Does SPINAL TAP II turn it up to 11? + the rockin’ Warren Ellis

Sep 11, 2025

Warren Ellis, renowned musician from Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and Dirty Three, joins the conversation. He shares insights about his animal sanctuary in Indonesia featured in the documentary 'Ellis Park'. The discussion dives into the nostalgic yet mixed feelings surrounding 'Spinal Tap II', along with witty critiques of new cinematic releases like 'The Long Walk'. The blend of music, wildlife conservation, and humor creates a captivating dialogue that reflects on creativity and societal impacts, making for a delightful listen.

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INSIGHT

Franchise Comfort Beats Narrative Risk

Downton Abbey films are designed as comforting reunions rather than sharp social critique.
Mark argues the franchise succeeds by letting devotees spend time with beloved characters.

ANECDOTE

Lockdown Sparked Ellis Park Creation

During lockdown Warren Ellis met Femke den Haas and helped fund land for a sanctuary in Sumatra.
Fans, colleagues and collaborators quickly rallied to build enclosures, a school and a veterinary hospital.

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‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’ is finally out this week—but will it rock Mark’s world or break his heart? He’ll deliver his verdict in this week’s Take—plus more reviews of the biggest movies hitting cinema screens this weekend. First up it’s the final film instalment in everyone’s favourite goes-down-nicely-with-a-cuppa-tea-missus period drama saga, Downton Abbey. On a much less civilised note, we’ve got ‘The Long Walk’ too—a brutal death game drama adapted from Stephen King’s novel. Plus we’ll get your top takes on the Box Office Top 10 and whatever else is going on in your lovely listener lives.

Our very special and exceptionally well-dressed guest this week is Warren Ellis—musician of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and Dirty Three fame, and now the subject of new Justin Kurzel directed documentary ‘Ellis Park’. It follows the story of the animal sanctuary Ellis founded in Indonesia with Femke den Haas, and it’s an intimate insight into the life and music of this very cool man too. He chats IRL in the studio with Mark and Simon—and this week we’re filming the whole show in golorious technicolour, so you’ll get the full effect of his excellent outfit. They talk all about the movie and plenty about music too—and just because Warren loves a lengthy natter we’ve got even more for you in Take 2—so listen up!

Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free):

Downton Abbey Review: 06:35

Box Office Top Ten: 14:41

Warren Ellis Interview: 25:19

The Long Walk Review: 46:37

Spinal Tap: The End Continues Review: 1:00:48

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