Wake Up Heavy: Recollections of Horror

A big change is a comin' to WUH. Find out what it is inside this episode!

Come and celebrate the four year anniversary of Wake Up Heavy with this Very Special Episode on a film in my Top Ten of All Time. Chris Stachiw (The Kulturecast) and Mike White (The Projection Booth Podcast) join me to discuss Jonathan Demme's 1991 film The Silence of the Lambs. Written by Ted Tally and based on the novel by Thomas Harris, Silence stars Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee, Scott Glenn as Special Agent Jack Crawford, Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, and Ted Levine as Jame Gumb, aka Jamie Gumb, aka John Grant, aka Jack Gordon, aka Buffalo Bill. The film follows Starling as she matches wits with Lecter in an attempt to track down a notorious serial killer before he can kill and skin his next victim. The film was a huge financial and critical success and went on to win “The Big Five” categories at the 1992 Academy Awards.

Cleo is back, possibly for the last time this Summer, to talk about our film watching adventures. Should a 14 year old be watching Kill Bill? Maybe not.

KULTURECAST SHARING IS CARING MOVIE NO. 3 "In this bonus episode, we take a look at David Cronenberg's latest film that's a possible return to the body horror aficionado, CRIMES OF THE FUTURE (2022). Starring Viggo Mortensen and Kristen Stewart, the film follows Mortensen as a performance artist who has vestigial organs removed on stage in a dystopian future. Kristen Stewart plays a perfect weirdo obsessed with his art and his evolutionary advances. It's a wild film that deserves multiple rewatches, to say the least. Wake Up Heavy's Mark Begley and critic Yashar Pirasteh joins Chris to talk about the film, Cronenberg's films, and organ removal."

KULTURECAST SHARING IS CARING MOVIE NO. 2 "In this episode, we venture back to Derry, Maine to take a look at every adaptation of Stephen King's magnum opus, It. We cover all three films, along with a light dive into the book. Did you know they're doing a prequel TV show? Yikes. Wake Up Heavy's Mark Begley joins Chris to talk about the films, the Pennywise performances, and King's works."

KULTURECAST SHARING IS CARING MOVIE NO. 1 "In this episode, we take a look at one of Tobe Hooper's other films that isn't Poltergeist, THE FUNHOUSE (1981). Written by Larry Block, it takes place over one night at a carnival where a killer funhouse keeps attracting willing victims. It also features one of the most insane creature designs this side of Kothoga in Relic. Wake Up Heavy's Mark Begley joins Chris to talk about the film, Hooper's other works, and that hilarious mask."

KULTURECAST SHARING IS CARING MOVIE NO. 4 "In this episode, we talk about Alex Garland's latest entry into his growing filmography of genre-bending fare, MEN (2022). Jessie Buckley plays a woman attempting to cope with the loss of her husband who stumbles into a town like no other. To say any more would be to give too much away; go in knowing as little as possible! Wake Up Heavy's Mark Begley joins Chris to talk about the film, Garland's other films, and toxic masculinity."

The One Where Cleo Gets Traumatized By Multiple Rory Kinnears Giving Birth To More Rory Kinnears. Cleo joins me once again to talk about our movie watches for the month of June.

Like, listen to this episode with, like, my super Special Guest who I watch a lot of movies with! Like.

Chris Stachiw (The Kulturecast) and Andy Gnosis join me on an epic episode devoted to THE AMITYVILLE HORROR (1979), its two sequels, and the 2005 reboot with Ryan Reynolds. PLUS, we can't help but talk about the two incidents that inspired the films, the DeFeo murders and the Lutz family's haunting claims. Show notes: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2022/06/s6e1-get-out-amityville-horror-1979.html Amityville movie list: https://bandsaboutmovies.com/2020/02/14/exploring-amityville/ Andy's AGT audition: https://youtu.be/u7dPlCzUG44

Movies, movies, movies. Another packed month of movie watching plus news and notes. "It's okay with me." My guest spot on The Cult Movies Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-goodbye/id1540702997?i=1000559230382

Better late than never? March watches, news and notes. The Dungeon Dive: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDungeonDive Check out guest spots for the last month or so from my LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/wakeupheavy

More #BegleyOnBegley Action is coming your way! And more #SchraderOnBegley Action to boot! Coming in under the wire for BOBAM (just pretend it's a Leap Year) with a quickie on CAT PEOPLE (1982). Schrader's slick, colorful remake is a great watch, despite the icky incest plotline. Ed Begley, Jr. gets to have some fun in this, until... well, just listen.

February movie watches and some info about the re-release of old, individual WDIRT episodes.

This episode is a little bit #BegleyOnBegley Action Month and a little bit WDIRT and a whole lot of f-words. I take a look at Paul Schrader's BLUE COLLAR (1978) which is sort of a heist film, but mostly a hard-hitting look at labor relations in the auto industry.

January watches and the low-down on "Begley on Begley Action Month" over at The Kulturecast.

My fourth appearance on the film podcast of film podcasts, The Projection Booth: "Spaghetti Western month continues with a look at the SABATA films -- it's something of a trilogy, but not really. And some might say that there are seven films in the series… but, really, there're just two. The original film, SABATA (1969), was written and directed by Gianfranco Parolini and stars Lee Van Cleef as the titular gunfighter who's no stranger to gadgets. Mark Begley and Heather Drain join Mike to discuss the three official SABATA films and four of the knock-offs which have little to nothing to do with the titular gunfighter."

Get to know Heather Drain (aka Mondo Heather) as she joins me to discuss an instrumental film from her youth, RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD (1985). Dan O'Bannon's punk rock zombie classic takes center stage here, but we also get some horror movie background from Heather, and discover her love for one Mr. Clu Gulager.

The annual WUH Wrap-Up episode includes: December Watches, Top New Watches of 2021, WUH's 2021 Top Ten Episodes, and a few programming notes, thank yous, etc. Check out the FULL Top New Watches of 2021 list on Letterboxd.com and the WUH: Tunes (2021) playlist on Spotify below. Top New Watches of 2021: https://letterboxd.com/wakeupheavy/list/top-new-watches-of-2021/ WUH: Tunes (2021): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0nCsKJk2c0KmHqxjvtecOd?si=04c831c82553481e

Anthony King returns to the show to discuss ROLLING THUNDER (1977). Directed by John Flynn from a script by Paul Schrader and Heywood Gould based on an original story by Schrader. The film stars William Devane as Major Charles Rane who has returned to his home of San Antonio after seven years as a POW in Viet Nam. He realizes quickly that his wife has moved on, and that his son barely remembers him. For more: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/12/s5e5-lets-go-clean-em-up-rolling.html

The full interview with Simon Fitzjohn used in the Ormsby/Clark series episodes.

On this third and final episode of the Alan Ormsby-Bob Clark series Samm Deighan joins Mike White and me to discuss DEATHDREAM, which was filmed on the heels of CSPWDT in 1972, but not released until 1974, after DERANGED. Bob Clark directs from a script by Ormsby, who once again created the make-up effects with help from first-timer Tom Savini. Show notes: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/12/s5e4-i-died-for-you-deathdream-1974.html

November watches and news and notes.

On this episode Chris Stachiw joins Mike White and me to discuss DERANGED: CONFESSIONS OF A NECROPHILE, a very faithful telling of the Ed Gein story. Ormsby wrote the script and co-directed the film with Jeff Gillen (an Ormsby/Clark regular), with Bob Clark acting as (an uncredited) producer. As with CSPWDT and DEATHDREAM Ormsby also supplied much of the special make-up effects, with help from a young up-and-comer named Tom Savini. Also includes the second part of my interview with Simon Fitzjohn. Show notes: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/11/s5e3-deranged-confessions-of-necrophile.html

You know the drill by now. You can find out what I watched in November on my own, with my kid, and with the family, plus news and notes. Speaking of DERANGED, I did do a WDIRT on it a couple of years ago, so you can check that out before the new, full episode is released. Starts at 34:25 in the collection below. https://soundcloud.com/wakeupheavy/wdirt-v1-e1-e3

Sharing is caring with another Wake Up Heavy slash The Kulturecast shared episode. Wish I could say I cared for this movie, but I did not. Give it a listen if you're into that sort of thing.

This is the first in a three episode series on the early horror films of Alan Ormsby and Bob Clark. On this episode Heather Drain, Mike White and I discuss CHILDREN SHOULDN'T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS (1972), a low-budget horror/comedy inspired by the recent success of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968). Bob Clark wrote and directed the film, with script contributions from Alan Ormsby. Ormsby also designed and created the make-up effects and plays Alan, the leader of a Miami theater troupe. Includes the first part of my interview with Simon Fitzjohn about the early horror films that Clark and Ormsby collaborated on. Show notes: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/10/s5e2-children-shouldnt-play-with-dead.html

September watches, a few corrections, and some news about upcoming recordings and episodes. It's Spooky Season folks, let's all celebrate!!

There's a first time for everything, and here's the first WUH Blu-Ray Review. The love for RANCHO DELUXE continues with a break-down of Fun City Editions' release of the film, its first appearance on Blu-Ray. This rambling, low-stakes tale of the New West has won me over, but does this release do it justice? Listen and find out. Fun City Editions: https://www.funcityeditions.com/ Shop FCE releases: https://vinegarsyndrome.com/collections/fun-city-editions Sister Hyde: https://www.sisterhydedesign.com/ WBYK: https://www.wbyk.com.au/

Anthony King, host of The Cult Movies Podcast, pays a visit to WUH Headquarters and brings along a movie that traumatized him as a child, but has since become one of his favorites. On this Special Guest episode we talk about John Landis's 1982 classic horror/comedy film An American Werewolf in London, Anthony's show, Jenny Agutter, and why Grandma should always keep the bedroom door closed. Anthony King on Twitter: https://twitter.com/akdonelly The Cult Movies Podcast: https://anchor.fm/anthony-king55 Show notes: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/09/special-guest-anthony-king.html

August 2021 news/notes/movie watches. If ya don't listen, Walter Matthau's ghost is going to visit you and tell you to, "Shaddup." Catch me on the PB Ego Fest 11: https://www.projectionboothpodcast.com/2021/08/special-report-ego-fest-11.html

I'm taking the news/notes, and watch list recommendations out of regular episodes and giving all that stuff its own series. If you generally stop episodes at the end when I get to all this, you may want to skip these episodes. But if you are interested in these things, plus info on guest appearances on other shows, then have a listen.

MACABRO (1980) (aka MACABRE, aka FROZEN TERROR) is a New Orleans set horror film from director Lamberto Bava, the son of famed Italian director Mario Bava. The film stars Bernice Stegers (XTRO) as Jane Baker, a woman who's adultery leads to tragic consequences, and Stanko Molnar (A BLADE IN THE DARK) as the blind land-lord of the building where she resides. Veronica Zinny, in her only role, is perfectly cast as Jane's troubled and troublesome daughter. Show notes: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/08/wdirt-v4e3-macabro-1980.html

I really like showing Cleo some of my favorite Classic Horror films, and this happens to be one of my all time faves. On this episode we take a look at John Carpenter's 1982 practical effects masterpiece The Thing. I love this movie, but were will it rank for Cleo amongst the other Classics we've watched? You'll just have to have a listen. Show notes: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/07/wuh-cleo-vs-thing-1982.html

This is one of *those* episodes. A good half-hour of me just flap-jawin'. If you like watching paint dry, you'll love hearing me talk about painting our house. But there's also movie recs, lots o' clips, and general news and notes. Show notes: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/06/wuh-whats-happening.html

And here's the first part (second released) of the Wake Up Heavy/Kulturecast Crossover! "In this bonus crossover episode, we take a look at the most recent entry into The Conjuring Universe and possibly the final film in the mainline franchise: The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. Starring the always fantastic pair of Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, the film follows the two as they attempt to clear the name of a man who murdered while possibly possessed. Wake Up Heavy's Mark Begley joins Chris to talk about the film, the universe as a whole, and if there will be another movie." Show notes: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/06/guest-spot-kcxwuh-conjuring-devil-made.html

Sharing some episodes of www.projectionboothpodcast.com/ that I've been lucky enough to guest on. Moving on to my third appearance on the show. You can STILL hear/feel my nerves here. "We're looking at Miguel Llanso's Crumbs (2015), the story of a post apocalyptic future where items from the past are given special significance as our hero, Candy (played by Daniel Tadesse), goes on a quest, first to see the witch and then to see Santa Claus. Chris Stachiw and Mark Begley join Mike to talk about Crumbs as well as Llanso's Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway from 2019."

Sharing some episodes of https://www.projectionboothpodcast.com/ that I've been lucky enough to guest on. Starting with my first appearance on the show. You can hear/feel my nerves here. "On this special episode of The Projection Booth we're looking at the 2019 film from director Orçun Behram, The Antenna (2019). The film stars Ihsan Önal as Mehmet, a overseer of an apartment building in Turkey. We begin the film on the day when a new satellite dish is being installed that is part of a new era for the country where the government can now broadcast directly to its citizens' televisions. Let's just say that this isn't the utopia that was promised. Mark Begley and David Rodgers join Mike to talk about this film which plays in select theaters starting October 2, 2020 and digital platforms starting October 20, 2020."

The Kulturecast Crossover continues with this look at Tobe Hooper's 1982 horror classic POLTERGEIST. Chris Stachiw joins WUH to talk about the movie that traumatized him as a wee-one and turned him off of horror for years. We also delve into the sequels and the 2015 remake. Our Crossover also includes an episode of The Kulturecast on the new CONJURING film, and its cinematic universe. Look for that episode soon in the Wake Up Heavy stream. Show notes: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/06/wuhxkc-poltergeist-1982.html

Here is a sneak peak of my recent appearance on The Kulturecast's Patreon page where Chris and I discuss HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE. To listen to the full episode: https://www.patreon.com/kulturecast For more on this, and my other Kulturecast appearances: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/05/guest-spot-more-kulturecast.html

Guest co-hosts: Mike White and Samm Deighan On this episode of WUH we discuss the 1977 film LOOKING FOR MR. GOODBAR. GOODBAR was written and directed by Richard Brooks, based on the 1975 novel by Judith Rossner, which is loosely based on the real life and death of Roseann Quinn. The film stars Diane Keaton as Theresa Dunn, a twenty something woman living in The Big City who leads a “double life.” For more info please visit: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/04/s5e1-looking-for-mr-goodbar-1977.html

Yes, I watched a lot of movies on TV as a kid, but I also watched a lot of TV shows on TV. On this "very special episode" (get it?) I talk about my earliest TV scare, and some of the programs with a spooky edge that I really enjoyed. Beware the mysteries among the dark shadows of the night gallery. Muah ha ha ha!

Cleo's back to talk* about two more Monster Battle Movies. Since Kong is in both of these we're going with KING KONG VS... this time around. First up is KING KONG ESCAPES (1967). And then we get into the just-released GDOZILLA VS. KING KONG (2021). *Doing these episodes reminds me that even when it’s about something they enjoy, getting a 13-yr. old to talk can be like pulling teeth. :) For more info: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/03/wuh-godzilla-vs-monster-battle-series-w.html

In each episode of this series my daughter Cleo and I will be hopping around the Godzilla and King Kong Franchises (mostly Godzilla) and talking about two or three films. Naturally we started with their epic Match-Up in the 1962 Toho film KING KONG VS. GODZILLA. We'll be discussing that film in comparison with MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA which came out two years later. For more info: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/03/wuh-godzilla-vs-monster-battle-series-w.html

*SURPRISE DROP* Okay, maybe this isn't THE shortest episode (the WDIRT on THE BEAST WITHIN still holds that honor) but it's pretty dang short, AND was a nice bit of serendipity after the last episode. I don't want to spoil the surprise of this surprise drop, so just have a listen. For more info: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/03/wuh-tv-and-projection-booth.html

In this episode I talk about the kinds of movies I watched as a kid, and more specifically HOW I watched them. The warm glow of the ol' tube TV kept me company during my early years. The second part of the episode is a celebration of The Projection Booth Podcast and their recent 10-year Anniversary. Congrats to Mike! There's also a Spooky Story from a listener, and a very brief Watch List. For more info: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/03/wuh-tv-and-projection-booth.html

Trying my hand at some promos. Here's the short version. If you want to throw it on your podcast please feel free.

Michael Pilmer, aka Devo-Obsesso, stopped by to chat all things DEVO, his longtime love of the band, their music, and what they meant to him from a young age. Find out what took him from DEVOted fan and collector to meeting and working for the group. For more info: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/02/wuh-interview-with-michael-pilmer.html

Full episode of my second appearance on https://www.projectionboothpodcast.com/ is now available through WUH. "THE BROOD is the story of the Carveth family and how the sins of the past visit the children of the next generation. Frank (played by Art Hindle) and his wife Nola (played by Samantha Eggar) have separated. She’s under the care of Dr. Hal Raglan (played by Oliver Reed). He’s the head of the Somafree clinic and has mastered the art of psychoplasmics where negative thoughts and feelings are manifested physically. These come in the form of rashes or lesions or, in the case of Nola, a group of odd creatures who go on a murderous rampage when her ire is raised."

A full year ago, on the WUH: Twenty Nineteen episode, I talked about wanting to do some shows in 2020 on the myriad obsessions I entertained back in my youth. That never really happened. But those old obsessions have begun to percolate again, so instead of a year-end wrap-up I'm going to touch on some of those, as well as some other interesting(?) things from my childhood. Turkey Monkey picture and full show notes here: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2021/01/wuh-little-bit-me.html

It was a strange year so here's a strange compilation of tunes that appeared on WUH in 2020. Bonus points and my undying respect if you figure out the connection to the player image. Visit the site for the track list: https://www.wakeupheavy.com/2020/12/wuh-tunes-2020.html