Open the Podcast Doors, HAL

Enjoy this introductory episode of This Means Something..., a movies-by-minutes podcast examining the 1977 science fiction classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, co-hosted by Tierney Steele (M*A*S*H Minute, Joe vs. the Minute, Never Ending Minute, Return to Oz Minute) and Chris Frain (Open the Podcast Doors, HAL). 

Available every weekday starting on December 14, 2020.

https://thismeanssomething.libsyn.com

Chris and Rudi reunite over Skype to discuss the Coronavirus lockdown, TV and movie recommendations, and re-cast 2001 with muppets.

We mark the end of the minute-by-minute run with a special crossover episode with the Vibrant Visionaries podcast and its host, Heidi Bennett (also of Spinal Tap Minute and Cabin Minute Cast). Chris and Rudi talk lots of process and celebrate reaching the finish line.

Chris and Rudi answer questions and address concerns from listeners during the penultimate episode of Open the Podcast Doors, HAL.

Chris and Rudi make the most awkward movie pitches in Hollywood history with their ideas for the unnecessary remake of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Author/Playwright Paul Sapp joins the podcast to discuss films that influenced, and are influenced by, 2001. Spoiler alerts for nearly all the films covered, especially Ex Machina.

Musician and all-around boffin Ari Russo (arirusso.com) helps close out the movie (but not the podcast!) with a discussion of the over-arching themes of the film. He also gets bleeped a couple of times.

"Space madness" finally claims Chris and Rudi as they spend the podcast coming up with wacky nicknames for the remaining credited production crew from the greatest work of art of the 20th century.

After a brief discussion of the credits covered in the minute, Chris chats with model-maker and illustrator Simon Atkinson (https://www.satkinsoncreativearts.com) and his 2001-related work, along with other highlights from his long career in science fiction production.

Friend of the show Slade Alves visits the podcast to discuss the cast and performances of 2001, including the under-billing of Douglas Rain. And speaking of rain, this may be the only Movie by Minute podcast featuring a monsoon as ambience.