The Next Reel Film Podcast

“There is an idea of a Patrick Bateman. Some kind of abstraction. But there is no real me. Only an entity, something illusory. And though I can hide my cold gaze and you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours, and maybe you can even sense our lifestyles are probably comparable, I simply am not there.”Bret Easton Ellis’ book “American Psycho” was published in 1991 under much controversy. The initial publisher cancelled the contract because of “aesthetic differences” with the content. The new publisher wouldn’t release it in hardback until 2012. Several countries refused to release it and many only released it shrink-wrapped, only available to those over 18. Such controversy often spurs more in Hollywood to nab the property for cinematic adaptation, and even though Edward R. Pressman secured the rights right away, it still took nearly a decade to get the film made. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Mary Harron series with her 2000 film American Psycho.We talk about the dark satire of the book and how it is easy to misread satire in such a bloody violent film, but how the film’s humor really helped it come through more. We look at the way Christian Bale takes on the role of Patrick Bateman and some of his influences in the role. We talk more about getting the book to the screen and the various hands attached at points in time. We debate the unreliable narrator throughout the movie and our interpretations on what’s real vs. what’s not. We discuss the use of pop culture and how that ties to Bateman’s personality. We compare the film to Wall Street which is an interesting one especially as Oliver Stone had been on board as director at one point. And we ponder the existence of the mysterious Davis...It’s a strong film and certainly a favorite of ours, albeit a difficult one to watch. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkOriginal MaterialFlickchartLetterboxdFunny or Die: Huey Lewis & “Weird” Al YankovicSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"That’s that man hater. I don’t know what Andy sees in her.”Mary Harron started as a music journalist before moving into PBS documentaries. When she first learned about Valerie Solanas, the woman who shot Andy Warhol, she thought the subject would make an interesting documentary. Unfortunately, the lack of footage and disinterest in being interviewed from people who knew her led Mary and her producing team to realize a feature film may make more sense. Even Warhol himself apparently pushed for the feature focusing on Solanas. Harron co-wrote the script and made it as her debut feature. It’s a tough film to watch about a tough character, but may have been the right sort of project to get her filmmaking career started. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Mary Harron series with her debut 1996 feature I Shot Andy Warhol.We talk about our backgrounds with Andy Warhol and Solanas and how this story was largely not something we grew up knowing anything about, and how that possibly influenced how we saw the film. We look at Solanas and Lili Taylor’s remarkable portrayal of her, and how challenging it can be to make a film with an unlikeable protagonist. We chat about Jared Harris as Warhol and why he works in this film. We reveal our surprise that Warhol was wearing a wig all this time. We look at Martha Plimpton, Stephen Dorff, and others in the film and how they work. We discuss Solanas’ writing, notably “The SCUM Manifesto” and her play “Up Your Ass,” and how we feel her writing is used in the film to convey her mental state and in general what it says about Solanas and how people saw her. And we chat about the nature of unchecked mental illness and how that darkness can push someone to places like this where murder seems the only way out.It’s a difficult film with strong performances, but not an easy one to return to. We have a great time talking about it though so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.The SCUM Manifesto by Valerie Solanas”I Believe” by Lou Reed & John CaleWatch this film: JustWatchOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkMy Face for the World to See: The Diaries, Letters, and Drawings of Candy Darling, Andy Warhol SuperstarFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“Thou shalt not kill, Mom. Thou shalt not kill women and children!”It was originally Al Pacino and his producing partner Martin Bregman who optioned Ron Kovic’s autobiographical book “Born on the Fourth of July” in 1977 so Pacino could play the role. They hired a young Oliver Stone to adapt it but after a few years of not getting anywhere, they dropped it. Stone told Kovic that if he made it, he’d circle back to get it made. True to his word, after the success of Platoon, Stone reached back out and they began the process again, this time with Stone directing. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we close out our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with Stone’s 1989 film Born on the Fourth of July.We talk about the small amount of Vietnam in this second film of Stone’s Vietnam trilogy and how it’s interesting in how much that element shapes the overall story. We discuss Tom Cruise in the lead role and how this is a perfect example of Cruise always pushing to be the best and why we love him so much here. We argue over whether the facial hair and wig work is good or not. We run through the list of all the other fantastic performers seen over the course of this epic life story. We debate the nature of biopics and if there’s another word to describe this type or not. We chat about Robert Richardson and all the amazing cinematographical choices made throughout this film. And we marvel at the incredible John Williams score which works so well. We have a great time talking about this film so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript Part 1 & Part 2Original theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkOriginal MaterialFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Oliver Stone had been planning on starting Born on the Fourth of July after finishing Wall Street but had to wait for Tom Cruise to finish making Rain Man. While doing so, his producer Ed Pressman introduced him to a new play he’d optioned called “Talk Radio.” Stone agreed to help adapt the script with Eric Bogosian, one of the original writers and performer, and in the process took to the project. He ended up signing on to direct it and in the process, turned out one of his most interesting films that sadly doesn’t get talked about. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with his 1988 film Talk Radio.We talk about the nature of this film and our perhaps more personal connection to it, being in the world of podcasting, and the nature of talking in people’s ears. We share our thoughts on the translation from stage to screen and why opening up the story to pull in elements of the real life gunning down of shock jock Alan Berg in 1984 allowed Stone to include more of his ideologies but also allowed Bogosian to create more inner turmoil in the character. We discuss the cinematography at length, from the split diopters to the dollies with rotating sets to the theatrical lighting shifts to the detailed closeups and more. We also revel in the incredible sound design and why it works so brilliantly in creating this world. And we touch on the days of Cineplex Odeon films and the fact that this theatre chain was also distributing movies.It’s a powerful film that worked really well for us but never seemed to find a connection to its audience. Still, we have a fantastic time talking about it and certainly think more people need to check it out. So do so, then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artwork‘Talk Radio’ Stage Play by Eric BogosianTalked to Death: The Life and Murder of Alan Berg by Stephen SingularFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Platoon was Oliver Stone’s autobiographical movie, but Wall Street was a bit of a biographical story as well as his father had been a stock broker and Stone grew up a bit in that world. That being said, the movie doesn’t really reflect Stone’s father (unless you look at Hal Holbrook’s character). What Stone and co-writer Stanley Weiser did is attack the Reagan era growth of greed and used the insider trader scandals of the era to paint a portrait of this high stakes world. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with his 1987 film Wall Street.We talk about the tone of the film and why elements of it work and why some don’t. We look at the nature of the film’s portrait of the city of New York and why Stone might have deliberately painted the film as an intrinsic part of the city. We chat about Charlie Sheen and why he doesn’t work as well as he did in Platoon and about Michael Douglas any why he largely steals the show in every scene he’s in. We touch on Martin Sheen working in this film with his son playing his son, as well as many of the other cast members. We look at Robert Richardson’s beautiful look he’s created for this world. And we touch on Stewart Copeland’s music and why we can’t really remember it (and wonder if Jerry Goldsmith’s lost score might’ve been better).It’s an interesting film about an interesting world we know nothing of but one which is endlessly fascinating, with a powerful performance by Douglas at its core. We have a great time chatting about it so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"There’s the way it ought to be and there’s the way it is.”Oliver Stone had written his experiences as a soldier in Vietnam shortly after his return to the US but he wouldn’t get a chance to direct it for nearly 20 years. In that time, he wrote other scripts and started his directing career. When Platoon was finally made and released in 1986, it became the first film about the Vietnam War made by an actual veteran of it. The film was received well and set Stone on his career path as a director with a specific vision... and with specific messages. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with the 1986 film Platoon. We talk about how the film holds up today and why it works well, even if there are elements in some character depictions that feel very much like tropes now. We chat about Charlie Sheen as the young protagonist and how he balances with Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger as two of his sergeants with very different senses of morality. We look at the rest of the incredible cast and how well everyone did. We discuss Dale Dye and his role in this film and war films afterward. We touch on the cinematography and music and how well it all works in context of the film. And we debate some of the uses of narration and if it is too much or too on the nose.It’s a strong film that’s worth revisiting and talking about. We have a great conversation about it on this week’s show so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Letterboxd Lists Charlie Sheen Acting On Drugs • Every Vietnam War MovieWatch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Hal Ashby was behind several seminal films from the 60s and 70s, but by the time the 80s rolled around, his addictions made him unreliable. For his last feature film, he tackled novelist Lawrence Block’s famous character Matthew Scudder, and initially it sounded like it could be promising. Oliver Stone adapted the novel, and he’d proven he had a gritty edge to his work as a writer through the first half of the decade. Unfortunately the producers and Ashby wanted to move the story from New York to LA. While not an obvious problem, this decision seemed to set in motion a series of creative changes that led to several writers – including Ashby – tackling the script and eventually the film getting taken away from Ashby before going into post-production. The issues show through, but that doesn’t mean the film doesn’t have its merits. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with Ashby’s 1986 film 8 Million Ways to Die.We talk about the problems we have with the script and direction, but find ourselves on two sides of liking this film – Pete didn’t like it at all and Andy really enjoyed it. We chat about Ashby’s moments of character and humanity that come through several key scenes, notably when Bridges’ character of Scudder is speaking at AA dealing with his alcoholism. We look at Rosanna Arquette and Alexandra Paul as two high-class hookers and how well they do, as well as Randy Brooks and Andy Garcia as the men Scudder comes up against. We look at the cinematography and the score. And we fawn over several of the key locations in the film, notably the one with the funicular.It’s a film that fails on many counts but also one with some compelling things going for it. We’re split on it here but still think it’s worth a watch so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"Nobody just disappears in El Salvador.”News of the civil war in El Salvador certainly was prevalent in the early 80s when Oliver Stone returned to the director’s chair. For his return, he joined forces with photojournalist Richard Boyle to tell Boyle’s own stories of his time in El Salvador during the US’s transition from Carter to Reagan and how US aid to the military junta running the country was fueling the death squads and atrocities. The political angle seemed ripe for Stone and the types of stories he wanted to tell, but it also seemed to be an early example of his stories focusing more on the policies than the people. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with Stone’s 1986 film Salvador.We talk about the politics of El Salvador to get a sense of the dictatorship at the time and why the US was providing ‘aid,’ and how that gave Stone the angle he wanted for his film. We debate the idea of having Boyle as our protagonist, as portrayed by James Woods, because he’s such a despicable character from start to finish. We talk about the idea of photojournalists and the angle they take when looking for the perfect photo and why that idea seems to get lost for such a time in the film. We look at the other actors and talk about what they’re bringing to the table. And we discuss the technical angles and why those elements work. It’s a frustrating film that doesn’t give us what we want in a film about a Central American dictatorship and the atrocities committed, but does at least provide a window for curious Americans to start their own explorations. We have a great time talking about it on the show this week so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

As a writer-director, Oliver Stone can maintain a clear vision and deliver the story he wants. When he’s working as a writer for hire, it’s often difficult to clearly get his story across. This certainly was the case when he worked on Year of the Dragon with director Michael Cimino, who wanted to add a Vietnam vet element to the story that wasn’t in the original source material. Stone did that and wrote an effective script, but between the two of them (both credited writers), they seemed to lose any sense as to how to write a fully fleshed out story. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with Cimino’s 1985 film Year of the Dragon. We talk about the problems we find in this story as they relate to the characters and their relationships but find we disagree on our overall reactions to the film. Pete found the problems weighed the entire thing down and didn’t like any of it but Andy found the crime story incredibly compelling and made the film enjoyable, despite its character issues. We discuss the actors and why some of them work better than others. We look at the cinematography and why so much looks great though conversations can often be bland. And we go on about the crime story and how the research they did in this area pays off to make it feel authentic.It’s a film full of issues but it’s going to be the individual viewer’s ability to look past them or not that will determine if they enjoy it or not. We had a great time talking about it regardless, so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

When Oliver Stone was hired to write the adaptation of Howard Hawks’ 1932 film Scarface, Sidney Lumet was on board to direct the film. Lumet wanted to update the story with a modern angle using colorful Miami in the early 80s as its backdrop focusing on the Cuban refugees coming in on the Mariel boatlift, specifically the criminal element. Stone loved the idea and took the job for that reason alone. Dealing with his own cocaine issue, Stone researched heavily for the film and wrote a gritty story that Lumet didn’t like but producer Marty Bregman did. Lumet left and Brian De Palma came on board instead. And thus, the film was born. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with Brian De Palma’s 1983 film Scarface.We talk about the over-the-top nature of the film, from the performances to the violence to the swearing, and how it works for us. We look at Pacino’s excitement about the project and how his initial viewing of the original film actually spurred this film on to begin with. We chat about Stone and his development of the script including some scary trips to South America to meet with people involved in the drug trade. We discuss what De Palma is doing here and why his creative filmmaking style works well for the story. We look at the nature of the stereotypes depicted in the film and why it affected people so much. And we touch on the original X-rating and the lengths De Palma went through to get his original version in theatres.We have a great time talking about this movie, even if it’s a difficult one to watch. Check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkOriginal MaterialFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible