Podcasts about solondz

Emily and Phil continue their mini series on the films of "The Todds" Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field with a deep dive into Todd Solondz's challenging and provocative Palindromes (2004). Joining them is filmmaker and returning guest Simon Ennis, who brings thoughtful insight into one of Solondz's most controversial and layered films.They explore the film's shifting lead actors, its exploration of identity, morality, and adolescence, and how Solondz pushes the boundaries of discomfort in his storytelling. They also discuss how Palindromes fits within Solondz's larger body of work and the early 2000s indie film landscape.Available now wherever you get your podcasts.#PodcastLikeIts2000s #Palindromes #ToddSolondz #SimonEnnis #FilmPodcast #IndieFilm #2000sMovies #EmilyAndPhil #FilmDiscussion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Podcast Like It's the 2000s, Emily and Phil are joined by screenwriter and podcast host Clay Keller (@claykeller) to revisit Todd Phillips' Starsky & Hutch (2004), the action comedy that helped cement early 2000s buddy cop nostalgia.As they continue their deep dive into the films of "The Todd's" Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field they examine how Starsky & Hutch fits into the era's obsession with 70s throwbacks, the comedic chemistry of Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson, and whether Snoop Dogg's Huggy Bear is the most chill informant in cinematic history.Is this just a goofy relic of its time or a lowkey blueprint for the modern comedy franchise? Let's find out.

On this episode of Podcast Like It's 2000s, Emily and Phil continue their “Films of the Todds” mini-series spotlighting Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field with a look at Todd Phillips' breakout hit, Old School (2003).Joining them is actor and podcaster Griffin Newman (@grifflightning), who helps examine how Old School shaped 2000s studio comedy, its impact on the careers of its leads, and where it fits in the larger story of the early 21st-century comedy boom. They also discuss how the film reflects a shift in Hollywood's approach to masculinity, adulthood, and rebellion.#PodcastLikeIts2000s #OldSchool #GriffinNewman #ToddPhillips #2000sMovies #ComedyFilms #FilmPodcast #MovieDiscussion #WillFerrell #VinceVaughn #LukeWilson #FilmAnalysis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily and Phil continue their deep dive into The Todds—Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field—with Todd Haynes' lush and heartbreaking 2002 masterpiece Far From Heaven. Joining them is writer and culture critic Marie Bardi-Salinas (@mariebardi), bringing her sharp insight and deep love for this era of filmmaking.Together, they explore how Haynes channels Douglas Sirk to tell a daring, subversive story about race, sexuality, and suburban repression in 1950s America. From Julianne Moore's tour-de-force performance to the evocative Elmer Bernstein score and Edward Lachman's exquisite cinematography, this conversation celebrates the film's style and its urgent relevance.Don't miss this conversation about one of the most visually rich and emotionally complex films of the decade.

Emily and Phil continue their exploration of The Todd's—Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field—with a deep, emotional dive into Todd Field's devastating directorial debut, In The Bedroom (2001). Joining them is critic and editor Katey Rich, bringing insight into what made this restrained, quietly explosive drama a standout of early 2000s cinema.Together, they unpack Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson's powerhouse performances, the film's chilling portrait of grief and middle-class rage, and how Field's naturalistic style both subverts and elevates melodrama. They also reflect on the film's surprising Oscar run and how it signaled the arrival of a serious new voice in American filmmaking.

Phil & Emily kicks off our brand-new mini-series The Films of The Todds—a deep dive into the cinematic worlds of Todd Haynes, Todd Phillips, Todd Solondz, and Todd Field. First up? Todd Solondz's provocatively layered and deeply uncomfortable 2001 film Storytelling.Joining Phil & Emily is writer and pop culture commentator Rich Monahan to unpack the film's divisive two-part structure ("Fiction" and "Non-Fiction"), its dark satirical tone, and how Solondz pushes buttons in ways that still challenge audiences today. They explore how Storytelling deals with race, exploitation, authorship, and the blurred lines between truth and narrative, all with Solondz's signature deadpan bite.It's a bold and biting start to a series about four very different Todds—tune in for uncomfortable laughs, critical analysis, and one of the weirdest uses of a red box in movie history.

Michael Solondz v. FAA

In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram engage in a compelling conversation with veteran documentary producer and director Dan Partland. They delve into Partlin's latest film, "God and Country," exploring its thematic focus on the intersection of faith and politics, particularly Christian nationalism's impact on American democracy and faith itself. The discussion covers Partlin's career trajectory, his approach to documentary filmmaking, and the motivations behind "God and Country," offering insights into the complex dynamics of political and religious identities in the United States. The conversation also touches on the challenges and responsibilities of addressing such a polarizing topic, aiming to foster a deeper understanding among viewers and encourage critical reflection on the roles of faith and nationalism in shaping public discourse and policy.Guest Bio:Dan Partland is a veteran Documentary Producer and Director for Film & Television. His work includes several landmark Nonfiction Films and Series of the past two decades. He has twice won the Emmy for Best Nonfiction Series and been twice nominated, Nonfiction Producer of the Year, by the Producers Guild of America.Partland cut his teeth in film, apprenticing with cinema verité pioneer Albert Maysles before launching his own New York based indie film collective, OTHER PICTURES (OPIX), where he produced numerous independent features, both scripted and documentary.While at OPIX, Partland partnered with first-time director Todd Solondz to produce Solondz' debut feature WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE, which went on to win the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and become a cult classic. Next Partland collaborated with first time director Aiyana Elliott on, THE BALLAD OF RAMBLIN' JACK; an intimate and personal portrait of her legendary father and the experience of growing up a folk singer's daughter. BALLAD went on to win the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, and be recognized as a genre-defining film in the 1st Person Documentary space.In 2000 Partland joined forces with Academy Award nominated filmmaker RJ Cutler to create the ground-breaking, 13-part documentary series AMERICAN HIGH, for which Partland won the Emmy for Best Non-Fiction Series. In AMERICAN HIGH, Partland & Cutler used an authentic cinema verité process embedding with high school students in suburban Chicago for one year. Partland & his team taught their teen subjects to create their own intimate video diaries and to play a key role in documenting their own lives.We have an upcoming documentary about Christian Nationalism We're thrilled to announce an upcoming special audio narrative documentary of Faithful Politics that's been in the works for quite some time – titled "Heavenly Homeland." This groundbreaking project delves into the intricate world of Christian nationalism, exploring its historical roots, contemporary impact, and the nuanced intersection with American politics and faith communities. Support the showTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics

Memento #277. La vida aparentment harmoniosa dels barris suburbials dels Estats Units no ha trobat un cronista m

Memento #277. La vida aparentment harmoniosa dels barris suburbials dels Estats Units no ha trobat un cronista m

Your hosts of Lost in Criterion were juniors in high school on September 11, 2001, and that certainly colors our opinion of Todd Solondz's Life During Wartime (2010). And so do current events. Solondz is also 25 years older than us, and while I agree, as Solondz says in one of the bonus features on this release, that the suburbs of New Jersey (where he grew up) and the suburbs of Ohio (where we lived in 2001) are not so different, I think that difference in generations is perhaps insurmountable. The gulf may keep us from fulling "getting" Solondz. I guess my point is that we spend a lot of time this week talking about how we would approach the metaphorical use of child abuse differently in a post-9/11 story, as we were 16 year old children on 9/11. And as is often the case, getting bogged down in what we wanted to see may keep us from fully seeing what Solondz is up to.

Inspired by the new adaptation of Judy Blume's classic coming-of-age novel ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET, we're beginning this pairing by looking back at another rocky journey through adolescence in the New Jersey suburbs — though Dawn Wiener's journey in Tom Solondz's 1995 indie WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE is considerably rockier. Where MARGARET is gentle and warm, DOLLHOUSE is as prickly as its protagonist, and unsparing in the way it mines dark comedy by stacking the decks against her at every turn. Whether that comedy is worth the accompanying discomfort is a topic of discussion this week, along with the film's left-field ending move and Solondz's continuing adventures in the cinematic Wienerverse. Plus, a listener letter about BEFORE SUNRISE raises a question for discussion: Has any genre of movie benefitted from the addition of cell phones? Please share your comments, thoughts, and questions about WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE, ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET, or anything else in the world of film, by sending an email to comments@nextpictureshow.net, or leaving a short voicemail at (773) 234-9730. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined by hosts of 30 Years Later Podcast, Ricky Camilleri and Chris Chafin, to discuss Todd Solondz's grimly funny ensemble comedy 'Happiness'. We discuss the writer/director's singular talent for handling "sticky" subject matter and characters, the film's remarkably prescient and timely themes of emmiseration and depravity in modern American existence, and why current media discourse and trends are especially averse to embracing the brilliance of Solondz's deeply nuanced portrayals.  Follow Ricky Camilleri on Twitter. Follow Chris Chafin on Twitter.Listen & Subscribe to 30 Years Later. Get access to all of our premium episodes and bonus content by becoming a Hit Factory Patron for just $5/month.....Our theme song is "Mirror" by Chris Fish

With two days to go until opening day, Rays radio pre- and post-game host Neil Solondz joins Ian and Jay on Wednesday to look ahead to the 2022 season! In the wake of the Austin Meadows trade, Ian now admits that Kevin Kiermaier is gonna stay in Tampa, and he understands why. Neil then discusses all the intangibles KK brings to the team, not to mention his stellar defense. He wasn't shocked by the Meadows trade, knowing the organization is not afraid to trade vets for young players they trust. All that and MORE!

With two days to go until opening day, Rays radio pre- and post-game host Neil Solondz joins Ian and Jay on Wednesday to look ahead to the 2022 season! In the wake of the Austin Meadows trade, Ian now admits that Kevin Kiermaier is gonna stay in Tampa, and he understands why. Neil then discusses all the intangibles KK brings to the team, not to mention his stellar defense. He wasn't shocked by the Meadows trade, knowing the organization is not afraid to trade vets for young players they trust. All that and MORE!

Neil Solondz, the original 'Voice of the BlueClaws,' is our guest on Episode 26 of Hook Line & Splitter, a Jersey Shore BlueClaws podcast, presented by NJR Home Services. Solondz worked for the BlueClaws from 2001 to2003 and broadcast players like Carlos Ruiz, Ryan Howard, Gavin Floyd, and Cole Hamels. We also talk about opening the ballpark here in Lakewood, his time with the Rays, and much more.

Tampa Bay Rays radio network pre/post game host Neil Solondz joined Zac Blobner who was filling in for Ronnie & TKras on Thursday ahead of the MLB trade deadline coming up at the end of the month. While the Tampa Bay Rays could be looking to be buyers at the deadline as they are near the top of the AL East, Solondz believes that the league still has to set the pace yet as to how active it will be before the Rays consider any potential moves.

The Scarlet Spotlight is happy to be joined by Rutgers alumnus and Tampa Bay Rays pre and postgame host Neil Solondz for Episode 81 of the podcast. Solondz, who attended RU in the early 1990s, describes his time with WRSU and path in radio out of college. Solondz details a winding road through Minor League Baseball, time with the Durham Bulls and call up to the Tampa Bay Rays a decade ago. He covers the uniqueness of Triple-A baseball, his prep routine, kids content production, volunteer work and his continued connection to Rutgers Athletics. After the interview, Danny and Jon break down RU men's and women's lacrosse snapping 17 and 22-year NCAA Tournament droughts and more in the Scarlet Six. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

Ian and Jay chat with Rays Radio pre-and post-game host Neil Solondz about the state of the team after two big road wins in Anaheim! We open with the breaking news that Pete Fairbanks is off the IL and Diego Castillo is on with right-groin tightness. The guys also break down how a manager has to handle a pitching staff during a long season and note that it is affecting how they currently set up their rotation. Also Neil touches on Willy Adames' and Yoshi Tsutsugo's rough starts. All that and MORE!

Rays Radio pre- and post-game host Neil Solondz joins Beckles and Recher on Thursday with only a week to go until Opening Day! The guys talked a little about Neil's beloved Rutgers team falling heartbreakingly short of the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament, then onto baseball and the struggles of Nick Anderson this spring. Neil is also bullish on Yoshi Tsutsugo this season, now that he has a year in the U.S. under his belt. Neil also has a prediction for the 3-4-5 part of the starting rotation. All that and MORE!

Ian and Jay were happy to welcome Rays Radio pre- and post-game host Neil Solondz to Friday's show to discuss the Rays progress through the first week of Spring Training in Port Charlotte. Neil talks about the two storylines he's most intrigued with for the upcoming season. The guys joked about all the new faces on this season's team, as opposed to prior seasons, most of whom are old faces, figuratively speaking, of course! Of course, the interview could not go by without the guys asking Neil about Chris Archer. All that and MORE!

This week, the Crit Club revisits the late aughts, and all its existential malaise, with the help of Todd Solondz's 2009 film Life During Wartime. It zooms back into the lives of the Jordan sisters, who were introduced in Solondz's 1998 film Happiness, and catches them at another pivotal point in their lives as they reunited in sun-bleached Florida against a backdrop of a languishing Iraq war. We had plenty to discuss on the themes, the humor and the surreal aura of this film, so come hang out with us! Other things we discussed: - Happiness - She Dies Tomorrow - Valheim - Bridgerton - Gilmore Girls - The Wire - Star Wars: Fallen Order Join us next week, when we prolong our cabin fever with a trip to an isolated South Korean lodge with Kim Jee-woon's 1998 debut, The Quiet Family. And drop us a line! You can email us at critclubcast@gmail.com or find us on Twitter with the handle @critclubcast.

Episode 31 of the Fair Pole Podcast features a chat with Neil Solondz who hosts the pre and postgame shows for the Tampa Bay Rays Radio and TV broadcasts. Neil also handles some of the play-by-play during the course of the season. The conversation with Solondz features a wide array of topics including:- When he learned he wanted to be a baseball broadcaster- His career in minor league baseball working for Lakewood, Quad City and Durham- Getting the job with the Rays - and his memories of getting the call to say he had the job- Easier transition to the big leagues because he knew so many people in the Rays organization- What the 2020 season has been like for the broadcasters- Life inside the "Bubble" in Arlington, Texas for the World Series- What makes this group of Rays so special- The future of the Rays franchise on the field - Working with Kevin Cash... and more!As always find us on twitter: @FairPolePodcastSearch "Fair Pole Podcast" on FacebookEmail us: FairPolePodcast@gmail.comPlease don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast.  

No other film captures the truthful pain of adolescence as well as Todd Solondz’s WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE (1995). By showing us harsh realities through heartbreaking humor, writer/director Solondz gives us a darkly comedic, layered look into the provocative world of Dawn “Wienerdog.” The universal appeal of this film is undeniable and gives a voice to the kids who go unseen. ▶️Synopsis: Plagued by bullying at school and being the forgotten middle child at home, an awkward pre-teen, Dawn Wiener, falls for an unattainable hunk while also carrying on a secret relationship with her main tormentor at school. ⏩⏩Discussions include: Solondz’s inspirations for DOLLHOUSE, how it was made and where it fits in with his other films; recurring themes and the impact of jarring slurs; the complexity of the characters and gifted performances by a predominantly young cast; story layering and Solondz’s use of dark humor; critical reception, lasting effects on the film’s main star and Dawn becoming an icon for underdogs. **Starring Heather Matarazzo, Brendan Sexton III, Matthew Faber, Eric Mabius. Directed by Todd Solondz.** ▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK** —Lindsay’s Pick, HAPPINESS (1998): This extremely dark and bold, uncomfortable comedy intertwines three sisters’ lives, each diving into subplots involving unfulfillment, boredom and perversion. **Starring Jane Adams, Lara Flynn Boyle, Dylan Baker, Philip Seymour Hoffman. Directed by Todd Solondz.** —Justin’s Pick, STORYTELLING (2001): Split into disconnected stories, this dysfunctional dark comedy involves a female college student victimized by her professor and a high school boy being followed by a documentary filmmaker. **Starring Selma Blair, Mark Webber, Leo Fitzpatrick, Paul Giamatti. Directed by Todd Solondz.** ▶️MURRAYMOMENT: How Billy plays the Defender of the Bullied as Tripper in MEATBALLS (1979). ▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: How DOLLHOUSE helped Matarazzo realize her real-life gayness, the film being a perfect introduction to Solondz’s other films, some favorite scenes involving Dawn Wiener and the importance of music in the film. **Subscribe now to not miss an episode!**

Im Januar/Februar 2020 zeigten die Kolleginnen und Kollegen vom Cameo Winterthur vier Filme von Todd Solondz, «Enfant terrible des US-amerikanischen Kinos». Einer, der dabei fehlte, war Storytelling (2001), sein besonders beklemmendes Diptychon über Sex, Rassismus, Promi-Kult und Ausbeutung und die Geschichten, die wir (über) uns erzählen. Beim Gruppengespräch darüber in Cannes erwies sich Solondz als sehr witziger und selbstironischer Filmautor, dessen Vorstellungen von einer Komödie allerdings nicht unbedingt massentauglich sind. In January/February 2020, our colleagues at Cameo Winterthur screened four films by Todd Solondz, "the enfant terrible of US cinema". One title that was missing was Storytelling (2001), his particularly upsetting diptych about sex, racism, the cult of celebrity, exploitation and the stories we tell (about) ourselves. At the round table in Cannes, Solondz proved to be a very funny and self-ironic filmmaker, whose idea of what constitutes a comedy is not exactly mainstream.

Todd Solondz pronounces his name wrong. Joe's got a tooth ache. Rob might've porked a girl at his elementary school. Gus Van Sant is smart. If you're writing something that confuses Rob, who the heck are you even talking to? For once Bill Clinton did something decent, but only to distract us from the billionaires taking our souls. A saxophone gets dunked into a basketball hoop. We don't have a rehabilitation based criminal justice system because our culture is against the idea of healing. Oprah is awesome but also kind of the same as Joel Osteen. Every Philip Seymour Hoffman performance seems like it might be his best performance. He's in this Solondz movie about three sisters who probably aren't happy while a bunch of folks have sexual compulsions. That's what we're talking about. 

Neil Solondz of Rays Radio joined Pat Donovan and Aaron Jacobson on Tuesdday afternoon. He told the guys why it is hard to know what to expect from Blake Snell in his return to the mound. He also told us why he thinks the Rays playoff race will come down to the final weekend.

Neil Solondz of Rays Radio joined Pat Donovan and Aaron Jacobson on Monday afternoon. Neil told us why Charlie Morton is the MVP of the Rays so far. He also recapped his sitdown interview with Wander Franco from last week.

Neil Solondz of Rays Radio joined Pat Donovan and Aaron Jacobson on Thursday afternoon. He told the guys why Brendan McKay could be up with the big league club by the end of the year. He also told us why he thinks Jose Alvarado's recent struggles could just be a blip on the radar.

Neil Solondz from Rays Radio joined Pat Donovan and Aaron Jacobson on Monday afternoon. Neil discussed Nate Lowe getting called up to the big league club and if it is a permanent move. He also told us that Tyler Glasnow's ability to be consistently in the strike zone is one of the biggest reasons for his early season success.

Tampa Bay Rays Pre/Post Host Neil Solondz from Rays Radio joined Pat and Aaron LIVE from Tropicana Field as the Rays are set to begin their 2019 season today against the Houston Astros. One of the notes at the conclusion of spring training was the struggles of Tyler Glasnow, which Solondz believes will be no big deal and shouldn't trend into the regular season

Rays radio and television utility man, Neil Solondz joined Ron Diaz and Jay Recher on Wednesday afternoon. Neil told us how CJ Cron's defense has gotten better as the year has gone on. He also speculated on if Cron will be on the team next year and he also gave his take on the poll for the day.

Rays Radio pregame and postgame host, Neil Solondz joined Ron Diaz and Jay Recher on Wednesday afternoon. Neil told us why there is a reason that Jake Bauers and Willy Adames have won at every level, why Tyler Glasnow has already had so much success, and why Adames already knows what he needs to work on.

Rays Radio pre and postgame host, Neil Solondz joined Ron Diaz and Jay Recher on Friday. Neil talked to the guys about how injuries have just ravaged the Rays pitching staff. Neil also spoke to us about what we should expect from Chris Archer when he returns to the mound on Monday against the Tigers.

Rays pre and postgame host Neil Solondz joined Len Martez on Saturday morning. Neil talked to Len about the tweak Kyle Snyder made that has been a big part of Wilmer Font's success. He also discussed what is in the pipeline in the Rays minor league system.

Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network joined Ron Diaz and Jay Recher on Wednesday afternoon. Neil told us how this team has weathered the storm to get back over .500. Solondz also speculated on who could make the All Star team from the Rays and why the June schedule could make or break this team.

Rays pre and postgame host, Neil Solondz joined Ron Diaz and Jay Recher to talk about the recent struggles of Alex Colome.

Tampa Bay Rays radio pre and post game host Neil Solondz joined Ron and JP live from Rays Fan Fest at Tropicana Field. Solondz shared his thoughts on the upcoming season plus how he believes the Rays can compete long term with the likes of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox without spending money like those two franchises.

Neil Solondz from Rays Radio joins us to talk Christian Arroyo, how the roster will take shape, the rotation & MORE!!

This is the second part of our discussion on Todd Solondz' career. Last time we started things off with Wiener-Dog (2016) and the various connections of themes and characters it opened to Solondz's previous films like the cult film Welcome to the Doll House (1995) and Palindromes (2004). Now we concentrate on his arguably most famous movie, Happiness (1998), and the various crossroads it takes us within Solondz's oeuvre. Not to forget the uncomfortable rooms it opens when exploring the human condition.

Rays Insider Neil Solondz joins us from the Winter Meeting in Orlando; the Rays stay quiet while Miami trades everyone!

Rays Analyst Neil Solondz breaks down Day-3 of Winter Meetings, Colome's clues on Instagram, & TB loading up on INF's!

Rays Broadcaster Neil Solondz talks about Kevin Cash at yesterday's Winter Meeting, the new TB infielder, & Colome Value

Neil Solondz hops on with JP to give his thoughts on Buster's comments, Longo's future who else could move and MORE!!

Rays Broadcaster Neil Solondz talks trading Longo, Winter Meeting expectations, and the Yanks snagging Stanton!

We have been wanting to talk about Todd Solondz for a long time. For us, and arguably for most people, his twisted cinematic universe was introduced with Welcome to the Doll House (1995) and Happiness (1998). Understandably after watching them the audience might not want to see another film by him, or be left intrigued for more. Me and my mother fell in with the latter and gracefully watched whatever he was able to produce. This is the first part of our in depth discussion and analysis of Solondz career and themes in his movies. We start with his latest movie Wiener-Dog (2016) which seems as good place as any to crack open his challenging mirror of our world. Spoilers: We don't spoil major plot points in any of the movies we discuss.

In this edition of the Curzon Film Podcast we discuss Todd Solondz latest black comedy 'Weiner-Dog', an anthology of dark and devious shorts, all linked by the eponymous canine. Starring Greta Gerwig, Danny Devito, Ellen Burstyn and Keiran Culkin, the film finds Solondz treading on familiar territory, but at times there is a light in the darkness. On the podcast this week is Sam Howlett, Helen Seymour and Jake Cunningham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WIENER-DOG is a dark, starkly funny story of a single dog and the many different people she touches over her short lifetime. Man’s best friend starts out teaching a young boy some contorted life lessons before being taken in by a compassionate vet tech named Dawn Wiener. Dawn reunites with someone from her past and sets off on a road trip. After leaving Dawn, Wiener-Dog encounters a floundering film professor, as well as an embittered elderly woman and her needy granddaughter—all longing for something more. Solondz’s perversely dark comedy offers an appallingly honest look at the American experience, brought to life by its all-star cast. As to be expected, WIENER-DOG has all the characteristics of the Solondz oeuvre — quick wit, dark tragedy, familiar characters, and an incredible ensemble cast—but the film’s brainchild also found inspiration in classic films. As Solandz says, “The touchstones were movies like AU HASARD BALTHAZAR and BENJI. In between those two is where I think this film lies.” Solandz joins us to talk about the making of Wiener Dog and the state of independent filmmaking in 2016. For news and updates go to: ifcfilms.com/films/wiener-dog

Listen in as Rays Radio Network broadcaster Neil Solondz discusses the Rays Spring Training, Prospects and His favorite Rays memories! All this week on THE HIT SHOW!

For our one year anniversary episode, we tackle four movies from different eras with more similarities than we initially thought.  Our "Old" movie is the Italian film from 1948, The Bicycle Thief.  Our "New" movie is the blockbuster Jurassic World.  Our "Boring" movie is the Todd Solondz film Happiness and our "Blue" movie is the documentary Dear Zachary.  This is definitely a challenging slate of films buoyed only by Chris Pratt's quippy one-liners.  Subscribe on iTunes:  https://itun.es/i6gB67Y  Check out our Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/actorandengineer and follow us on twitter @actorengineer.

We enter strange new territory in the world of S&M as depicted in Peter Strickland's new film "The Duke of Burgundy" now available in limited release in the US and on VOD. We close the episode with a look at the dark, often misunderstood, films of Todd Solondz and his masterpiece "Happiness".

If you're looking for an uplifting film about the inner goodness of mankind, you've come to the wrong place.  "Happiness" takes the term 'black comedy' to even darker hues.  Writer-director Todd Solondz' tour-de-force centers around a family in New Jersey that has three adult daughters.  We follow their lives and the lives of their neighbors, in-laws and lovers.  Everyone is looking for their own version of happiness and most of them are deeply perverted or victim to perverts.  You've got Alan (Philip Seymour Hoffman) whose hobbies include prank calling random women in the phone book and ejaculating onto the wall (hmm, a pretty postcard would look nice here) Joy (Jane Adams) whose name belies the fact that she is completely miserable and Bill (Dylan Baker) a devoted husband and father who happens to be a malicious pedophile.  Yaaaay.  The film is a recommendation from long-time listener Aaron, clearly a sick fuck who joins the discussion with Andrew and Phil.  Our hosts discuss the performances in "Happiness", other films in the Solondz canon and other ways in which we're all just a little bit perverted. You can download the podcast here by right-clicking on the hypertext link and choosing "save as", or you can use the convenient player located below:If you cannot see the audio controls, listen/download the audio file here

John Black sits down with Todd Solondz, director of Life During Wartime and discusses the nature of storytelling in his films (Happiness, Welcome to the Dollhouse) and how he uses music to create multiple layers to each story.