portrayed not just as the loss of a leader, but as the death of an ideal—the dream of a more just, hopeful America.

References used in the creation of this episode, as always all opinions are my own.

Giglio, James n. “Oliver Stone’s JFK in Historical Perspective.” AHA, March 18, 2025. https://www.historians.org/perspectives-article/oliver-stones-jfk-in-historical-perspective/. 

JFK. United States, United States: Warner Bros., Warner Home Video, 1991. 

“JFK.” Rotten Tomatoes, December 20, 1991. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1037756-jfk. 

ReelBlend Podcast. “Oliver Stone Talks ‘JFK’ 30th Anniversary.” YouTube, December 29, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd8edLxhDeE. 

Stone, Oliver, and Zachary Skylar. “The Internet Movie Script Database (Imsdb).” The Internet Movie Script Database. Accessed April 26, 2025. https://imsdb.com/scripts/JFK.html. 

Blood Diamond: a gripping political thriller set during the Sierra Leone Civil War of the 1990s. The film starkly portrays violence, including the use of child soldiers, forced labor, and the atrocities committed by rebel factions. It sheds light on how the global demand for diamonds fueled the conflict, implicating international markets and consumers in the perpetuation of violence. Through its narrative, “Blood Diamond” underscores the importance of media in uncovering and understanding such complex issues, emphasizing that films can serve as powerful tools for social awareness and change.​

Remember diamonds are forever but so are the impacts of having one.

References used in the creation of this episode. As always all opinions are my own.

Blood diamond screenplay, 2005. https://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/Blood%20Diamond_July_27_2005_draft).pdf.

Blood diamond. United States: Warner Bros. Pictures, 2006.

“Blood Diamond.” Wikipedia, April 21, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_Diamond.

Rich, Joshua. “Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘“blood Diamond”’ Experience.” EW.com, December 8, 2006. https://ew.com/article/2006/12/08/leonardo-dicaprios-blood-diamond-experience/. 

Bonus episode!! Last night I went to see Sinners! GO see this! It’s masterful, it’s original and it’s exactly what studios need to be putting their money behind. Listen to hear my immediate aftermath thoughts. I will be definitely be circling back to do a deep dive on this film at a later date.