The Projection Booth

George A. Romero’s Resident Evil is one of the greatest "what could have been" stories in horror cinema. Filmmaker Brandon Salisbury discusses his documentary, which explores the legendary director’s unmade adaptation of the iconic video game, diving into the history, the scripts, the concept art, and the behind-the-scenes drama that kept Romero’s vision from reaching the screen. Featuring insights from those who were there, this episode uncovers the alternate universe where the zombie master himself brought Resident Evil to life. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth--5513239/support.

Become a supporter of The Projection Booth at http://www.patreon.com/projectionbooth 

The Projection Booth is part of the Weirding Way Media podcast network. Explore more of our shows at http://weirdingwaymedia.com.

Buckle up for a journey through the absurd, anarchic, and audacious as The Projection Booth takes on Jean-Luc Godard's Weekend (1967). Hosts Mike White, Rob St. Mary, and Andrei Idu (who requested the episode via Patreon) dive headfirst into Godard's biting critique of consumerism, class, and chaos, dissecting the film's surreal narrative, infamous tracking shots, and unapologetically subversive tone. From the traffic jam to the revolutionaries, they explore how this incendiary masterpiece continues to provoke and puzzle audiences decades later.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth--5513239/support.

Become a supporter of The Projection Booth at http://www.patreon.com/projectionbooth 

The Projection Booth is part of the Weirding Way Media podcast network. Explore more of our shows at http://weirdingwaymedia.com.

Mike White is joined by Maurice Bursztynski and Suzen Tekla Kruglinska to explore Hal Ashby's Being There (1979), a satirical masterpiece based on Jerzy Kosinski’s novel. This listener request from Patreon supporter Jordan Nash examines the story of Chance, played brilliantly by Peter Sellers, a sheltered, developmentally delayed man who steps out of isolation after his caretaker's death.

Wandering the streets of Washington, D.C., Chance is swept into the elite world of Benjamin and Eve Rand (Melvyn Douglas and Shirley MacLaine) and influential power players, including the President (Jack Warden), thanks to a series of misunderstandings. The trio delves into the film's themes of perception, power, and simplicity, discussing its layered satire, unforgettable performances, and enduring relevance.

Professor Aaron Hunter, author of Authoring Hal Ashby: The Myth of the New Hollywood Auteur, discusses the film's evolution from Kosinski's novel to the screenplays by Robert C. Jones to the final film.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth--5513239/support.

Become a supporter of The Projection Booth at http://www.patreon.com/projectionbooth 

The Projection Booth is part of the Weirding Way Media podcast network. Explore more of our shows at http://weirdingwaymedia.com.

Mike welcomes writer/director (and fellow Michigander) Anna Baumgarten for a heartfelt conversation about her award-winning 2021 film Disfluency. This intimate exploration of a young woman's journey to recover from trauma and rediscover her voice captures the raw vulnerability of healing and self-discovery. Anna shares the personal inspirations behind the film, the challenges of portraying mental health and emotional resilience on screen, and the creative choices that brought Disfluency to life.

Visit https://www.disfluencymovie.com/ for more details. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth--5513239/support.

Become a supporter of The Projection Booth at http://www.patreon.com/projectionbooth 

The Projection Booth is part of the Weirding Way Media podcast network. Explore more of our shows at http://weirdingwaymedia.com.

We dive into Red Lights (2012), a psychological thriller that blends skepticism, belief, and the enigmatic world of psychic phenomena. Written and directed by Rodrigo Cortés (Buried), the film stars Cillian Murphy and Sigourney Weaver as a pair of investigators determined to expose fraudulent psychics. Their sights are set on Simon Silver (Robert De Niro), a legendary blind performer whose mysterious powers defy explanation—or do they?

Co-hosts Rod Lott and Ryan Luis Rodriguez team up to discuss this layered tale of science versus the supernatural, unraveling its twists and themes. Along the way, they explore if this overlooked gem from James Brummel's Patreon request deserves a closer look. Is Red Lights a misunderstood thriller or a missed opportunity?

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth--5513239/support.

Become a supporter of The Projection Booth at http://www.patreon.com/projectionbooth 

The Projection Booth is part of the Weirding Way Media podcast network. Explore more of our shows at http://weirdingwaymedia.com.

Meet the The Projection Booth on the third floor of the parking garage at 3AM to discuss Alan J. Pakula's All the President's Men (1976), a landmark film about the Watergate scandal that brought down a presidency. Y'know, back when crimes have consequences. Co-hosted by Robert Bellissimo and Andras Jones -- who requested the film for Patreon Request Month -- delves into the gripping story of Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward (Robert Redford ) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman), as they unravel the conspiracy that reached the highest levels of government.

With a razor-sharp script by William Goldman and Pakula’s masterful direction, the film captures the intensity of investigative journalism and the political paranoia of its time. Join us as we explore the making of this cinematic powerhouse, its relevance today, and the passion behind Redford’s drive to bring this story to the screen.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth--5513239/support.

Become a supporter of The Projection Booth at http://www.patreon.com/projectionbooth 

The Projection Booth is part of the Weirding Way Media podcast network. Explore more of our shows at http://weirdingwaymedia.com.

We continue another Patreon month with a pick from Andrew Henrickson: 24 Hour Party People (2002). Join Mike White, Father Malone, and Axel Kohagen as they dive into Michael Winterbottom's electric chronicle of the Manchester music scene, told through the eyes of the ever-charismatic Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan). From Factory Records to the legendary Hacienda, the film brims with unforgettable moments and a who's who of '80s post-punk history, including standout performances by Lennie James, Paddy Considine, and more.

We were supposed to speak with screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce again for the episode but it didn't happen this time.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth--5513239/support.

Become a supporter of The Projection Booth at http://www.patreon.com/projectionbooth 

The Projection Booth is part of the Weirding Way Media podcast network. Explore more of our shows at http://weirdingwaymedia.com.

On this special episode, Mike interviews Sharif Nakhleh, director of Dread Zeppelin: A Song of Hope (2024), and Jason USA. This compelling documentary charts the bizarre, brilliant journey of the band Dread Zeppelin, blending reggae, Led Zeppelin covers, and a touch of Elvis for a sound and story like no other. Mike unpacks the film’s creation, its exploration of musical eccentricity, and its celebration of the enduring power of hope and creativity.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth--5513239/support.

Become a supporter of The Projection Booth at http://www.patreon.com/projectionbooth 

The Projection Booth is part of the Weirding Way Media podcast network. Explore more of our shows at http://weirdingwaymedia.com.

Starting 2025 with a bang, we're diving into Todd Haynes's groundbreaking feature film debut, Poison (1991). Co-hosted by the fabulous Rahne Alexander and Kyler Fey himself, this episode unpacks the audacious triptych of tales—Hero, Horror, and Homo—that propelled Haynes to indie cinema stardom. Bold, provocative, and unapologetically queer, Poison challenges conventions and leaves an indelible mark on the New Queer Cinema movement. Join us as we explore the film’s layered narratives, its haunting aesthetics, and its enduring impact.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth--5513239/support.

Become a supporter of The Projection Booth at http://www.patreon.com/projectionbooth 

The Projection Booth is part of the Weirding Way Media podcast network. Explore more of our shows at http://weirdingwaymedia.com.

Mike dives into the deep end with Patrick Jankiewicz, the author of Just When You Thought It Was Safe: A JAWS Companion. From the film’s iconic legacy to its ripple effect on Hollywood and pop culture, Patrick unpacks the behind the scenes of the shark that changed everything. It’s a fascinating look at the making of a masterpiece, the sequels, and why JAWS still has us afraid to go in the water.

Buy it at https://amzn.to/4fFJOxQ

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth--5513239/support.

Become a supporter of The Projection Booth at http://www.patreon.com/projectionbooth 

The Projection Booth is part of the Weirding Way Media podcast network. Explore more of our shows at http://weirdingwaymedia.com.