Scene by Scene

In this episode, we discuss Satoshi Kon's Perfect Blue, including the film's connection to Japan's otaku culture, the film's depiction of celebrity, and Kon's use of cinematic techniques.

See where Pe…

In this episode, we discuss Jim Jarmusch’s Stranger Than Paradise, including the film's visual style, how the film grammar supports the themes, and what differentiates Willie and Eva.

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In this episode, we discuss Abbas Kiarostami’s Taste of Cherry, including Mr. Badii's treatment of the three supporting characters, the visual motif of dirt, and the film's self-reflexive ending.

See …

We wanted to let everyone know our discussion of Abbas Kiarostami's Taste of Cherry is delayed. In this brief episode, Joe gives some insight into why and when to expect the episode. Thank you for yo…

In this episode, we discuss Allan King’s A Married Couple, including King's approach to documentary, the film's use of crane shots, and whether Billy and Antoinette "perform" for the camera.

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In this episode, we discuss Payal Kapadia’s A Night of Knowing Nothing, including the film’s unconventional approach to documentary, the value of the film’s fictional elements, and the theme of impos…

In this episode, we discuss Kelly Reichardt’s Old Joy, including the differences between the film and the short story, how the film effectively establishes character, and how Reichardt and Sillen cre…

In this episode, we cover two Godzilla films, Ishirô Honda's Destroy All Monsters and Kazuki Ômori's Godzilla vs. Biollante. We also discuss our experiences with the franchise, what makes a good Godz…

In this episode, we rank the 16 films discussed on the podcast in 2024. We also discuss the best and worst films we watched in 2024, lessons learned, and our 2025 film resolutions.

Minor Spoiler Warni…

In this episode, we discuss David Lynch’s The Straight Story, including the purpose of Alvin’s journey, the film’s attention to small details, and the perfection of the film’s ending. 

See where The S…

In this episode, we discuss Tsai Ming-liang’s The River, including how Tsai visualizes complex ideas, the reason for Hsiao-Kang's neck pain, and what water represents. 

See where The River is availabl…

In this episode, we discuss Sidney J. Furie’s The Entity, including how Carla is disbelieved and dismissed, the disharmony between the film’s sexual assaults and the paranormal climax, and Furie’s us…

In this episode, we discuss Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cure, including how the film differs from traditional mysteries, how Kurosawa depicts violence, and how the filmmaking hypnotizes.

See where Cure is avai…

Announcement: Scene by Scene is transitioning to one episode per month. This new release schedule is temporary. More information in the episode. 

In this episode, we discuss Ritwik Ghatak’s The Cloud-…

In this episode, we discuss Edward Yang’s That Day, on the Beach, including the theme of tradition vs modernity, the film’s structure, and the techniques used to transition into flashbacks.

Supplement…

In this episode, we discuss John Cassavetes' Shadows including how the film grew from Cassavetes’ personal experiences, Cassavetes’ use of improvisation, and techniques used to communicate informatio…

Trash Cinema Month is Back!

In this episode, we discuss Stephen Chiodo's Killer Klowns from Outer Space, including the killing of dogs in movies, how it compares to 1950s creature features, and the la…

Trash Cinema Month is Back!

In this episode, we discuss David DeCoteau's Nightmare Sisters, including the lack of horror elements, how the film’s short schedule affected the film grammar, and how we f…

In this episode, we discuss Agnès Varda's Cléo from 5 to 7, including how Cléo goes from viewed to viewer, the techniques used to communicate Cléo's change, and how Varda balances fantasy and reality…

In this episode, we discuss Eric Rohmer's Claire's Knee, including how Jerôme’s actions contradict his words, the characters’ lack of maturity, and how the blocking communicates character relationshi…