This week, Julian, Emilio, and Madeline are joined by comedian Sydney Duncan to discuss two films that launched their leading ladies to superstardom - William Wyler’s “Roman Holiday” from 1953 and Garry Marshall’s “Pretty Woman” from 1990. The group draws comparisons both salient and subtle, and examines the aspects of Audrey Hepburn and Julia Roberts’ performances that solidify these roles as their breakouts. The group also discusses the role that class plays in each of these films and the relationships at their center. Among the many similarities, they also observe that one of the best-known scenes in each film features a kindred improvisatory moment.

You can follow Sydney Duncan on Instagram and TikTok @sydneyduncanonem, and catch her on the Maude and Betty house teams at UCB NY.

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2025 ended with a real gut punch for us film lovers - the sudden and shocking death of Rob Reiner, alongside his wife Michele Singer.  This week, Emilio, Julian and Madeline welcome back friend of the pod and musician extraordinaire Matt Friedman to the table to talk about Reiner and his legacy as one of the most beloved and important American filmmakers of the last forty years.  The group discusses some of the famous individual scenes he helmed, unforgettable performances, Reiner's standout moments as an actor, the films of his that are  most personally resonant, and much more.

You can check out Matt's incredible band, and see where he is playing next, by visiting their website: https://stilettobandnyc.com/

You can also follow Matt and the band on Instagram @stilettobandnyc

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This week, Madeline, Emilio and Julian continue making their way through Oscar Worthy Rom Coms and tune into 'Broadcast News', James L. Brooks' beloved 1987 film starring Holly Hunter, William Hurt and Albert Brooks.  The group is joined by accomplished NYC-based film programmer David Schwartz to discuss at length what is special about this romantic comedy, and the ways in which it is both conventionaly satisfying and also subverting genre expectations.  The strong lead performances, Brooks' extensive research of the media and news, the clever writing, the layered characterizations, the "non-ending" ending... the group covers these topics and much more in this enthusiastic discussion about one of the great films of the 1980s.  

David Schwartz is a New York-based film curator and writer who is currently the Director of Film Programming at The Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee.  You can read his work and see where and what he is programming next at his website www.david-schwartz.net

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Julian, Madeline, and Emilio continue their cycle of Oscar-Worthy Rom-Coms with a Suggestion Box episode focusing on "The Apartment," Billy Wilder's unforgettable multi-Oscar-winning film from 1960. The trio dig into this classic tale of work-related romance by discussing its iconic performances from Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, and Fred MacMurray, the dynamics of the love triangle it portrays, and how the film's transgressive qualities stand the test of time. Anchoring the conversation are a slew of favorable comparisons to other films, new and old, along with appreciations of film's fine-tuned aesthetic details and a tally of a word Wilder and co-writer I.A.L. Diamond clearly relished in, suffix-wise...

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If podcasting be the food of love, record on!  Continuing with their cycle of "Oscar Worthy Rom Coms", Madeline, Emilio and Julian fire up 1998's Best Picture winning 'Shakespeare In Love', directed by John Madden, starring the likes of Joseph Fiennes, Colin Firth, and Geoffrey Rush, with performances by Gwyneth Paltrow and Dame Judi Dench that also won them Oscars.  It's a Mise-Unseen episode, so this is the main hosts' first time seeing this movie, but it's a rewatch for their guest Anna Stone, she of the delightful movie podcast Stone's Top Tens.  Together the group digs into the historical "fan" fiction conceit of the story, speculate as to why this movie was so well-received when it was first released, turn to an oft-consulted non-fiction book to provide context for its controversial Oscars awards campaign,  discuss the many engaging performances, enjoy the film's many nods to modernity, and much more.  Anna leaves with some new additions to her watchlist, and everyone leaves with some appreciation for one of the more decorated romantic comedies of the last thirty years. 

Anna Stone is the host of the always enjoyable movie podcast Stone's Top Tens.  You can follow her and keep up with the podcast on the socials @stonestoptens  

If you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice. This really helps us find new listeners and grow!

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It's a new year, and Emilio, Madeline, and Julian kick off a new episode cycle of "Oscar Worthy Rom Coms" with 'Amelie', Jean-Pierre Jeunet's 2001 film starring Audrey Tautou that is as well-crafted as it is refreshing and life-affirming.  They are joined by a guest that, like the film itself, blends meaningful personal connection with great insight and sincerity - Anu Valia, film/TV writer and director extraordinaire, and a dear friend of Emilio's through high school and college.  The group discusses this film's reputation and influence on film students in the 2000s, its delightful focus on small personal quirks and sensory input, how the film deviates from more traditional romantic comedies, the way it feels both timeless and very rooted in the moment and setting it depicts, the film's messages about optimism and human goodness, and so much more!   

Anu Valia is a wonderful human and talented filmmaker whose work on shows like Shrill, And Just Like That, Interior Chinatown, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and Shrinking can be streamed and enjoyed, and her feature film 'We Strangers' can currently be streamed on Amazon Prime and rented digitally where ever you get your movies.  

If you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice. This really helps us find new listeners and grow!

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Madeline, Emilio, and Julian wrap up their cycle of Unorthodox Holiday Movies with a film befitting of a Christmas Eve episode - Sean Baker’s “Tangerine”, released in 2015. Joining Emilio as a first-time-watcher is Edo Choi, Film Programmer at the beloved NYC independent theater, Metrograph. The group reflects on the way this film catapulted Sean Baker to prominence in the cinematic world, and discusses the unique style that comes through via Baker’s use of iPhone cameras. They also take time to appreciate the variety of performances in this film, from newcomers to Baker regulars to social media stars. And, of course, they attempt to answer the question on everyone’s minds: why is this film titled “Tangerine”?

**Programming note: This conversation was recorded approximately ten days before the news of James Ransone’s passing. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this time.

If you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice. This really helps us find new listeners and grow!

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This week, Emilio, Madeline and Julian make good on something that has been in works for over two years - a conversation about the movies they gifted each other back in 2023!  To be specific, these were discs from The Criterion Collection, acquired during Barnes and Nobles summer 50% Criterion sale.  Madeline gifted Emilio 'House', Nobuhiko Obayashi's wild inventive horror/comedy from 1977.  Julian gifted Madeline 'Being John Malkovich', Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman's breakout film from 1999.  Emilio gifted Julian 'Ikiru' from 1952, Akira Kurosawa's influential meditation on life and imminent mortality.  The group gets a chance to talk spolier free about these three films, what motivated their decision to give what they did, some details and themes that stick out to them about each film, and what kind of cinephile would be ideal recipient of these films.  They also take a moment to reflect on their year in podcasting, and gift each other a new Criterion disc to discover in 2026!  

Happy holidays listeners, thanks for a great year!

If you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice.  This really helps us find new listeners and grow!

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Bangarang!  Emilio, Madeline, and Julian fly, fight, and crow their way through this next "Unorthodox Holiday Movie" suggestion, and this is a special one, a movie suggested to them by multiple guests - "Hook", Steven Spielberg's take on the story of Peter Pan, released in 1991 starring Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts and more.  The group welcomes back Tony-nominated performer, teacher, father, and "Hook" enthusiast and suggester Rob McClure to discuss this film from all angles.  How do you square your experiences with the film as a kid versus revisiting it as an adult?  Does Spielberg have good reason to dislike it?  How much Peter Pan background is needed to fully enjoy 'Hook', or does it stand alone?  The group discusses Spielberg's knack for getting great performances from children, Robin Williams' incredible range, Rufio's undeniable appeal, the elaborate sets, John Williams' underrated score, and its messages related to parenthood.  Rob even brings a robust background in the J.M. Barrie's original text (and a collectible trading card) to the conversation, and even pulls out his highlighted copy to try to get to bottom of a pressing question.  It's a great discussion about one of the 1990s most rewatched VHS tapes, and more beloved childhood favorites.        

Rob McClure has earned Tony nominations for his roles in the Broadway productions of Mrs. Doubtfire and Chaplin, and has also appeared in Something Rotten!, Mary Poppins, Hello Dolly, Beetlejuice, and many more productions On- and Off-Broadway. You can follow him on Instagram @mcclurerob

If you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice.  This really helps us find new listeners and grow!

Follow us on IG and TikTok: @sleeplesscinematicpod

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On Letterboxd? Follow Julian at julian_barthold and Madeline at patronessofcats

This week, Madeline, Emilio and Julian discuss the recently released 'Wicked For Good', the second part of a pair of films that together have brought the beloved Broadway musical to the big screen.  After chatting a bit themselves, the co-hosts  invite back their guests from last year’s conversation about 'Wicked Part 1' - EmKay and Tara from the popular Oz-themed podcast Down The Yellow Brick Pod, and Courtney Iventosch, a Broadway performer with years of experience in the cast of the stage musical of 'Wicked'.  How does this film stack up against Part 1?   What do we make of the new songs?  Standout performances?  Disappointing moments or takeaways?  What moments and small details are particularly captivating?  And what other musical would they like to see get the spare-no-expense theatrical treatment?  

Hear us talk 'Wicked Part 1' with Down the Yellow Brick Pod and Courtney here!https://www.buzzsprout.com/2269866/episodes/16231889

Hear us talk about John Waters' 'Desperate Living' and 'Wizard of Oz'! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2269866/episodes/15109178

Hear us talk early 'Wicked' thoughts and 'Crazy Rich Asians' here! https://www.buzzsprout.com/1172138/episodes/15117944

If you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice.  This really helps us find new listeners and grow!

Follow us on IG and TikTok: @sleeplesscinematicpod

Send us an email at [email protected]

On Letterboxd? Follow Julian at julian_barthold and Madeline at patronessofcats