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In this three-part bonus episode, David, Robyn, Laena, Michael and special guest Sue Goberdhan play Jason Morningstar's TTRPG Fiasco, creating a Coen Brothers-esque comedy of errors set in the plane of Thennis Spar. Catch the thrilling conclusion in one week on March 4th (or two days early on Patreon)!
We're on winter break, so in this special Best of episode, we start with the current state of Dems trying to appeal to the youths, Jason tells us all about vibecoding some incredible new tools for the pod, and then we go all the way back to Episode 6(!) of Dune Pod. Relive how we were dealing with deeeep COVID and Jason's nervousness about whether Dune Part 2 would even get made. Plus we're joined by Ian De Borja as we tackle one of the GOATs, The Coen Brothers' No Country for Old Men!Chapters Introduction (00:00:00) Best of Escape Hatch: No Country for Old Men (00:23:03) Notes and Links Check out Escape Hatch Merch! Our all new collection of swag is available now and every order includes a free Cameo style shoutout from Haitch or Jason. Browse our collection now. Join the Escape Hatch Discord Server! Hang out with Haitch, Jason, and other friends of the pod. Check out the invite here. Escape Hatch is a TAPEDECK Podcasts Jawn! Escape Hatch is a member of TAPEDECK Podcasts, alongside: 70mm (a podcast for film lovers), Bat & Spider (low rent horror and exploitation films), The Letterboxd Show (Official Podcast from Letterboxd), Cinenauts (exploring the Criterion Collection), Lost Light (Transformers, wrestling, and more), and Will Run For (obsessed with running). Check these pods out!. See the movies we've watched and are going to watch on Letterboxd Escape Hatch's Breaking Dune News Twitter list Rate and review the podcast to help others discover it, and let us know what you think of the show at letters@escapehatchpod.com or leave us a voicemail at +1-415-534-5211. Follow @escapehatchpod on Bluesky,Instagram, and TikTok. Music by Scott Fritz and Who'z the Boss Music. Cover art by ctcher. Edited and produced by Haitch. Escape Hatch is a production of Haitch Industries.
Here is a radical idea: what if you rehearsed the movie before you shot it? Not storyboards. Not an animatic. Live actors, real cameras, and actual creative decisions being made in the room. That is what Chris Nichols and Daniel Thron have been doing on June July, and cinematographer Richard Crudo, ASC joined them to find out if it actually works. Richard brings perspective from the Coen Brothers' dime-store ingenuity on Raising Arizona (yes, an Arri 2C strapped to a two-by-four), decades navigating the film-to-digital transition, and a long-standing argument that the industry has built a priesthood around tech complexity that actively gets in the way of the story. What he found in the VidViz sessions was the opposite: a blue screen, a rough key in OBS, and a team moving fast enough to make creative breakthroughs that quietly rewrote the arc of the entire film. One actor's performance changed the screenplay without changing a single line of dialogue. That kind of discovery does not happen in a pipeline. It happens in a room. Links: Monstrous Moonshine > Richard Crudo's website > Chaos Vantage > Chaos Arena > This episode is sponsored by: Center Grid Virtual Studio Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)
The iconic folk duo met at an audition for the only country music band at a prestigious jazz school in Boston. They immediately clicked, and joined the rich lineage of Americana artists that stretches back centuries.In their 20s, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings discovered they had something special when they sang together, a sort of eerie emotional resonance that is usually confined to the blood harmonies produced when siblings sing together.Ever since they've been making music together which draws on the bluegrass, country and folk traditions they love.In their historic recording studio in Nashville, Tennessee (which has withstood three tornadoes in the last century), they craft haunting songs about the ugly and beautiful parts of humanity.For Gill and Dave, the DNA of folk music is something we can all contribute to, and which contributes to all of us.Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are currently touring Australia's eastern states. You can find information about where and when they are playing on their website.Their seventh studio album is called Woodland, named after their indestructible studio.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison.It explores music, recording, career musicians, Woody Guthrie, The Carter Family, Lead Belly, revival folk, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Simon & Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell, Emmy Lou, Dolly Parton, Southern America, United States, Pete Seeger, Love, relationship, natural disaster, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, Odetta, Harry Belafonte, Rhiannon Giddens, banjo, guitar, mandolin, true crime, murder ballad, Revival, Time (The Revelator), Soul Journey, The Harrow & The Harvest, All the Good Times (Are Past & Gone), Grammy Awards, Grammys, songwriting, Coen Brothers, O Brother, Where Art Thou?To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.
In this three-part bonus episode, David, Robyn, Laena, Michael and special guest Sue Goberdhan play Jason Morningstar's TTRPG Fiasco, creating a Coen Brothers-esque comedy of errors set in the plane of Thennis Spar. See how it all goes wrong in part 2, available in one week on February 25th (or two days early on Patreon)!
In this episode, we talk about the Coen Brother's classic movie, Raising Arizona. We analyze the cast of the movie focusing on the main characters and how their growth arcs shape the story. For more on the craft of writing, check out DialogueDoctor.com
TVC 723.6: From July 2020: Actor, author and acting teacher Basil Hoffman (Acting and How to Be Good at It, Cold Reading and How to Be Good at It) talks to Ed about how Jim Hutton and James Garner were two of the many actors he worked with who happened to be tall; how Richard Benjamin and Alan J. Pakula are examples of "actor first" directors (and how Steven Spielberg and the Coen Brothers exemplify "camera first" directors); and how Basil also happened with a number of actors who were father and son, including Jim Hutton and Timothy Hutton and Carl Reiner and Rob Reiner. Basil Hoffman passed away on Sept. 17, 2021.
Continuing Issue 69 of Double Reel, the monthly magazine podcast for the discerning film nerd. This is the Remakes Tribunal where we put two films up for judgement. Firstly a remake of a well-known film where we ask if it deserves to exist and how it compares to the original - this issue we continue our Westerns theme with True Grit, the Coen Brothers' new version of the 1969 John Wayne film. Then we offer a Parole Hearing to a film that didn't work the first time - the troubled 2015 production Jane Got A Gun. Double Reel Monthly and Classics and Hidden Gems for this issue are already available to download, and we have a Spotlight episode coming next week. Check out Alan's author page here: https://www.facebook.com/AlanBaylesWriter And check out our YouTube show celebrating physical media, Maximum Disc: https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleReelFilm/playlists
In this episode, we welcome Skip Lievsay, CAS. Skip is an Oscar-winning Sound Editor and Re-Recording Mixer who has worked on films including Blood Simple, The Color of Money, Raising Arizona, Goodfellas, The Silence of the Lambs, Cape Fear, Malcolm X, Casino, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, No Country for Old Men, I Am Legend, Gravity, The Hunger Games, Birdman, Roma, Uncut Gems, A Quiet Place: Day One, and Marty Supreme. In our chat, he shares on his early days, about working with the Coen Brothers, and his creative approach to crafting sound in post. In March, Skip is being honored with the Cinema Audio Society Career Achievement Award in Los Angeles, CA. The Making Of is presented by AJA:From cinema to proAV: gaining a competitive edge with streaming knowledgeThe worlds of cinema production and proAV are converging. Cinema-grade equipment is making its way into more stadiums, houses of worship, and concert venues. Because of this, professionals that understand the tools and disciplines powering both will stand out. Get ahead of the curve with the latest streaming insights and gear from AJA.Sony's Breakthrough Audio, Imaging and Sports Technologies Raise the Bar for the NFL's Super Bowl LX in San FranciscoSony's New Coach's Headsets, 175+ Cameras and Hawk-Eye Tracking and Video Technologies Capture Every Angle, Split‑Second Decision and High‑Speed Moment of the NFL's Biggest GameSony, an official technology partner of the NFL, announced today that its technology ecosystem will play an expanded role in Super Bowl LX, marking the company's most advanced presence at the NFL's championship game to date.Read more hereNow with Massive 8TB Capacity—Thunderbolt 5 SpeedThe OWC Envoy Pro Ultra now comes in a new 8TB capacity, pairing enormous space with next‑generation Thunderbolt 5 performance. With real‑world speeds over 6000 MB/s and a rugged, bus‑powered design, it's perfect for 4K/8K workflows, on‑location shoots, and fast media offloads. High‑speed, high‑capacity, and ready for serious creative work.Browse hereDonate to Help The Digital Cinema Society SurviveDCS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to keeping filmmakers current on motion picture technology is currently in dire financial straights. We are trying to make the best of a tough situation and asking those who can afford it to help keep us afloat.Please consider donating to DCS hereMeet LiveU Solo PRO:Deliver an outstanding live video experience with the LiveU Solo PRO. Designed for creators and professionals alike, the Solo PRO video encoder provides one-touch, wireless live streaming directly from your camera to popular online platforms and any web destination. Stream with confidence using bonded 4G/5G connectivity and enjoy superior reliability and image quality up to 4K resolution. To learn more, contact Videoguys at 800-323-2325.Learn more herePodcast Rewind:Feb. 2026 - Ep. 116.Feature your products or services in this newsletter and reach 250K+ film and TV industry professionals. To learn more, please email mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of Need Some Introduction, host Victor introduces a new contributor, Alan, as they begin an in-depth rewatch of Christopher Nolan's filmography, starting with his debut film 'Following.' They discuss the thematic elements, noir influences, and notable aspects of Nolan's early career while providing insights and personal anecdotes. The conversation also touches on other filmmakers like David Lynch, the Cohen Brothers, and Mike Leigh, while drawing comparisons to Nolan's recurring motifs and storytelling techniques. The episode concludes with a look ahead to their discussion of Nolan's breakthrough film 'Memento.' 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:57 Introducing New Contributor Alan 01:54 Rewatching Christopher Nolan's Filmography 02:58 Discussion on Nolan's Early Career and Following 03:54 Conversation with Alan Begins 06:56 Nolan's Filmmaking Style and Career 15:30 Detailed Analysis of Following 21:50 Comparisons and Final Thoughts 40:59 Exploring Noir Elements in Films 41:21 The Coen Brothers' Noir Influence 43:22 Defining Noir: Classic vs. Contemporary 46:19 Nolan and Fincher: Modern Noir Masters 48:14 Christopher Nolan's Early Career and Themes 57:43 Carrie-Anne Moss and Female Characters in Nolan's Films 01:06:42 Guy Pearce's Career and Realism in Films 01:11:08 Mike Leigh's Impactful Films 01:12:15 Upcoming Discussions and Final Thoughts
What does one of wrestling's most intimidating forces have in common with one of cinema's coldest villains?In this episode of The Commentary Booth: Live Via Satellite, Jamie Apps is joined by former Metroplex Champion ‘Worldbreaker' Brick Savage, dialling in from Texas as he prepares for the Metroplex Wrestling Texas Rumble on February 7. The conversation spirals from the brutal deserts of No Country For Old Men into the psychology of modern pro wrestling, and it gets intense fast.Brick breaks down why the Coen Brothers' neo-Western classic has stuck with him for years, from Anton Chigurh's terrifying calm to the film's obsession with fate, preparation, and consequences. He draws clear parallels between Javier Bardem's methodical villain and his own in-ring philosophy, staying three steps ahead, never rushing, and letting inevitability do the damage.Highlights Breakdown:Why No Country For Old Men feels like a horror film without being oneAnton Chigurh as the blueprint for a great wrestling villainProactive vs reactive characters, in film and in the ringBuilding moments, not just matchesHow Texas, violence, and morality shape Brick Savage's personaWhat fans should expect from Brick at the Metroplex Texas RumbleBrick's advice on digging deep within to create an authentic and intimidating characterAthena's Influence: How the MPX owner and wrestling star is elevating the entire promotionAlong the way, the pair unpack proactive versus reactive storytelling, why violence in film can be honest rather than gratuitous, and how wrestling characters, like movie villains, live or die by the smallest details. With the Texas Rumble looming, Brick also opens up about sacrifice, intimidation, and why being a force of nature still scares people in 2026.It's part film analysis, part wrestling masterclass, and quietly one of the most revealing conversations Brick Savage has had on record.FOLLOW BRICK SAVAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA:- Instagram- X/Twitter- Facebook- YouTubeThis week's episode is brought to you byAustralian Wrestling CardsCheck out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website.-------------------------------------------------------------SUPPORT PARIO MAGAZINE & THE COMMENTARY BOOTH- PATREON- BUY MERCH- AMAZON PRIME VIDEO- TUBEBUDDY- Subscribe to AEW Plus using my code (q0yydoz) to earn $10 in FITE credit- Shop Online With Honey- Shop Online With SatechiMY EQUIPMENT- Elgato Facecam- Rode PodMic- Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP- Streamlabs Talk StudioFOLLOW JAMIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA- Twitter- Facebook- Instagram- TikTokFOLLOW PARIO MAGAZINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA- Twitter- Facebook- Instagram
Send us a textIt's time for Watch This or Die, and this week we're breaking down a true modern classic.We start by introducing the craft beers we're enjoying for the episode, then jump right into No Country for Old Men (2007), directed by the Coen Brothers. We talk about why this film is so important to us, its place in film history, and just how massive 2007 was as a movie year, including the stacked Oscar contenders it faced.From there, we dive into our usual Watch This or Die categories to break down what makes this film such a tense, unforgettable masterpiece that still holds up on every rewatch.
Ethan Coen fans, we have good news and bad news for you. We're adding Honey Don't, the 2025 sapphic noir comedy to the Coen Brothers Brothers library. Bad News: we didn't love it. But we do sing some praises about the second in the Coen/Cooke lesbian B-movie trilogy. Features: Abe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.social Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.social Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store
The Coen Brothers' 2007 violent neo-western thriller, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, is our feature presentation this week. We talk the inspiration behind Anton Chigurh's hairstyle, the film's connection to Woody Harrelson's contract killer father, Tommy Lee Jones' 15 million dollar bonus, and much more! We also pick our Top 7 Movies of 2007 in this week's Silver Screen 7! Join our Patreon ($2.99/month) here linktr.ee/brokenvcr to watch the episodes LIVE in video form day/weeks early. Find us on Instagram @thebrokenvcr and follow us on LetterBoxd! Become a regular here at THE BROKEN VCR!
Pete and Hannah continue their deep dive into the AFI movie canon this week with a closer look at the Coen Brothers' Fargo (1996). The duo unpack the film's darkly comic take on crime, its unforgettable characters, and the bleakly beautiful Midwest setting that helped cement Fargo as a modern classic. From botched kidnappings to biting humor, they explore why this black comedy remains so influential—and so rewatchable—nearly three decades later.
“I'm a Dapper Dan man!”Producer/Director Bill Banowsky joins Andy Nelson and Pete Wright to discuss O Brother, Where Art Thou? from Joel Coen, reflecting on both the film's enduring appeal and his own fascinating journey through the film industry. As co-founder of Magnolia Pictures and developer of smart house theaters, Banowsky brings unique insight to this beloved Coen Brothers comedy while also discussing his new documentary A Savage Art: The Life & Cartoons of Pat Oliphant."I think we need more films like O Brother, Where Art Thou?. You gotta find story-driven films, not technology-driven films, to save this business," says Banowsky, whose career spans from law to founding smart house theaters to directing documentaries.
Our exit today has us meeting our Russian bride who we met on the internet. This week, we are talking about Birthday Girl, written by Jez and Tom Butterworth and directed by Jez Butterworth. Our ride begins with a lot of talk as to whether this movie is a comedy or not. And then, along the way, we finally get a chance to dive into the career of Nicole Kidman, along with French cinema, Mark Rylance, British theatre, dark comedies, The Coen Brothers, Fargo, delayed releases, trust falls, and plot holes. Plus, what happens when you cast a movie full of Russians with no Russian actors?Thememusic by Jonworthymusic.Powered by RiversideFM.CFF Films with Ross and friends.Movies We've Covered on the Show on Letterboxd.Movies Recommended on the Show on Letterboxd.
Like all American tribes in the melting pot, Jewish-Americans express their identity in their art. Maybe nowhere as strongly as in cinema. Secret Movie Club founder Craig Hammill, who has a Jewish father and a Catholic mother, looks at just a few of the many great movies that get at being Jewish-American. Movies like the 1980's hit Dirty Dancing, Woody Allen's Annie Hall, the Coen Brothers' A Serious Man, Steven Spielberg's The Fabelmans, Mike Nichol's The Graduate, and Claudia Weill's Girlfriends among many others. If you've ever had a heated debate at an engaged Jewish-American table, you know what it's like to dig into these things. This podcast can only be a prologue to the many complex issues that could be discussed. But hey. . .at least it's a start.
Fan Jan rolls on here at @wedrinkandwewatchthings, and this week we're answering a massive listener request by hopping a freight train into the Great Depression-era South with the Coen Brothers' 2000 masterpiece, O Brother, Where Art Thou? Mix yourself a R-U-N-N-O-F-T by @crft.wrld because we are joining the chain-gang escapees on their quest for buried treasure and, more importantly, some Dapper Dan hair grease.This week, we trace the brilliant parallels between this folk-tale odyssey and Homer's epic poem, looking at how Everett, Pete, and Delmar navigate sirens, a cyclops, and one very charismatic blind prophet. We appreciate the Grammy-winning, T-Bone Burnett-produced soundtrack that single-handedly revitalized bluegrass and old-timey music, and we marvel at George Clooney's pitch-perfect comedic performance as the fast-talking Ulysses Everett McGill. We also spend some time admiring Roger Deakins' groundbreaking, sepia-tinted cinematography that gives the whole film the warm, dusty feel of a living postcard from a bygone era.If you're a fan of quirky Coen Brothers humor, legendary soundtracks, or just want to hear us debate which of the three protagonists we'd actually trust to lead us to safety, this episode is a "bonafide" treat. We're blending our love for this cinematic treasure with our usual casual banter, making this one of our most harmonious Fan Jan entries yet. Come on in, the water's fine!This episode VIDEO is live on YouTube AND Spotify!Follow us on Instagram and TikTok to get ep sneak peaks and find out what's coming next. DM us what you want to hear about next or email us at wedrinkandwewatchthingspod@gmail.com.
Let's hit the slopes! We're in the thick of winter so we've got a couple of ski comedies coming your way. We're talking wet t-shirt contests, a guy named Lester the Molester, and inappropriate sex pests of 80's comedies. We're also talking what we thought of Steven Spielberg's new Disclosure Day, the Coen Brothers, The Mastermind, and The Running Man
Back in 1986, Tim Blake Nelson was a drama student at Julliard when he saw Jim Jarmusch's sophomore feature, DOWN BY LAW. Tom Waits (who would continue to work with Jarmusch, and is starring in his latest film) plays a regular unlucky joe, and does it as no typical Hollywood star could. It was a path into the world of movies that Nelson could see himself following, if he got the chance (which he did). Today, you can see the great Tim Blake Nelson in Mona Fastvold's THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE, which stars Amanda Seyfried.Then Jordan has one quick thing about a great action cinema primer that's fun for action heads and would-be action fans alike: @HeadExposure's Action Year in Review. Feeling Seen is hosted by Jordan Crucchiola and is a production Maximum Fun.Need more Feeling Seen? Keep up with the show on Instagram and Bluesky.
NOTE: Credit to Anarchosagas for bringing the symbolism in the beach scene to my attention.IntroductionMore Than A Job StoryThe Redeemed GoyimHearing from Heaven | Schrödinger's Cat and MathHearing from Heaven | The Three RabbisJudgment is ComingA Serious ManSaint Athanasius ChurchContra Mundum SwaggerVideo Version on Rumble
James Howard Kunstler is a writer, blogger of "ClusterFuck Nation"and host of the podcast "Kunstler Cast. We talk the future of film, Netflix/Paramount bid to buy Warner Brothers, films made by Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Coen Brothers, and much more. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE LIKE AND SHARE THIS PODCAST!!! Watch Show Rumble- https://rumble.com/v73oqjk-timeout-from-the-worlds-problems-to-talk-movies-james-howard-kunstler.html YouTube- https://youtu.be/ZbpbmK7UT80 Follow Me X- https://x.com/CoffeeandaMike IG- https://www.instagram.com/coffeeandamike/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeandaMike/ YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@Coffeeandamike Rumble- https://rumble.com/search/all?q=coffee%20and%20a%20mike Substack- https://coffeeandamike.substack.com/ Apple Podcasts- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-and-a-mike/id1436799008 Gab- https://gab.com/CoffeeandaMike Locals- https://coffeeandamike.locals.com/ Website- www.coffeeandamike.com Email- info@coffeeandamike.com Support My Work Venmo- https://www.venmo.com/u/coffeeandamike Paypal- https://www.paypal.com/biz/profile/Coffeeandamike Substack- https://coffeeandamike.substack.com/ Patreon- http://patreon.com/coffeeandamike Locals- https://coffeeandamike.locals.com/ Cash App- https://cash.app/$coffeeandamike Buy Me a Coffee- https://buymeacoffee.com/coffeeandamike Bitcoin- coffeeandamike@strike.me Mail Check or Money Order- Coffee and a Mike LLC P.O. Box 25383 Scottsdale, AZ 85255-9998 Follow Jim X- https://x.com/Jhkunstler Substack- https://jameshowardkunstler.substack.com/ Order Jim's new book- https://a.co/d/h928S60 Sponsors Vaulted/Precious Metals- https://vaulted.blbvux.net/coffeeandamike McAlvany Precious Metals- https://mcalvany.com/coffeeandamike/ Independence Ark Natural Farming- https://www.independenceark.com/
Send us a text In this episode, Marty gives Clif the movie The Hudsucker Proxy to watch and Clif gives Marty the movie Sunset Boulevard to watch. In this New Year's special, Marty and Clif take on two classics where time, success, and self-delusion collide: The Hudsucker Proxy (1994) and Sunset Boulevard (1950).First up is the Coen Brothers' fast-talking corporate fairy tale The Hudsucker Proxy. Marty and Clif dive deep into the film's cartoon logic, rapid-fire dialogue, exaggerated performances, and elaborate set pieces. Along the way, they unpack the film's connections to Sam Raimi, Roger Deakins, Preston Sturges, Buster Keaton, and the Coens' evolving style.Then it's time for a much darker New Year's turn with Billy Wilder's Sunset Boulevard. Marty and Clif discuss Gloria Swanson's iconic performance as Norma Desmond, William Holden's doomed narrator, and the film's lasting influence on decades of cinema. #TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #MoviePodcast #ClassicFilms #FilmAnalysis #TheHudsuckerProxy #SunsetBoulevard #CoenBrothers #BillyWilder #NewYearsMovies #FilmNoir #ClassicHollywoodSupport the showFind our films here: The Love Song of William H Shaw Revenge of Zoe Writing Fren-ZeeMaking Pondo on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087139659233X (formerly Twitter):@MakingPondoInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/makingpondo/Making Pondo on Letterboxd:Season Onehttps://letterboxd.com/marty_ketola/list/talking-pondo/Season Twohttps://letterboxd.com/marty_ketola/list/talking-pondo-season-2/Season Threehttps://letterboxd.com/marty_ketola/list/talking-pondo-season-3/ Theme Song "The Rain" by Russ PacePhotos by Geoffrey Notkin
Intolerable Cruelty is an often overlooked film in the Coen Brothers filmography but how can you go wrong with George Clooney and Catherine Zeta Jones being the absolute worst to each other? This film nailed our ass. We talk about: Podnup, Sand Witch, Sapphic Noves vs Ghosts of Yotei, X-Men, Sleep Deprived Luke, Skate Story, Bootleg Labubu, Point Break, Beautiful People, A 4 Out Of 5, Train Fetishist, Rich People Are The Worst, Sat Before, The Baron, Living Without Intestines, BBQ Sauced, Scottish Wedding, Weezy Joe, The Happiest Ending, Luke And Ashley Talk About Parks And Rec Again For Some Reason,
Today we're diving into Stanley Kubrick's final film, the Christmas classic ‘Eyes Wide Shut' (1999) - a misunderstood masterpiece that is incredibly prescient of the 21st century we are currently living in. I discuss Kubrick's upbringing and the myths, misconceptions, and misinformation that surrounds his reputation. All this plus an audience discussion after the film, and lobby interviews with Peyton Johnson…it's a great late night live show, Behind the Slate Style.Recorded live at Cine in Athens, GA. Come see us for our next live show in Athens, GA on January 15th where we will be screening The Coen Brother's 'Fargo', and in Atlanta, GA on January 22nd where we will be screening Kinji Fukasaku's 'Battle Royale' (2000)Email us: behindtheslatepod@gmail.comInstagram: @behindtheslatepodTikTok: Behind the SlateYouTube: @behindtheslatepodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindtheslatepod.substack.com
The Big Lebowski is a cult classic, one of the Coen Brothers most popular films and is the fav film of at least one of our dads. But what do us jaded millennials think of this Gen-X classic? Well we talked about it for almost three hours. We talk about: Luke Brings A World Of Pain, Far Sector, Baby Steps, Skate Story, Girls From LETHAL, The Good The Bad And The Ugly, Art Wrestling, Dead Rising 3, Persona History, Bad Posters, Walter, Lil Lebowski, Walter The Mod, John Turturro, Daddy Issues, Ashley's Limo Connection, Toe Problem, Walter Is Right, Sam Elliot, Hoid Casting, Prostate Exam?, Kid Interrogation, Bowling Porno, The Big du Bois, RIP To Donny, Pulling Guns, Siskel & Ebert, Labowski the Gathering, Chainsaw Man, Walter Vs The Devil,
We welcome Filmmaker JOHN SUITS to discuss the Coen Brothers' 2010 western adaptation, TRUE GRIT, in our bonus feature presentation this week! We chat about Matt Damon, the unconventional approach from the Coens, Jeff Bridges bringing it, and much more! We also discuss our guest John's own personal journey into independent film, his relationship with Montel Helman, his upcoming film "The Isolate Thief", and more! Join our Patreon ($2.99/month) here linktr.ee/brokenvcr to watch the episodes LIVE in video form day/weeks early. Find us on Instagram @thebrokenvcr and follow us on LetterBoxd! Become a regular here at THE BROKEN VCR!
In this single-player episode of Challenge Accepted, Frank bundles up with the winter classic Fargo and breaks down why this 1996 Coen Brothers film still hits so hard. From Jerry's desperate spiral and Gaear's cold brutality to Marge Gunderson's calm, quietly heroic presence, Frank walks through the story, performances, music, and snow-covered Midwest setting that make the movie timeless. He also talks about how the Fargo TV series connects back to the film, why the woodchipper scene has become legend, and how the Coens turn empty white fields into one of the most effective "characters" in the movie. To wrap it up, Frank previews what is coming next for Challenge Accepted, including Thomas' return and their favourite hits from 2025 and what they are excited for in 2026. Timestamps & Topics 00:00 – Winter vibes and Fargo comfort viewing Frank sets the scene with Northern California fog, winter chill, and why Fargo is his go-to snowy murder mystery comfort movie. 01:00 – First time watching Fargo and pacing expectations Memories of seeing the movie young, how it felt like "just a murder show," and why the slow, deliberate pacing is part of the Coen Brothers' magic. 02:30 – Film basics and the Fargo TV series connection Release year, director credits, and how the Fargo anthology series riffs on and literally connects back to the film's events and missing money. 03:30 – Cast breakdown and three parallel storylines William H. Macy as Jerry, Frances McDormand as Marge, Steve Buscemi as Carl, Peter Stormare as Gaear, and how the film tracks three intertwining plotlines. 05:00 – Snow, accent, and music as atmosphere Why the frozen Midwest, heavy accents, and sparse score make the world feel harsh, lonely, and weirdly cozy at the same time. 06:45 – Jerry, Carl, and Gaear: three very different disasters Deep dive on Jerry's "it is in the mail" life, Carl as the talky hustler, and Gaear as a true psychopath who treats killing like flipping a switch. 12:00 – The kidnapping, first murders, and tension spike Gene's abduction, the traffic stop gone wrong, and how Jerry's shady car deals accidentally trigger a chain of violence on a lonely snowy road. 15:30 – Enter Marge Gunderson: paladin of Brainerd At 33 minutes in, Marge arrives, pregnant and no-nonsense, bringing warmth, competence, and quiet brilliance to the investigation. 18:00 – Marge's detective work and local culture The iconic interviews, the accents, Norm's duck painting, and how Marge investigates with humility, humor, and calm logic instead of macho posturing. 20:30 – Cabin tension and criminals on borrowed time Carl and Gaear stuck together with Gene at the cabin, rubbing each other the wrong way as they wait on Jerry's increasingly doomed plan. 22:30 – The parking garage drop and everything falling apart Wade steps in, the snowy rooftop showdown, shots fired, and the money suddenly spinning out of everyone's control. 25:00 – Buried money and series tie-in Carl finds out the ransom is much bigger than expected, buries most of it in the snow, and inadvertently sets up a major event for the Fargo series. 27:30 – The woodchipper and Marge's big break Marge follows the trail of the tan Sierra, stumbles on the cabin, and discovers one of cinema's most infamous images: Gaear and the woodchipper. 30:00 – "All for a little bit of money" – theme and meaning Frank unpacks Marge's final drive with Gaear, the idea of wasting lives for cash, and why her simple, content life feels like the real victory. 34:00 – Craft, cinematography, and character realism How the Coens use wide snowy shots and tight close-ups, the way performances feel lived-in, and why Jerry might be the most "real" character. 38:00 – Who should watch Fargo and rewatch value Why Fargo is perfect for people who love character-driven films and details, and maybe not ideal for pure popcorn-action fans. 39:30 – What is next for Challenge Accepted Frank teases one more solo movie, Thomas' return, their favorite movies of 2025, and what they are excited for in 2026. Key Takeaways Fargo is less about big action and more about slow-building tension, character choices, and how small lies spiral into chaos. Jerry Lundegaard is a painfully relatable kind of failure, constantly juggling bills, cutting corners, and convincing himself one more scheme will fix everything. Carl and Gaear represent two sides of criminal energy: the chatty hustler and the emotionless killer, both stuck inside a plan they can no longer control. Marge Gunderson is the moral center of the film, solving the case with patience, kindness, and competence while staying grounded in her everyday life. The snowy Midwest is practically a character: empty fields, heavy accents, and minimal music create a feeling of isolation and inevitability. The film's structure shows three storylines colliding in unexpected ways, where throwaway details from Jerry's life cause deadly problems for everyone else. Fargo holds up because it feels timeless and specific at the same time, with characters who seem like they existed before the movie and will keep existing afterward. This episode also sets up what is coming next for Challenge Accepted, including Thomas' return and a look ahead at the standout movies of 2025 and the hype building for 2026. Memorable Quotes "Jerry is living the 'it is in the mail' life right now." "He is just one more scheme away from fixing everything… at least in his own head." "Marge is a paladin among warriors. While Jerry juggles, she is stacking dominoes." "So few movies do so much with so little. Just snow, empty fields, and one guy in a red jacket can hit harder than a city full of explosions." "He is not too evil and not too perfect. He is just shitty enough to be human." Call to Action If you enjoyed this breakdown of Fargo, make sure to follow the show so you never miss an episode. Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app and tell us what movie you want us to tackle next. Share this episode with a friend who loves the Coen Brothers and post your thoughts using #ChallengeAcceptedPod. Links & Resources GeekFreaksPodcast.com – Home base for the Geek Freaks Network and the source of all the news we talk about across our shows. Fargo (1996) and the Fargo TV series are mentioned as viewing recommendations in this episode. Follow Us Stay connected with Challenge Accepted across social media: Instagram: @ChallengeAcceptedLive TikTok: @ChallengeAcceptedLive Twitter / X: @CAPodcastLive For network-wide updates and geek culture news, you can also follow Geek Freaks across socials. Listener Questions We want to hear from you: What is your favorite Coen Brothers movie and why? Does Fargo work for you as a comfort film, or is it too dark? Which winter movie should Challenge Accepted cover next? Send your questions, challenges, or episode ideas to challengeacceptedgfx@gmail.com or message us on social at @ChallengeAcceptedLive. Your question might show up in a future episode. Apple Podcasts Tags movie review, Fargo, Coen Brothers, Frances McDormand, William H Macy, crime thriller, dark comedy, film analysis, Challenge Accepted podcast, Geek Freaks Network, winter movies, classic films
No animals were harmed in the recording of this podcast.This episode we're talking 16 films that includes Edgar Wright's remake of THE RUNNING MAN, a crazy 70's horror flick with mannequins, a witness to a murder who (literally) can't tell anyone, a quest to save a princess with many ridiculous moments, a tragic true story about an adult film star, a crime film that owes Tarantino and the Coen Brothers some money, and so much more!Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe, rate and review the show wherever you listen to podcasts; join in the discussion on our Facebook group, and if you like what you hear - tell a friend and spread the word - every little bit helps!Links to all our web stuff at www.gbwpodcast.com
We are back with another episode spotting wine that appears in movies and streaming! Jonah Beer of Gabriel glass and Pilcrow wine joins Jason to discuss wines found in: The Sopranos, The Insider, Weekend at Bernie's, Curb your enthusiasm, The Wire, and the Coen Brother's film “A serious Man”. To take advantage of our Black Friday deal of 50% off our blind tasting game - go to blindersgame.com and to get an astounding 70% off a year of SOMM TV ~ a year for only 17.99!!! (do not wait on this deal it ends soon!) go to https://watch.sommtv.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=industrysommtv&plan=yearly and don't forget you can watch this episode right now streaming on SOMM TV
Daniel and Harry step away from their latest Capitol Pictures assignment—something about a wrestling picture?—to dive into the Coen Brothers' Barton Fink. They are joined by actor, writer, director, and novelist Tim Blake Nelson, whose new book Super Hero adds an extra layer to their exploration of creativity, identity, and the strange, sticky world of Hollywood.Together, they unpack the film's Jewish themes, its surreal portrait of the “life of the mind,” and why Barton Fink still feels so eerily relevant. From peeling wallpaper to the pressures of writing for “the common man,” this conversation blends film history, industry insight, and classic Jews on Film humor—without the Hotel Earle's heat.Barton Fink Movie TrailerBarton Fink on IMDbTim's LinksPurchase "Super Hero" by Tim Blake NelsonUpcoming Events12/1 Tim Blake Nelson in conversation with Elizabeth Marvel at The Strand NYC12/16 Book Soup Reading & Signing Event in Los Angeles12/11 An Evening with Tim Blake Nelson at Bnei Emunah in Tulsa, OKConnect with Jews on Film online:Jews on Film Merch - https://jews-on-film.printify.me/productsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jewsonfilm/Twitter - https://twitter.com/jewsonfilmpodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jewsonfilmTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jewsonfilmpod
For our most recent FilmWeek screening event, where we show quintessential L.A. films across the city, we went to the family-owned Garden Cinema to present the Coen Brothers’ classic The Big Lebowski. The 1998 noir-comedy opened to mixed reviews during its initial release, but has since gained cult status and even mainstream praise. In 2014, it was designated a "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” film and added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. After the screening, Larry Mantle spoke with LAist FilmWeek critics Christy Lemire and Wade Major about the impact of the film and their personal love for ‘The Dude.’ Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency
Forrest, Kristina Oakes, Conan Neutron and Matt "The Letterhack" Strackbein talk about the classic Coen Brothers movie The Big Lebowski Written in the early 1990s, but not released until 1998 because John Goodman and Jeff Bridges had been quite busy. Starring Jeff Bridges as Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, Julianne Moore, David Huddleston, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Elliott and Tara Reid. The Dude is bumming around Los Angeles, minding his own business, when a case of mistaken identity throws him into a kidnapping plot. #coenbrothers #thebiglebowski #jeffbridges #noirvember #noir #lebowski #film #moviepodcast #coen #bartonfink #stevebuscemi #johnturturro #johngoodman #1998 #fargos #fargo #neonoir #hostagedeal #kidnapping Forrest and Kristina are starting a new YouTube channel/show The Absurdity Space!! https://www.youtube.com/@UCa3LavkP9F_NxOnl0A2soXQ We are also streaming on @thisspacetv throw them a followJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/ZHU8W55pnhJoin our Patreon to get all our After Parties https://www.patreon.com/MovieNightExtraConan Neutron & the Secret Friends new noir inspired music video "A Villain of Circumstance" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXjmjKzbTSI
In 1930's Mississippi, three escaped convicts go on the run into the country to find freedom and treasure - they are Everett (George Clooney), Pete (John Turturro), and Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson) and along the way, they have a variety of adventures encountering any number of interesting characters. LOOSELY based on Homer's The Odyssey, this was co-written and directed by the Coen Brothers (The Big Lebowski, Fargo, No Country for Old Men) and unexpectedly became their biggest hit at the time. Not only that but the bluegrass soundtrack produced by T-Bone Burnett became a surprise smash. So let's hit the road with The Soggy Bottom Boys and find out who's BONAFIED.! :) Host: Geoff GershonEdited By Ella GershonProducer: Marlene GershonSend us a textSupport the showhttps://livingforthecinema.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
You can't say “Macbeth” in a theater, but you can certainly say it on a podcast! Dana Schwartz joins us (in her third Blank Check appearance on a witch-centered film) to talk about Joel Coen's The Tragedy of Macbeth, the first solo-directorial effort from a Coen Brother after their amicable split. We're debating the success of Frances McDormand and Denzel Washington's performances, learning about the history of Scottish kings, and discovering Ben Hosley's family crest in the first Blank Check episode devoted to a work of Shakespeare. Trust us, this isn't homework. It's fun! Listen to Noble Blood Listen to Hoax Read Anatomy A Love Story Pre-order The Arcane Arts Read If Roast Beef Could Fly Check out Forbidden Planet Watch Jefferson Mays' A Christmas Carol Sign up for Check Book, the Blank Check newsletter featuring even more “real nerdy shit” to feed your pop culture obsession. Dossier excerpts, film biz AND burger reports, and even more exclusive content you won't want to miss out on. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter, Instagram, Threads and Facebook! Buy some real nerdy merch Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or Discord For anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this solo Thanksgiving episode of Challenge Accepted, Frank breaks down The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, the Coen Brothers' Netflix Western anthology that has quietly become one of his holiday staples. Story by story, he digs into how each vignette wrestles with death, chance, and human nature, from Tim Blake Nelson's singing gunslinger to Tom Waits' stubborn prospector and that iconic "First time?" hanging meme. Along the way, Frank talks about why the film feels so cozy despite its bleak themes, how the Coens use digital cinematography to shape tone, and what these stories say about nihilism, love, and our place in nature. He also shares a life update about Thomas, explains why Bob's Burgers Thanksgiving episodes are next on the docket, and invites listeners into a holiday mood filled with gratitude, movies, and a little existential dread. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs - … Timestamps And Topics 00:00 – Thanksgiving vibes and a Western anthology about death Setting the stage for a cozy Thanksgiving viewing tradition with The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, its Old West setting, and its obsession with mortality. 00:30 – Solo episode, schedule shuffle, and Thomas' big life update Why this is a solo show, Jonathan stepping in for a bit, and celebrating the arrival of "little Thomas" as a new geek in the world. 01:48 – Story 1: Buster Scruggs and our love of violent antiheroes Tim Blake Nelson's singing cowboy, the bright musical tone hiding casual brutality, and how the film forces us to realize we have been rooting for a monster. 03:49 – Myth-making, digital cameras, and the Coens revisiting a 20-year-old story How the segment plays like a live action cartoon, the use of bright digital cinematography, and what it means to film a story they wrote when they were young and fearless. 07:17 – Story 2: Near Algodones and the "First time?" meme James Franco's unlucky outlaw, Stephen Root in full chaos mode, armored pots and pans, botched hangings, and how that viral "First time?" moment taps into nihilism. 12:11 – Chaos, chance, and the pretty girl in the blue dress Reading the ending as both "enjoy the moment" and "life has no grand design," where you might meet someone perfect at the exact moment you cannot do anything about it. 13:24 – Story 3: Meal Ticket and brutal exploitation Harry Melling's limbless orator, Liam Neeson as a cold manager, freak show roots, the math-doing chicken, and the quiet horror of being treated as a "meal ticket." 17:57 – The cliff, the stone, and the unseen choice Why the rock in the river says everything without dialogue, and how the story captures helplessness when your fate is decided by someone else's bottom line. 19:24 – Story 4: All Gold Canyon, Tom Waits, and living with nature Tom Waits' prospector, "Mother Mercury," working with the land instead of stripping it, Mr. Pocket, and a rare Coen story where the character actually survives. 21:35 – Eggs, owls, and taking only what you need Reading the owl nest scene as a lesson in balance: taking one egg instead of all, and how the valley reclaims itself when humanity eventually moves on. 26:10 – Story 5: The Girl Who Got Rattled and the unfairness of the frontier Alice's journey on the wagon train, dependence on men in the Old West, Billy Knapp's gentle cowboy charm, Mr. Arthur's grit, and a fragile romance on the trail. 29:15 – President Pierce, the war party, and a tragic misread The dog as foreshadowing, the tense ambush, Arthur's desperate instructions, and Alice following her assignment a moment too soon. 32:33 – Story 6: The Mortal Remains and a stagecoach to the afterlife Five strangers in a stagecoach, bounty hunters as philosophical guides, competing views of humanity, and the slow realization that everyone on board is already dead. 35:05 – Looking into their eyes as they "try to make sense of it" The slider's chilling explanation of his job and how it mirrors us watching story after story, trying to understand death and never quite managing it. 37:42 – Why Buster Scruggs might be the ultimate Coen Brothers sampler Connections to Raising Arizona, Fargo, and Hudsucker Proxy, experimenting with digital, and why Frank considers this film a masterclass in filmmaking. 38:57 – Bob's Burgers Thanksgiving tournament and holiday plans Kicking off the Bob's Burgers Thanksgiving episode bracket on social media and inviting listeners to vote and share their favorites. 39:37 – Challenge Accepted contact info and gratitude for listeners How to email the show, where to find Challenge Accepted online, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone spending their Thanksgiving season with the podcast. Key Takeaways The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a surprisingly cozy Thanksgiving watch that pairs warm, nostalgic vibes with stark meditations on death and human nature. The opening Buster Scruggs segment lures you in with music and comedy, then forces you to confront how easily we celebrate violent "heroes" until the cost is made personal. Near Algodones turns a simple bank robbery into a darkly funny loop of bad luck and hanging attempts, with the "First time?" moment becoming a perfect meme for quiet resignation. Meal Ticket is one of the bleakest Coen stories, laying bare how talent and passion can be discarded the second a more profitable novelty appears. All Gold Canyon offers a rare bit of hope, showing a prospector who survives and a valley that proves nature will outlast any one human. The Girl Who Got Rattled underlines how dangerous and unfair the frontier was for women, building a gentle love story only to let chaos tear it apart. The Mortal Remains recontextualizes the entire film, framing the bounty hunters as observers of human confusion about death and the afterlife, much like the audience. Altogether, the anthology works as a meditation on luck, mortality, and acceptance, urging us to live, observe, and appreciate moments even when the ending is inevitable. Memorable Quotes "We are rooting for him as well. He tortures this man before finally killing him, but again, we are rooting for him. Then the Man in Black arrives." "You meet the girl that likes you back when there is nothing you can do about it, and life is that way. It is chaotic and it is fruitless sometimes." "No matter how hard you try, sometimes life will just give you nothing, and an outside source may make that decision for you." "We take what we need, not necessarily what we want, and nature can continue growing as those birds will now hatch." "You just got to roll those dice. You just got to play the cards you get and move forward." Call To Action If you enjoyed this deep dive into The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and how it fits into your Thanksgiving movie rotation, make sure you follow Challenge Accepted on your favorite podcast app. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave us a rating and review to help more movie fans find the show, and share this episode with a friend who loves the Coen Brothers. When you post about the episode, tag us and use #ChallengeAcceptedPod so we can see your thoughts and segment rankings. Links And Resources Visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com for all the geek news we talk about across the Geek Freaks network and to stay up to date on our latest episodes and projects. Stream The Ballad of Buster Scruggs on Netflix to follow along with the stories discussed in this episode. Follow Us Stay connected with Challenge Accepted: Instagram: @challengeacceptedlive TikTok: @challengeacceptedlive Twitter: @CAPodcastLive For more shows and news from the network, visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com and follow Geek Freaks on social media. Listener Questions We would love to hear from you. Send us your questions, challenges, and movie picks: Which Ballad of Buster Scruggs segment hit you the hardest and why Your go to Thanksgiving movies or episodes Coen Brothers films you want us to cover next Challenge Accepted, Geek Freaks Podcast, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Coen Brothers, Netflix Western anthology, Thanksgiving movies, Movie review podcast, Film analysis, Tim Blake Nelson, James Franco, Liam Neeson, Tom Waits, Anthology movies, Geek culture podcast, Challenge Accepted Live
Few actors can claim a career as rich and varied as F. Murray Abraham. From his classical theater roots to his unforgettable Oscar-winning turn as Salieri in Amadeus, from Tony-nominated Broadway performances to his recent scene-stealing work in The White Lotus, Homeland, and Star Trek: Discovery—Abraham has mastered the art of reinvention without ever compromising his craft. In this intimate conversation, the 85-year-old legend opens up about the highs and lows of a six-decade journey through American entertainment. He reveals why winning an Academy Award didn’t guarantee stardom, how he’s chosen challenging roles over commercial success, and what it means to still be delivering career-best performances in his ninth decade—including his current starring role in the new Broadway production of The Queen of Versailles. Abraham discusses what drew him back to live theater at this stage of his career and the unique electricity of performing before an audience eight times a week. He shares insights from working with the Coen Brothers on Inside Llewyn Davis, reflects on his rigorous classical training, and explains the discipline required to sustain a working actor’s life across film, television, and stage. He offers behind-the-scenes stories from iconic productions spanning Amadeus to The Grand Budapest Hotel, discusses the art of playing complex villains and antiheroes, and provides hard-won wisdom about longevity, artistry, and staying relevant across generations. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a film buff, or simply a fan of great storytelling, this episode offers a masterclass in dedication, versatility, and the power of choosing substance over flash. F. Murray Abraham proves that the best careers aren’t built overnight—they’re crafted one brilliant performance at a time. Listen now to hear from one of the most respected character actors of our time.Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Few actors can claim a career as rich and varied as F. Murray Abraham. From his classical theater roots to his unforgettable Oscar-winning turn as Salieri in Amadeus, from Tony-nominated Broadway performances to his recent scene-stealing work in The White Lotus, Homeland, and Star Trek: Discovery—Abraham has mastered the art of reinvention without ever compromising his craft. In this intimate conversation, the 85-year-old legend opens up about the highs and lows of a six-decade journey through American entertainment. He reveals why winning an Academy Award didn’t guarantee stardom, how he’s chosen challenging roles over commercial success, and what it means to still be delivering career-best performances in his ninth decade—including his current starring role in the new Broadway production of The Queen of Versailles. Abraham discusses what drew him back to live theater at this stage of his career and the unique electricity of performing before an audience eight times a week. He shares insights from working with the Coen Brothers on Inside Llewyn Davis, reflects on his rigorous classical training, and explains the discipline required to sustain a working actor’s life across film, television, and stage. He offers behind-the-scenes stories from iconic productions spanning Amadeus to The Grand Budapest Hotel, discusses the art of playing complex villains and antiheroes, and provides hard-won wisdom about longevity, artistry, and staying relevant across generations. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a film buff, or simply a fan of great storytelling, this episode offers a masterclass in dedication, versatility, and the power of choosing substance over flash. F. Murray Abraham proves that the best careers aren’t built overnight—they’re crafted one brilliant performance at a time. Listen now to hear from one of the most respected character actors of our time.Support the show: https://musicsavedme.net/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Few films strike the perfect balance between dark humour, bleak violence, and unforgettable characters quite like Fargo (1996). In this week's Born to Watch deep dive, the boys return to the bitter cold of Minnesota to revisit a Coen Brothers classic in our full Fargo Movie 1996 Review. Whitey, Gow and Morgz each recount their own memories of first seeing Fargo, or in Dan's case, pretending he remembers anything from the 90s, before jumping headfirst into one of the most uniquely crafted crime films ever made.The episode kicks off with the lads debating their first screening. Whitey vividly remembers dragging everyone to the Dendy at Martin Place, feeling like a highbrow film buff discovering something special. Gow recalls the off-beat charm hitting him straight away. Dan, naturally, remembers nothing, except that he probably recommended the film, selected the seats, and probably did everything else. Classic Morgz. From there, the group dives into just how extraordinary Fargo's cast was at the time. The Coens pulled together a line-up of "relative nobodies" only to turn them into household names nearly three decades later.The chat quickly turns to Minnesota cold weather, obscure fast-food chains, and one of the great running bits of the episode, exactly how many times Morgz allegedly found himself "accidentally" next to someone mid-romp during their travels. The boys also unpack the brilliance of Frances McDormand's Marge Gunderson, who doesn't even appear in the film's first 34 minutes but completely owns the narrative once she arrives. She's sharp, funny, methodical, and easily one of the greatest characters of the '90s.Whitey breaks down the film's critical reception, comparing its Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb scores with those of past Born to Watch heavy hitters, such as Jaws, Rocky, The Terminator, and Catch Me If You Can. Morgs jumps in with Film School for Fuckheads, exploring how the Coens weaponised "Minnesota Nice" to create tension using politeness, silence, and awkwardness as narrative devices. From the meticulously written stuttering dialogue in William H. Macy's script to the off-kilter pacing of small-town conversations, the Coens built an atmosphere where the horror is subtle, creeping, and drenched in snow.Gow rolls through the cast, shining a spotlight on Steve Buscemi's legendary "funny looking" performance and the near-silent menace of Peter Stormare, who delivers only 18 lines across the film yet becomes one of its most iconic figures. The boys get into the famous wood-chipper scene, the fake "true story" marketing trick, and how half the audience in 1996 genuinely believed the events were real.There's also classic Born to Watch chaos, from detours into Shameless, to the worst movie endings ever made, to hookers in Hawaii, to Playboy magazines in glove boxes, to the eternal question: "Would you make sure your licence plates were right if you'd just kidnapped someone?" Just another Wednesday on Born to Watch.The crew rounds things out with The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, celebrating the film's tight 94-minute runtime, near-perfect dialogue, incredible performances, legendary cinematography from Roger Deakins, and the deep satisfaction of a crime story where normal, everyday people take centre stage.Fargo isn't just a film, it's a vibe. A cold, bleak, funny, violent, polite vibe that the Born to Watch boys unpack with equal parts nostalgia and nonsense. Strap in, grab your Arby's, and enjoy one of our best episodes yet.#YouBetchaJOIN THE CONVERSATION Is Fargo the greatest dark comedy of the '90s? Does the wood-chipper still make you squirm? And is Marge Gunderson the most likable cop in movie history?Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or BornToWatch.com.auLeave us a five-star review; it helps the show more than you know. #Fargo1996 #FargoMovie1996Review #BornToWatchPodcast #CoenBrothers #FrancesMcDormand #MinnesotaNice #MovieReviewPodcast #90sMovies #DarkComedyFilms #FilmNerds
We're preaching the good news of "Honey Don't!" and why the latest lesbian neo-noir flick from Ethan Coen is worth a shot. We get into the Coen Brothers and their post-breakup work, and talk about Margaret Qualley and Chris Evans, the movie's sex and violence, and why we vibed with it more than the critics did. Listen now. (spoilers)
AMY LANDECKER is a dynamic actress and filmmaker known for her captivating performances across both comedy and drama in film and television. Amy made her debut as a writer, producer, director and star with For Worse, a feature film that premiered to great acclaim at the 2025 SXSW film festival. The hilarious and poignant romantic comedy focuses on a newly divorced sober mom who goes to a wedding with a much younger date and behaves like a drunk 25-year-old bridesmaid trying to keep up. Amy's previous film work includes Tommy Dorfman's directorial debut I Wish You All the Best (SXSW2024), Shell, Missing—the sequel to the hit Searching—and I Love My Dad (SXSW 2023), in which she stars alongside Patton Oswalt. Her impressive filmography also includes standout roles in S#!%House, the 2020 SXSW Grand Jury Prize winner, Power on Netflix, opposite Jamie Foxx and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, A Kid Like Jake, Beatriz at Dinner, and the Coen Brothers' Best Picture Nominee, A Serious Man. Recently, she starred alongside Bryan Cranston in Showtime's "Your Honor" and appeared in BJ Novak's "The Premise." Previous television credits include "Gaslit," alongside Julia Roberts, the HBO Max series Minx and the Emmy Award winning “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” She is also widely recognized for her role in the critically acclaimed "Transparent," which spanned five seasons and garnered a SAG nomination, and for her powerful performance in "The Handmaid's Tale," for which she appeared in multiple seasons, as well as numerous animated series including “The Croods: Family Tree,” “Q- Force,” “Troll Hunters,” “In The Know” and “Batman: The Long Halloween.” She can next be seen in “The Testaments,” Hulu's follow up series to “The Handmaid's Tale.” Amy began her career acting and directing in Chicago theater at companies like The Goodman, Steppenwolf Theatre and A Red Orchid. Amy was brought to NYC with a Goodman Theater production of Rebecca Gilman's Blue Surge at The Public Theater. She remained in NYC and began a thriving on-camera career with her first job as a guest star on “Law and Order SVU,” where she recently returned for an unforgettable guest appearance in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Weird History: The Unexpected and Untold Chronicles of History
Dive into the cinematic landscape of 1987, a year that marked several iconic moments in film history. Discover George Clooney's and Brad Pitt's debut films, the launch of the 'Lethal Weapon' franchise, the horror classic 'Evil Dead II', and the Coen Brothers' 'Raising Arizona'. Ben Stiller also made his screen debut, Albert Brooks brought us laughter, and a legendary meeting occurred between Gene Roddenberry and George Lucas. What was your favorite film memory from 1987? Share with us in the comments! #1987 #movie #film #GeorgeClooney #BradPitt #LethalWeapon #EvilDeadII #RaisingArizona #CoenBrothers #BenStiller #GeneRoddenberry #GeorgeLucas See show notes: https://inlet.fm/weird-history/episodes/6910d714bf74dfd5cf78f771 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sir Roger Deakins is the award-winning cinematographer behind the films Bladerunner: 2049, 1917, and No Country for Old Men (just to name a few). Although those behind the camera often do not reach the heights of mainstream recognition, Deakins is the rare case of a cinematographer becoming a household name, considered one of the greatest of all time. In his new book Reflections: On Cinematography, Deakins steps into the light, sharing memories from his time in art school and working on music videos, to his longstanding career in film, working alongside directors such as the Coen Brothers and Denis Villeneuve. Larry Mantle speaks with cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins about his memoir and his decades spent behind the camera on some of the most influential films. Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!
Chris Paul and Burning Bright dive into the 1994 Coen Brothers classic The Hudsucker Proxy, unraveling its sharp social satire and timeless allegory about capitalism, corruption, and the illusion of the American Dream. Through their lens, the film's absurd humor and stylized storytelling become a mirror for today's technocratic age, where media manipulation, corporate puppetry, and spiritual bankruptcy echo louder than ever. The hosts dissect its themes of divine timing, moral awakening, and circular invention, connecting Norville Barnes' rise and fall to the cyclical nature of societal “turnings.” With witty banter and philosophical depth, they explore how The Hudsucker Proxy—part comedy, part cautionary tale, captures the eternal battle between ego and purpose, power and providence. Equal parts film analysis, cultural critique, and metaphysical reflection, this Story Hour reminds listeners why the Coens' satire may be one of the most prophetic films of our era.
EPISODE 204: First-Time Filmmakers. Some directors arrive fully formed, kicking down the door with a debut that rewrites the rules. In this episode, we rank the first films from some of cinema's boldest voices: Charles Laughton's haunting The Night of the Hunter (1955), Peter Bogdanovich's Targets (1968), Paul Schrader's blue-collar nightmare Blue Collar (1978), The Coen Brothers' breakout Blood Simple (1984), and Philip Ridley's surreal The Reflecting Skin (1990). Five debuts. Five filmmakers announcing themselves to the world. Which one deserves to be preserved for all time? New Season: Slashers Season 2 Shop the Show: Limited Run Merch Credits Host: Jason Produced by: Binge Movies Franchisees: Heather, Dan, Jason, Matt, Pete Support: patreon.com/bingemovies
Dr. Jim Bramson interviews his esteemed colleague and good mate - Jeff Cohen. Jeff Cohen is an articulate, deeply knowledgeable couples therapist with a background as unique as his approach. Before becoming a therapist, Jeff trained as an architect—and that foundation in design informs both his artistry as a visual artist and his craftsmanship as a clinician. In this episode, Jeff shares his journey from blueprints to breakthroughs and offers an inside look at his work with couples through the PACT model and the Hakomi Method. He reflects on what couples should look for in therapy, what actually works best in the process, and what aspiring couples therapists ought to keep in mind. Jeff is brilliant, candid, and full of wisdom—you'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the art and architecture of couples therapy.And then there's the Minnesota trivia segment. Let's just say Jeff nailed the politicians and Bob Dylan but forgot Prince, Judy Garland, the Coen Brothers, and Al Franken. Even so, his Minneapolis roots and mastery of the field are beyond question. Enjoy this rich, insightful, and slightly playful conversation!WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
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Celebrate spooky season this October at the New Beverly Cinema with a host of horrific delights, festive frights, and beyond! We pay tribute to filmmaker Scott Spiegel, showcase Coen Brothers neo-noir, and unearth a must-see rarity lost for nearly 50 years: the long rumored alternate Chinese version of a Jimmy Wang Yu martial arts fave with a different ending! Elric, Brian and Phil go through all of it on this episode! Check out all things New Beverly here: https://thenewbev.com/ Have A look at what's Happening at The Vista Here: https://ticketing.uswest.veezi.com/sessions/?siteToken=20xhpa3yt2hhkwt4zjvfcwsaww If You Enjoy the show, You can help support us at Pure Cinema by going to: https://www.patreon.com/purecinemapod Brian's Directed By shirts can be found here: https://www.teepublic.com/user/filmmakershirts The show is now on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/purecinemapod.bsky.social As are Brian: https://bsky.app/profile/bobfreelander.bsky.social Elric: https://bsky.app/profile/elrickane.bsky.social and the New Beverly: https://bsky.app/profile/newbeverly.bsky.social
We've bloviated about the 2025 fantasy football season enough! It's time to turn the show over to you! On today's episode, we'll spend most of the time tackling your questions, some football, some non-football. Do we mind doubling up superstars on the same fantasy team? Are there early-round RBs that could tempt an inveterate Zero RB drafter? Can Kyle Williams overcome the curse of the Patriots? What are our current fave bands and Coen Brothers movies? Thank you for being the best audience around! Let's answer your questions! Guest: Denny Carter of Rotoworld. NOTES: Sponsor - www.LeagueLegacy.io to import your league's history into a deep, fun, permanent record to claim all-time bragging rights Sponsor - www.StitchFix.com/harris for $20 off your order of clothes selected for you by one of StitchFix's personal stylists Sponsor - www.RocketMoney.com/harris for a service that helps you maintain and cancel unwanted subscriptions Follow Denny Carter - https://bsky.app/profile/dennycarter.bsky.social Follow our show on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/harrisfootball.com Follow on Twitter - @HarrisFootball Become a patron - www.patreon.com/harrisfootball Become a Person of the Book - https://www.amazon.com/Christopher-Harris/e/B007V3P4KK Watch the YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/harrisfootball Harris Football Yacht Club Dictionary - https://harrisfootball.github.io/dictionary.html Join the Harris Football Subreddit - www.reddit.com/r/HarrisFootball Subscribe To the Yacht Club Premium Podcast - https://harrisfootball.supportingcast.fm/