Speed has one of the cleanest high-concept premises in movie history: A bomb on a bus that can’t drop below 50 MPH. And somehow, that one idea gave us 116 minutes of nonstop tension, character chemistry, and genre-defining moments.

In this episode, Tray Epps breaks down why Speed is more than a 90s action movie — it’s required watching for anyone learning to write or direct films.

We talk about:

• Why a simple, focused concept is the key to tension
• What makes Keanu & Sandra’s dynamic work without leaning on romance
• Dennis Hopper’s villain as a case study in controlled chaos
• Editing that mirrors the heartbeat of the film
• The emotional weight behind every action beat
• Speed’s influence on everything from Die Hard 3 to Bullet Train

Filmmaker Takeaways:

• Simplicity sells — and sustains story
• Use pacing as a structural device
• Write action that’s character-first
• Less exposition, more stakes
• Make your villain a pressure cooker, not a monologuer

Related Episodes:

• Die Hard
• Ek Tha Tiger
• Godzilla Minus One
• Mission: Impossible (coming soon)

QUESTION:

What’s your favorite Speed moment — and what did it teach you about storytelling?

Subscribe to Required Watching for weekly cinematic deep dives with lessons filmmakers can actually use.

Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

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No budget. No experience. No film school. Just vision.

In this episode, Tray Epps explores Pather Panchali, Satyajit Ray’s quiet epic that became a landmark of world cinema.

We unpack:

• Why Pather Panchali is essential for filmmakers
• The deeply human story of Apu and his family
• How natural lighting and real locations created visual poetry
• Mumblecore before mumblecore
• The sound of wind, footsteps, and Ravi Shankar’s sitar
• Why slow pacing might be the point
• The global impact and lasting legacy of Ray’s debut

This isn’t just a film. It’s a lesson in how to move people with less.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Does Pather Panchali still hold up?

Have you seen it recently—or is it still on your list?

Tell us on YouTube or @RequiredWatching.

Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly deep dives into global films and essential cinematic lessons.

Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: 

▶️ Website

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▶️ Letterboxd

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In this episode of Required Watching, Tray Epps breaks down Godzilla Minus One and its black-and-white Minus Color version to explore why this movie hits harder than most modern monster films.

This isn’t your dad’s Godzilla.

We talk about:

• Why Minus One is a return to emotional, allegorical filmmaking
• How a $15M budget delivered better results than most blockbusters
• The deeper meaning behind Koichi’s arc and Godzilla as trauma
• The difference color makes in storytelling
• Takashi Yamazaki’s masterful direction and use of light/shadow
• What filmmakers can learn about scale, theme, and heart

This is more than spectacle. This is what monster movies should strive to be.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Did you see the color version or Minus Color?

Let us know what you thought in the comments or @RequiredWatching on social media.

Subscribe for more global film deep dives.

Let’s watch better. Let’s make better films.

Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: 

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▶️ Letterboxd

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Beyond music, Michael Jackson crafted groundbreaking short films. We dive into his cinematic influence, his storytelling techniques, and how his work reshaped music videos into an art form.

Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: 

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: 

▶️ Website

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Renfield offers a fresh, humorous take on the Dracula mythos. Discover how this film reinvents classic horror archetypes through dark comedy and memorable performances, and what that means for horror-comedy.

Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: 

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With its haunting visuals and feminist themes, Bulbbul stands out in Indian cinema. We explore its mythical storytelling and powerful themes, analyzing what makes it a modern horror masterpiece.

Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

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Bhoot brings a fresh spin to the horror genre in Indian cinema. Join us as we dissect its use of suspense, cultural context, and traditional horror tropes that captivate and haunt audiences worldwide.

Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

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Takashi Miike’s Audition remains one of the most disturbing films in horror. This episode delves into how its narrative, suspense, and shock elements create a lasting impact, and what filmmakers can learn from its mastery.

Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: 

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When two iconic anti-heroes collide, what lessons can filmmakers take from their unique blend of humor, grit, and unpredictability? We explore the evolution of both characters and how they revolutionize the genre.

Required Watching is your curriculum for cinematic literacy. We deconstruct the art and craft of filmmaking to help you become a sharper storyteller.

▶️ Subscribe for new video essays every week: 

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.