Changing Reels: Recent Episodes
Changing Reels
Changing Reels is a bi-weekly podcast that celebrates diversity and representation in cinema. In each episode, host Courtney Small and a guest take a deep dive into a film and discuss its cultural significance.
Film critic Paolo Kagaoan (@paolocase) returns to discuss Regina King’s One Night in Miami
Podcaster Petula Neale (@obesacantavit) returns to the show to discuss Kathryn Bigelow’s Point Break.
Film critic Danielle Solzman (@DanielleSATM) talks about the documentary Disclosure and its examination of transgender representation in Hollywood.
Danielle’s short film: Pandemic Therapy: https://vimeo.com/458000594
Film critic Carolyn Mauricette (@vfdpixie) returns to talk about the dance inspired horror Climax.
Film critic Victor Stiff (@VictorJStiff) talks defining one’s success and the gatekeepers of art in The Forty-Year-Old Version.
Musician Scott Knopf (a.k.a. Rhyme Time) talks battle rap and the consequences of words in the film Bodied.
Award-winning filmmaker Alicia K. Harris (@indiiiequeen) talks love and spirituality in Nurse.Fighter.Boy.
Watch the film for free on CBC Gems
Film critic Rishabh Vashishtha (@Rishabh66420269) talks diversity in the writers’ room and South Asian representation in the film Late Night.
Film critic Ryan McNeil (@matinee_ca) explains why Birds of Prey is one of the DCEU’s best films.
Articles mentioned in episode:
Birds of Prey, Trauma and the Female Gaze;
Allyship is More Than Acknowledging Privilege
Film critic Andrew Robinson (@gmanreviews) shares his thoughts on Selah and the Spades.
Podcaster and film critic Dr. Jessica Rogers (@In_entertain) discusses Always Be My Maybe.
Podcaster and film critic Petula Neale (@obesacantavit) stops by to discuss Lorene Scafaria’s Hustlers.
Freelance Film/TV critic Carolyn Hinds (@CarrieCnh12) stops by to discuss Lee Chang-dong’s Burning.
Freelance journalist Max Covill (@mhcovill) stops by to discuss Satoshi Kon’s Millennium Actress.
Bob Turnbull (@TheLogicalMind) returns to the show to discuss Nobuhiko Obayashi’s 1977 film House (Hausu). This episode was originally slated to be released in June, however, Obayashi passed away six days after the show was recorded. We are releasing the episode early as a farewell to the prolific filmmaker.
Film critic Heidy Morales (@HeidyMo) stops by to discuss the mother-daughter relationship in Real Women Have Curves.
Talking faith and desire in Black Narcissus with writer Bob Turnbull (@TheLogicalMind).
Exploring the portrayal of Asperger syndrome in 2009's Adam with film critic Sean Patrick Kelly (@SKonMovies).
Links Referenced in the Episode:
Sean’s Aspergers in Film and TV montage: https://vimeo.com/345332475/d4d2ec2a25?fbclid=IwAR1U1v9_K0vHyvGEGVaoGMdW7PSPDQ_bGEPfH6VgkUVVHY8fm8YTsi4hwmo
Why The Predator 2018 is a bad representation of childhood autism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfKtSwf_vkY&feature=youtu.be
Film critic and Blood in the Snow Film Festival programmer Carolyn Mauricette (@vfdpixie) returns to the show to discuss Mati Diop’s Atlantics
Film critic and Blood in the Snow Film Festival programmer Carolyn Mauricette returns to the show to discuss Jordan Peele's Us
In this episode of Changing Reels we take a different approach and explore the problematic ways that disability is represented in cinema. To do this we take a deep dive into Thea Sharrock’s romantic drama Me Before You. We also discuss sex and disability in the short film Prends-moi (Take Me) by Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette & André Turpin.
Opening Music: Run So Far by Rhyme Time (album available here: https://rhymetimerapper.bandcamp.com/album/gnarly)
Show Notes: 1:45 – Prends-moi 12:03 – Me Before You
In this episode we discuss One False Move by Carl Franklin. The 1992 noir follows a small town police chief (Bill Paxton) as he awaits a trio of killers (Billy Bob Thornton, Cynda Williams and Michael Beach) headed his way. We also discuss our short film of the week Straight Down Low by Zach Wechter.
Show Notes: 0.45 – Straight Down Low 8:39 – One False Move Short film: https://vimeo.com/77306213
We talk race and politics in the Purge franchise as we dive into The First Purge directed by Gerard McMurray. We also discuss our short film of the week Closet Space by David F. Sandberg.
Show Notes: 2:14 – Closet Space 8:12 – The First Purge Short film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fje6_ou5RY
Film critic and Blood in the Snow programmer Carolyn Mauricette returns to discuss Park Chan-wook's Thirst.
William Wyler’s 1961 film The Children’s Hour has been hailed as a landmark piece of cinema. It was one of the few films of the time to bring LGBT issues to mainstream audiences. We dive into the pros and cons of Wyler’s film and whether it is still relevant to audiences of today.
Luca Guadagnino’s Oscar winning film Call Me by Your Name may not be overlooked or underappreciated, but we love it nonetheless. This week we soak up the beauty of this tender romance set in 1980s Italy. We also discuss our short film of the week Dylan by Elizabeth Rohrbaugh.
Show Notes: 1:44 – Dylan 8:56 – Call Me by Your Name Short film: https://vimeo.com/110822721
We dive back into the films of Sofia Coppola with The Virgin Suicides and discuss our short film pick of the week: Hala by Minhal Baig.
1:57 – Hala 14:16 – The Virgin Suicides
Courtney's Luke Cage piece for Leonard Maltin's New Voices: http://leonardmaltin.com/the-blinding-light-of-love-in-luke-cage-season-two/
Hailed by Roger Ebert as the best film of 1997, Eve’s Bayou is an astonishing work. We dive into Kasi Lemmons’ directorial debut and discuss the theme of memory, the lies adults tell children, and so much more. We also spend time with our short film pick 1982 by Jeremy Breslau.
Show notes 1:09 – 1982 7:47 – Eve’s Bayou Short film: https://vimeo.com/67093569
In this episode we discuss the 2017 film Columbus directed by Kogonada. The drama focuses on Jin (John Cho), a successful Korean-American, who strikes up a tender friendship Casey (Haley Lu Richardson), while stuck in Columbus, Indiana. We also discuss our short film of the week Dol (First Birthday) by Andrew Ahn.
Show Notes: 1:17 - Dol (First Birthday) 8:16 – Columbus
In this episode we discuss Alejandro Amenábar’s 1997 film Open Your Eyes. The plot revolves around a handsome playboy named César who finds his life in a downward spiral after being disfigured in the accident the day after he meets the woman of his dreams. Of course, we also touch on the Cameron Crowe American remake Vanilla Sky and discuss our short film pick, The Psychology of Dream Analysis by Rian Johnson.
Show notes: 1:20 - The Psychology of Dream Analysis 8:07 – Open Your Eyes
Ida Lupino was the first woman to direct a film noir, but her work behind the camera is not as well-known as her acting career in front of it. In this episode we talk post-war America, classic cinema and why a happily married man gets the itch for something more as we take in Lupino’s 1953 film The Bigamist. We also discuss our short film pick of the week Vows by Tal Zagreba.
Show notes: 1:50 - Vows 10:29 - The Bigamist
In this episode Courtney and Kristen discuss the origins of Wonder Woman, polyamorous relationships and the strong and complex women in Angela Robinson’s Professor Marston and the Wonder Women. They also spend time with their online short film pick of the week, Heather Fink ‘s The Focus Group written by and starring Sara Benincasa.
Show Notes: 1:14 – The Focus Group 10:48 - Professor Marston and the Wonder Women
In this episode, Courtney and guest co-host Kristen Lopez (Roger Ebert, Hollywood Reporter) journey to Uganda through Disney’s Queen of Katwe directed by Mira Nair. They also discuss this episode’s short film pick First Match by Olivia Newman.
Film critic Kristen Lopez (Roger Ebert, Hollywood Reporter) fills in as guest co-host while Andrew is on hiatus. In this episode we spend time with the 2012 Saudi Arabian drama directed by Haifaa Al Mansour. Our short film pick of the week is Mo’ne Davis: I Throw Like a Girl by Spike Lee.
Show Notes: 5:40 - Mo’ne Davis: I Throw Like a Girl by Spike Lee 15:21 - Wadjda by Haifaa Al Mansour
We celebrate Black History Month with the 2002 film Antwone Fisher directed by Denzel Washington. The film tells the true story of a young naval officer who, through the help of a determined psychiatrist, comes to terms with his painful past. For our short film spotlight, we discuss Speak It!: From the Heart of Black Nova Scotia by Sylvia Hamilton.
2:11 Speak It 17:03 Antwone Fisher
This week we revisit F. Gary Gray’s 2015 film Straight Outta Compton. The film recounts the rise of the group N.W.A. whose music revolutionized Hip Hop culture and inspired a generation in the process. For our short film spotlight, we discuss Melville by James M. Johnston and Missy Elliott’s Work It by David Meyers.
9:55 Melville 19:36 Work It 34:17 Straight Outta Compton
We kick off 2018 with Jim Jarmusch’s 1999 film Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai. In the film Forest Whitaker plays Ghost Dog, a mafia hit man who follows the ancient code of the samurai. For our short film spotlight, we discuss the Nick Cave narrated film The Cat Piano by Ari Gibson & Eddie White and Junko’s Shamisen by Sol Friedman.
4:47 The Cat Piano by Ari Gibson & Eddie White 13:19 Junko's Shamisen by Sol Friedman 21:06 Ghost Dog by Jim Jarmusch
Opening music comes courtesy of https://www.bensound.com
We are keeping things loose this episode as we are still recovering from the holidays and dealing with family related issues. So while there is no short film discussion this week, special guest Seth Gorden, the talent to artist who does all of our artwork, joins us to discuss Zacharias Kunuk’s stirring epic Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner. Hailed as one of the greatest Canadian films of all time, and inspired by an Inuit legend, the film is a captivating look at how community, mysticism and the sins of the past impact a family in unexpected ways.
After some introductions and general cinematic musing, the conversation about The Fast Runner starts at 7:52.
We are joined once again by film critic Kristen Lopez to further discussthe representation of disability in cinema. This time we dive into the horror genre with Mike Flanagan’s 2016 thriller Hush. The film focuses on a writer who is deaf whose solitary life in the woods is disrupted by a masked killer. We also take a moment to highlight our two short film picks (available online for free): Rob Savage’s Dawn of the Deaf and Charlotte Wells’ Laps.
6:59 Dawn of the Deaf 21:11 Laps 35:28 Hush
Film critic Kristen Lopez returns to Changing Reels for the first of two shows looking at the representation of disabilities in cinema. This episode we revisit Brian Dannelly’s 2004 satire Saved! The film follows Mary, a student at American Eagle Christian High School, whose life takes a drastic turn when she becomes pregnant after losing her virginity in hopes of “saving” her boyfriend who has recently admitted he is gay. We also take a moment to dive into our two short film picks (available online for free): Cousin by Adam Elliot and Hole by Martin Edralin.
5:33 Cousin 16:57 Hole 27:46 Saved!
A neglectful father attempts to reconnect with his young daughter by accompanying her on a train ride to see his ex-wife. What starts off as a simple journey soon turns into a harrowing fight for survival as a zombie virus rapidly spreads across South Korea. This week film critic and Blood in the Snow Film Festival programmer Caroyln Mauricette joins us to discuss Yeon Sang-ho’s Train to Busan, one of the best zombie films in the last decade. We also take time to highlight our short film picks: Waterborne by Ryan Coonan and Paranoia by Sandeepan Chanda, Nitesh Mishra, Amrita Mukhopadhyay, and Sunil Kumar Yadav.
3:28 Waterborne 9:17 Paranoia 19:00 Train to Busan
Living in post-revolutionary Tehran in the 1980s has not been easy for Shideh. With her dreams of becoming a doctor fading away due to her political activism during the war, she spends most of her time taking care of her daughter Dorsa while her husband pursues his medical career on the front lines. As the dangers of missile strike inch closer to her home, Shideh’s sanity is tested when Dorsa starts claiming that there is a spirit lurking in their home. This week we turn up the chills with Babak Anvari’s riveting directorial debut Under the Shadow. We also discuss our short film picks of the week: Paul Trillo’s At the End of the Cul-de-Sac and Steve McCarthy O Negative.
4:40 - At the End of the Cul De Sac 15:14 - O Negative 23:59 - Under the Shadow
Please support Andrew's work on the podcast by contributing to his Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/cantstopthemovies
Ryan Coogler’s Creed, much like its protagonist Adonis Johnson Creed, strives to carve out its own path while dealing with the weight of his legacy. The seventh film in the Rocky franchise, not only pays homage to the films in the series that came before it, but forges its own identity while carrying the torch for a whole new generation. In this episode, we are joined by film critic Ryan McNeil to discuss why Creed ranks amongst the best boxing films in the last couple of decades. We also take time to highlight our short film picks: Quand J’ai Remplacé Camille by Nathan Otaño, Rémy Clarke & Leïla Courtillon and Standing 8 by Michael Molina Minard.
5:51 When She Replaced Camille 14:18 Standing 8 25:58 Creed
In Bliss Cavendar’s small town, winning a beauty pageant is akin to being a star player on the football team. Though her mother, a former beauty queen, longs for her to follow in her footsteps, Bliss finds her own path when she discovers her love for the sport of roller derby. Assuming the name “Babe Ruthless” she soon makes waves on the circuit while dealing with the complexities that come with finding oneself. This week lace up the skates and take a spin with Drew Barrymore’s 2009 film Whip It. We also discuss our short film picks: Hana Wuerker’s When Perri Met Aly and River Finlay’s Luchadora.
4:51 When Perri Met Aly 11:25 Luchadora 18:42 Whip It
To placate his meddling Taiwanese parents, Wai-Tung agrees to a marriage of convenience with a struggling artist Wei Wei. What he failed to mentioned to his parents is that he is already in a loving relationship with Simon. Things spiral out of control for Wai-Tung when his parents decide to make a surprise visit to help plan the wedding. This week walk down the aisle with Ang Lee’s 1993 romantic comedy The Wedding Banquet. We also take time to highlight our short film picks of the week: Pink Grapefruit by Michael Mohan and In a Heartbeat by Beth David and Esteban Bravo.
4:59 Pink Grapefruit 13:49 In A Heartbeat 21:59 The Wedding Banquet
The possibility of love opens for two lonely souls when the world’s most efficient delivery system makes a rare mistake. In this episode we talk love, the need for connection, the vibrancy of Mumbai and much more in Ritesh Batra delightful film The Lunchbox. We also take time to discuss our short film picks of the week: Jonathan Ng’s Requiem for Romance and Kaspar Jancis’ Piano.
6:50 Jonathan Ng's Requiem For Romance 12:52 Kaspar Jancis' Piano 21:11 Ritesh Batra's The Lunchbox
A young man tries to come to terms with his sexuality in a household where his father refuses to truly see him for who he is. Sound like a standard coming-of-age tale? Think again. In the hands of director Jean-Marc Vallée, C.R.A.Z.Y. is a vibrant exploration of youth, sexuality, family and music. Basking in the glow of this modern Canadian classic film, we explore the various facets of the film and even get a little personal when touching on the way religion is incorporated in the film. As usual, we kick things off with our short film picks of the week: Sheldon Cohen’s The Sweater and Lev Yilmaz Non-Political Video.
3:52 - Sheldon Cohen's The Sweater 11:34 - Lev Yilmaz's NON-POLITICAL VIDEO 18:07 -Jean-Marc Vallée's C.R.A.Z.Y.
The complexities of American life are on our minds today as we dive into the somber side of patriotism. Exploring the post-9/11 world of Tom McCarthy’s wonderful film The Visitor, we discuss everything ranging from the immigrant experience to the possibility of finding love in the most unexpected places. We also reflect on the Bush and Obama years, and America’s love of guns, when chatting about our short film selections this week: Charles Stone III’s 8 Years Later…Waaazzzuuppp and Nicolas Lévesque’s In Guns We Trust.
7:48 8 Years Later…Waaazzzuuppp 16:49 In Guns We Trust 27:41 The Visitor
Time to put on your best footwear as we hit the floor, and the streets, with a dance filled doubled feature. Skipping the short film segment this week, don’t worry it will return in our next episode, we dive into the worlds of Step Up 3D and Take the Lead. While both films did not receive love from the critics, their choreography and diverse casting connected with audiences. We explore the pros and cons of each film and discuss why critics should not be so quick to dismiss modern dance films.
Show notes: 4:46 Step Up 3D by Jon M. Chu 27:46 Take the Lead by Liz Friedlander
Breaking records at the box office, and sparking tons of thought-provoking articles in the process, Wonder Woman has become the must-see movie of the summer. In this special episode we are joined by freelance film critic Kristen Lopez to discuss the representation of women in the film, the role of minorities, how the acceptance of violence is often based on gender and so much more. We also take time to highlight our short film picks: Nida Manzoor’s 7.2 and Fun Time Internet’s Toy Boyz.
7:45 7.2 15:47 Toy Boyz 22:43 Wonder Woman
What do male strippers and diversity in cinema have in common? It turns out a whole lot. This week we kick off the summer by taking a joyous road trip with the boys from Magic Mike XXL. In diving into Gregory Jacobs’ film, we touch on topics such as female empowerment, racial and gender depictions, and how this film ties into the recent Wonder Woman controversy at the Alamo Drafthouse. We also take a moment to discuss our short film picks: David Fried’s Return to High Chaparral and Justin Dec’s Boats.
3:31 Return to High Chapparall 12:24 Boats 21:29 Magic Mike XXL
As the 2017 Inside Out Film Festival draws nearer, we continue our celebration of LGBT cinema with Jennie Livingston’s Paris is Burning. Currently streaming on Netflix, Livingston’s critically acclaimed 1990 documentary focuses on the end of the “Golden Age” of New York City’s drag balls. Touching on themes of racism, poverty, body image and family, Livingston constructs a vibrant film that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. We also take a moment to discuss our short film picks: Paul Frankl’s Roxanne and Hope Dickson Leach’s Silly Girl.
5:38 Roxanne 11:25 Silly Girl 18:45 Paris Is Burning
How does a teenager come to terms with her sexual identity in an environment that refuses to acknowledge who she really is? This is the predicament that 17-year-old Alike finds herself in as she tries to navigate an overbearing mother, a father in denial and her own quest to find a relationship. We celebrate LGBT cinema, and the upcoming Inside Out Film Festival, by focusing on Dee Rees’ wonderful film Pariah. Before we dive into that film, we kick things off by discussing our short film picks: Dan’s Taberski’s These C*cksucking Tears and Alex Bohs’ Half.
What happens when a cop, a shady shaman, a Japanese stranger and a mysterious woman collide? Well, let’s just say things don’t go well for the village caught in the middle. In this episode of Changing Reels we attempt to decipher the various themes permeating Na Hong-Jin’s gloriously disturbing horror film The Wailing. Before jumping into the darkness, we bask in the warm glow of our short film picks: Wooksang Chang’s Mom and Seunghee Kim’s Mirror in Mind.
If you like what you hear, or want to offer some constructive criticism, please take a moment to rate our show on iTunes! If you have a comment on this episode, or want to suggest a film for us to discuss, feel free to contact us via twitter (@ChangingReelsAC), follow us on Facebook and reach out to us by email (Changing.Reels.AC@gmail.com). You can also hear our show on SoundCloud or Stitcher!
Two vastly different cops are tasked with trying to solve Korea’s first serial murder case ever in Bong Joon-ho’s 2003 film Memories of Murder. A visually captivating crime drama that festers in one’s mind, the film’s blend of mystery and dark comedy will keep you on the edge of your seats. In discussing the film, we touch themes including the deconstruction of law enforcing and media institutions, gender perceptions and why dropkicks are the new “hello.” We also take a few minutes to highlight our short film selections: Doyeon Noh’s Human Form and The Halsall Brothers’ If I Had a Heart.
If you like what you hear, or want to offer some constructive criticism, please take a moment to rate our show on iTunes! If you have a comment on this episode, or want to suggest a film for us to discuss, feel free to contact us via twitter (@ChangingReelsAC), follow us on Facebook and reach out to us by email (Changing.Reels.AC@gmail.com). You can also hear our show on SoundCloud or Stitcher!
A man accidentally travels back in time, and that is the least of his problems. In this episode, we discuss Nacho Vigalondo’s brilliantly constructed science fiction tale Timecrimes. Part thriller and part dark comedy, Vigalondo ensures that no moment is wasted in this film. While other time travel tales get bogged down with explaining how the machine itself works, Timecrimes’ brisk pace and frequent twists ensure that audiences will be coming back multiple times. We also take a few minutes to discuss our short film selections: Joe Kramer’s Running the Gammatar and J. Searle Dowley’s Frankenstein.
If you like what you hear, or want to offer some constructive criticism, please take a moment to rate our show on iTunes! If you have a comment on this episode, or want to suggest a film for us to discuss, feel free to contact us via twitter (@ChangingReelsAC), follow us on Facebook and reach out to us by email (Changing.Reels.AC@gmail.com). You can also hear our show on SoundCloud or Stitcher!
In episode 14 of Changing Reels, we dive into Shane Carruth’s experimental science fiction drama Upstream Color. The film is a love story revolving around two individual who find themselves inexplicably drawn together after being the victim of an unthinkable crime. Exploring themes of memory and identity, and featuring brilliant sound design, there is plenty to discuss in this film. As is custom, we also take a few minutes to highlight our two short film picks of the week: Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi’s Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo and Alberto Roldán’s Everything & Everything & Everything.
If you like what you hear, or want to offer some constructive criticism, please take a moment to rate our show on iTunes! If you have a comment on this episode, or want to suggest a film for us to discuss, feel free to contact us via twitter (@ChangingReelsAC), follow us on Facebook and reach out to us by email (Changing.Reels.AC@gmail.com). You can also hear our show on SoundCloud or Stitcher!
The world of pop music is often explored in film through a satirical lens. Gina Prince-Bythewood's Beyond the Lights is one of those rare films that takes an honest look at the complexities of the industry. Centered around a romance between a pop star and a police officer, the film boldly examines topics such as race, depression, and the objectification of women in the media. We also take a moment to discuss our short film picks of the week: Elizabeth St. Philip’s The Colour of Beauty and the Michael K. Williams starring Am I Typecast?
If you like what you hear, or want to offer some constructive criticism, please take a moment to rate our show on iTunes! If you have a comment on this episode, or want to suggest a film for us to discuss, feel free to contact us via twitter (@ChangingReelsAC), follow us on Facebook and reach out to us by email (Changing.Reels.AC@gmail.com). You can also hear our show on SoundCloud or Stitcher!
Spike Lee has been one of the most prolific directors ever since he burst onto the scene with 1986 She’s Gotta Have It. Effortlessly moving from features to shorts to documentaries to television, there is little he cannot do. However, many still question whether or not Lee deserves to be on the top ten list of greatest directors. We discuss this and more while exploring his 2001 film A Huey P. Newton Story, a performance film that is adapted from star Roger Guenveur Smith’s one man show about the Black Panther co-founder. We also take a moment to discuss our short film picks of the week: TV on the Radio’s Nine Types of Light and Randy Yang’s Video.
If you like what you hear, or want to offer some constructive criticism, please take a moment to rate our show on iTunes! If you have a comment on this episode, or want to suggest a film for us to discuss, feel free to contact us via twitter (@ChangingReelsAC), follow us on Facebook and reach out to us by email (Changing.Reels.AC@gmail.com). You can also hear our show on SoundCloud or Stitcher!
Studio Ghibli is revered all over the world for their films that feature lush animation and inventive stories with universal themes. As the studio’s latest film, The Red Turtle, hits theatres, we decided to take a closer look at the companies’ first international production. Directed by Michaël Dudok de Wit, and completely dialogue free, The Red Turtle follows a man who finds himself stranded on an island with a giant turtle. Diving into the film’s sweeping look at nature, the human experience, mysticism, parenting, and all things in between, there is plenty to dissect in this thought-provoking film. We also take a moment to discuss our short film picks of the week: Tsunami and There Will Come Soft Rains.
If you like what you hear, or want to offer some constructive criticism, please take a moment to rate our show on iTunes! If you have a comment on this episode, or want to suggest a film for us to discuss, feel free to contact us via twitter (@ChangingReelsAC) or by email (Changing.Reels.AC@gmail.com). You can also hear our show on SoundCloud or Stitcher!
It is often said that nothing in life comes for free. Well in the case of artist Nina Paley, that is not entirely true. Paley decided to give her animated film Sita Sings the Blues to the masses free of charge. Using the epic Hindu poem as a catalyst for exploring the crumbling nature of her marriage, the film is both a jaunty musical and a historical tale on downside of unconditional love. Featuring various animation styles, songs by jazz artist Annette Hanshaw and witty narrating shadow puppets, Sita Sings the Blue is a treat for the senses. Before diving into the film, we take a moment to discuss our short films picks of the week: Fetch! and Dernier Acte.
If you like what you hear, or want to offer some constructive criticism, please take a moment to rate our show on iTunes! If you have a comment on this episode, or want to suggest a film for us to discuss, feel free to contact us via twitter (@ChangingReelsAC) or by email (Changing.Reels.AC@gmail.com). You can also hear our show on SoundCloud or Stitcher!
It is a celebration of Iranian cinema on this episode of the show. First up we seem to have Ana Lily Amirpour’s A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night on the brain as Courtney’s short film, Kevin Hamedani’s In Her Place, stars Shelia Vand, who famously played the lead in Amirpour’s breakthrough film. Andrew opts for a more direct connection with his short film selection, Milena Pastreich’s I Feel Stupid which was written by Amirpour. For their main discussion the pair dive into the murky marital waters of Asghar Farhadi’s 2006 drama Fireworks Wednesday, a tale of a house cleaner who gets more than she bargains for when her latest job unexpectedly places her in the middle of a domestic dispute between her new employer and his wife.
If you like what you hear, or want to offer some constructive criticism, please take a moment to rate our show on iTunes. If you have a comment on this episode, or want to suggest a film for us to discuss, feel free to contact us via twitter (@ChangingReelsAC) or by email (Changing.Reels.AC@gmail.com). You can also find hear our show on SoundCloud or Stitcher.
As Christmas quickly approaches, we decided to break from our usual format and keep things loose and fun. So instead of discussing our short films selections we are taking a look at two underappreciated Christmas-ish films. First Courtney praises the diversity in the Queen Latifah vehicle Last Holiday, and then Andrew dives into his deep love for Danny Boyle’s warm-hearted children’s film Millions.
If you like what you hear, please take a moment to rate our show on iTunes! If you have a comment on this episode, or want to suggest a film for us to discuss, feel free to contact us via twitter (@ChangingReelsAC) or by email (Changing.Reels.AC@gmail.com). You can also find hear our show on SoundCloud or Stitcher!
Sarah Adina Smith’s The Midnight Swim is not a film that can easily be summarized. At its core it is a family drama about the connection between three half-sisters and their mother who has mysteriously gone missing. However, it also features elements from the found footage genre, a wonderful musical number, a shawl that is downright creepy, and deep questions about the transcendent nature of death. Needless to say there is a lot to chew on in this episode. We also discuss our short films picks of the week: Donato Sansone’s Journal Anime and Ben Brand’s Life is Beautiful.
As Moonlight continues to astonish audiences in theatres, one of our listeners suggested that we consider discussing Barry Jenkins’ directorial debut Medicine for Melancholy. We loved the idea so much that we decided to throw away our usual format and do a “Listener’s Choice” episode. While we don’t talk about any short films this week (don’t fret, they will be back in the next episode), we do take some time to show Jenkins’ Moonlight and Jeremy Saulnier’s Green Room love before diving into the romantic and social themes of Medicine for Melancholy.
Do you have a film in mind that you would like hear us to discuss in a future “Listener’s Choice” episode? If so, be sure to submit you suggestion to us via twitter (@ChangingReelsAC) or by email (Changing.Reels.AC@gmail.com). Also, you can subscribe to our show on iTunes, SoundCloud or Stitcher!
It can be argued that Sofia Coppola is easily one of the most respected female directors of this generation. Growing up within the film industry, it is no surprise that many of her films touch on themes regarding the nature of fame. In episode five of Changing Reels we weigh the merits of The Bling Ring, Coppola’s 2013 ripped from the headlines film about celebrity obsessed teens whose love of fame leads to them stealing from the very same stars they adore. We also discuss our short films picks of the week: Hiro Murai’s Clapping for the Wrong Reasons and David Raboy’s Giant.
Roger Ebert once wrote in his review of the romantic comedy “Love Jones” that the film makes us “realize how painfully limited the media vision of urban black life is. Why do the movies give us so many homeboys and gangstas and druggies and so few photographers, poets and teachers?” In this episode we revisit Theodore Witcher’s “Love Jones” and discuss its portrayal of black artists, weathering the storm in relationships, and how the film is being revived this month as a musical.
We also share our short film picks: Miguel Arteta’s “Are You the Favorite Person of Anybody?” and Danny Sangra’s “Odile et Michel.”
Martin Scorsese has crafted many iconic dramas so it easy to forget he has a funny bone as well. In episode three of Changing Reels we explore Scorsese’s dark comedy After Hours. The film follows an office worker who, in an attempt to woo a girl he meets in a coffee shop, encounters the worst night of his life in Soho. We also discuss our short films picks of the week: Dony Permedi’s Kiwi! and Bradley Tangonan’s High Rider.
In episode two of Changing Reels we turn our focus to Kasi Lemmons’ 2001 thriller The Caveman’s Valentine. The film follows a homeless man, Romulus (Samuel L. Jackson), who was once a promising composer but now lives in a cave in New York City. When the frozen body of a young man ends up in a tree near his dwelling, the paranoid schizophrenic Romulus ignores the police’s assessment, of it being an accidental death, and embarks on a quest to find the killer.
We also discuss our short films picks of the week Ryan Coogler’s Locks and Sara Kenney’s Angels and Ghosts.
Welcome to Changing Reels! A bi-weekly podcast that revisits overlooked and underappreciated films and explores their pop culture significance. In episode one of the show, hosts Andrew Hathaway and Courtney Small spend time with Justin Lin's sophomore feature "Better Luck Tomorrow". The pair also discuss their individual short film picks of the week "Real Talk" and "Evidence."