Director's Club

80% of the crew for Chantal Akerman’s Jeanne Dielman were women. For this episode, I needed the perspective and insights from two of the smartest women I know. Returning guest Kate Blair and newcomer Sharon Gissy join me to discuss this remarkable (and oftentimes challenging) Belgian director that completely changed European cinema back in the mid-70s. We talk about six Chantal Akerman films she’s made mostly in chronological order and several are available on the Criterion Channel. Just a heads up we had technical difficulties for the last 20 minutes so the show had to be cut a bit shorter than usual but I explain in the episode once we reach the outro. We start with her short film debut and end on her poignant documentary News From Home. Similar themes and ideas pop up along the way. For the what we watched recently segment, titles include Rachel Getting Married, Psycho Goreman, Last Year At Marienbad and QAnon: Into The Storm. Thank you so much to my wonderful guests for coming on to talk about a truly special filmmaker. Also just a heads up that the next episode on Louis Malle may not come out until the very end of May due to busy schedules from both myself and the guests. 00:00 - 08:30 - Introduction 08:31 - 09:25 - What We Watched Song 09:26 - 35:35 - What We Watched Recently 35:36 - 36:39 - Director Song 36:40 - 02:03:22 - Chantal Akerman Discussion 02:03:23 - 02:08:32 - Top Three Akerman Films / Outro Portrait Of A Young Girl At The End Of 60s In Brussels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ijI-wOhbQo Watch Chantal Akerman Films:https://www.criterionchannel.com/directed-by-chantal-akerman-2 Mental Filmness Festival Hosted By Sharon:https://mentalfilmness.comhttps://www.facebook.com/mentalfilmness Voices & Visions Reviews From Sharon: https://www.voicesvisions.net/reviews/tag/sharongissy Letterboxd Reviews From Kate:https://letterboxd.com/selective_kate Voices & Visions Reviews From Kate:https://www.voicesvisions.net/reviews/tag/kateblair Follow Me On Letterboxd (but not on Twitter ever again): https://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowski/list/episode-187-chantal-akerman This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

After a slew of bonus episodes, we return to our regularly scheduled program all the way up until the summer. Film Junk’s very own Sean Dwyer and Frank Knezic return to the show for an energetic conversation about a fascinating filmmaker by the name of David O’Russell. No stranger to controversy but also one of the better directors of screwball-style comedy out there. We focus on the majority of his work including Three Kings and then the award-winning romantic dramedy Silver Linings Playbook. But we also bring up each of his films throughout the entire conversation as expected. During the newly dubbed, “what we watched recently” segment, I review another time loop teen drama called The Map of Tiny Pretty Things while Sean caught up with the action-side of that premise with Boss Level. Frank briefly goes through his recent viewings of The Nutty Professor, Raya and the Last Dragon and Attack Of The Murder Hornets. Lastly, I quickly mention that I couldn’t help but enjoy Soliel Moon Frye’s documentary, Kid 90. As always, it was a complete blast talking to two podcasters who are partially responsible for me getting into podcasting in the first place. 00:00 - 07:08 - Introduction07:09 - 08:25 - What We Watched Song08:26 - 34:25 - What We Watched Recently34:26 - 36:07 - Director Song36:08 - 01:20:44 - Three Kings + Silver Linings Playbook01:20:45 - 01:54:44 - Other O’Russell Films01:54:45 - 02:05:43 - Top 3 O’Russell Films / Outro Share This Episode With Others: http://directorsclubpodcast.com/blog/episode186 Follow Frank On Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/dirrrtyfrank/ Follow Sean On Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/filmjunk/ Subscribe to the great Film Junk Podcast:https://filmjunk.com Check Out Premium Episodes Of Film Junk:https://filmjunk.bandcamp.com Letterboxd Ranking: https://letterboxd.com/nowplayingjim/list/episode-186-david-orussell This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

So you might remember him as Arnie from Christine and that's where I first became aware of the terrific talent of one writer/director/actor extraordinaire Keith Gordon. He's been on Voices + Visions / Director's Club a few times now, thus beginning a yearly tradition where we check in and take the opportunity to nerd out about cinema of years past. Get out a notepad to jot down some of the titles discussed on this episode, as well as check out the list on Letterboxd. The last time we spoke, we discussed underrated films of the 80s. This time we go back yet another decade to discuss the 70s and how incredible of a time it was to be a cinephile. Some titles might be familiar but a few were new to me. We have a wonderful discussion as always so if you've been a fan of our other talks, I have no doubt you'll enjoy the latest one as well. Check out the previous KG episodes / lists below! Keith Gordon Episode Archives:https://www.directorsclubpodcast.com/archives/keithgordonarchives Underrated Films Of The 1990s:https://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowski/list/underrated-films-from-the-1990s/ Underrated Films Of The 1980s:https://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowski/list/underrated-films-from-the-1980s/ Underrated Films Of The 1970s:https://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowski/list/underrated-films-from-the-1970s Underrated Films Of The 1960s: https://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowski/list/underrated-films-from-the-1960s Check Out The Pure Cinema Podcast (w/QT) Mentioned: https://thenewbev.com/blog/2021/03/pure-cinema-podcast-qt-movie-club/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

What started back six years ago with 1985 continues. This time it’s one entire episode instead of split into two: all six hours plus of an annual tradition co-starring yours truly, Collin Souter and Erik Childress as we run down nearly every film that came out thirty years ago. This time it’s all about 1991! If you’re a fan of nostalgia, sound clips, trailers, 1991 songs, laugh out loud moments and memories, then you’re in for a treat. Granted we don’t cover every single title but as always, we come pretty close. To follow along with our resource / guide, feel free to click on this link. See you in a year when we’ll do it all again for the following year and thank you so much for listening and for the support. Footnote: this year we weren't able to record in person obviously so the sound quality may not be as strong as previous years. Follow us all on Letterboxd: http://letterboxd.com/nowplayingjim http://letterboxd.com/cdsouter http://letterboxd.com/erikthemovieman This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

It's been a long while since I was contacted about possible interviews, probably because there has been a lot going in the world or more than likely, I've been too busy to reply every single one. Well here are two I simply did not want to pass up because I thoroughly enjoyed the films we discuss. First up, as you heard during Episode 185, I sang the praises of I Blame Society, the latest from Gillian Wallace Horvat. For 15 minutes, we talk about what it was like making one of the year's best films so far and a whole lot more. Right after that, a longer discussion ensues with Mike P. Nelson who previously helmed The Domestics, a favorite from Cinepocalypse where it premiered here in Chicago. This time, he's responsible for a terrific remake / reboot of Wrong Turn. Surprisingly enough, this updating comes from the original screenwriter as well making some big changes along the way. Thanks so much to my great, very talented guests for their insights and delights. A couple more bonus episodes are coming before the next director-centric episode in mid-March. 00:00 - 06:35 - Intro 06:36 - 20:25 - Gillian Wallace Horvat (I Blame Society) 20:26 - 52:02 - Mike P. Nelson (Wrong Turn 2021) 52:03 - 52:59 - Outro Rent I Blame Society: https://crankedupfilms.com/iblamesociety Wrong Turn (2021): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9110170/ Vidiots - Donate and Save Their Store: https://www.vidiotsfoundation.org Switchblade Sisters Podcast (w/Gillian): https://maximumfun.org/episodes/switchblade-sisters/episode-171-to-die-for-with-i-blame-society-director-gillian-wallace-horvat/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Chicago filmmaker and friend Sean Pierce returns to the podcast to discuss a Swedish director unlike any other. His choice was Roy Andersson and after seeing the majority of his work, I now understand why there is so much acclaim. It’s pretty much nothing but praise all-around particularly for a film that he made early in his career which will also be brought when I talk to Keith Gordon in a week or so. Sean and I had a blast catching up with lots of fun digressions along the way. We should’ve broken this up into vignettes / segments with quirky music in the background but really, Andersson’s films have to be seen to be believed. They’re an acquired taste but both Sean and I hope you acquire it. For the What We Watched segment, we also review I BLAME SOCIETY, IN AND OF ITSELF as well as FALLING & LAST AND FIRST MEN. 00:00 - 13:00 - Introduction13:01 - 51:05 - What We Watched This Week51:06 - 52:26 - Director Song52:27 - 01:30:08 - Roy Andersson Discussion01:30:09 - 01:48:59 - A Swedish Love Story01:49:00 - 02:09:49 - Top 3 Films / Outro Sean’s Work:https://seanmpierce.com/personal Patrick’s Work:https://vimeo.com/user27805792 A Swedish Love Story:https://www.curzonartificialeye.com/a-swedish-love-story Sean on Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/seanmpierce/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 184 (technically episode 276 if you count bonus episodes) consists of something special - something we’ve never done before in the history of this show. A collaborative top ten list curated by the two individuals that started this show a decade ago. Normally, we fight and bicker but there’s just a little bit of that this time. Patrick Ripoll and I decided to happily piece together our very favorite films from the Obama Era which is essentially when we hosted this show together, on and off. These particular selections were released between 2009-2016 and a lot of familiar favorites do come up, but there are also surprises along the way. For the first four hours everything went smoothly, but as you’ll hear, there’s a bit of a change at the four-hour mark as we concluded due to technical difficulties. No worries, you’ll get to hear most of our decisions, justifications and opinions on what the ten best films are from the years 2009-2016, back when things were a bit brighter in the world. We did this to cheer ourselves up and it worked! No time tracks this time since it’s all about the master list and getting it down to ten titles. Happy 10th anniversary to this show and thank you all for listening to me and Patrick ramble on for over four hours about some of our favorite films. The Master List:http://bit.ly/dcobama Follow Patrick: https://letterboxd.com/patrickripoll Listen to his show!http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/tracksofthedamned Check out the last anniversary special:http://www.directorsclubpodcast.com/blog/50favoritefilms This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

For the first 10th anniversary special of Director’s Club, you get 6 hours and 45 minutes of me and Bill Ackerman talking about our 50 favorite films of all time. Granted, we did end up spending a little time before that revealing our favorites from 2020 as well, but for the most part you get to learn about what each of us think are all-timers when it comes to movies we love. Some have changed for me including my #1.Towards the end of the month, you’ll get a second anniversary special featuring Patrick Ripoll, original co-host for a surprise edition that should be quite different than anything we’ve done before. (Which means you’re likely to at least get a total of ten hours of content for January). My full of 100 favorites is available at Letterboxd but don’t spoil the fun, listen to the episode first to see what has changed these past five years since I last revised the list. Be sure to subscribe to Bill’s spectacular show, Supporting Characters. Catch up with all the episodes from the past and stay tuned for more in the future! Thank you so much for supporting Director’s Club this past decade and looking forward to at least another year’s worth of new episodes. See you in a couple of weeks for one more anniversary special - Jim00:00 - 06:28 - Intro 06:29 - 51:59 - Favorites From 2020 52:00 - 03:13:07 - Favorite Films #50-#26 03:13:08 - 05:21:24 - Favorite Films #25-#11 05:21:25 - 06:44:30 - Favorite Films #10-#106:44:31 - 06:47:31 - OutroThis is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

BE SURE TO LISTEN TO THE VERY END FOR A SURPRISE CAMEO! For the last official episode of 2020, I brought on two very special guests from one of my new favorite podcasts, Screen Drafts to talk about one of my favorite writer/directors, James L. Brooks. The great Clay Keller and Ryan Marker join me to discuss his entire filmography since it’s relatively small (unless you count his work in TV) and focus mainly on our love for his first two films. One of which is not only my favorite screenplay of all time but Clay’s favorite movie of all time. Early on, we also provide quick reviews on TIME, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN and WILD MOUNTAIN THYME! What a great way to end the year and be sure to stay subscribed for two very special anniversary episodes in January! Obviously, I expect all of you to subscribe to Screen Drafts if you haven’t yet. 00:00 - 15:30 - Introduction15:31 - 37:03 - What We Watched This Week37:04 - 38:07 - Director Song38:08 - 01:33:11 - Terms of Endearment + Broadcast News 01:33:12 - 01:57:34 - The Rest Of His Films01:57:35 - 02:10:02 - Top Three / Outro / Surprise! Screen Drafts:https://screendrafts.libsyn.com/ https://twitter.com/ScreenDrafts https://letterboxd.com/screendrafts/ https://www.patreon.com/screendrafts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

After being inspired by Patrick’s foray into commentary tracks with his great show as well as Mike White of The Projection Booth’s version of this on the new Arrow Blu-Ray, I decided it was time to give this a try with a little help from a friend. Erik Childress (of Movie Madness) joins me to talk about one of the great science fiction films of the 1980s, The Last Starfighter. Definitely one of those titles I watched repeatedly that still holds up and has a special place in my heart. Cue up your Blu-Ray or streaming platform and join us! We certainly bring up interesting facts along the way but also share personal stories too. I recommend watching along with us but you can also listen to this as a separate podcast. This episode will be in the regular feed as a sample of things to come over on the Director’s Club Patreon which I’m finally going to be updating on a regular basis. So if you want future commentary tracks and supplemental material you’ll have to join the family over there please. Really excited for you to hear this because The Last Starfighter meant so much to me as a kid as you’ll hear and huge gratitude to Erik for joining me on this adventure to Rylos and beyond! 00:00 - 03:07 - Introduction03:08 - 01:51:13 - Commentary Track01:51:14 - 01:55:06 - Outro Buy the new Last Starfighter Arrow Blu-Ray:https://www.diabolikdvd.com/product/the-last-starfighter-arrow-us-blu-ray/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

In contrast to the last episode, this time we cover the work of someone more recent and with a much smaller filmography. Since all four films touch upon similar themes, culminating in what's now considered a masterpiece, we chronologically cover the work of French filmmaker Celine Sciamma starting with Water Lillies and ending with Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Joining me on the journey are returning guests Ryan McNeil of the Matinee Cast as well as friend and film writer Kate Blair. In addition, the what we watched segment covers a lot of ground as well ranging from Basket Case to The Offence to Possessor and much more! 00:00 - 11:10 - Introduction 11:11 - 11:59 - What We Watched Song 12:00 - 40:36 - What We Watched This Week 40:37 - 41:24 - Director Song 41:25 - 02:16:50 - Director Discussion (all 4 films) 02:16:51 - 02:33:21 - Outro Support Jim’s latest endeavor to help music venues during the pandemic: https://justafan.bandcamp.com Follow Kate: https://letterboxd.com/selective_kate/ Follow Ryan: https://www.thematinee.ca This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Every October, we try to go above and beyond the call of duty. For one of the most insane years in recent history, it only made sense to finally tackle another Italian horror master by the name of Lucio Fulci. I needed help with some very special returning guests by the names of Patrick Ripoll and Gabe Powers, both host their own shows on the Now Playing Network as well. It was difficult to narrow down our discussion to the main essentials but we do start out talking about his Giallo work with A LIZARD IN A WOMAN’S SKIN followed by what most consider to be his masterwork, THE BEYOND. Lots of other titles are of course mentioned along the way due to his extensive filmography. We also cover a few titles during the what we watched segment including THE WOLF OF SNOW HOLLOW, DR. JEKYLL AND SISTER HYDE, and WITCHTRAP. 00:00 - 06:19 - Introduction06:20 - 07:02 - What We Watched Song07:03 - 01:02:45 - What We Watched This Week01:02:46 - 01:04:01 - Director Song01:04:02 - 02:02:51 - A Lizard In A Woman’s Skin02:02:52 - 02:43:46 - The Beyond02:43:47 - 03:09:09 - Other Titles03:09:10 - 03:18:41 - Top 3 Fulci / Outro Patrick Bromley Ranks 21 Fulci Horror Films: https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3550177/zombies-slashers-ghosts-extreme-gore-ranking-21-lucio-fulcis-horror-films/ Screen Drafts Picks The Top 7 Fulci Films:https://screendrafts.libsyn.com/lucio-fulci-with-elric-kane-rebekah-mckendry Supporting Characters Interviews Stephen Thrower:http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/supportingcharacters/episode44 Genre Grinder Hosted By Gabe:https://www.genregrinder.com/ Tracks Of The Damned Hosted By Patrick:https://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/tracksofthedamned/s1e12 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Returning guest Bill Ackerman of Supporting Characters joins me to discuss the fascinating career of Bob Clark, best known for his work on two very different Christmas classics. However, we went a different route focusing mainly on his Vietnam horror gem, Deathdream as well as the film that kick-started an entire genre of sex comedies. No, not Loose Cannons, it’s the original Porky’s. In addition for the what we watched segment, Bill reviews one of several of new films this year from Abel Ferrera with Tommaso. Jim catches up with the latest from Christopher Nolan (not sure if you’ve heard about it) as well I’m Thinking Of Ending Things from Charlie Kaufman now available on Netflix. Have no fear, later in the show we of course discuss Bob Clark’s beloved A Christmas Story, Black Christmas in addition to the hard-to-find Tribute w/Jack Lemmon. 00:00 - 15:10 - Introduction 15:11 - 16:27 - What We Watched Song 16:28 - 1:06:23 - What We Watched This Week 1:06:24 - 1:07:26 - Director Song 1:07:27 - 2:09:49 - Deathdream + Porky’s 2:09:50 - 2:48:27- Other Clark Films 2:48:28 - 2:52:25 - Top 3 Clark Films / Outro For two longer dissections of Clark’s Christmas films, check out this excellent podcast here: http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmoviesactually/episode1 http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/christmasmoviesactually/episode14 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Director’s Club, here to celebrate the work of filmmaker Amy Seimetz who I had the pleasure of talking with on two separate occasions. After the introduction, I present the most recent conversation I had with Amy about her new film She Dies Tomorrow which I had a very strong response to as you’ll hear. Then halfway through you can hear our discussion from last year about horror films, Pet Sematary and more! Please support this talented writer/director/actress by renting or purchasing She Dies Tomorrow on VOD and share your praise on social media. Thank you to Neon for putting out this terrific work of art and to Amy for her time both this year and last year. 00:00 - 07:36 - Introduction07:37 - 23:14 - Interview with Amy (2020)23:15 - 44:57 - Interview with Amy (2019) Rent / Purchase She Dies Tomorrow: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11614912 https://neonrated.com/films/she-dies-tomorrow This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Ever heard of a director named Steven Spielberg? Didn't think so. But maybe you did hear us talk about him about five years ago when we did a two-parter on the beloved blockbuster filmmaker. First we had Collin on to talk about films pre-Jurassic Park. Then we had Erik on to talk about films leading all the way to Munich. This time I recruited both of my friends and former guests to talk about the third act of Spielberg's career, anything post-Munich. We wanted to mainly review two films that represent him at this time so we went with the prestige Oscar-winning Lincoln as well as the virtual adventure Ready Player One. We at least all three agree on one of these. Then from there we go through a few more titles worth mentioning before revealing our top five favorite Spielberg films. During the what we watched segment, Collin reviews Cousins, Erik reviews Hamilton and Jim reviews the latest film from Amy Seimetz, She Dies Tomorrow. Thank you for all listening and we'll see you in September! 00:00 -17:00 - Introduction 17:01 - 39:51 - What We Watched 39:52 - 40:29 - Director Song 40:30 - 01:45:14 - General Thoughts + Lincoln + Ready Player 1 01:45:15 - 01:59:59 - Other Spielberg Titles We Recommend 02:00:00 - 02:15:35 - Top 5 Spielberg / Outro This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

It has been about nine years since this director was discussed on the podcast so when Keeping It Reel’s very own David J. Fowlie expressed interest in coming on the show and brought up the name Peter Weir, how could I resist being such a fan of this Australian director's work as you’ll probably recall from way back. Doing this recording certainly has sparked an interest in returning to other directors of the past for next year since a lot of new insights and observations come up this time. We also focus on two different titles this time, reviewing Weir’s back-to-back successes with Harrison Ford. First up we talk about the thriller/romance Witness then the follow-up written by Paul Schrader, The Mosquito Coast. Of course we bring up other titles later on. In addition, we talk about the passing of two directors as of late and touch upon Milos Forman’s Hair and Spike Lee’s latest Da Five Bloods!Also, forgot to edit in the fact that Nicolas Roeg is English, not Australian, my bad. And if you want to hear more extensive thoughts on The Last Wave and Fearless, check the links below for the previous episode as well. Huge thanks to David for coming on the show and stay tuned for a new episode towards the end of July featuring returning guests Collin Souter & Erik Childress! Stay safe everyone! 00:00 - 29:32 - Introduction29:33 - 30:10 - What We Watched Song30:11 - 55:50 - What We Watched (Hair, Da Five Bloods)55:51 - 56:29 - Director Song56:30 - 01:50:34 - Witness + The Mosquito Coast01:50:35 - 02:18:36 - Other Weir Titles02:18:37 - 02:23:30 - Top 3 / Outro 142 Places To Donate For Black Lives Matter Director's Club Patreon Peter Weir Part One David J. Fowlie On Twitter Jim's Letterboxd This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

With all that's going on in the world right now, it's been hard to focus on new content. I've been actively trying to put Google Docs together of books, resources, organizations and various links to help educate myself further even if that's not enough nor will it bring back the lives of the victims I've named at the top of the show. My hope is that everyone listening is doing some kind of protest / research / action in some capacity. I didn't want to be completely silent in regards to my thoughts. Arguably, they do go on tangents and detours, but I hope the emotion is sincere when I say enough is enough. Took me over ten minutes to process my thoughts after reading a list of names that I've learned about over this past week. After a 12-minute introduction stating similar thoughts in a hopefully coherent fashion, I decided to call up my friend and Chicago film critic Sergio Mims to talk about a vital film that I keep coming back to especially now. Paul Schrader's incredible 1978 crime drama, Blue Collar has become one of my top 20 favorites. I know Bill Ackerman and I once reviewed it at length about five years ago, but I wanted to revisit the film and more importantly talk with Sergio for about an hour about that film along with others that speak to him as well including Killer of Sheep and more. 00:00 - 11:46 - Introduction 11:47 - 01:04:50 - Sergio Mims + Blue Collar 115 Ways To Donate In Support Of Black Lives At This Time Supporting Characters - Sergio Mims Patrick's Review Of Blue Collar Buy Blue Collar On Blu-Ray This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Happy Memorial Day 2020. Wow what a year it's been so far. Before Patrick takes a leave of absence, I asked him to come on during my birthday month to discuss one of my favorite filmmakers, the legendary Billy Wilder. Perhaps you've heard of him? Our main reviews include Ace In The Hole & The Apartment but we certainly touch upon a lot of his work from beginning to end including Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard and more! During the What We Watched Segment, Patrick discusses Flight Of The Navigator, I mean, a lot of various Giallo films he's been catching up with lately and I inquire about the future of comedy while discovering that both Step Brothers and Burn After Reading are masterpieces. 00:00 - 06:25 - Introduction 06:26 - 11:29 - What We Watched Song 11:30 - 01:11:10 - What We Watched This Week 01:11:11 - 01:12:23 - Director Song 01:12:24 - 02:09:11 - Ace In The Hole + The Apartment 02:09:12 - 02:28:12 - Other Wilder Titles 02:28:13 - 02:33:11 - Top 3 Wilder Films / Outro Follow Patrick On Letterboxd: http://letterboxd.com/patrickripoll Check Out Patrick's Commentary Track Podcast: http://nowplayingnetwork.net/tracksofthedamned This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

WHY DID THEY MAKE HIM HAVE A WIFE?!! So I had a birthday this week and all I asked as a present from Patrick is to endure my weird sounds and movie talk for 75 minutes. Thankfully he obliged. Before we record our next official episode on Billy Wilder in a couple weeks, it was time to do a quarantine-cast free-form Popcorn Supper-style. We discuss our new and exciting side projects that help raise funds for food banks + charities. Then we go into an in-depth discussion on the weird, wild ride that is Quantum Leap and briefly review a few things we've watched recently including 1BR, Images, Deathstalker II, Zombie High and more! There may be donuts. Fruit is the popcorn of the home - Jim Become a Patreon Patron: http://patreon.com/directorsclub My new project to generate donations: http://gardenonatrampoline.com Patrick's Fundraising Project: https://letterboxd.com/patrickripoll/list/food-bank-fundraising-all-night-request-line/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Our first remote cast in quite awhile but we had an incredible time talking over Skype about one of the all-time greatest British filmmakers, Mike Leigh. We are joined by returning guest Regina Linn who is also a very talented theater actor in their own right. The main reviews are Life is Sweet and Another Year but we also dive deep into his most acclaimed work, Naked. For What We Watched, there are discussions about Cameron Crowe, Six Feet Under, Tales From The Loop and Alex Garland’s DEVS. We all truly hope you are staying safe, strong and sheltered. Talk to you again in about a month! 00:00 - 13:43 - Patrick’s Announcement / Intro13:44 - 14:43 - What We Watched Song14:44 - 01:08:48 - What We Watched This Week01:08:49 - 01:09:51 - Director Song 01:09:52 - 01:55:14 - Mike Leigh / Life Is Sweet01:55:15 - 03:17:00 - Another Year / Naked / Others03:17:01 - 03:25:40 - Top 3 List / OutroLinks: Patrick’s Food Bank Fundraising Request Line Regina’s Essay On Secrets & Lies Jim’s New Podcast Obsession This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

This month, we are joined by the one and only Dave Canfield of ScreenAnarchy & Mindframes Podcast to discuss a truly fascinating filmmaker, Canada’s very own Guy Maddin. We try to get to the bottom of his visual aesthetics, discuss the nature of autobiographical filmmaking and praise several of his short films along the way. The focus this time is on the critically acclaimed The Saddest Music of the World as well as his award-winning docu-fantasia My Winnipeg, which Roger Ebert named one of the best films of the decade. In addition, we talk a lot for the what we watched segment including a psychologically complex body horror drama called Swallow, the recently acclaimed Portrait of a Lady on Fire as well a brief foray into disaster films of the late 90s! This episode has it all and we couldn’t be more grateful to Dave for coming on. See you in about a month! Stay safe and healthy! 00:00 - 07:10 - Intro07:11 - 08:31 - What We Watched Song08:32 - 56:23 - What We Watched This Week56:24 - 57:49 - Guy Maddin Song57:50 - 01:55:13 - Saddest Music In The World + My Winnipeg01:55:13 - 02:08:47 - Other Guy Maddin Films02:08:48 - 02:13:23 - Top 3 Favorites / Outro http://www.directorsclubpodcast.com/ Jim's Recent Appearance on The MatineeCast: https://www.thematinee.ca/episode243/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

cross-posted at Voices + Visions What started back five years ago with 1985 continues. This time it’s one entire episode instead of split into two: all five and a half hours of an annual tradition co-starring yours truly, Collin Souter and Erik Childress as we run down nearly every film that came out thirty years ago. This time it’s all about 1990! If you’re a fan of nostalgia, sound clips, trailers, 1990 songs, laugh out loud moments and memories, then you’re in for a treat. Granted we don’t cover every single title but as always, we come pretty close. To follow along with our resource / guide, feel free to click on this link. See you in a year when we’ll do it all again and thank you so much for listening and for the support. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Do not attempt to adjust your sets or turn the dial. Those voices you hear don't belong to neither Brad or Al, but original founders and returning hosts Jim and Patrick are back! Yes, after long debates, sleepless nights and several board meetings and PowerPoint presentations, your fearful leaders return to hosting duties. And they've returned with one of their favorite guests, Sergio Mims. Together they run through the many genres of classic Hollywood filmmaker Anthony Mann. Both Raw Deal and The Furies are the titles focused on initially but several more come up throughout the course of the discussion including Border Incident, Man of The West, Winchester 73' and more! Also returning are the parody songs, the top three lists and the What We Watched segment. Be sure to send us an email, stop by the website and stay tuned to social media for more updates and future plans for the show! 00:00 - 07:06 - Introduction 07:07 - 08:23 - What We Watched Song 08:24 - 55:29 - What We Watched This Week 55:30 - 56:10 - Director Song 56:11 - 01:47:46 - Raw Deal + The Furies01:47:47 - 02:23:28 - Other Mann Films 02:23:29 - 02:31:25 - Top Three Mann Films / Outro http://directorsclubpodcast.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Brad and Al of the Director's Club finish things off as hosts with The Final Chapter of the Bergman 101, where we look at all of the efforts of Ingmar Bergman that made it to a movie screen. Even considering his earlier landmark films, Bergman's scope is wider here than ever: touching on theater, television, the opera, and even Hollywood (in "The Touch"), from period piece noirs abroad to documentaries of his island home, and an epic named "Fanny & Alexander" that just may encompass them all. Long live directors and the clubs to talk about them! [3:08] "The Passion of Anna" ("Anna (Go to Him)", Arthur Alexander) [14:27] "Fårö Document" ("Angel Island", The Brothers Brothers) [22:37] "The Touch" ("Sax Time", the 'Preparation for the Affair' Theme from "The Touch") [38:28] "Cries and Whispers" ("Whisper to a Scream", Icicle Works) [52:56] "Scenes from a Marriage" ("We Got Married", Paul McCartney) [1:16:29] "The Magic Flute" ("Queen of the Night Aria", W.A. Mozart) [1:31:42] "Face to Face" ("Face to Face", Low Pop Suicide) [1:48:49] "The Serpent's Egg" ("Snakes", The Pixies) [2:03:02] "Autumn Sonata" ("Does Your Mother Know", ABBA) [2:19:20] "Fårö Document 1979" ("Island", Badfinger) [2:25:08] "From the Life of the Marionettes" ("World on a String", Neil Young) [2:33:23] "Fanny and Alexander" ("Symphony No. 4 In D Minor", Schumann) [3:10:20] "After the Rehearsal" ("I Was Meant for the Stage", The Decemberists) [3:16:40] "Saraband" ("Grow Old with Me", John Lennon) Outro: It was usually Rufus Thomas' "Let My Baby Ride" (played as the "L'Enteracte" in Leos Carax's amazing film "Holy Motors"), but here it's a song called "There's a Last Time For Everything", by the Division of Laura Lee. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, the Director's Club hunts for the Riff Raff whose Hidden Agenda was to get the Angel's Share while the Wind Shakes the Barley as we look at the films of British director Ken Loach. Joined by "Fresh Perspective" host and founder of Cinema Femme Magazine, Rebecca Martin, we examine how he emerged from the tradition of the British "kitchen sink" drama, and then applied his emphatic technique and concerns of social issues to a variety of films, including several winners of the Palme D'or at the Cannes Film Festival. [8:41] "Cathy Come Home" ("Kiss Me I'm Starving", The Heart Throbs) [20:53] "Poor Cow" ("Poor Cow", Elton Newton-John) [30:52] "Kes" ("Extra Ordinary", Ultra Vivid Scene) [44:21] "Hidden Agenda" ("We Come Undone", OSI) [58:21] "Riff Raff" ("Riff Raff", AC/DC) [1:17:09] "My Name Is Joe" ("This Is the Day", The The) [1:36:00] "Sweet Sixteen" ("Take Over Baby", Big Chief) [1:51:38] "The Wind That Shakes the Barley", ("The Wind That Shakes the Barley", traditional performed by Dead Can Dance/Lisa Gerrard) [2:08:26] "The Angel's Share" ("Raise Your Glass", P!nk) [2:20:57] "I, Daniel Blake" ("Help the Aged", Pulp) [2:45:00] "Sorry For Missing You" ("Keep the Line Moving", The Soundtrack of Our Lives) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

It's that time! Jim and Patrick return to Director's Club for the year-end spectacular. Alongside current co-host Brad Strauss, we three run down a long list of awards, discuss our 25 favorite films of the year, and read several listener-submitted lists all while reflecting on the movie year that was. Part One is all about handing out our awards and running down numbers 25-11 on our list. Part Two is the much lengthier top ten discussion with some real surprises in store along the way. Thank you all so much for listening to this pinata of an episode and happy 2020 to all. If you want to spoil the fun, you can certainly check out all of our lists posted over on Letterboxd as well. 00:00 - 01:43:40 - #10 - #6 Favorite Films Of 2019 01:43:41 - 02:29:15 - #5 - #3 Favorite Films of 2019 02:29:16 - 03:21:57 - Top 2 Favorite Films Of 2019 Jim’s List Patrick’s List Brad’s List This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

It's that time! For the 9th time, Jim and Patrick return to Director's Club for the year-end spectacular. Alongside co-host Brad Strauss, we three run down a long list of awards, discuss our 25 favorite films of the year, and read several listener-submitted lists all while reflecting on the movie year that was. Part One is all about handing out our awards and running down numbers 25-11 on our list. Part Two is the much lengthier top ten discussion with some real surprises in store along the way. Thank you all so much for listening to this pinata of an episode and happy 2020 to all. If you want to spoil the fun, you can certainly check out all of our lists posted on Letterboxd as well. 00:00 - 50:50 - Introduction, Acting Awards, etc. 50:51 - 01:43:38 - #25 - #11 Favorite Films of 2019 Jim’s List Patrick’s List Brad’s List This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

It's time for a new take on a director previously covered by the Director's Club. We won't keep you in suspense - It's Brian De Palma Redux! Former DC host, Jim Laczkowski reprises his role in the spirited debate on the career of one of our more controversial subjects. We'll cover such horror staples as "Carrie" and "Dressed to Kill" as well as contrast him to another director who may have influenced him just a bit. We won't forget early favorites like "Phantom of the Paradise" or mainstream hits like "The Untouchables" and "Mission Impossible". Love him or hate him, we hope you enjoy our Brian De Palma Blow Out! (Get your Top Ten Film selections for our annual Top Films episode by sending them to "[email protected]" by January 3, 2020!) [8:37] "Hi Mom!" [27:05] "Phantom of the Paradise" ("Rockin' The Paradise", Styx) [38:38] "Carrie" ("Disco Inferno", The Trammps) [53:35] "The Fury" [1:00:38] "Sisters" ("Double Vision", Foreigner) [1:13:00] "Obsession" ("Obsession", Animotion) [1:18:44] "Dressed to Kill" ("Pick Up the Knife", Dan Baird) [1:38:40] Blow Out (theme from movie, by PinoDonaggio) [1:54:44] "Body Double" (Frankie Goes to Hollywood, "Relax") [2:06:31] "Scarface" ("Push It To The Limit", Paul Engemann) [2:17:30] "Carlito's Way" ("Wanted Man", Ratt) [2:27:21] "The Untouchables" ("The Untouchables Theme", Ennio Morricone) [2:35:32] "Casualties of War" ("Beware of Darkness", George Harrison) [2:48:02] "Bonfire of the Vanities" ("Eat the Rich", Aerosmith) [2:55:04] "Mission Impossible" ("Mission Impossible Theme", Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr.) [3:00:11] "Snake Eyes - Sound of The Crowd (Human League) [3:06:15] "Raising Cain" ("Adam Raised a Cain", Bruce Springsteen) [3:13:04] "Femme Fatale" ("Femme Fatale", Velvet Underground and Nico) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

It's been a while, but the Director's Club was spending some time putting together the Part Two of our Bergman 101 Project looking at all the films of the master director. This point of his career features some of the more legendary films of all time, and with the help of Film Discussion Group co-organizer Peter Richards, we not only look through a glass darkly at classics like "The Seventh Seal", "Wild Strawberries", and "Persona", but we also encounter a dark religious fable, a horror film about artistic scrutiny, a sex farce involving The Devil, and a notable trilogy of films (not the one you may be thinking about). Take a look at our take on one of the most bountiful set of films from a single director in history! [5:46] "The Seventh Seal" ("Don't Fear The Reaper", Blue Oyster Cult) [27:41] "Wild Strawberries" ("Story of My Life", Social Distortion) [53:28] "Brink of Life" ("Happy Birthday Blues", B.B. King) [1:00:06] "The Magician" ("Magic Man", Heart) [1:14:31] "The Virgin Spring" ("Cry Me a River", Ella Fitzgerald) [1:28:44] "The Devil's Eye" ("Friend of the Devil", The Grateful Dead) [1:40:52] "Through A Glass Darkly" ("We Call Upon the Author", Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds) [1:59:17] "Winter Light" ("Save A Prayer", Duran Duran) [2:23:49] "The Silence" ("Enjoy The Silence", Depeche Mode) [2:39:23] "All These Women" ("Not for You", Pearl Jam) [2:48:54] "Persona" ("Personality Crisis", New York Dolls) [3:25:20] "Hour of the Wolf" ("Bark at the Moon", Ozzy Osbourne) [3:37:28] "Shame" ("Ain't That a Shame", Fats Domino) [3:47:22] "The Rite" ("Cracked Actor", David Bowie) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode the Director's Club casts their attention to the wonderful worlds drawn by legendary animation Studio Ghibli - but not the director you expect! Because while director Isao Takahata was not as prolific as Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, he put together a remarkable run of films in his own right, ones which pushed anime into whole new stylistic realms while touching on Japanese history and folklore to explore themes of memory, belonging, responsibility, and creative artistic transformations. Joined by "Fresh Perspective" podcast alum and animation superfan Christine Sellin, we explore what's special in his work from his first film "Horus Prince of the Sun" through the legendary "Grave of the Fireflies" to his ultimate masterwork, "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya" [3:42] "Horus, Prince of the Sun" ("The Immigrant Song", Led Zeppelin) [20:52] "Panda! Go Panda!" (Theme from "Panda! Go Panda!") [30:38] "Gauche The Cellist" (6th Symphony, Ludwig van Beethoven) [45:15] "Grave of the Fireflies" ("Goodbye Blue Sky", Pink Floyd) [1:07:27] "Only Yesterday" ("Yesterday Girl", The Smithereens) [1:22:00] "Pom Poko" ("Big Balls", AC/DC) [1:39:46] "My Neighbors the Yamadas" ("Que Sera Sera", Sly and the Family Stone) [1:52:33] "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya" ("Wandering Spirit, Mick Jagger) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

The Director's Club wanted to do something special on what would have been legendary director Ingmar Bergman's 101st year, so we're putting together a three-part series we're calling Bergman 101, where we look at every full feature he made that had a theatrical release! In Part I, we see how he made his start with melodramas but soon branched out to an astounding variety of films (like a film noir and a screwball comedy!), until he took his career to new artistic and public recognition with "Smiles of a Summer Night". We look at the remarkable elements in these early works (including silent film segments, dream sequences, innovative montages, animation, and a stuffed cat), plus the themes and techniques that would coalesce in forming the amazing films to come! [7:31] "Crisis" ("Big City Nights", The Scorpions) [21:21] "It Rains on Our Love" ("Our House", Madness) [38:06] "A Ship to India" (Papa was a Rolling Stone", The Temptations) [49:23] "Music in Darkness" ("Blind", Talking Heads) [55:55] "Port of Call" ("A Mistake", Fiona Apple) [1:05:22] "Prison" ("Flagpole Sitta", Harvey Danger) [1:17:42] "Thirst" ("Bring Me Some Water", Melissa Etheridge) [1:23:47] "To Joy" ("Ode to Joy", Ludwig van Beethoven) [1:36:30] "This Can't Happen Here" ("Spies Like Us", Paul McCartney) [1:54:45] "Summer Interlude" ("Suddenly Last Summer", The Motels) [2:07:41] "The Waiting Women", (The Waiting", Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) [2:19:45] "Summer with Monika" ("Girl", Beck) [2:40:28] "Sawdust and Tinsel" ("Death of a Clown", The Kinks) [2:56:33] "A Lesson in Love" ("Money, Money, Money", ABBA) [3:07:01] "Dreams" ("Didn't It Rain", Songs: Ohia) [3:14:00] "Smiles of a Summer Night" ("Magic Potion", Lou Johnson) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Cross-posted from Voices + Visions: Another special bonus episode from the former host of this here show. So you might remember him as Arnie from Christine and that's where I first became aware of the terrific talent of one Keith Gordon. He's been on Voices + Visions / Director's Club a few times now, thus beginning a yearly tradition where we check in, talk about what he's been up to, but also take the opportunity to nerd out about cinema. On the last episode, we went over what it was like working on the TV show Legion which transitioned into a talk about underrated films of the 90s. This time we go back yet another decade to discuss the 80s and how weird of a time it was. Some titles might be familiar but several were new to me. We have a wonderful discussion as always so if you've been a fan of our last three episodes, I have no doubt you'll enjoy the latest one as well. Keith Gordon Episode Archives:https://www.directorsclubpodcast.com/archives/keithgordonarchives Underrated Films Of The 1990s:https://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowski/list/underrated-films-from-the-1990s/ Underrated Films Of The 1980s:https://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowski/list/underrated-films-from-the-1980s/ Underrated Films Of The 1970s:https://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowski/list/underrated-films-from-the-1970s Underrated Films Of The 1960s: https://letterboxd.com/jimlaczkowski/list/underrated-films-from-the-1960s This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when old-school Director’s Club meets the new? Join Brad, Al, alongside former hosts Jim + Patrick as they dive head first into the world of Tarantino, focusing on his latest creation, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. A film that no one else seems to talking about so we figured we should. Does everyone agree it’s one of his best? Only way to find out. Put down the needle on your vinyl, turn up the radio dial, throw on an old TV Western, and tune in. We talk about the film at length, including spoilers, so it’s best to listen after you’ve already seen this rather fascinating film from a fascinating filmmaker. 00:00 - 41:59 - General Discussion Of The Film 42:00 - 1:29:48 - The Ending (SPOILERS) + Concluding Thoughts http://directorsclubpodcast.com http://nowplayingnetwork.net http://voicesvisions.net This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

The Director's Club returns to the films of Robert Altman, looking at the ups and downs of his career after he nearly became exiled to Sweethaven due to the "Popeye" debacle. We explore how he worked his way back with innovative takes on theatrical material like "Secret Honor" and "Fool For Love", returned back to critical and popular attention with "The Player" and "Short Cuts", created memorable characters like Griffin Mill, Maggie Smith's Countess from "Gosford Park" / "Downtown Abbey", and Stiggs, and used his directorial talent to expand, dismantle, and illuminate everything from the movie industry to rogue presidents to a ballet company (to even the world of Mayberry in "Cookie's Fortune"!) [6:08] "Come to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" ("Ridin' With James Dean", Joan Jett) [21:36] "Streamers" ("Eve of Destruction", Barry McGuire) [27:58] "Secret Honor" ("The Love of Richard Nixon", Manic Street Preachers) [42:32] LIGHTNING ROUND: "Fool for Love", "OC & Stiggs", "Beyond Therapy", "Tanner 88", "Vincent and Theo" [1:12:00] "The Player" ("Everyone's Gone to the Movies", Steely Dan) [1:34:38] "Short Cuts" ("Losing California", Sloan) [2:15:06] "Ready to Wear" ("The Glamorous Life", Sheila-E) [2:27:27] LIGHTNINGER ROUND: "Kansas City", "The Gingerbread Man", "Cookie's Fortune", "Dr. T & the Women" [3:01:28] "Gosford Park" ("Master and Servant", Depeche Mode) [3:17:28] "The Company" ("Ballerina", van Morrison) [3:32:35] "The Prairie Home Companion" ("The End of the Line", The Travelling Willburys) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

After some unfortunate and inadvertent delays, the Director's Club is backto the podcasting trade with an episode on the amazing Iranian director Asghar Farhadi! With the help of the Chicago Film Discussion Group's Peter Richards, we have a deep exploration into his films, which at their best explore the conflicts between people in a way that combines Hitchcockian intensity, an astounding attention to detail, and tremendous performances delivered with a grace that feels effortless, and has led to some of the most remarkable films in the past 20 years. (00:00) Brief intro to notable films and filmmakers of the Iranian New Wave (15:52) "Dancing in the Dust" ("White Wedding", Billy Idol) (33:20) "The Beautiful City" ("The Mercy Seat", Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds) (51:21) "Fireworks Wednesday" ("Fireworks", The Blue Oyster Cult) (1:13:30) "About Elly" ("Disappear", INXS) (1:48:52) "A Separation" ("We Just Disagree", Dave Mason) (2:26:48) "The Past" ("Living in the Past", Jethro Tull) (2:59:51) "Salesman" ("Death of a Salesman", Low) (3:22:00) "Everybody Knows" ("Everybody Knows", Leonard Cohen) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Cross-posted with Voices + Visions Just like last year, my dear friend and fellow podcaster Patrick Ripoll returns for a very special episode of this show. Around the month of May, I ask Patrick to return to a microphone to talk a variety of topics. We play catch up on our lives, talk about our latest projects, and review two movies that we've assigned to one another. The two movies for this year were the Hong Kong late 80s action flick IN THE LINE OF DUTY IV as well as the gorgeous Anime coming-of-age tale, 5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND. After the reviews, we launch into our other yearly tradition by playing a game show. If you want to hear last year's version of "Score Bits," it's included in the show notes below as a separate download. For this year, we took a cue from Film Junk's 700th episode and played a round of "Tonal Recall," which includes dialogue excerpts from favorite films of ours in addition to score / soundtrack samples. For our final segment, we program our own separate 12-hour film festivals in honor of the upcoming Chicago Critics Film Festival, which is also discussed here as well. All in all, it was a blast to talk with Patrick like we used to frequently back in the day, so I truly hope you enjoy this blast from the past as we look forward to the future! 00:00 - 29:19 - Introduction / Catching Up 29:20 - 01:20:11 - Movie Review Assignments 01:20:12 - 02:28:27 - Tonal Recall Movie Game 02:28:28 - 02:53:02 - CCFF + Our Film Festivals? 02:53:03 - 02:56:07 - Outro Follow Patrick on Letterboxd: http://letterboxd.com/patrickripoll Check out the Chicago Critics Film Festival: https://musicboxtheatre.com/events/chicago-critics-film-festival Last Year's Birthday Movie Game: http://www.mediafire.com/file/v51b8n5xlze6bs4/S_Bits.mp3 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Cross-posted from Voices & Visions A few years back, I had the pleasure of talking with Alex Ross Perry for my then-titled Pop Culture Club podcast. We spoke about QUEEN OF EARTH and the greatness of Elisabeth Moss. For his 6th feature film, he recruits one of our very best actresses working today once again for HER SMELL. It’s the story of a rock star addict played by Elisabeth Moss, who is on the edge of self-destruction. This time a familiar story is beautifully filtered hrough the lens of a true original who continues to write emotionally powerful films. I’ve been of his work going all the way back to THE COLOR WHEEL, and his latest might be his most accomplished, assured work to date with a powerhouse of a performance at its center. We talked a lot about sound design, the power of certain moments throughout the film, and the experience of writing that can create a feeling of panic and ultimately, catharsis. Plus there’s a bit of an update on what’s going on with me along with a particular cover song at the end that you might enjoy especially after you see HER SMELL. 00:00 - 11:55 - Introduction / Update 11:56 - 36:38 - Interview With Alex Ross Perry 36:39 - 40:50 - ”Heaven (Bryan Adams)” Cover Check out Patrick's new record: https://patrickripoll.bandcamp.com/album/now-more-than-ever Check out Genre Grinder: http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/genregrinder/episode1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

The Director's Club returns to the shores of Disneyland to take a look at the creative efforts of Walt Disney as he expands his interests to live action films and even nature documentaries, as his techniques in animation were also changing due to artistic and financial needs. We talk about the many remarkable facets of his later films and how he was able to maintain creativity while building the empire of the entertainment world we know today. (0:00) Intro to Walt Disney in transition ("Dizz Knee Land", dada) (8:00) "True Life Adventures" (17:47) "Alice in Wonderland" ("White Rabbit", Jefferson Airplane) (29:14) "Peter Pan" ("Never Get Old", David Bowie) (42:42) "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" ("Sing for The Submarine", R.E.M.) (57:21) "Lady and the Tramp" ("Born to Run", Bruce Springsteen) (1:10:56) "Sleeping Beauty" ("Enter Sandman", Metallica) (1:20:03) "101 Dogs" ("Dogs", Pink Floyd) (1:33:25) "The Absent-Minded Professor" ("She Blinded Me with Science", Thomas Dolby) (1:42:06) "Mary Poppins" / His unfinished "Winnie the Pooh" project ("Mary Mary", The Monkees) (2:09:55) "The Jungle Book" ("Welcome to the Jungle", Guns N' Roses) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

The year 2018 provided a rare gift for film fans - a new film from Orson Welles! A team of filmmakers and Netflix funders came together to take one of the his unfinished works and complete it for viewing on movie screens and streams. The Director's Club was lucky enough to get a theatrical look, and in this episode we talk about the effectiveness of the result, the themes that emerge from the movie, how those themes fit with Welles' history and his other films, and how it's both of and way ahead of it's time! Songs: "The Wind", PJ Harvey; "Riding on the Wind", Judas Priest Stinger: Orson Welles in a 1974 interview with Michael Parkinson This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

https://tinyurl.com/1989retro PART TWO: Cross-posted with Voices & Visions as well. You can follow the list from 1989 that we cover linked above. Ladies and gentlemen, let's go back thirty years to when three film critics were first falling in love with movies. The mid-80s informed a lot of our taste, and much like previous years' retrospectives, it's always a blast to go back and see what holds up and what we each consider to be favorites and least favorites from a particular year. Joined once again by Erik Childress and Collin Souter we return for what is officially a yearly tradition that started thanks to original podcast creator Jim Laczkowski. We started with 1985 and plan to do this yearly tradition all the way up until 1999 as a bonus excursion for reflection, nostalgia, and to celebrate those 80s and 90s kids that adored film as much as we did. We go through the entire year chronologically covering titles that range from FIELD OF DREAMS to DO THE RIGHT THING and everything in between (HEATHERS, BATMAN, THE BURBS, ALWAYS, GLORY, etc). Yes, some big titles come up, but have no fear, we talk LISTEN TO ME and DREAM A LITTLE DREAM too. A show so big, six hours had to split into two parts. At the end of Part Two we list our favorite films of 1989. Thank you so much for supporting the show and listening to Part Two! Erik’s 1989 List Jim’s 1989 List Collin’s 1989 List This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

https://tinyurl.com/1989retro PART ONE (OF TWO): Cross-posted with Voices & Visions as well. You can follow the list from 1989 that we cover linked above. Ladies and gentlemen, let's go back thirty years to when three film critics were first falling in love with movies. The mid-80s informed a lot of our taste, and much like previous years' retrospectives, it's always a blast to go back and see what holds up and what we each consider to be favorites and least favorites from a particular year. Joined once again by Erik Childress and Collin Souter we return for what is officially a yearly tradition that started thanks to original podcast creator Jim Laczkowski. We started with 1985 and plan to do this yearly tradition all the way up until 1999 as a bonus excursion for reflection, nostalgia, and to celebrate those 80s and 90s kids that adored film as much as we did. We go through the entire year chronologically covering titles that range from FIELD OF DREAMS to DO THE RIGHT THING and everything in between (HEATHERS, BATMAN, THE BURBS, ALWAYS, GLORY, etc). Yes, some big titles come up, but have no fear, we talk LISTEN TO ME and DREAM A LITTLE DREAM too. A show so big, six hours had to split into two parts. At the end of Part Two which is coming soon, we list our favorite films of 1989. Thank you so much for supporting the show and listening to Part One! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

This episode of the Director Club is somewhat unique in that our subject is NOT a director. However, when the subject is Walt Disney, one of the 20th century's most acclaimed visionaries, we will see how his dreams launched a studio and revolutionized animation. In part one, we?ll explore Disney's Golden Age, from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (the first animated feature), "Pinocchio", and "Fantasia", all the way through "Cinderella" and his first efforts in live action. (0:00) Walt Disney's early history and shorts, including "Steamboat Willie" and "The Three Little Pigs" ("Mickey", Toni Basil) (16:57) "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" ("Deep Dark Truthful Mirror", Elvis Costello) (28:37) "Pinocchio" ("I Got No Strings", Jenny Hval) (47:31) "Fantasia" ("The Music Never Stopped", The Grateful Dead") (1:08:42) "Dumbo" ("Learning to Fly", Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) (1:26:22) "Bambi" / Disney's World War II support efforts ("Turn! Turn! Turn!") (1:46:29) "Song of the South" ("The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", The Band) (1:58:26) Animation package collections, including "Ichabod and Mr. Toad" ("Creature Without a Head", Lenny and the Squigtones) (2:18:14) "Cinderella" ("Dress", PJ Harvey) (2:31:28) "Treasure Island" ("Long John Silver", Richard Thompson) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

The Director's Club welcomes 2019 (and the recent release of "Widows") with a look at British director Steve McQueen. With the help of Chicago Film Discussion Group co-organizer Belinda Silber, we'll look into how McQueen's art background, ability to hold on an image, and interest in meaning through physical suffering has put a fascinating spin on several of his films (and how it helped create a masterpiece in "12 Years A Slave"). (4:53) "Hunger" ("Keep Yourself Alive") (36:01) "Shame" ("Too Much Love Will Kill You") (1:01:13) "12 Years a Slave" ("I Want To Break Free") (1:47:56) "Widows" ("I Want It All") This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

The Director's Club was so taken by the theatrical airing of the latest Alfonso Cuarón movie, "Roma", that we had to rush out a discussion about it while it's still in theaters! With the help of the Chicago Film Discussion Group member Ken Silber, we take a look at how the movie screen (and movie audio!) enhances the qualities of his latest film, how it relates to Cuarón's life and his other movies, and the many ways it looks back to view a person's life from the dramatic extremes to the grace found in the mundane and everything in between. (Songs: "Here and Now", Letters to Cleo; "Arrivederci Roma", Nat King Cole) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Our annual favorite films of 2018 tradition continues for the 8th year in a row, this time including former hosts Jim and Patrick, joined by current host Brad Strauss as we reveal our Top 25 favorites as well as picking our favorites for actor, score, reading listener e-mails and more! 00:00 - 03:52 - Introduction / Brad's Favorite Song of 2018 03:53 - 01:11:55 - Sub-Categories / Awards 01:11:56 - 01:49:36 - #25 - #11 Favorites 01:49:37 - 02:44:33 - #10 - #08 Favorites Patrick's List: https://letterboxd.com/patrickripoll/list/2018-films/ Brad's List: https://letterboxd.com/brads/list/year-by-year-2018-ranked/ Jim's List: https://letterboxd.com/nowplayingjim/list/2018-ranked/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Our annual favorite films of 2018 tradition continues for the 8th year in a row, this time including former hosts Jim and Patrick, joined by current host Brad Strauss as we reveal our Top 25 favorites as well as picking our favorites for actor, score, reading listener e-mails and more! 00:00 - 58:00 - #7, #6 Favorites 58:01 - 01:00:52 - Jim Sings Bill's List Of 40 Favorites 01:00:53 - 03:05:25 - #5 - #1 Favorites 03:05:26 - 03:08:28 - Outro / Jim's Favorite Song Of 2018 Patrick's List: https://letterboxd.com/patrickripoll/list/2018-films/ Brad's List: https://letterboxd.com/brads/list/year-by-year-2018-ranked/ Jim's List: https://letterboxd.com/nowplayingjim/list/2018-ranked/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, the Director's Club goes the verite route as we look at the films of legendary documentarian Frederick Wiseman. Joined by Chicago Film Discussion Group co-organizer Peter Richards, we go over the vastswath of a remarkably consistent body of work that delves into extensive looks at towns, schools, strip clubs, boxing gyms, and social organizations of all kinds, and explore how their deliberately removed perspectives and extended scopes allow for a contemplative insightful look at these subjects unique to the documentary form. (0:00) Intro to Wiseman (18:52) "Titicut Follies" (37:31) "High School" (48:12) "Juvenile Court" / "Welfare" / "The Store" (1:09:17) "Near Death" (1:27:58) "Aspen, CO" (1:33:05) "Public Housing" (1:49:02) "Belfast, MA" (2:02:30) "The Last Letter" (2:17:10) "Boxing Gym" (2:26:54) "Crazy Horse" (2:34:10) "At Berkeley" (2:57:13) "Ex Libris" (3:13:43) "Monrovia, IN" Stay tuned for the favorite films of 2018 year-end episode coming soon (feat. Brad, Jim + Patrick). Send us your top ten favorites of 2018 here: [email protected] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Five years in the making, only completed via Christmas miracle, Director's Club host emeritus Patrick Ripoll returns to fulfill an old debt. Tyler Foster joins him to discuss the work of Seijun Suzuki, from his inauspicious beginnings cranking out Nikkatsu programmers to his glory days of cranking out really strange Nikkatsu programmers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, the Director's Club takes the cannoli and runs with it as we look at the films of Francis Ford Coppola. With Uberfounder of the Director's Club (and Now Playing Network head) Jim Laczkowski, in Part I we dive into his four masterpiece films, and explo re where in his early history was hints of such an amazing run of movies. Come eavesdrop on our conversation about the "Godfather" films, "Apocalypse Now", and, er, "The Conversation"! (8:46) "Dementia 13" ("Psychotic Reaction", The Count Five) (15:28) "The Rain People" / "Patton" ("Runaway", Del Shannon) (28:47) "The Godfather" ("Godfather Theme", Nino Rota as played by Slash) (1:07:59) "The Conversation" ("Listening In", The Undertones) (1:31:33) "The Godfather Part II" ("Family Affair", Sly and the Family Stone) (1:57:40) "Apocalypse Now" ("The End", The Doors) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe

Cross-posted over at Voices + Visions too! Jim here! I've been in a horrible funk so I put out the call (or the "Pat" signal) to my dear old friend Patrick Ripoll to stop by for pizza, cannoli and some good old fashioned conversation. First we dealt with our dark thoughts surrounding jobs and then turned on the mics to do what we do best (or not): ramble on about movies. This time we focus on two recent horror releases in particular. David Gordon Green's 2018 sequel HALLOWEEN and Luca Guadagnino's remake of SUSPIRIA. Fair warning, we spoil both so hopefully you've seen them by now, and you probably should. Along the way, we dive further into the Halloween franchise, conflicted thoughts about Argento, other horror remakes we like, and a whole slew of bizarre digressions towards the end including the idea of all remakes putting podcasters into their updated takes. What horror remakes would we like to see or can expect? Is Hollywood already as doomed as planet Earth to the point of not expecting greatness anymore? Is 2018 a weak year for movies? Did Patrick actually capture the sense and sound of eating cannoli at the top of the show? You'll have to tune in and listen to find out. This was a blast and hopefully you think so too. 00:00 - 12:39 - Intro 12:40 - 47:02 - Halloween (2018) 47:03 - 01:30:27 - Suspiria (2018) 01:30:28 - 02:20:40 - Digressions, Remakes, The Future Of Cinema Be sure to check out Patrick's latest episode of Tracks of the Damned, which is a totally awesome mix of Halloween treats: http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/tracksofthedamned/halloweenmixtape2018 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit directorsclub.substack.com/subscribe