Remainders

On this episode of Remainders we watch the 2005 film A History of Violence. David Cronenberg adapts the graphic novel by John Wagner about a small town family man who becomes a local hero after killing two men during an armed robbery. This gets the attention of a mob boss who believes Tom is a man with a violent past. Beast mode performances by Viggo Mortenson, Ed Harris, and William Hurt elevate A History of Violence into epic territory.

Other topics include Viggo’s career post-Lord of the Rings, Cronenberg’s filmography, best Ed Harris and William Hurt performances, Brad Pitt and sports movies, plus Ripley and the history of the character from Patricia Highsmith’s novel.

Songs of the Week

Voicemail by Meat Wave

Save Me by Aimee Mann

Dear John by Aimee Mann

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On this episode of Remainders we watch the 2000 film The Beach. Leo’s first major role to come after the star making success of Titanic, time has been kind to this movie about disaffection and discovery in a pre-9/11 world with emerging technology. Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, the film’s roster has also led to a decades later reappraisal. If anything, The Beach is an incredible time capsule of late 90s/early 2000s culture and zeitgeist.

Other topics include Danny Boyle’s filmography, movie soundtracks and discovering new music in the 90s, 2000s music, new VHS in the collection, screenings in the cemetery, the Phoenician Scheme and Wes Anderson’s style and legacy, Darren’s new painting for Punk Rock & Paintbrushes, Brian Wilson, and Batman Forever and the rumored Schumacher Cut.

Songs of the Week

Don’t Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder) by The Beach Boys

Darlin’ by The Beach Boys

A Three-Legged Workhorse by This Will Destroy You

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On this episode of Remainders, we watch the 2003 war epic Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. Based on the series of novels, Master and Commander is a chase movie that goes much deeper. Russell Crowe plays Captain "Lucky" Jack Aubrey, and Paul Bettany plays Dr. Stephen Maturin. The Captain represents leadership and duty, and the Dr. represents academia and revolution. As they chase the elusive French war ship The Acheron, the two men both test and help each other during the Napoleonic Wars. Old-school action filmmaking in a modern war epic – she’s in her prime.

Other topics include Peter Weir and Australian directors, more Russell Crowe buddy movies and L.A. Confidential, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Tom Cruise and Mission: Impossible, ai in movies and tv, and fast food we’re eating and not eating lately.

Song Picks of the Week

Muzzle by The Smashing Pumpkins

Hawaii by The Strokes

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On this episode of Remainders we watch the 2002 movie Insomnia. The only movie in Christoher Nolan’s filmography in which he doesn’t have a writing credit, Insomnia has always felt like an outlier in the director’s career. It’s most notable aspect was Robin Williams and his villainous role as Finch, a first for Williams. Playing opposite the most strung out possible version of Al Pacino, we see if this thriller holds up.

Other topics include Nolan’s ranking, follow-up on our Mad Max Fury Road episode, fake reviews for Insomnia, Black Mirror, Andor and Star Wars, the passing of the alligator from Happy Gilmore, Hillary Swank, more Pacino marathon’s coming up, and whether or not Nicky Katt has the best line in any Nolan movie.

Songs of the Week

The Swimming Song by Loudon Wainwright III

If I Could Only Fly by Blaze Foley

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On this episode we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Mad Max: Fury Road - Black and Chrome Edition. Often considered the greatest action film of all time, Fury Road reintroduced the world to Max, this time played by Tom Hardy, as he teams up with Furiosa to take on the dystopian warlord Immortan Joe. George Miller’s stated intention was to make a movie that was one long chase, and as elemental and close to a silent film as possible. The Black and Chrome Edition brings this vision even closer.

Other topics include Charlize Theron, George Miller’s filmography and how Babe: Pig in the City fits in, America’s obsession with celebrity culture, Warren Zevon’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Riot Fest, and whether or not we should cover The Beaver with Mel Gibson on the podcast.

Songs of the Week

Let Them Eat War by Bad Religion

Kurt Kobain by Proof

Brothers In Arms by Junkie XL

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On this episode of Remainders we watch the 1997 political sci-fi movie Starship Troopers. Dismissed upon release as a generic action movie, time has been kind to this movie about fascism and soldier recruitment in a pro-war society. A militarized society in the future waging war against a sub-human alien species, Starship has gained cultural appreciation as a meta-film about wartime propaganda. A first-time viewing for one, we’ll see if this is a dumb, fun movie or an indictment of fascism. Or both.

Other topics include a David Lynch retrospective, the passing of Nikky Katt, new shows we’re watching, and we ask the question: If a movie debuts and is only on streaming, does it really exist?

Songs of the Week

Foolish Heart by The Mavericks

The Baron by Johnny Cash

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On this episode we watch 2005’s The Descent. A year after tragedy strikes, a group of friends discover something far worse in the deep caverns of the Appalachian Mountains. This spelunking splatter fest is a contender for many titles, including best horror movie of the 2000s, most objectionable thing to watch for anybody with even the slightest claustrophobia, and having maybe one of the worst best friends in all of horror movie history. Listen up as we also thoroughly debate the appropriate moniker of Vampire Bats vs. Crawlers in this modern horror classic.

Other topics include reflecting on the recent loss of Val Kilmer, visiting with Jim Jarmusch, pivotal David Lynch L.A. landmarks, Days of the Dead Chicago, found footage influence in the early 2000s, and the 90s forgotten gem Rumpelstiltskin on 4K.

Songs of the Week

Fuck and Run by Liz Phair

By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Little Richard

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On this episode of Remainders we watch the 1995 crime classic Heat. Directed by Michael Mann, Heat features Al Pacino and Robert De Niro realizing they have a lot more in common than their respective careers would suggest. We dive deep into this 90s classic and the duality of character that has made it a favorite. Other topics include the seemingly endless stream of character actors in Heat, why the movie still holds up, Christopher Nolan’s influence, SXSW, physical media endurance and slipcovers, Francis Ford Coppola accepting a Razzie nomination like a man, and James Cameron’s decision to live the rest of his life with Avatar.

Song Picks

You’re the One I Want by Jets to Brazil

Osage Oil Boom by Robbie Robertson

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On this episode of Remainders we watch the new horror classic The Substance. Fresh off Oscar attention and walking away with the award for Best Makeup of 2024, we celebrate this gonzo body horror movie that broke into the mainstream. Elizabeth Sparkle is an aging star played by the legendary Demi Moore. When she is fired from her fitness show for her age, she turns to the green stuff in an attempt to generate a younger version of herself. Results may vary, but Cronenberg would be proud.

Other topics include a breakdown and vibe of the Oscars, Conan O’Brien being the best host possible, in memoriam of Gene Hackman and David Lynch, other body horror classics, and Sean Baker’s career and his 2021 movie Red Rocket as a hidden gem.

Songs of the Week

Looking For a Kiss by New York Dolls

I’m Waiting Here by David Lynch feat. Lykke Li

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Pop quiz, hotshot: What’s the best action movie of the 90s? Stiff competition, but Speed will certainly fight you for the top pick. We revisit this commuter nightmare classic and can’t stop talking about Keanu Reeves’ cool guy charisma, crushing on Sandra Bullock, the legendary Dennis Hopper, Jeff Daniels’ moment of clarity, and that delicious unfinished-freeway jump.

Other topics include David Lynch, the L.A. wildfires, Darren’s art show, other 90s action movies and the decade of entertainment, Jan de Bont and Twister, movies we’ve watched on break, biopics that work and biopics that don’t, Chalamet appreciation, and Jim Carrey’s absurdist revival.

Songs of the Week

Comin’ Home by Murder By Death

Me and My Monkey by Robbie Williams

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