The Next Reel Presents: The Speakeasy: Recent Episodes
TruStory FM
Welcome to The Speakeasy. Each episode, Andy Nelson and Pete Wright invite a film industry veteran to discuss one of their favorite films. What makes a movie inspirational to a cinematographer or a costume designer? Listen in to hear how these pros watch their favorite films. Part of The Next Reel family of film podcasts.
Talking About John Cassavetes’ 1974 film ‘A Woman Under the Influence with our guest Tami Reiker
In this episode of The Speakeasy, we’re joined by award-winning cinematographer Tami Reiker to talk about one of her favorite movies, John Cassavetes’ 1974 film A Woman Under the Influence. This is a film Tami has often shown to directors she’s worked with as they discuss the projects that influence them and what they want to pull from it to bring in as influences on the project. It’s a powerful film that’s full of incredible moments brought by both leads – Gena Rowlands and Peter Falk – not to mention fascinating direction by Cassavetes himself. How has it influenced Tami over her career and what does she pull from it?
Tami’s Current Project Surface on Apple TV+
We also talk about the new series she’s worked on with director Sam Miller and star Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Surface. For the episodes she worked on, Tami and Miller wanted to use swing shift lenses to amplify the disconnection Mbatha-Raw’s character has from the world due to post-accident amnesia. It’s a powerful tool and connects directly with their authorial voice.
There’s a lot to talk about with Tami about both A Woman Under the Influence and Surface on The Speakeasy. Tune in!
Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!
About Tami
Award-winning cinematographer Tami Reiker, ASC, made history by becoming the first woman to win an American Society of Cinematographers award. She took home the ASC Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography Award for her work on the HBO pilot, Carnivalé.
Reiker recently worked on the highly anticipated new Apple TV+ series Surface starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw and created by Veronica West, bringing together innovative technology and breathtaking visuals for the first two episodes of the psychological thriller, each with director Sam Miller. She also lensed Regina King’s directorial debut One Night In Miami, chronicling a fictional account of a real night when the lives of Cassius Clay, Sam Cooke, Jim Brown and Malcolm X are forever changed. The drama already made history at the 2020 Venice Film Festival as the first film directed by a Black woman to be selected and is also an official selection at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.
Previously, Reiker photographed the action epic The Old Guard for Netflix and frequent collaborator director Gina Prince-Bythewood. Based on the graphic novel series of the same name, the film follows a group of immortal soldiers who must defeat a corrupt man trying to expose their secret. The feature shattered records after its release, becoming one of the top ten most streamed films in Netflix’s history, with Prince-Bythewood becoming the first Black female director to land a spot on the list.
Reiker’s additional feature credits include: Beyond the Lights for Gina Prince-Bythewood, starring Minnie Driver, Danny Glover and Gugu Mbatha-Raw; the critically praised Pieces of Aprilfor director Peter Hedges; and High Art, a visual collaboration with director Lisa Cholodenko, which earned Reiker a Best Cinematography nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards.
For television, Reiker lensed: episode one of Woman of The Movement, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood; HBO Max’s Delilah pilot for director James Griffiths; Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger pilot; CBS’s Charmed pilot, with director Brad Silberling; the pilot for Fox’s Shots Fired, the critically praised ten-part series chronicling the investigation of a police shooting; and HBO’s Getting On pilot for director Miguel Arteta.
After beginning her career and making a name for herself in the New York film community, Reiker moved to Los Angeles where she still lives now, with her son. She is represented worldwide by DDA.
Film Sundries
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- Watch A Woman Under the Influence on Appleor Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
- Watch Surface on Apple TV+
- Script Transcript
- Theatrical trailer
- Poster artwork
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
- Tami’s Website
- Tami on IMDb
"You brought music back into the house. I’d… forgotten."
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 month’s episode, producer Catherine Hand joins us to talk about one of her favorite films, Robert Wise’s 1965 film The Sound of Music.
We talk about how the story made it from Maria Von Trapp’s memoirs about her family to the big screen, with several detours along the way. We chat about the movie’s longevity and why it’s had such a long life. We discuss the performances of Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, not to mention Plummer’s disdain for the project until recently. And we spend some time looking at Catherine’s career, notably her decades-long pursuit to bring A Wrinkle in Time to the big screen.
It’s a wonderful conversation with Catherine that ranges all over, so check out A Wrinkle in Time, revisit The Sound of Music, then tune in to the show!
Film Sundries
- Find Catherine Hand on Twitter
- Watch A Wrinkle in Time: iTunes • Amazon • YouTube
- Watch The Sound of Music: iTunes • Amazon • YouTube
- Script Transcript
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria A Trapp
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
"I think we just lost the family audience."
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 month’s episode, cinematographer and inventor Nic Sadler joins us to talk about one of his favorite films, Bob Fosse’s 1979 film All That Jazz.
We talk about the incredible honesty with which Fosse made this semi-autobiographical film and why it resonates so well with us. We discuss how challenging the film is and why that might be a good thing. We talk about the incredible editing by Alan Heim which the Motion Picture Editors Guild lists as the 4th best edited film, and why it sets a high bar. We of course chat about one of our favorites – Roy Scheider – and how he truly ruled the 70s. We dig into why cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno shot scenes the way he did, notably the readthrough where Joe has his heart attack. And we talk to Sadler about his own cinematography, notably the recent film Coherence, and how the filmmakers accomplished so much with so little.
It’s a brilliant (but challenging) film that celebrates filmmaking as much as it shows the negative side of success. We have a blast talking about it with Sadler so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.
Film Sundries
Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel
- Watch this film: Amazon
- Screenplay
- Original theatrical trailer
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
"I’m watching the sky, sir, and it’s doing some amazing things!"
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 month’s episode, one of the many Andy Nelsons in the film world — specifically Andy Nelson the re-recording mixer — joins us to talk about one of his favorite films, Bill Forsyth’s 1983 film Local Hero.
We talk about why the film resonates to this day and why the film is such a wonderful celebration of the little things, the details that make life so memorable. We chat about the cast and what they bring to the table, notably Peter Riegert and Burt Lancaster. We ponder the webbed feet of Jenny Seagrove and are presented with a new thought – what if it’s only how the character of Oldsen sees them? We look at the final moments of the film and why it breaks our hearts so much. We talk about Mark Knopfler’s wonderful score and why it hits so well for us. We debate the title and ponder who specifically is the eponymous character. And, of course, we chat with Nelson about his career and what specifically a re-recording mixer does.
It’s a magical little film that warms our hearts and provides for a wonderful conversation. Check it out then tune in! The Next Reel. When the movie ends, our conversation begins.
Film Sundries
Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel
- Andy Nelson on IMDB
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Screenplay
- Original theatrical trailer
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
"We let you all down, didn’t we?"
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 month’s episode, cinematographer Toby Oliver joins us to talk about one of his favorite films, Christopher Nolan’s 2017 film Dunkirk.
We talk about Nolan’s decision to shoot on IMAX 65mm largely and how this affected the overall tone of the film and informed some of their decisions as to how it was shot. We chat about the nature of the story told across three separate time windows and how the structure gave us a fascinating perspective on how to look at this war story. We discuss the use of mostly new faces for the cast, barring a few key roles, and how that works effectively in a story with no real protagonist. We touch on Hans Zimmer and his tonal score and why it, paired with the incessant use of a ticking sound, is such a key part of the film. And we talk about Nolan’s insistence on using practical effects and why it likely helped inform the performances throughout the film by having real elements to which to react.
It’s a fascinating and powerful war film that feels very different and will be one to stand the test of time. We have a great time talking about it with Toby Oliver, as well as touching on his career. Check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.
Film Sundries
Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTube • Google Play
- Screenplay
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
- Dunkirk — interview with overall visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson — artofvfx.com
- TobyOliver.com
“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 Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Screenplay
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
"You couldn’t plan a day like this."
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 month’s episode, writer, producer, director and former agent Jim Jermanok joins us to talk about one of his favorite movies, Harold Ramis’ 1993 film Groundhog Day.
We talk about how this film was received at the time of its release, why this film holds up so well and perhaps why it took people some time to really find the meaning in the movie. We look at what Bill Murray is doing here and discuss why his character, Phil Connor, is easy to connect to despite the fact that he starts out as horribly unlikeable. We chat about Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott and Stephen Tobolowsky, as well as the rest of the cast, and what they bring to the table. We look at the evolution of Danny Rubin’s original script and how he and Ramis reworked it to create a timeless classic. And we ponder the strangeness of the actual Groundhog Day holiday and how it may have been just the perfect holiday to celebrate for a film like this.
It’s a great film and Jim brings plenty of perspective to the conversation, having worked both the creative and business sides of the industry. So check out the movie then tune in to this month’s Speakeasy again… and again… and again….
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Screenplay
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
- Beyond the Craft by Jim Jermanok
- Life Advice TV
- JimJermanok.com
- @GetReelGetReel
"Such perfectly beautiful coats!"
The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is our ongoing series in which we invite an industry guest to join us and bring along one of their favorite movies to talk about. In this month’s episode, we’re honored to have two guests join us to discuss one of their favorite films – it’s the Bancroft Brothers! That’s right, twin brothers Tom and Tony Bancroft, both of whom are animators, are here to chat about Disney’s 1961 classic One Hundred and One Dalmatians.
We talk about why they picked this film and why this film is a key shift in the world of animation at Walt Disney Studios (hint: it involves xeroxing!). We look at the animators involved – Milt Kahl, Frank Thomas, Marc Davis, etc. – and how they all fit into the looks of characters like Cruella De Vil, Pongo, Perdita, Jasper, Horace and more, really bringing them to life. We discuss the importance of what art director/production designer Ken Anderson and color stylist Walt Peregoy did with the impressionistic backgrounds. We chat about what the film’s three directors – Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske and Wolfgang Reitherman – did to bring the film together and how they likely split up tasks. We dig into the really amazing 3D modeling Ub Iwerks helped come up with to make Cruella De Vil’s car look more realistic. And, of course, we can’t talk about this movie without discussing Cruella’s cheekbones, which we do.
It’s a fantastic conversation with two gentlemen who really know what they’re talking about helping us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – sound like we know what we’re doing. The conversation will really make you look at this movie and animation with so much more respect. So rewatch this Disney gem then tune in to this month’s Speakeasy!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Script Transcript
- Original theatrical trailer
- 101 Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
- Check Out Tom’s Work!
- Tom on Twitter
- Tom on Instagram
- Tony on Twitter
- Tony on Instagram
- Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast
- Frank & Ollie’s site
- Ronald Searle’s artwork
"The prettiest sight in this fine, pretty world is the privileged class enjoying its privileges."
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 month’s episode, director Steve Miner joins us to talk about one of his favorites, George Cukor’s 1940 film The Philadelphia Story.
We talk about the nature of this story and how it’s so much more than a screwball comedy, which is how it’s often billed. We look at how Katharine Hepburn was intrinsic in getting both the original play and this film made, what it meant for her career at the time and how well it holds up today (despite one potentially nasty depiction of abuse). We discuss Hepburn, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart and how well they work together in this story. We look at what director George Cukor brings to the table, finding the right ways to bring the script to life. We talk about the nature of the media and paparazzi and how things really haven’t changed all that much. And we look at how the film did not just in the box office and during Awards season, but more importantly how it’s really proven that it can stand the test of time.
It’s a marvelous film, one that’s well worth watching. We had a great time talking about it with Steve and hearing his perspective on why it’s one of his favorites. So check out the movie then tune in!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Script Transcript
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- The Philadelphia Story: A Comedy in Three Acts by Philip Barry
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
"You’re an errand boy sent by grocery clerks to collect a bill."
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 month’s episode, cinematographer Paul Cameron joins us to talk about one of his favorite films, Apocalypse Now.
We talk about why this film is such a key film for us and why Paul picked it, specifically the darkly poetic journey we go on with the characters, both internally and externally. We look at what Francis Ford Coppola went through to get this film made and how he, his crew and his cast all took their own dark journeys to make it happen. We discuss the script and what John Milius, Coppola and Michael Herr built into it as they adapted Joseph Conrad’s novella “Heart of Darkness” into a Vietnam setting. We chat about what the actors – notably Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest, Larry Fishburne, Sam Bottoms, Albert Hall and Dennis Hopper – bring to the table. We discuss the importance of the look of the film, beautifully shot by Vittorio Storaro; and of the sound, designed by Walter Murch, Mark Berger, Richard Beggs and Nathan Boxer, and how it’s the grandfather of Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound. We touch on the original cut and Apocalypse Now Redux, not to mention Coppola’s wife’s documentary Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse and how all of the behind the scenes stories may affect one’s views of the film (if at all). And we look at how well the film did, assuaging any concerns Coppola had during the making (especially since it was self-financed and required him to mortgage his vineyards).
It’s a brilliant film, truly one of the great American classics and well worth talking about. We have a great chat with Paul about it, so check out the movie then tune in!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Screenplay — 1975
- Screenplay — Redux transcript
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Bob Peak
- Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
- Paul Cameron
"All I am is what I’m going after."
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 month’s episode, cinematographer Jayson Crothers joins us to talk about one of his favorite films, Michael Mann’s epic 1995 crime drama Heat.
We talk about the world-building that Mann does here, giving us fascinating characters on both sides of the law along with the families they struggle to please. We chat about the powerhouse moment when Robert De Niro and Al Pacino finally end up on screen together for the first time and deliberate about Mann’s careful choice of when they’re fully in the same frame together. We discuss the rest of the amazing cast, notable because every role seems to be inhabited by yet another incredible actor. We chat about the nature of women in Mann’s films and why they may seem afterthoughts as compared to the men. We look at Dante Spinotti’s cinematography and the incredible work he does creating a relatively normal-looking Los Angeles. We touch on the editing, the music, the locations, and many other things that went into creating this rich tapestry. And we ponder an alternate universe where Tone Lōc might have played Pacino’s role.
It’s an incredible conversation about an incredible film that certainly has stood the test of time. If you haven’t seen it, you definitely need to watch it right now, then join us in our conversation with Crothers about it!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Screenplay
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
- Heat — Panel Discussion with Cast and Creators
- Internet Movie Firearms Database — Heat
- “Pacific” by Alex Colville
- Jayson Crothers — JaysonCrothers.com
- Jayson Crothers — IMDB
"How’d you like to wake up in the morning and be him?"
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 month’s episode, cinematographer Sam Levy joins us to talk about one of his favorite films, John Huston’s 1972 boxing film Fat City.
We talk about the depressing story presented here as these characters try to reach the good life and why some of us can connect easier to it than others. We look at the incredible (and incredibly dark) cinematography by Conrad L. Hall and discuss the importance of a cinematographer getting to time their own film. We chat about the brilliant cast, from the actors like Stacy Keach, Jeff Bridges, Susan Tyrrell and Nicholas Colasanto; to the real-life boxers like Curtis Cokes and Sixto Rodriguez. We discuss Kris Kristofferson’s song “Help Me Make It Through the Night” and why it works so well in this movie. And we touch on what critics thought of the movie compared with how it did at the box office.
John Huston was at a period in his career where he’d been making some duds so it’s great to see him return to top form with Fat City. It’s a master class in cinematic realism and a boxing film well worth watching and discussing. Check it out then tune in!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Screenplay
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Fat City by Leonard Gardner
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
- Sam Levy on Instagram
"You have to know who you are and what you are. It’s the only way you’ll lead decent lives."
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 month’s episode, costume designer Alana Morshead joins us to talk about one of her favorite films, Mark Romanek’s 2010 film “Never Let Me Go” based on the book by Kazuo Ishiguro.
We talk about the science fiction nature of this story and how it really operates more as a minor element of the world-building, allowing the viewers to focus so much more on the three main characters in the film and their relationships. We discuss the choices made by Romanek in the look of the film, the way the camera moved, and the nature of the love story. We look at what Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield and Keira Knightley bring to the table as the three principal characters, and how they compare with their youthful counterparts. And we struggle with the fact that this film didn’t connect with its audience, leaving it in the red by the time it left theatres, which really is a disappointment considering how much we really enjoyed it.
It’s a touching film and a fascinating glimpse at what strong writers can do with their science fiction. It’s something we enjoyed then found we connected to it more and more as time wore on. And it’s a thrill to have had it introduced to us finally as we’d both clearly missed it when it was released. So hopefully you’ll check it out, then tune in to the show!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Screenplay
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
- Alana Morshead
"Hasta la vista, baby."
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 month’s episode, costume designer Sarah Trost joins us to talk about one of her favorite films, Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
We talk about why we all love this film so much and where this movie fits into our feelings for the entire franchise, and look at why James Cameron’s entries seemingly hold up so much better than the rest. We chat about the script that Cameron and William Wisher, Jr., put together here and the way they smartly chose to parallel elements from the first in the franchise. We look at how Cameron crafts films and why this film still holds up so incredibly well. We discuss the actors – Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick and Joe Morton primarily – and talk about what they all bring to the table, even commenting which of the actors delivers a performance that might have warranted an Oscar nomination. We look at the amazing cinematography, stunts, effects, makeup, costumes, models, music, editing – honestly, everyone involved in this film seems to be working at the top of their form and we talk about that. And we talk about the brilliant metal man effects work they did here bringing the T-1000 to life (and pushing this budget over $100 million, the first time a film cost that much).
It truly is an action film that’s set a standard for all action films to follow and a film that hardly shows its age. We have a great time talking with Sarah about this one so tune in! (Oh, and be prepared for some explicit language in this one.)
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Screenplay
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
- T2 3D: Battle Across Time
- Sarah on Instagram
- Sarah on Facebook
- Sarah on Twitter
- Sarah on the Web
"Is that a tea cozy on his head?"
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 month’s episode, sound mixer Michael B. Koff joins us to talk about one of his favorite films, Guy Ritchie’s crime comedy thriller from the year 2000, “Snatch!”
We talk about Guy Ritchie’s style, why it works for us, and why some people complained at the time that it felt like “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” redux. We discuss the incredible talent onscreen here – from Jason Statham and Brad Pitt to Dennis Farina Andolan Ford – and what they all bring to the table, not to mention how much balance there is with all of their parts. We chat about the blending of the two storylines throughout the film and why it's effective in the ‘hyperlink cinema’ style. And we look at the technical aspects of the film – the sound, the cinematography and the editing in particular – and how it ties into the storytelling style overall.
It’s a raucous ride of a film that’s not talked about enough, so check it out then grab a drink and join us in the Speakeasy!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Screenplay
- Originaltheatrical trailer
- Originalposter artwork
- Art of theTitle
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
- Vinnie Jones Marks his Player
“If you decide you’re not going to be reasonable, then one night when you come home, you’ll find me on the inside waiting for you, and that’ll be the night you’ll wish you’d never been born.”
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 month’s episode, actor, comedian and director Craig Anderson joins us to talk about one of his favorites, Daryl Duke’s Canadian bank heist thriller from 1978, “The Silent Partner.” We talk about the tone of films in the 70s and the nature of crime depicted in this film, not just of bank heists but also rampant infidelity and violent murder. We chat about the performances from Elliott Gould and Christopher Plummer and what they bring to the table, as well as those from Susannah York, John Candy and Céline Lomez to name a few. We discuss the taut screenplay adaptation by Curtis Hanson and the efficiency with which he crafts this story so as to avoid unnecessary exposition. And we ponder the manliness of Gould at this time in his career paired with the evil of Plummer. It’s a great film that isn’t talked about enough, so check it out then grab a drink and join us in the Speakeasy!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Original theatrical clip
- Original poster artwork
- Think of a Number — Danish Film
- Think of a Number — Original Danish novel
- Flickchart
- Double the Fist — Youtube Archive
- Craig Anderson on Instagram
“When I was small, I only knew small things, but now I’m five – I know everything!”
The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is a new 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 month’s episode, actress Dee Wallace joins us to talk about one of her relatively new favorites, Lenny Abrahamson’s amazing film “Room.” We talk about the brilliant performances of Jacob Tremblay and Brie Larson and the fascinating exploration of this pair forced to live in the titular room. We talk about Abrahamson’s work, paired with DP Danny Cohen, to tell the film from 5-year-old Jack’s perspective and how well that works for this movie. We chat about the other actors, notably the trio of ‘villains’ played by William H. Macy, Sean Bridgers and Wendy Crewson. We touch on the origins of the story and how it translated to the film. And we debate the strength of the Oscars when a performance like Tremblay’s doesn’t get nominated. It’s a movie that can break you if you’re wusses like us, or at least can move you if you’re made of stronger stuff like Dee, so check it out then grab a drink and join us in the Speakeasy!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Script
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Room by Emma Donoghue
- Flickchart
- @Dee_Wallace
“I would ask you if you could remain emotionally detached, but I don’t think that’s your problem. Is it, Bond?”
The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is a new 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 month’s episode, visual effects supervisor and director Matthew Gratzner joins us to talk about one of his faves, Martin Campbell’s reboot of the James Bond franchise that introduced us to Daniel Craig’s 007, “Casino Royale.” We talk about Craig and the rest of the cast, including Dame Judy Dench, Eva Green and Mads Mikkelsen, and look at what they bring to the table. We discuss the story and its origins, from Ian Fleming’s original novel and the rights to the book, to where the franchise had been with Pierce Brosnan as the previous Bond, and finally to the screenwriters Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Paul Haggis and what they delivered here. We chat about Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson and how they’ve worked so hard as a driving force to keep the franchise alive, consistent and relevant. And we chat effects, from the amazing stuntwork and the incredibly limited CGI to the model work. It’s a fantastic movie in a franchise we all love and we have a great time talking about it, so grab a drink and join us in the Speakeasy!
About Matthew Gratzner
@MatthewGratzner
Matthew Gratzner is a triple threat talent who balances directing, design and technology fluidly when creating content. Matthew has a pioneering spirit and is always willing to create with new tools while remaining grounded in story and character.
Best known for his visual effects work on the biggest feature films over the last decade as Visual Effects Supervisor and co-founder New Deal Studios, Matthew is also an accomplished director. He has two feature films in post, several commercials, huge visual effects sequences, digital shorts and is now pioneering cinematic virtual reality content. He was the first to direct a cinematic live action virtual reality short called The Mission. He has directed live sports VR for the NHL. HIs Music Video for Galvanized Souls for the song “New Generation” that has been hugely popular this summer. His latest is virtual reality short is Mutiny for Nokia and their OZO camera.
- New Deal Studios
- @MatthewGratzner
- Galvanized Souls Video (360VR)
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Script Transcript
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Art of the Title
- Casino Royale — by Ian Flemming
- Flickchart
“I’m not an actor, I’m a movie star!”
The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is a new ongoing series of ours in which we invite an industry guest to join us and, instead of bringing their favorite cocktail, we have them bring along one of their favorite movies to talk about. In this inaugural episode, actor Abraham Benrubi joins us to talk about one of his faves, Richard Benjamin’s 1982 comedy gem “My Favorite Year,” starring Peter O’Toole and Mark Linn-Baker. We talk about the cast – from the brilliant (and Oscar-nominated) performance by O’Toole and the fantastic Linn-Baker to everyone else involved like Jessica Harper, Joseph Bologna, Bill Macy, Lainie Kazan, George Wyner, Selma Diamond and even an appearance by queen of the “Titanic” herself, Gloria Stewart. We chat about the origins of the story from writers who worked for Sid Caesar’s “Show of Shows” and how this fits in the world of live TV from the 50s. And we discuss the script and how it moves assuredly from the madcap comedy antics to some wonderfully poignant moments that really tug at your heartstrings. It’s a wonderful film to kick off this new series, so check it out then tune in!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Sid Ceasar’s Your Show of Shows
- Flickchart
- Abraham Benrubi
- The Finest Hours
- The Belko Experiment
