Reel Beans: A Film and Coffee Podcast

Join host Benjamin Schneider with guests Casey Haltom and Allen Stafford for a thought-provoking deep dive into The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969), featuring Maggie Smith's Oscar-winning performance as the charismatic and dangerous Edinburgh teacher.

We explore Jean Brodie's manipulation of young minds, the film's complex tension between beauty and control, and the surprising connections to Italian Renaissance artist Giotto di Bondone. Based on Muriel Spark's novel and directed by Ronald Neame, this film examines how idealism can shade into fascism—and the lasting impact one teacher can have on impressionable students.

We also discuss the film's literary origins, stage adaptations starring Vanessa Redgrave and Zoe Caldwell, and why this character study remains strikingly relevant today.

Coffee Pairing: Blue Bottle Coffee's Bella Donovan - a refined, elegant blend that matches the sophistication and complexity of Miss Brodie herself. We also explore Chemex brewing methods and their connection to the film's aesthetic sensibility.

Where to Watch:

• Amazon Prime (Rent/Buy): https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Miss-Jean-Brodie-Maggie/dp/B000I9VXCO
• YouTube
• DVD/Blu-ray available

Featured:

• Maggie Smith (Oscar winner, Best Actress)
• Celia Johnson
• Director: Ronald Neame
• Based on Muriel Spark's novel

Coffee & Brewing:

• Blue Bottle Bella Donovan: https://bluebottlecoffee.com/us/eng/bella-donovan
• Chemex Brewing Guide

Film Analysis:

• Literary Hub - Maggie Smith's Greatest Literary Role
• Le Cinema Dreams - Film Analysis

Art Reference:

• Giotto di Bondone - ARTnews: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/artists/who-was-giotto-di-bondone/

Listen & Subscribe: RSS,com: https://rss.com/podcasts/real-beans/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4uSX1SA7pQSJiafI4gOHDF Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reel-beans/id1809155140 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reelbeans

Follow & Support: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel_beans Website: https://reelbeans.com

Sip. Watch. Repeat.

Join host Benjamin Schneider for a surreal journey through Luis Buñuel's The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)—the Oscar-winning masterpiece that satirizes upper-class absurdity through dreamlike repetition and dark comedy.

We explore Buñuel's brilliant use of surrealism to critique bourgeois society, from dinner parties that never happen to bizarre dream sequences that blur reality. Highlights include the unforgettable scene where Fernando Rey's character eats lamb under the table during a violent dinner party, and the film's endless loop of interrupted meals that perfectly captures social pretension.

We also discuss Buñuel's complex legacy, including his notorious disdain for awards despite winning the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and why this film remains a cornerstone of art cinema.

Coffee Pairing: Lavazza Super Crema brewed in a traditional moka pot—a bold Italian classic that mirrors the film's rich layers and striking absurdity, from smooth crema to unexpected bitterness.

Where to Watch:

• Amazon Prime Video (Rent $3.99)
• Apple TV (Rent $3.99)
• YouTube Movies (Rent $3.99)
• BFI Player via Amazon Prime (Free with subscription)

Coffee Pairing:

• Lavazza Super Crema: Available on Amazon and Whole Foods

Music Credits:

• Jerome Chauvel - Pixabay
• Gregor Quendel - Pixabay
• "Coffee Jazz Podcast" by Denis Pavlov - Pixabay

Listen & Subscribe: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4uSX1SA7pQSJiafI4gOHDF Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reel-beans/id1809155140 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reelbeans RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/real-beans/

Follow & Support: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel_beans Website: https://reelbeans.com

Sip. Watch. Repeat.

Welcome to the very first episode of Reel Beans! Join host Benjamin Schneider as we unwrap the eerie elegance of Black Christmas (1974)—the quietly revolutionary horror film that helped define the slasher genre before Halloween made it famous.

With a hot cup of coffee in hand, we explore what makes this Canadian proto-slasher so unnerving, why it still resonates nearly 50 years later, and how director Bob Clark created tension through what we don't see. From the chilling phone calls to the film's ambiguous ending, we discuss why Black Christmas remains a masterclass in atmospheric horror.

Coffee Pairing: Counter Culture Coffee's Big Trouble - a round, comforting blend with notes of caramel and nuttiness that pairs perfectly with a film that lulls you into coziness before creeping under your skin.

Special Thanks: Josh Rozett, who watched the film and shared both laughs and gasps throughout.

Content Warning: This episode discusses themes of stalking, violence, and psychological distress.

Where to Watch Black Christmas (1974):

• Shudder
• Amazon Prime Video
• Peacock Premium
• AMC+
• The Roku Channel

Coffee Pairing: Counter Culture Coffee - Big Trouble

Listen & Subscribe: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4uSX1SA7pQSJiafI4gOHDF Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reel-beans/id1809155140 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reelbeans RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/real-beans/

Follow & Support: Instagram: [link] Newsletter: [link] Buy Me a Coffee: [link] Website: https://reelbeans.com

Music Credits:

• "Coffee Jazz Podcast" by Denis Pavlov – Pixabay
• "Soft Jazz 1" by Mircea Iancu – Pixabay
• "Suspense" by Johan Benitz – Pixabay

Sip. Watch. Repeat.

Welcome to Reel Beans — a podcast brewed for deeper conversation.

What do a French press and a film reel have in common? Both require patience, precision, and the promise of something rich. Join host Benjamin Schneider as we pair exceptional films with exceptional coffee, exploring the themes, artistry, and human truths that connect them.

For the film lovers, the caffeine junkies, and the curious souls who find meaning in movie moments and coffee aromas.

First episode drops May 20, 2025.

Sip. Watch. Repeat.

Music: Aleksey Chistilin