"I’ve had the top of her head off, but that’s as far as it went.”

When Steve Martin and Carl Reiner reunited for a third time, they took some of the parody comedy joy the found in Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid and the absurd comedy from The Jerk, to make The Man With Two Brains. There is a clear sense here that they enjoy playing with conventions from mad scientist films, but it’s not as much an homage like their last film. It also feels like they’ve grown quite a bit in their comedy writing, as the jokes work really well here, especially the ones that repeat throughout the film. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Steve Martin series with Reiner’s 1983 film The Man With Two Brains.

We talk about why this film works so well for us, and why the comedy tends to stick more often in this one. We look at elements of the comedy that also didn’t work as well, and why that may be. We chat about Martin and Kathleen Turner, looking at what they each bring to the table, along with other cast members. We complain about the editing and wonder if it’s the fault of the editor or if it was a problem inherent in the script before they realized what the issues were. And we chat about some of our favorite comedy bits throughout.

It’s a fun film and we have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in to this week’s show. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!

• Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTube
• Script Transcript
• Original theatrical trailer
• Original poster artwork
• Flickchart
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• X
• YouTube
• Flickchart
• Pinterest
• Pete 
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“You know how to dial, don’t you? You just put your finger in the hole and make a tiny little circle.”

When Steve Martin and Carl Reiner latched onto the idea of acting in a scene opposite characters in other movies, they thought it was pretty funny and thought it would be even funnier if they could do an entire movie that way. It took some work to get there, but they managed to pull off a pretty clever film in Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid, even if they devolve into dumb comedy at times. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Steve Martin series with Reiner’s 1982 film Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid.

We talk about the nature of comedy, particularly when it’s a film that is operating as both a parody of and an homage to films noir – and why the silly humor they throw in sometimes just doesn’t work. We look at the brilliant technical feat it was to recreate costumes, sets, lighting designs, music, script, and more to make this movie work. We chat about Martin, Reiner, and Rachel Ward, and how well they work in the film. We chat about the origins of the film and why the story feels so convoluted. And we look at some other films that have tried to pull similar things off.

It’s a really interesting film in the lineup of Reiner/Martin collaborations, and we have a great time talking about it. Definitely check it out, then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!

• Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix • YouTube
• Script Transcript
• Original theatrical trailer
• Original poster artwork
• Flickchart
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• X
• YouTube
• Flickchart
• Pinterest
• Pete 
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“I want to live in a world where the songs come true.”

It may have seemed more strange at the time than it does now, but after his success of his comedy film The Jerk, comedian Steve Martin used his career momentum to next make… a depressing musical in which he’s a completely unlikeable character. In context of the career path that Martin has taken and the variety of projects he’s been a part of, it’s clear that it was a smart decision, but he’s lucky the flop of Pennies From Heaven didn’t kill his career completely. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Steve Martin series with his next film, Herbert Ross’ 1981 film Pennies From Heaven.

We talk about the peculiarities of this film and why so much of it seems like it isn’t working, but how enough of it does where it’s a flawed but unique project. We chat about the lip synced musical numbers and debate why they chose to do the music this way instead of having everyone sing. We discuss the brilliant direction by Ross, cinematography by Gordon Willis, and production design by Philip Harrison, and how beautiful the film is, particularly during the dance numbers. And we debate if this film and its structure makes us more interested or less in watching the original BBC TV series from 1978.

It’s a flawed film, one that Andy likes more than Pete, but it’s certainly worth watching and discussing. So check it out, then tune in to this week’s show. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries

• Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTube
• Script Transcript
• Original theatrical trailer
• Original poster artwork
• Flickchart
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• X
• YouTube
• Flickchart
• Pinterest
• Pete 
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“I don’t need anything… except this. This ashtray, and that’s the only thing I need is this. I don’t need this or this. Just this ashtray… and this paddle game.”

Steve Martin was having great success as a comedian, but felt like he was at his peak and wouldn’t last very much longer if he didn’t push into another avenue. That other avenue, as it turned out, was film. Of course, that wasn’t as easy to get into as he had hoped and it took him some time, but eventually, one of the studios latched onto his idea for a script and he was off and away. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off a new series looking at the early films of Steve Martin starting right here with Carl Reiner’s 1979 film The Jerk.

We talk about Martin and how this film worked to give him not just a film career but so much more, and why his brand of comedy helped get him there. We look at why comedy in a film like this may feel dated, particularly for people looking at it for the first time. We chat about several of the comedy moments in the film, both famous and not-so-famous, and look at why some stand out better than others. We discuss Bernadette Peters and why she’s such an amazing performer. We touch on the performance of “Tonight You Belong to Me” and why it works brilliantly but also feels out of place. And we debate why the film’s title is The Jerk.

It’s a dated film that seems to work better for people who connected with it earlier in life, but still has some charm and definite iconic comedy moments. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries

• Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix • Hulu • YouTube
• Script Transcript
• Original theatrical trailer
• Original poster artwork
• Flickchart
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• X
• YouTube
• Flickchart
• Pinterest
• Pete 
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

Making a film about identical twin gynecologists after having two successful Hollywood films may seem like folly, or it may seem like exactly what a filmmaker like David Cronenberg would do. Cronenberg used the boost of success to get a complex, psychological drama made, and while it may not have paid off at the box office, it’s become an essential work of the director that pulls elements from his body horror films while moving him into the more psychological examinations he would explore later. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Cronenberg series with his 1988 film Dead Ringers.

We talk about the nature of identity as it relates to twins and acting, and what the film is saying about it. We look at the central performance by Jeremy Irons who creates two incredibly nuanced characters, as well as Geneviève Bujold, who is brilliant as the woman who comes between them. We discuss the twinning effects used to create some incredibly complicated and stunning shots (and some that are a bit more obvious). We touch on Howard Shore’s beautiful score. And we chat about Cronenberg as he’s grown from his early career through to now and where he goes from here.

It’s a fascinating film that allows for a spirited discussion. Check the movie out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!

• Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTube
• Script Transcript
• Twins by Bari Wood and Jack Geasland
• Original theatrical trailer
• Original poster artwork
• Flickchart
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• X
• YouTube
• Flickchart
• Pinterest
• Pete 
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“Television is reality, and reality is less than television.”

There’s a film critic who called David Cronenberg ‘the thinking man’s genre filmmaker.’ If you look at the body horror films Cronenberg puts together, you will find that there is often a lot to unpack. They’re more artistic and have a lot more to chew on than most horror films. To that end, this reviewer’s comment about Cronenberg makes perfect sense. But does that mean what Cronenberg is trying to say with his films always makes sense? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Cronenberg series with his 1983 film Videodrome.

We talk about what this film has to say about the media, about portrayals of violence seen through it, our need to always be watching, and more. We look at where this film works and where elements start becoming more problematic for us. We chat about the incredible and horrifying effects of Rick Baker and his team. We look at the wonderful cast headed up by James Woods and Debbie Harry and how well they do to bring this story to life. And we imagine what people who grow up never having seen physical media will think of older films like this.

It’s a compelling and powerful story that has its share of problems but still works really well, even more so in today’s modern world. Check it out then tune in – The Next Reel. When the movie ends, our conversation begins.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!

• Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
• Script Transcript
• Original theatrical trailer
• Original poster artwork
• Flickchart
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• X
• YouTube
• Flickchart
• Pinterest
• Pete 
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

David Cronenberg took a bit more of a science fiction route rather than straight-up body horror with his 1981 film Scanners. It didn’t have a personal connection like The Brood, his previous effort, either, so it stands out a bit in his work. That being said, the body horror elements certainly crop up in the gruesome effects he uses. But is he hiding a nonsense story in atmosphere? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Cronenberg series with Scanners.

We talk about the nature of this film and how it fits in his body of work. We look at the cast and debate if their acting during mind battles makes any sense or if it’s just over-the-top acting. We discuss the incredible effects used in the film and chat about why the effects are so few and far between. We touch on the incredible sound design and score. And we look at why a film like this can work for some and not others.

It’s a divisive film on this show but one we have a great time discussing. Check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries

• Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
• Script Transcript
• Original theatrical trailer
• Original poster artwork
• Flickchart
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• X
• YouTube
• Flickchart
• Pinterest
• Pete 
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“Raglan encouraged my body to revolt against me… and it did.”

After going through a difficult divorce and custody battle, David Cronenberg decided to integrate elements of that part of his life into his screenplay for The Brood. It’s not an obvious parallel to his life, but when you know it’s there, it’s easy to see. Does that integration of his own life’s battles into the film help make it a stronger one than his previous ones? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Cronenberg series with his 1979 film The Brood.

We talk about the elements of his real life that informed this story, and how they helped shape his worldview of mental illness, grief, and cultish psychotherapy. We chat about the rage babies and how they worked in the context of the film. We debate some of the elements of the story, trying to figure out just what Dr. Raglan was up to at his institute. We chat about the performances throughout the film. And we look at the growing roster of Cronenberg’s regular crew helping out here, including Howard Shore for the first time.

It’s an interesting film that certainly shows Cronenberg’s growth with his body horror films, even if it still has problems. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in to this week’s show! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!

• Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • [Netflix][netflix] • [Hulu][hulu] • YouTube
• Script Transcript
• Original theatrical trailer
• Original poster artwork
• Flickchart
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• X
• YouTube
• Flickchart
• Pinterest
• Pete 
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

When people familiar with the works of David Cronenberg view his 1979 film Fast Company, many are taken aback because it feels like an anomaly in his oeuvre. There is no body horror. It’s a straight up carsploitation movie. But to Cronenberg, he views it as one of his many children, and like kids, they each are their own unique being. For fans of his films and those who study them, however, does it represent Cronenberg as a filmmaker very well? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Cronenberg series with his 1979 film Fast Company.

We talk about what works in this film and what doesn’t, and if it even feels like it fits as a carsploitation movie. We chat about the idea Cronenberg and his team brought to this one to make a western film in the car racing world, and debate if it works or not. We look at the cast and how well they fit the film. And we talk about how this film really was the start of many long-term partnerships to come for Cronenberg with various department heads.

It’s an interesting film for Cronenberg and one that we debate if it works in its own genre. We still have a lot of fun chatting about it, so check it out (or not) then tune in to this week’s show! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!

• Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTube
• Original theatrical trailer
• Original poster artwork
• Flickchart
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• X
• YouTube
• Flickchart
• Pinterest
• Pete 
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“I have to have blood. It’s all I can eat.”

David Cronenberg seemed to continue from where he left off with his first theatrical feature film, Shivers, when he wrote his script for his next film. Certainly, there are differences, but largely, the stories have a lot of similarities. That being said, there are definite signs of growth for this storyteller, and as far as his body horror films, there is a big step up with his second film. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our David Cronenberg series with his 1977 film, Rabid.

We talk about the improvements Cronenberg shows with this film, and also look at a few areas he still needs work. We chat about working with adult film star Marilyn Chambers in this film and how she generally does a great job in it. We look at the effects and the nature of the body horror and debate if it’s scary or not, and why. And we look at the comparison Cronenberg is making to sexually transmitted diseases and how well it works in that regard.

It’s a solid and entertaining film, even with some of its story issues, and we have a great time digging into it. Check it out then tune in to this week’s show. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!

• Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTube
• Script Transcript
• Original theatrical trailer
• Original poster artwork
• Flickchart
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• X
• YouTube
• Flickchart
• Pinterest
• Pete 
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.