The Next Reel Film Podcast

"Prepare to feel the wrath of the League of Evil Exes!" After making Shaun of the Dead, Edgar Wright signed on to direct the adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel “Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life” but due to project delays, it would be another six years before his film would hit the screen. In the interim, Wright would continue his Cornetto trilogy with Hot Fuzz and O’Malley would nearly finish writing the other five volumes of his “Scott Pilgrim” series. That time also allowed Wright, O’Malley and screenwriter Michael Bacall to get the screenplay just right. Unfortunately, when the film was released in theaters, it never found its audience. But like any good cult film does, it has since found its legions of fans and supporters, proving that Wright and co. know how to put together a top-notch film even if it loses money at the box office. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we do our second Listener’s Choice episode of the year with listener Nick Langdon’s pick, Wright’s 2010 film Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. We talk about Wright’s style and all the visual, aural, animated and graphic tricks all through the film that work incredibly well for us, and marvel at how well Wright really taps into the world of these characters. We discuss the actors – from Michael Cera and Mary Elizabeth Winstead to Brandon Routh, Chris Evans and Jason Schwartzman – and look at what they bring to the table. We touch on the production and how all the different departments really came together to deliver something wholly unique. And we chat with Langdon about why he picked this movie and why it’s something special to him. We have a great time discussing this film and everything Wright and team create for us. It’s a marvelous film and one well worth discussing. So check it out then tune in! Film Sundries Hey! If you're reading this, you're a connoisseur of fine film just like we are. Let's take the next step in our relationship! Support us on Patreon for warm feelings, perks, and our great thanks! — http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkArt of the TitleScott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Box Set — Bryan Lee O’MalleyScott Pilgrim on ComixologyFlickchartLetterboxdScott Pilgrim Alternate Ending Trailers of the WeekAndy's Trailer: Woodshock — "Having taken classes in college with the great avant garde filmmaker Stan Brakhage, I have to say I’ve grown a real appreciation for artful films like this one looks like. The story sounds quite depressing but the artfulness of it looks gorgeous. I’m incredibly curious to see this one."Pete's Trailer: To the Bone — "Marti Noxon is behind some of my very favorite episodes of Buffy, Angel, Glee, Private Practice… she’s been all over TV for 25 years. To the Bone is her first feature, written and directed, and based on her history on the small screen that’s all I need to get into this movie. Tough subject, but Keanu’s playing it straight, and Lily Collins looks absolutely terrific."Support 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

"He dared to be born right on the border with China." Regardless of whether you are a Buddhist or not, the story of Tenzin Gyatso is an interesting one that certainly provides drama that can draw you in. Born as the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, Gyatso grew up as the leader of Tibet. China, however, had other plans and eventually took Tibet, leaving the Dalai Lama no choice but to flee China in 1959. Still hoping to return one day, the Dalai Lama’s life story was one of interest to screenwriter Melissa Mathison who asked him if she could write about him. This eventually led to the biopic Kundun. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Melissa Mathison series with Martin Scorsese’s 1997 film Kundun. We talk about why it works for Andy but why it doesn’t work for Pete, and what could perhaps lead to that discrepancy. We chat about Mathison and how this fits in the films she wrote and what we’ve discussed in this series thus far, and how well it works in telling the story of a child in large, otherworldly situations. We talk about Scorsese and all the brilliant cinematic techniques he brings to the film, paired with his cinematographer Roger Deakins, production & costume designer Dante Ferretti, editor Thelma Schoonmaker and composer Philip Glass. We discuss the quality of performances from the Tibetan non-actors Scorsese cast in the film, yet how the story balancing across four youthful performances as the Dalai Lama hampers the film from becoming connectible for Pete. And we look at the incredibly difficult time this film has had with its release, primarily because China banned people involved from entering the country and nearly cut off all ties with Disney for distribution within its borders. It’s a fascinating film that left us divided but which still is well worth watching and discussing, whether you’re a Buddhist, a Scorsese fan, a Mathison fan, a fan of biopics or a fan of interesting films in general. It’s tricky to find because of the issues Disney had with China, but it’s worth seeking out (likely at your local public library). So check it out then tune in! The Next Reel: when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Watch this film: Check your local libraryScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Trailers of the WeekPete's Trailer: Goodbye Christopher Robin — "Can you believe I almost picked Flatliners over this? What am I, nutz? Huge fan of the Pooh and a proper biopic is well deserved. Love that this comes from Simon Curtis and writer Frank Cottrell Boyce (Code 46, yes?) and should make a spot-on double with Saving Mr. Banks."Andy's Trailer: Happy Death Day — "Pete takes the high road while I take the low. Instead of Brigsby Bear, I’m going with Happy Death Day. That’s right, a funny, twisted and hopefully scary blend of Groundhog Day and Edge of Tomorrow”. As much as it looks like so many horror movies I’ve seen before, I couldn’t help but smile as I watched this trailer. Dumb? Probably. Will I see it? Definitely.Support 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’m keeping him." Steven Spielberg didn’t have a sense that his little, personal alien film was going to blow up like it did when he was making it. Universal Studios saw it as another kids film that likely would only be seen by moms taking their kids to the theatre. But E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial managed to touch pretty much the hearts of everyone who saw it, turning it into the #1 film in the world in short order. So how does this film hold up? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – to find out as we continue our screenwriter Melissa Mathison series with Spielberg’s 1982 film E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. We talk about emotional films versus intellectual films, if there really is a delineation, and how well Spielberg manages both spectrums but how brilliantly this film is able to connect with the world’s emotions. We chat about how Mathison’s first draft was near perfect when she delivered it to Spielberg, and perhaps why it worked out that way. We look at Spielberg and what he brings to the table as the director who seems to consistently bring brilliant films to the world, as is evidenced by the incredible number of them on the list of top-grossing films of all time. We discuss the actors – Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote and more – and look at the honesty they’re all presenting on screen for us. We touch on the special effects and why perhaps it’s easy to grow attached to Carlo Rimbaldi’s ugly little alien. We debate whether John Williams’ score sounds a bit too much like his work in Raiders of the Lost Ark or if it’s wholly unique for this film. And we look at how well this movie did and marvel at how long it played in theaters. It’s a beautiful film that still works incredibly well for us. We have a great time discussing it so check it out again and let us know what you think, then tune in to this week’s show! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • NetflixScriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkNight Skies — WikipediaFlickchartLetterboxd Trailers of the WeekAndy's Trailer: Patti Cake$ — "I hadn’t heard much about this except that it got great buzz at Sundance. Watching the trailer, I could see why. The lead character’s sense of struggle and place in the world comes through brilliantly and I couldn’t help but smile. It could be that I really enjoy rap battle redemption stories – I loved 8 Mile too – but from the trailer I get a sense that it’s just because this is a strong film."Pete's Trailer: Landline — "As much a story of sisters awkwardly navigating their relationship as it appears to be a detective story, set in 1995 and clearly having an amazing time with the period. The trailer is heartwarming, intriguing, well-timed… a pleasant surprise among a spate of shooters on deck."Support 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

"We’re gonna show everybody that he’s the fastest horse in the world." Francis Ford Coppola’s successes in the 70s put him in a place where he was able to help a good number of people get projects off the ground. One of those people was his friend from college, Carroll Ballard. Nearly broke, Coppola’s call came just in time and Ballard found himself on board to direct The Black Stallion. Another person was Melissa Mathison, a friend who started working as an assistant on The Godfather, Part II. Coppola suggested to her that she start writing and asked her to help with the script for The Black Stallion. Next thing you know, she and Ballard are working on it together. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Melissa Mathison series with 1979’s The Black Stallion. We talk about why this film is called an art film for kids and why all of these elements work so well for us. We chat about Mathison, how she got her start here and how she really became a go-to writer for stories with child protagonists who connected to something unique or magical in the world. We discuss the cast, headlined by Kelly Reno as Alec the boy, and Cass-Olé the beautiful Arabian horse. We touch on the cinematography, the sound, the editing and the music, enjoying what everyone’s bringing to the table. And we touch on the locations around the world where the film was shot. It’s a gorgeous film that isn’t just something made for kids – it’s really for everyone. We have a great conversation about it. Tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • AmazonScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkThe Black Stallion by Walter FarleyFlickchartLetterboxd Trailers of the WeekAndy's Trailer: What Happened to Monday — "I love scifi films that paint a unique future. This film certainly does, with septuplets trying to find their lost sister in a world where people can have only one child. I’m a little skeptical from the director’s credits but at least from those, I’d like to think this will be fun. I’m just hoping it’ll have some serious meat to it as well, which I always love in scifi. We shall see..."Pete's Trailer: American Made — "Another film in the catalog of Tom Cruise, who clearly made a deal with a power that allows him to Benjamin Button. I’m in for Doug Liman because of Bourne, Edge of Tomorrow, and in spite of Jumper. Lots of earned equity in my book and drug-running for the CIA seems par for the course in today’s news."Support 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

"Nothing but witches and wizards ahead." Hayao Miyazaki did not attend the Oscars to pick up his Academy Award for Best Animated Film for Spirited Away because he was protesting the Iraq War. When it came time to make his next film, he took his frustration with the war and added a strong anti-war element to Howl’s Moving Castle. Diane Wynne Jones’ original novel, upon which the movie was based, didn’t focus nearly as much on the war but Miyazaki wanted to get his point across. In the end, his film still proved vastly successful, even if it’s not his strongest film. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our latest Hayao Miyazaki series with his 2004 film Howl’s Moving Castle. We talk about the themes Miyazaki is pushing with this film and why, perhaps, his insistence in adding so much war to the film kept him from focusing on other elements of the story that could’ve provided more cohesion. We chat about how we still enjoy this world created here for us, despite some of this lack of cohesion. We discuss the English and Japanese voice actors, pointing out the ones that worked well for us and the ones that didn’t. We touch on some of the French locations Miyazaki used as inspiration to create this world. We revel in the beautiful music that Joe Hisaishi composed for this film, and we marvel at how successful this film was in Japan, even if it wasn’t at the top of our Miyazaki chart. It’s a beautiful film told in an incredibly creative world with a plot that’s a bit messy, but still worth watching. Check it out then tune in! When the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Watch this film: AmazonScript Transcript — EnglishOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkHowl’s Moving Castle (Howl’s Castle Book 1) — by Diana Wynne JonesFlickchartLetterboxdSophie’s city was based on Colmar, France & Riquewihr, France Trailers of the WeekAndy's Trailer: Wonder — "Yes, I’m a sucker for these sorts of movies that totally pull at my heartstrings. All it took was this trailer for me to be practically in tears. Honestly, I picked this because I’m so excited by Jacob Tremblay and want to see how his career evolves. Incredible child actor who’s making some interesting choices."Pete's Trailer: Logan Lucky — "Guess what? Soderbergh is back! Again! And this time he’s got a NASCAR caper that would appear to lampoon-ebrate the deep culture of the south. I’m a big fan of Soderbergh’s caper flicks so you can count me in for any fast-drivin’, Daniel Craigin’, one-armin’ good times on the speedway."Support 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

"If I hear one little complaint out of you, you’ll be joining your parents in the pigpen!" Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 film Spirited Away shot to the top of the Japanese box office and still holds the spot as the highest grossing film in Japanese history, sinking box office juggernaut Titanic. Perhaps it says a lot that it’s a Japanese story that is so universally appealing and that it’s for all ages. Or that it’s timeless. Regardless of why it’s so popular, it’s great to see Miyazaki as the person whose creation holds that spot. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Hayao Miyazaki series with this beautiful film Spirited Away. We talk about why this film works so well for us and the various elements of the story that put it at the top of the heap of his films, or at least near to it. We chat about the voice talent and how well they all work in both the original Japanese version as well as the English dub. We discuss the characters and how well they work here, notably Chihiro and the journey she takes in this crazy spirit world to grow into a stronger 10-year-old girl. We touch on the integration Miyazaki and his team uses in this film and how it works fluidly throughout. We chat about how well the film was received, both via awards as well as box office. And we can’t let a score of Joe Hisaishi go by without chatting about how well it works for us. It’s a beautiful film that stands as a timeless masterpiece. We love it and have a great time talking about it. Tune in! At The Next Reel, when the movie ends, the conversation begins. Film Sundries Watch this film: • AmazonOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdTokyo Ghibli Land by artist Takumi Trailers of the WeekAndy's Trailer: Good Time — "A24 looks to be distributing another really interesting film, this time from the Safdie brothers and starring Robert Pattinson, an actor I gain more and more respect for as he gets away from the Twilight pigeonhole. I’m really intrigued by these characters and will definitely seek this one out."Pete's Trailer: Okja — "When I first saw the promotional art I passed over Okja. That was a mistake. Had I known it was Bong Joon Ho’s latest, or that it involved pretty much the cast of Snowpiercer, or that it was all about genetically engineering an adorable pig creature and then solving the world’s food crisis with it, well, I would have paid more attention."Support 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 you’re going to kill a god, let someone else do the dirty work." Hayao Miyazaki has always had a strong relationship with nature that he’s portrayed in a number of his films, but nowhere has it grown as dark as it did in his 1997 film Princess Mononoke. While an animated film, the level of violence is very high and the themes are much more adult than his previous films, particularly fare like My Neighbor Totoro. And while he hasn’t returned to such dark films since, it’s clear that this was an important step in his storytelling and how his films look at the relationship between man and nature. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our second Hayao Miyazaki series with his 1997 film Princess Mononoke. We talk about the violence in this film, what our thoughts are with showing these films to children (in particular our own) and why we think there is a strength in kids seeing films like this. We discuss Miyazaki and the themes presented here, notably how mankind is left in a position that allows for growth in responsibility, and why it works for us, even if the storytelling doesn’t work for both of us. We chat about the cast, both Japanese and English, and which performances work better for us than others. We look at the sound editing by Michihiro Itô and gorgeous score by Joe Hisaishi and how well they both work to enhance the world Miyazaki creates. And we look at the yin yang nature of everything within the film and why it works in context of the Tokien-esque story. It’s a strong film with a powerful message that worked better for Andy than it did for Pete, but it allows for a lot of interesting elements to discuss. So check out the movie then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, the conversation begins. Film Sundries Script TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd“On Your Mark” — Miyazaki music video by Chage and Aska Trailers of the WeekAndy's Trailer: The Hero — "Sam Elliott deserves to be the lead more often and this trailer made me so happy to see him doing it! It doesn’t hurt that this looks like a great character film. Count me in!"Pete's Trailer: Unlocked — "It’s Bourne, but with a lady!"Support 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

"Happiness is in your hands." The role of advertising in politics is constantly evolving. From radio to TV to the internet and now to specifically pinpointed Facebook ads and beyond, it’s amazing how complex the system has grown. But watching how advertising affected the Chilean dictatorship of Pinochet and brought about his downfall in the late 80s in Pablo Larraín’s film No, it’s clear that those behind the ads just might understand our decision making process better than we do. And it’s downright frightening. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our discussion of the films in Pablo Larraín’s unintentional trilogy with a conversation about 2012’s No. We talk about how well the film works for us and how frightening and sad it really is, looking at what it says about people and the advertising machine’s grasp of them. We chat about Larraín and his direction of this script adapted from an unpublished play, and why both the script and Larraín’s choice to film with U-matic tapes enhance the story as it allows archive footage, TV commercials and the film to be integrated seamlessly. We discuss Gael García Bernal and why he works so well in this film, along with Alfredo Castro, Antonia Zegers and everyone else. And we look at the Pinochet dictatorship and what it was all about, and why it’s something that Larraín has been delving into with these films. It’s a film that works really well for us, even if we differ in opinion on the look of the film. We have a great conversation about it and feel it’s definitely worth checking out. So watch it then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • AmazonOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Trailers of the WeekAndy's Trailer: The Big Sick — "Any film in a genre that feels unique generally grabs me, and there’s something unique about the tone, feel and story of this film that grabbed me right away. It feels authentic. The romance feels genuine. The laughs feel earned. The story feels solid. I’m sold."Pete's Trailer: Blade Runner 2049 — "OK. New Blade Runner is looking for old Blade Runner gone missing to help him solve some otherwise insolvable mystery. I have to tell you, I’m stymied. Why are people going gonzo over this trailer? I am, alas, unmoved ... and that is more than just a little bit heartbreaking."Support 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 can’t apologize. I’m not going to apologize for this. You know what I will do? I will apologize on behalf of Ernest Hemingway because that’s who’s to blame here."The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is an ongoing series of ours in which we invite an industry guest to join us and bring along one of their favorite movies to talk about. In this episode, film composer Harry Gregson-Williams joins us to talk about one of his favorite films, David O. Russell’s 2012 film Silver Linings Playbook.We talk about why the film works so well and how Russell really infuses some serious energy into the film, almost as if the film is expressing the mental state of the two lead characters. We touch on how Russell’s experience with his son – who’s dealing with similar issues to our lead character – drew him to this story to help make mental health more accessible, which he does brilliantly. We discuss the brilliant cast and how perfect they all are in their roles, notably the four leads: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Jackie Weaver. We look at what Russell does musically, bringing in an eclectic mix of songs and Danny Elfman’s score to help drive the story along. And we chat about how the movie blew up at the box office, making more than 11 times its budget.It’s an incredible film that seems to get better with age and Gregson-Williams brings a lot of insight to the conversation. Plus, we have a great chat with him about his career and how he got to where he is. So check out the movie then join us on the show!Film SundriesWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScreenplayOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkSilver Linings Playbook by Matthew QuickFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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’ll talk to them. I have a position now." Pablo Larraín was born when Pinochet was already in power but the military coup that brought Pinochet to power always fascinated him, largely because it wasn’t something that was discussed until after the dictatorship ended in 1990. On top of that, Larraín became fascinated by the little people who got wrapped up in big moments in history. One that piqued his curiosity was a man named Mario who happened to be a coroner’s assistant helping in the room during the autopsy of President Salvador Allende, the former Chilean leader before Pinochet’s rise. Larraín became fascinated by this moment of history told through this character’s eyes. And thus, Post Mortem was born. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our ‘Pablo Larraín’s Unintentional Trilogy’ series with his 2010 film Post Mortem. We talk about why this film, while not as unenjoyable to watch as Tony Manero, still is difficult to watch, and it’s largely about the dislikeable protagonist Mario played well by Alfredo Castro. We debate what Larraín is doing here and if perhaps he’s aiming for too much symbolism in these stories with such despicable characters. We chat about the political environment in Chile at the time and how fascinated we were by those elements. We talk about the crazy Russian lenses they used to film this movie and how much we ended up liking the hypnotic look, even if it took us a while to get there. We chat about Antonia Zegers and Amparo Noguera and some of the powerful moments the two of them provide in the film. And we look at the last shot of the film and the potential power in it. It’s a really interesting film that unfortunately still struggles with an unlikeable protagonist but gets away with it because the political nature of the film and the natural intrigue it brings. Check out the movie then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: AmazonOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Trailers of the WeekAndy's Trailer: It Comes at Night — "A24 is a distributor I’m watching now and every time I see their logo before a trailer, I instantly put it on my watch list. This would’ve been an easy one anyway with the horror element that naturally draws me in. Creepy story. Great look. Interesting scares. The logo sold me but the trailer had me begging for more."Pete's Trailer: Score: A Film Music Documentary — “Clearly a passion project from filmmaker Matt Schrader, Score takes us behind the scenes of the greatest film composers of our time. It’s been floating around festivals for some time, but looks like we’ll finally get our ears on it in June. Bonus: At no point do these composers spit up black goo on one another, as in Andy’s trailer this week.“Support 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