Film Baby Film

Becky D'Anna and Dave Eves join to discuss PASSION OF ANNA by Ingmar Bergman. We recorded this episode in a different world. Since we recorded this episode, Max von Sydow has passed (rest in peace). And pandemic has shut down our world. But Bergman's films are timeless, no? The nameless evil permeating Fårö in this film makes as much sense today as ever. The questions might change, but Bergman always has the answers.

Welcome film scholar/minister/existential philosopher Charles B. Ketcham, author of THE INFLUENCE OF EXISTENTIALISM ON INGMAR BERGMAN and THE SEARCH FOR A NEW MYTHOLOGY: FEDERICO FELLINI. (You can still find used copies of his books on Amazon.) We discuss the beginnings of art house film and film scholarship in America, as well as existentialism and Ingmar Bergman's PERSONA. He is joined by his one-time student Dr. Rebecca Rabin. She discusses how confronting Bergman led her to confront a few other things, and, ultimately, becoming a psychotherapist. We enjoy a wide-ranging conversation about film, philosophy, education, and laughing into the abyss. Enjoy.

Second half of the 2019 Top 10 episode. Featuring Josh Hornbeck (of the Criterion Channel Surfing podcast) and DJ Moore (of The Reel Conversation).

Welcome back the dynamic duo of Josh Hornbeck (Criterion Channel Surfing podcast) and DJ Moore (The Reel Conversation instagram) to discuss the best films of 2019. This is the episode part 1 of 2.

Martin Kessler (of Flixwise Canada fame) joins to discuss Aleksei German’s KHRUSTALYOV, MY CAR! Recently released by Arrow here in the US, this movie gives us the opportunity to revisit the absurd-grotesque-comedic world, that feels like a parallel universe to HARD TO BE A GOD… probably because it is. Martin is one heck of a guest, and he makes an impassioned argument for why we should all be fans of German’s work.

Marcus Pinn takes a quick break before putting out episode 100 of Zebras in America (!) to come on FBF and discuss NIGHTCRAWLER and VELVET BUZZSAW. Pinn and Laubinger collaborate to discuss the Gyllenhaal and Gilroy team ups. We discuss the sad plight of film/art criticism in the age of social media, and we discuss which movie is creepier. Spoiler: both movies are pretty creepy.

This episode brings together Ingmar Bergman super-fans Becky D’Anna and Dave Eves for a Bergman Music episode. We discuss three of the director’s films that have a musical focus, namely TO JOY, THE MAGIC FLUTE, and AUTUMN SONATA. Topics discussed include: why Dave was a total failure as a professional musician, Becky’s love for the sappy side of Bergman, as well as which movie Jon thinks he will rewatch the most. We also discuss an upcoming spin-off podcast, where the three of us talk nothing but Bergman gossip. Bergman is the patron saint of this podcast, and Becky and Dave are the two best people to discuss him with. If you have half as much fun listening as we did recording… you’ll still have a lot of fun.

Becky D’Anna joins FBF to discuss Ingmar Bergman’s THE SEVENTH SEAL. This is the first time I’ve dared to discuss such a historically significant film, and thankfully Becky was more than up for the challenge. Becky discusses her favorite scenes in the film, the religious and biographical themes, and makes a spirited defense for THE SEVENTH SEAL as a life-affirming movie. While many podcasts have been recorded about Bergman’s classic film, I am confident few have had this much discussion of HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U.

Join Dave Eves and your host Jonathan James as they discuss one of Ingmar Bergman’s most terrifying films: HOUR OF THE WOLF. Dave and Jon sift through the truths, semi-truths, and outright lies surrounding Bergman’s life story and discuss how they impact their interpretation of the film. Jon also presents some half-baked theories, and Dave offers a spirited defense of CRIES AND WHISPERS. Listening to this episode is more fun than attending a haunted dinner party where all the other guests are Udo Kier.

End of the year top 10 list featuring Josh Hornbeck and DJ Moore. Also check includes a list of honorable mentions, as well as movies to look forward to in 2019. Check out the website at Filmbabyfilm.com for the lists!

Guest James Hancock (host of the film Uber-podcast WrongReel) joins to discuss the book, THE BIG PICTURE by Ben Fritz from the Wall Street Journal. We touch on everything the book touches on: Disney, AT&T, and Netflix; peak television; comic book movies; China's importance to international box office and to Hollywood financing; and the downfall of Amy Pascal after the Sony hack. And of course, the Death of Filmstruck. I hope you enjoy.

Part 2 of Around the World in 80 Films. Joined by Matt Schlee from cineccentric.com, this episode goes into the Thai film industry, with a focus on the career of Apichatpong Weerasethakul. We also discuss the sin that Francis Ford Coppola commits against The Legend of Suriyothai, as well as my first experience watching a Thai film and seeing someone defecate on screen. (It made more sense the second time around).

This episode is a doozy. I am joined by super-friend Jamie Loo and Fin Coe. Fin is the Co-Creative director of the New Colony theatre in Chicago. We discuss one of my favorite movie stars, John Cho. We discuss five of his films: Better Luck Tomorrow, Harold & Kumar, Star Trek, Columbus, and Searching. Fin and Jamie also share their perspective on the depictions of Asian-Americans in Hollywood and in the American media in general, and how important it is to tell stories from a broad range of perspectives. Phenomenal conversation about a phenomenal actor and a whole lot more.

Matthew Gasteier, co-host of The Complete podcast, joins FBF to discuss the filmography of Luchino Visconti. We cover the entire filmography in two episodes. Part 1 we covered OSSESSIONE to THE STRANGER. On this episode, the final part in this double-header, we begin with THE DAMNED and end with THE INNOCENT. We also include a ranking of Visconti’s top 5 films, and I answer the very important question of who is hotter, Visconti’s men or Visconti’s women. Spoiler: they’re both hot. We switch things up a bit this episode. Instead of discussing how hot Alain Delon was, we discuss how hot Helmut Berger was. This episode is pretty spoiler free, so feel free to listen even if you haven't watched every Visconti film made. If you're new to Visconti, this episode is a terrific place to start. Matt is one of my favorite movie podcasters and it's an honor to have him on.

Matt Schlee from Cineccentric.com joins FBF to kick-off his "Around the World in 80 Films" essay series with a discussion about Cambodian film. We focus on the contemporary filmmaker Rithy Panh and his movies RICE PEOPLE, S21, and THE MISSING PICTURE (the latter of which is available streaming on Netflix). On this episode we also discuss my Facets DVD experience with SATANTANGO, my obsession with Telluride Film Festival, and the time my friends yelled at me after someone shit in the woods during a Weerasethakul film. (Mike and Stephanie, I am so glad I went to your wedding instead of a stupid film festival. Love you guys!) Intro & History of Cambodian Cinema: 0:00 - 26:00 Rice People: 26:00-38:00 S21: 38:00-54:00 Missing Picture: 54:00-1:08:00 Outro & Upcoming Episodes: 1:08:00 - End

Matthew Gasteier, co-host of The Complete podcast, joins FBF to discuss the filmography of Luchino Visconti. We cover the entire filmography in two episodes. Part 1 we cover OSSESSIONE to THE STRANGER (part 2 will begin with THE DAMNED and end with THE INNOCENT). We discuss bits of Visconti's biography, and we also discuss just how hot Alain Delon. This episode is pretty spoiler free, so feel free to listen even if you haven't watched every Visconti film made. If you're new to Visconti, this episode is a terrific place to start. Matt is one of my favorite movie podcasters and it's an honor to have him on.

Guests Matthew Speredelozzi and Tracy Hresko Pearl, lawyers and culture vultures both, join the podcast to discuss All The President's Men, Nixon, and whether or not we are going to impeach the current President of these United States. Heavy topics, but both of them make light work of it.

Welcome Robert Taylor to the FBF podcast, as we discuss 2014's PURGE: ANARCHY from Blumhouse Productions. The second film in the Purge series is a great launching pad for side discussions on politics, gun ownership, and how much I love Jason Blum. Oh, and it's also a terrific movie. Robert was a wonderful guest and I suspect we'll be hearing more from him soon.

Becky D'Anna comes on the podcast to discuss First Reformed and the parallels with Winter Light. This episode is perfectly timed for Bergman 100 and the announcement for the new Ingmar Bergman Collector's Set, being released by Criterion Collection. Listening to Becky discuss Bergman is the perfect way to celebrate Bergman 100.

We are joined by Martin Kessler from Flixwise Canada to discuss Aleksei German's film, HARD TO BE A GOD. Terrific movie, a classic in the Russian film tradition, and one worth discussing with someone as knowledgable as Mr. Kessler. After you listen, check out Martin's essays over at The Pink Smoke to learn more about the films made by one of Russia's most talented directors.

Becky D'Anna joins us to discuss the movie SHAME, on our first Thingmar Bergday episode in this, our 100th Year of Ingmar Bergman. We start by discussing Becky's love for Bergman and how she got there, and then we discuss context of the movie in terms of his life, career, and the world around him. Finally we go through why this movie is the closest thing to a Clint Eastwood/Michael Bay action film that Bergman ever made. If you're a fan of Bergman, you've probably heard Becky because she's one of the most informed people alive on the man and his movies. I was excited to have her on, and I was not disappointed. If you're not yet a fan of Bergman: Do yourself a favor... subscribe to Filmstruck, watch some Bergman films, and then listen to all Becky's episodes. And check out SHAME and listen to this. Don't worry, we'll be here waiting for you.

Jordan Essoe joins FBF again, this time to discuss Paul Thomas Anderson's film Phantom Thread. Jordan and I discuss Vicky Krieps impressive performance, as well as various interpretations of the films ambiguous title. Jordan and I also commiserate on the joys and burdens of having boyish excitement, and the need to find passion for something, anything in life. Jordan is a wonderful guest and I am sure you will agree he has much insight to offer on all this and more as we discuss PTA's latest.

DJ Moore joins FBF again, this time to discuss the top 10 movies of 2017. We both discuss how much we enjoyed this year's films, as well as why we need movies in these rockiest of times. We also discuss some of the movies that didn't make our list, and we mention some of the movies we didn't see yet from 2017. DJ and I even get to disagree a couple of times, well, more like I disagree with DJ and he's too polite to tell me to shut up. Thanks for that DJ. DJ's Top 10: 10. mother! 9. Phantom Thread 8. Coco 7. Get Out 6. Florida Project 5. Wind River 4. Blade Runner 2049 3. Lady Bird 2. The Post 1. Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri Jon's Top 10: 10. Get Out 9. Your Name. 8. The Post 7. Lady Bird 6. Phantom Thread 5. Good Time 4. Columbus 3. Raw 2. A Quiet Passion 1. Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri

Today is part 2 of the Paul Thomas Anderson discussion with guest host Jordan Essoe. We discuss THERE WILL BE BLOOD and THE MASTER, and then rank our favorite PTA films in order. Jordan continues to be awesome. Check it out. Intro: 0:00-5:00 There Will Be Blood: 5:00-56:25 The Master: 56:26-1:19:50 PTA Films, Ranked: 1:19:51-End Jordan's PTA Films, Ranked: 1. The Master 2. Magnolia 3. Boogie Nights 4. Punch Drunk Love 5. There Will Be Blood 6. Inherent Vice 7. Hard Eight Jon's PTA Films, Ranked: 1. There Will Be Blood 2. Punch Drunk Love 3. Magnolia 4. Inherent Vice 5. The Master 6. Boogie Nights 7. Hard Eight Jon Laubinger: www.filmbabyfilm.com twitter.com/FilmBabyFilm www.instagram.com/filmbabyfilm/ Jordan Essoe: http://jordanessoe.blogspot.com https://twitter.com/jordanessoe?lang=en https://www.instagram.com/jordanessoe/

Welcome to part one of our PTA retrospective. Joined by actor/writer/director Jordan Essoe, who will help me dive deep on three of Paul Thomas Anderson's most Altman influenced films: Magnolia, Punch Drunk Love, and Inherent Vice. Introduction to PTA and Magnolia: 0:00-1:01 Punch Drunk Love: 1:01-1:36 Inherent Vice: 1:36-End

Get ready for the FIRST EVER CROSSOVER EPISODE! We joined forces with Reading Envy to discuss a book and movie. Jenny Colvin, the host of Reading Envy, is a total bad-ass. She read over 300 books last year, and she is one of the most intelligent podcasters I know. I thoroughly enjoy her podcast (if you're New Years Resolution is to read more, check out her "Best of 2017" for book suggestions). We discussed the book ROADSIDE PICNIC by the Strugatsky brothers, and the Tarkovsky slow-film classic STALKER. We discuss the similarities and differences between the source material and the adaptation, as well as some of the things we liked (and didn't like). Jenny and I also discuss Infinite Jest, some of her favorite books of the year, a famous littering scene from the show MAD MEN, and finally my friend's deepest fear.

One of the great films made during the early transition from silent to sound, Fritz Lang's M is a movie that has aged well. On this episode we discuss the 1931 German serial killer thriller with Matthew Speredelozzi, a criminal defense attorney and actor. We discuss the film and it's technical achievements, but we also focus on the ethical issues of criminal defense, and the importance of finding the right balance between due process and our desire for vengeance in order to protect justice. Definitely listen all the way to the end, as Matthew discusses some recent trial work where he has helped get an innocent man a new chance at freedom.

Welcome guest DJ Moore from The Reel Conversation as we delve into some trash… Trailer Trash! Today’s episode we discuss trailers for Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther, Call Me By Your Name, Phantom Thread, and Thoroughbreds. On this episode we also discuss a host of related topics, like comic books, a dream project of mine called “White Trash Art House,” Fruitvale Station, Daniel Day-Lewis’s weird retirement, and Armie Hammer’s filmography, both real and hypothetical. Lots of other fun things we discuss, and DJ is a terrific host so stop reading this and start listening. We’ll be sure to have DJ back real soon. Intro: 0:00-14:00 Avengers: Infinity War: 14:00-30:00 Black Panther: 30:00-43:00 Call Me By Your Name: 43:00-54:00 Phantom Thread: 54:00-1:03:00 Thoroughbreds: 1:03:00-End Jonathan Laubinger: Website Twitter DJ Moore: Website Twitter

Guest Nick Pizzolato joins FBF to discuss Thor: Ragnarok. We also touch on many other topics, and this free-ranging conversation was great fun. For you comic book movie fans, or fans of Taiki Waititi, or just fans of having fun, this movie should be right up your alley. And the podcast too.

Welcome back to Film Baby Film... today we have another Trailer Trash episode, where we will be discussing five trailers: Wonderstruck, The Florida Project, Thor: Ragnarok, Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing Missouri, and The Shape of Water. My guest is Brendan Murray, working stiff by day, but electronic music and film score composer by night. We had a terrific discussion about film scoring and audio in movies, as well as many other things: 1980s super hero tv shows, being a latchkey kid, and how bad one of the trailers looks for a certain movie with Oscar buzz. One of the best discussions we've had on FBF, and I can't wait to have Brendan back on. Jon Laubinger: https://www.filmbabyfilm.com https://twitter.com/FilmBabyFilm https://www.instagram.com/filmbabyfilm/ Brendan Murray: http://www.brendanmurray.com Intro: 0:00 - 7:45 Discussion with Brendan Murray: 7:45 - 25:00 Wonderstruck: 25:00 - 46:00 The Florida Project: 46:00 - 57:40 Thor: Ragnarok: 57:40 - 1:13:00 Three Billboard: 1:13:00 - 1:27:00 The Shape of Water: 1:27:00 - End

Join me and our co-host, Kaytie Dimery Matthews, as we discuss five upcoming movies in our latest TRAILER TRASH episode. We discuss BLADE RUNNER 2049 (18:51-33:00), HAPPY DEATH DAY (33:00-44:00), THE SNOWMAN (44:00-55:30), WALKING OUT (55:30-1:02:00), and finally, THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER (1:02:00-the end). Kaytie is a terrific co-host, and I can't wait to have her back on.

On today's episode, we discuss SAWDUST & TINSEL by Ingmar Bergman. Dave Eves joins us for this latest episode in our Thingmar Bergdays series, where we make our way somewhat chronologically through the Ingmar Bergman filmography. Dave is a wonderful guest who has been on several other great film podcasts to discuss our boy Bergman. Check it out, and make sure you pay attention for a special guest appearance by a certain Mrs. Danvers!

Welcome back to Film Baby Film. Life has been very good and very busy, as I've been traveling and moving and recording game shows (!), but I am definitely thrilled to get back to podcasting. On today's episode, we are joined by artist/poet Kurt Eidsvig, who joins us to discuss THE LONG GOODBYE, both the 1973 film by Robert Altman and the 1953 novel by genre master Raymond Chandler. The first 13 minutes are an intro where I discuss some of what has been happening since my last episode, as well as explaining why I podcast. Feel free to skip ahead to listen to the discussion, but do yourself a favor: listen to the ending. Kurt is one hell of a guest and I am confident this won't be our last "Book and a Movie" episode we record together. Check out more about Kurt Eidsvig at his website: http://www.eidsvigart.com

FBF welcomes back Travis Trudell to discuss Summer with Monika, Ingmar Bergman's 1953 film about falling in and out of love. Until 17:40, we discuss Netflix shows and our favorite podcast. 17:40 to 40:35, Jon and Travis present an overview of the film, as well as some context about Bergman, Harriet Andersson, and Sweden (the setting for the film). From 40:35 on Jon and Travis discuss the film Summer with Monika in-depth. This is not spoiler-free, so watch the movie first.

FBF welcomes Travis Trudell to discuss Secrets of Women, Ingmar Bergman's 1952 film about the trials and tribulations of love and marriage. The best (and perhaps only) way to see this movie in the US is on Filmstruck. This is too bad, as Travis and Jon argue, because this movie marks a shift to the more mature and experimental Bergman. From 0:00 to 24:00, we are introduced to Travis and his background in film. 24:00 to 40:00, Jon and Travis discuss Ingmar Bergman and his place in film history, and from 40:00 on Jon and Travis discuss the film Secrets of Women in-depth. This is not spoiler-free, so watch the movie first. #thingmarbergdays

First spoiler-free "5 Trailers" episode, where they discuss (you guessed it!) five trailers of upcoming films, and tell you whether or not they are excited to see them. Jon is joined by attorney and former Arts & Living journalist Ryan Benharris for a free-wheeling discussion about Dunkirk, Detroit, Atomic Blonde, Valerian, and Brigsby Bear. They also get into the pros and cons of review aggregator sites like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic.

Jon is joined by aspiring filmmaker Derek J. Power aka DJP to discuss David Lowery's new existential film, "A Ghost Story." A hit at Sundance, this movie stars Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck in a film about love, art, life, and death. Derek and Jon start with a quick, spoiler-free review of the film, and then go into an in-depth analysis. Everyone should see this film, and everyone should listen to this analysis.

In the debut episode of Film Baby Film, Jon brings on close friends and fellow cinephiles Chris Madden and Sophie Besl. They discuss upcoming films, as well as an in-depth review of The Beguiled, including a focus on race and gender issues. Other films discussed: the 1971 version of The Beguiled, the 1947 classic Black Narcissus, and a brief comparison to Picnic at Hanging Rock. Note: this is an updated, edited version.