The Next Reel Film Podcast

"I can’t live like this in this filth!" When Ingrid Bergman wrote a letter to director Roberto Rossellini about her interest in being in a film of his, little did she realize how much that would change both of their lives. That letter led her to be the star of Rossellini’s Italian neo-realist film Stromboli, and led the two of them to their affair that killed her Hollywood career for a decade. At least the two of them were able to make five films together and have three children before another affair of his led them to separate. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Ingrid Bergman series with Rossellini’s 1950 film Stromboli. We talk about what works in this film for us and what doesn’t. We look at the ending and debate about whether it’s working or not. We look at the core relationship of Bergman and Mario Vitale and discuss if it’s working for us and why. We talk about neorealism and what the movement was made up of. We look at the actual island of Stromboli and the complexities of filming there. And we look at how the movie got made and try to figure out if it made any money back or not. It’s an interesting film that works a lot better for Andy than it does for Pete. That certainly gives us a lot to discuss, so check it out then tune in to this week’s show. 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes (Italy) • AmazonOriginal 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

"I am married to an American agent." Hitchcock loved working with Ingrid Bergman. He was a notorious director for wanting everything his own way, but when it came to Bergman, he ended up being much more collaborative. That collaboration peaked in the production of Notorious, which also had the benefit of no longer being a David O. Selznick project. The film marked a turn for Hitchcock where he got to produce his own project and really set the foundation for what would become the classic Hitchcock mold. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Ingrid Bergman series with Hitchcock’s 1946 film Notorious. We talk about why this film works so much better for us than Spellbound did. We look at the strength in the story paired with the performances by Bergman, Cary Grant, and Claude Rains as our leads and how they elevate the story to incredible heights. We look at the subjective camera work as well as brilliant moments of camera movement that signify big steps for Hitch and the industry. And we talk about the music and why Roy Webb’s score works so well. It’s a glorious film full of psychological complexities that works really well, especially for a film at the time dealing with war criminals fresh on the heels of WWII. We love it and have a great conversation about it. Check it out! 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: Amazon • YouTubeScript 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

"It’s like looking into a mirror and seeing nothing but the mirror." Alfred Hitchcock had been working in Hollywood for a while by the time he made Spellbound, but it was only the second project he made with David O. Selznick under his three-picture contract. Unfortunately, it was a bit of a struggle for the two men as they both tend to be a bit stubborn in wanting things their way. In the case of this film, it was Selznick’s own interest in psychoanalysis that led him to wanting to make it, but even that became a sticking point with Hitch. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our own analysis of Ingrid Bergman’s films with a conversation about Hitchcock’s 1945 film Spellbound. We talk about the nature of psychotherapy then and why this film is hard to take too seriously because of its depictions. We look at what Bergman and Gregory Peck as our two leads bring to the table. We chat about the dream sequence designed by Salvador Dalí and why it’s only two minutes instead of twenty. And we discuss the nature of the love story and why it makes this film a bit more difficult to buy into. It’s an interesting film but one that we struggle with. We still enjoy it enough, though, and it allows for a great conversation. 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: Amazon • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkThe House of Dr. Edwardes by Francis BeedingFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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

"Are you suggesting this is a knife I hold in my hand?" Ingrid Bergman took home her first Oscar for her portrayal of a woman who is psychologically broken down by her husband in Gaslight, but it was a film she was hesitant to star in. She was nervous about playing such a weak-willed woman. In the end, she delivered a stellar performance and was very proud of the film and her role in it. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Ingrid Bergman series with George Cukor’s 1944 film Gaslight. We talk about this film and the 1940 version directed by Thorold Dickinson and how MGM almost gaslit that film out of existence. We discuss the idea of gaslighting and why it makes for such a successful story here. We look at Bergman paired with Charles Boyer and Joseph Cotten – not to mention Angela Lansbury in her screen debut – and what they bring to the table. We chat about Cukor and his working relationship with the women in his films. And we look at the gorgeous and noirish cinematography here and talk about how it lends to the overall tone of the film. It’s an incredible film that people need to see (really, the 1940 version needs to be seen as well). We love it and are thrilled to talk about it on the show this week. 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkGaslight 1938 play by Patrick HamiltonFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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

"A man fights for what he believes in." Ernest Hemingway was very involved in getting the adaptation of his 1940 novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls” off the ground. It was Gary Cooper who initially brought it to Cecil B. DeMille’s attention, and DeMille who bought the rights then introduced Cooper to Hemingway. After that fateful meeting, Hemingway saw no one except Cooper as his choice to play the lead. And opposite him, he wanted Ingrid Bergman. It took some time to get her – including two weeks of production with a different actress – but get her they did, and the rest is history. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Ingrid Bergman series with Sam Wood’s 1943 film For Whom the Bell Tolls. We talk about how we came to this film and why there are elements that work, but how it largely feels dated. We look at elements that do work, however, and how the film still gets some of Hemingway’s themes across. We look at Cooper and Bergman and why their relationship feels not quite right. We discuss Katina Paxinou and Akim Tamiroff as the two actors who deliver our favorite performances of the film. We look at the nature of the three-strip technicolor process and struggle with the way this film looks sadly. And we talk about the journey this film went on as far as its length is concerned, from Roadshow to theatrical cut to restored cut – yet how sad it is that it’s never received the royal treatment it deserves. We aren’t in love with this adaptation of Hemingway’s book, but we did still find some interesting things in the film. And now, we’re both more interested in reading the book, so that’s saying something, right? So check out the movie and 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFor Whom The Bell Tolls by Ernest HemingwayFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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

"Play it once, Sam. For old time’s sake. Play it, Sam." Michael Curtiz’s 1942 film Casablanca never seemed to be on track to become a classic. It only fell into that mold after the fact, and maybe that’s why it seems to work so well – it doesn’t feel like it’s carrying any of that ‘award film’ baggage. It’s just a smartly written script with great characters performed by brilliant actors. Everything seemed to have worked. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Ingrid Bergman series with Curtiz’s Casablanca. We look at why we love this film so much and why it still works so well. We talk about the central performances – Humphrey Bogart, Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains – not to mention the rest of the cast, and why they feel so perfect for this film. We chat about Curtiz and his directing. And we look at the music, notably the song “As Time Goes By.” It’s a beautiful film that still works on every level. We love it and 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix • YouTubeScript 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

Cédric Klapisch returned to the world of Xavier, Wendy, Isabelle and Martine with his 2013 film Chinese Puzzle in a story that takes place 10 years after the previous film. Is it a return worth taking? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Spanish Apartment trilogy with Klapisch’s 2013 film. We talk about what works and what doesn’t this go-around. We look at the nature of infidelity and ponder about why it’s so consistent in Klapisch’s films. We chat about the male gaze (again) and why some of the lesbian material in here is bothersome. We discuss the Chinatown elements of the film and why they work so nicely, even if we don’t get the relationship resolution from it that we wanted. And we look at the nature of storytelling with unlikeable characters and why that’s okay … if there are consequences for their actions. It’s a frustrating end to the trilogy for us, but a film still enjoyable and one that makes for great conversation. So check it out then tune in to this week’s show! 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes • AmazonOriginal 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

"How can I write a love story? I know nothing about love. I’m a self-centered egotist." Cédric Klapisch got a chance to return to the life of Xavier from his successful 2002 film L’Auberge Espagnole just a few years later, but how well does it work out? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our series on Klapisch’s Spanish Apartment trilogy with his 2005 film Russian Dolls. We look at why this film is vastly more frustrating that its predecessor and that all of our difficulties stem from an unlikeable protagonist. We discuss why the focus on love is a real challenge in a world sullied by Klapisch’s and Xavier’s ‘male gaze’. We look at the creativity in the filmmaking style, why it works in some places, and why it fails in others. And we look at the rest of the wonderful cast and discuss their interesting roles. It’s a frustrating follow-up to a film that we liked a lot, largely because it feels like Klapisch didn’t have as strong a direction with it. Regardless, 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 SundriesWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonOriginal 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

"Life seems simpler for everyone else." Cédric Klapisch had been making films in France for ten years before he made his little film about a group of study abroad students from all over Europe working to understand each other, discover a new culture, and find themselves along the way. This little film, L’Auberge Espagnole, aka The Spanish Apartment or Potluck depending on where you find it, connected with people and became his biggest success. And rightly so – it’s a charming film about figuring out what to do with your life and is made by a filmmaker who clearly is having fun while making it. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off a series about Klapisch’s ‘Spanish Apartment’ trilogy with his 2002 film L’Auberge Espagnole. We talk about the charm of this film and why it works so well with us. We look at some of the cast – notably Romain Duris, Judith Godrèche, Audrey Tautou, Cécile de France, Kevin Bishop, and Kelly Reilly – and why they all manage to work so well in their roles. We look at the nature of infidelity and how it fits into a story like this. And we talk about some of the clever filmmaking to sell the insanity of the ‘structured’ world and why it makes for such a visually fun film. It’s a joyful film to watch and one that works really well for us. 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes • AmazonScript 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

"All you gotta do is trust me." It took a number of years for this latest remake of A Star Is Born to come to fruition, but it seems like everything worked out the way it was supposed to. Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga really connected with people and the film was incredibly well received, both critically and by audiences. Will there be other iterations of this story down the road? If we’ve learned anything from doing this series, Warner Bros. loves this story – and loves that each version makes them more money – so give it a couple of decades and we’ll likely see it come around again. But for now, join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our “A Star Is Born” series with Cooper’s 2018 version of A Star Is Born. We talk about the elements that have been consistent through these films that really work well here – the meet cute, Jackson’s success and fall, Ally’s place before her discovery, the rise, the award ceremony, the people in their lives, etc. We look at what Cooper and Gaga are doing throughout the film and why it works so well. We chat about Sam Elliott and why he was such inspiration for Cooper with his character. We talk about the process of performing the music live and why that was important. And we look at the connection Jon Peters has to it and why he gets a credit. It’s a great conversation about a great film that wraps up a very interesting series, 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix • YouTubeOriginal 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