Scene by Scene

In this episode, we discuss Chris Smith's American Movie, including Mark’s performative side, Mark and Mike’s friendship, and the ways we see ourselves in Mark.

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In this episode, we discuss Adam Rifkin's Giuseppe Makes a Movie, including Giuseppe’s filmmaking process, how it inspires us, and the importance of documenting a community that no longer exists. 

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In this episode, we discuss Krzysztof Kieślowski's Three Colors: Red, including its connections to Blue and White, the film's telephone motif, and the way Kieślowski’s camera conveys connection and d…

In this episode, we discuss Krzysztof Kieślowski's Three Colors: White, including the strong opening sequence, its connections to Three Colors: Blue, and whether the film effectively handles the them…

In this episode, we discuss Krzysztof Kieślowski's Three Colors: Blue, including possible interpretations of the film’s abstract moments, the depiction of loss and grief, and Juliette Binoche's inter…

We’re sorry for the delay on this episode, but we hope you enjoy the looser discussion. We’ll be back on March 1st, discussing Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Three Colors: Blue.

In this episode, we discuss ou…

In this episode, we discuss Charles Poekel's Christmas, Again, including Poekel's extensive research, Kentucker Audley's naturalistic performance, and the film's lack of traditional exposition.

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This episode features discussion of suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best…

In this episode, we discuss Hirokazu Kore-eda's After Life, including the film's documentary aesthetic, how Kore-eda communicates information visually, and the way exposition is made engaging.

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In this episode, we discuss Neil Marshall's The Descent, including the film’s lighting, the mistakes made in the first act, and whether the creatures help or harm the film. 

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In this episode, we discuss John Carpenter's Prince of Darkness, including the screenplay's missteps, the effective use of insects, and Carpenter's visual techniques.

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In this episode, we discuss Trey Edward Shults' It Comes at Night, including the film's marketing, our interpretations of "it", and the film's use of traditional horror conventions and iconography.

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In this episode, we discuss Andrzej Żuławski’s Possession, including our interpretations of the film's creature and doppelgängers, the expressive actor blocking, and the abrasive (yet successful) per…

In this episode, we discuss Charlie Kaufman’s Synecdoche, New York, including the lack of subtlety, the execution of numerous themes and ideas, and whether the film encapsulates the human experience.…

In this episode, we discuss Werner Herzog's Aguirre, the Wrath of God, including Herzog's process, the unconventional storytelling, and the masterful approach to perspective.

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In this episode, we discuss Jafar Panahi's No Bears, including the self-reflective themes, Panahi's focus on women in Iranian society, and how Panahi captures the documentary aesthetic.

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In this episode, we discuss Billy Woodberry's Bless Their Little Hearts, including the film's expertly crafted opening, the theme of masculinity, and the film's place within the L.A. Rebellion film m…

In this episode, we discuss Richard Park & Y.K. Kim's Miami Connection, including Kim’s aspirations for the film, the unsuccessful execution of fight scenes, and why every character is an orphan.

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In this episode, we discuss Andy Sidaris' Hard Ticket to Hawaii, including the nonsensical narrative and character decisions, the lazy action filmmaking, and Sidaris’ filmmaker trademarks.

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In this episode, we introduce our June film series, Trash Cinema Month, including the definition of “Trash Cinema”, what makes a “Trash Film”, and the value of watching and discussing “Trash Cinema”.…