The Next Reel Film Podcast

“I guess that the way I like to think of myself and the way I actually am are, um, maybe more different than I’d like them to be.”Lynn Shelton sadly passed away about a year ago at the age of 54, but left a mark on the independent film scene with the personal stories she created. Her third theatrical feature film, Humpday, got a lot of attention when it premiered at Sundance, and that gave Shelton the boost she needed to get more of her storytelling out into the world. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Lynn Shelton series with her 2009 indie hit Humpday.We talk about the mumblecore film movement, what these types of films consist of, and why perhaps so many involved (and critics as well) aren’t a fan of the moniker. We look at Shelton and her personal storytelling here, and perhaps why this story idea was an easy one to latch on to and one to make to get noticed. We chat about the characters in the film and why elements of them work so well for us but why others don’t. We discuss the concept of friendship and manliness and what Shelton and the story are saying about that. We touch on our frustrations with how the film ends. And we revel in a few scenes that really stand out, including one character moment that we really don’t like. It’s an interesting film that has a lot to say, even if there are issues we have with the film itself. Regardless, it’s a film worth checking out, so see what you think then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdDan Savage’s Hump Film Festival Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"What the hell were those tentacles even attached to?”Frank Darabont wanted to adapt Stephen King’s novella “The Mist” as his directorial debut, but obviously that didn’t happen. It took him 13 years and three feature films, not to mention all the TV writing he was involved in, before he’d finally get around to adapting the story and making the film. What’s great about it is that he went dark with the story and took the original story even further than King took it. It worked for some people but not that well for others who found it far too bleak. Still, it’s found its audience and is generally considered one of the strongest horror adaptations of Kings’ work. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Stephen King à la Darabont series, with his 2007 film The Mist.We talk about the bleak nature of the story and how well it works for us in context of what King was doing with it. We look at the color version versus the director’s preferred black-and-white version and why we both prefer the black-and-white as well. We chat about the performances, notably Thomas Jane and Marcia Gay Harden (not to mention all the Darabont regulars) and why they work so well in their respective roles. We discuss the Lord of the Flies aspect to the humans in the story and why it fits so perfectly in this world. We chat about the creatures and why we find them so perfectly terrifying. We touch on the music and why the haunting voice of Lisa Gerrard works so well in context of this story. We debate the ending and why it works so well for us while certainly not as well for others – and how it can be interpreted in different ways. And if you’re tuning in to hear us talk about how cool it is that Darabont is such a fan of Drew Struzan’s poster art that he builds it into his lead character’s occupation, you’ll be disappointed. We completely forget to bring it up! So we’ll just mention it here.It’s a fantastically freaky film and we both love it. We had a great time talking about it on the show this week, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkOriginal MaterialFlickchartLetterboxd Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"I’m tired of people being ugly to each other.”When Stephen King published “The Green Mile,” it was quite a novelty as he chose to release it in six serialized segments, each releasing a month apart. It was inevitable that it would get adapted as a film, as so many other of King’s works, but perhaps because of its popularity, its subject matter, and because of Frank Darabont’s connection to King after making The Shawshank Redemption, it came as no surprise that Darabont was adapting and directing it as his next film. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we talk about the next film in our Stephen King à la Darabont series, his 1999 film adaptation The Green Mile.We talk about the episodic nature the film has, perhaps because of its original serialized format, and how that affects our viewing of it. We look at the flashback structure with Old Paul in the nursing home at the start and finish and debate if it helps or hurts the film. We also talk about the mean orderly in the nursing home in the novel and why perhaps the film would’ve worked better if that character was kept. We discuss the magical negro nature of the film and why it can be harmful to the interpretations of the film today. We look at all of the performances but notably Michael Clarke Duncan and how well he works as John Coffey. We touch on the cinematography, production design, music, and editing and why they all work well in this long story. And we ponder what it’s saying about death sentences, if anything.It’s a good film, despite the problems it has with the magical negro element, but doesn’t approach the level of Shawshank for us. Still, it’s worth watching, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkThe Green Mile: The Complete Serial Novel by Stephen KingFlickchartLetterboxdI Really Like You • Carly Raw Jepsen Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"Put your trust in the Lord. Your ass belongs to me. Welcome to Shawshank!”Frank Darabont may not have been Stephen King’s first Dollar Baby, but he certainly was one of the earliest. And according to King himself, Darabont’s short film The Woman in the Room is his favorite of the bunch. The story Darabont really wanted to adapt of King’s, however, was “Rita Hayworth & Shawshank Redemption.” It wouldn’t be until much later in his career, after he’d already established himself as a screenwriter of horror properties, that he’d be able to return to King and lock in the rights. Join us – Andy Nelson and Pete Wright – as we kick off our Stephen King à la Darabont series – with guests Tom & Tony Bancroft from the Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast – to talk about his 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption.We talk about our first experiences with the film and why it’s stuck with us over time. We chat about Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman and all the other potentials that could have played those parts. We look at the nature of Robbins’ character Andy Dufresne and how he embodies the type of protagonist that doesn’t necessarily follow his own character arc but changes those around him over the course of the film. We also argue how he still does have some strong moments of change himself, and how often the film is used as a parable in Christian circles. We touch on the greatness of the cinematography and music. And we marvel that the film didn’t get much award or box office love, considering how much we all love it.It’s a marvelous film and a great way to kick off this series. We have a great time talking about it with Tom and Tony, so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkDifferent Seasons by Stephen King (1982)FlickchartLetterboxdThe Bancroft Brothers Animation PodcastBancroft Bros.’ Podcast With Pete DocterPencilish Animation StudioMerMayTom on TikTokTony on InstagramTom on Instagram Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"God gave me the talent to pose for pictures.”For Mary Harron’s third feature film, she went back to the biopic well. For this film, she focused on the rise of pornographic images told through the lens of the life of Bettie Page, one of the top pin-up models of the time. Having a woman direct the film helps ensure the male gaze won’t dominate in a film about this subject, but that doesn’t mean the film works as well as it should. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our short Mary Harron series with her 2005 film The Notorious Bettie Page.We talk about the biopic structure of the film and why it feels like Harron and co-writer Guinevere Turner struggled to find the core of the story they wanted to tell. We chat about Gretchen Mol and how perfect she is in the role, and why she’s really the only reason to watch the film. We discuss the nature of the porn industry as depicted in the story and the different elements of it, and how the film never feels like it’s feminist enough or taking a stand. It always feels safe. We look at the shift between black and white and color and why it never feels fully thought out. And we chat about Page herself and how she was such an icon that still influences pop culture.It’s a Hallmark-feeling biopic, albeit with nudity, and one we struggled with, even though it does have a wonderful central performance. Regardless, we had a great time talking about it so tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“There is an idea of a Patrick Bateman. Some kind of abstraction. But there is no real me. Only an entity, something illusory. And though I can hide my cold gaze and you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours, and maybe you can even sense our lifestyles are probably comparable, I simply am not there.”Bret Easton Ellis’ book “American Psycho” was published in 1991 under much controversy. The initial publisher cancelled the contract because of “aesthetic differences” with the content. The new publisher wouldn’t release it in hardback until 2012. Several countries refused to release it and many only released it shrink-wrapped, only available to those over 18. Such controversy often spurs more in Hollywood to nab the property for cinematic adaptation, and even though Edward R. Pressman secured the rights right away, it still took nearly a decade to get the film made. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Mary Harron series with her 2000 film American Psycho.We talk about the dark satire of the book and how it is easy to misread satire in such a bloody violent film, but how the film’s humor really helped it come through more. We look at the way Christian Bale takes on the role of Patrick Bateman and some of his influences in the role. We talk more about getting the book to the screen and the various hands attached at points in time. We debate the unreliable narrator throughout the movie and our interpretations on what’s real vs. what’s not. We discuss the use of pop culture and how that ties to Bateman’s personality. We compare the film to Wall Street which is an interesting one especially as Oliver Stone had been on board as director at one point. And we ponder the existence of the mysterious Davis...It’s a strong film and certainly a favorite of ours, albeit a difficult one to watch. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkOriginal MaterialFlickchartLetterboxdFunny or Die: Huey Lewis & “Weird” Al Yankovic Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"That’s that man hater. I don’t know what Andy sees in her.”Mary Harron started as a music journalist before moving into PBS documentaries. When she first learned about Valerie Solanas, the woman who shot Andy Warhol, she thought the subject would make an interesting documentary. Unfortunately, the lack of footage and disinterest in being interviewed from people who knew her led Mary and her producing team to realize a feature film may make more sense. Even Warhol himself apparently pushed for the feature focusing on Solanas. Harron co-wrote the script and made it as her debut feature. It’s a tough film to watch about a tough character, but may have been the right sort of project to get her filmmaking career started. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Mary Harron series with her debut 1996 feature I Shot Andy Warhol.We talk about our backgrounds with Andy Warhol and Solanas and how this story was largely not something we grew up knowing anything about, and how that possibly influenced how we saw the film. We look at Solanas and Lili Taylor’s remarkable portrayal of her, and how challenging it can be to make a film with an unlikeable protagonist. We chat about Jared Harris as Warhol and why he works in this film. We reveal our surprise that Warhol was wearing a wig all this time. We look at Martha Plimpton, Stephen Dorff, and others in the film and how they work. We discuss Solanas’ writing, notably “The SCUM Manifesto” and her play “Up Your Ass,” and how we feel her writing is used in the film to convey her mental state and in general what it says about Solanas and how people saw her. And we chat about the nature of unchecked mental illness and how that darkness can push someone to places like this where murder seems the only way out.It’s a difficult film with strong performances, but not an easy one to return to. We have a great time talking about it though so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.The SCUM Manifesto by Valerie Solanas”I Believe” by Lou Reed & John CaleWatch this film: JustWatchOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkMy Face for the World to See: The Diaries, Letters, and Drawings of Candy Darling, Andy Warhol SuperstarFlickchartLetterboxd Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“Thou shalt not kill, Mom. Thou shalt not kill women and children!”It was originally Al Pacino and his producing partner Martin Bregman who optioned Ron Kovic’s autobiographical book “Born on the Fourth of July” in 1977 so Pacino could play the role. They hired a young Oliver Stone to adapt it but after a few years of not getting anywhere, they dropped it. Stone told Kovic that if he made it, he’d circle back to get it made. True to his word, after the success of Platoon, Stone reached back out and they began the process again, this time with Stone directing. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we close out our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with Stone’s 1989 film Born on the Fourth of July.We talk about the small amount of Vietnam in this second film of Stone’s Vietnam trilogy and how it’s interesting in how much that element shapes the overall story. We discuss Tom Cruise in the lead role and how this is a perfect example of Cruise always pushing to be the best and why we love him so much here. We argue over whether the facial hair and wig work is good or not. We run through the list of all the other fantastic performers seen over the course of this epic life story. We debate the nature of biopics and if there’s another word to describe this type or not. We chat about Robert Richardson and all the amazing cinematographical choices made throughout this film. And we marvel at the incredible John Williams score which works so well. We have a great time talking about this film so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript Part 1 & Part 2Original theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkOriginal MaterialFlickchartLetterboxd Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Oliver Stone had been planning on starting Born on the Fourth of July after finishing Wall Street but had to wait for Tom Cruise to finish making Rain Man. While doing so, his producer Ed Pressman introduced him to a new play he’d optioned called “Talk Radio.” Stone agreed to help adapt the script with Eric Bogosian, one of the original writers and performer, and in the process took to the project. He ended up signing on to direct it and in the process, turned out one of his most interesting films that sadly doesn’t get talked about. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with his 1988 film Talk Radio.We talk about the nature of this film and our perhaps more personal connection to it, being in the world of podcasting, and the nature of talking in people’s ears. We share our thoughts on the translation from stage to screen and why opening up the story to pull in elements of the real life gunning down of shock jock Alan Berg in 1984 allowed Stone to include more of his ideologies but also allowed Bogosian to create more inner turmoil in the character. We discuss the cinematography at length, from the split diopters to the dollies with rotating sets to the theatrical lighting shifts to the detailed closeups and more. We also revel in the incredible sound design and why it works so brilliantly in creating this world. And we touch on the days of Cineplex Odeon films and the fact that this theatre chain was also distributing movies.It’s a powerful film that worked really well for us but never seemed to find a connection to its audience. Still, we have a fantastic time talking about it and certainly think more people need to check it out. So do so, then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artwork‘Talk Radio’ Stage Play by Eric BogosianTalked to Death: The Life and Murder of Alan Berg by Stephen SingularFlickchartLetterboxd Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Platoon was Oliver Stone’s autobiographical movie, but Wall Street was a bit of a biographical story as well as his father had been a stock broker and Stone grew up a bit in that world. That being said, the movie doesn’t really reflect Stone’s father (unless you look at Hal Holbrook’s character). What Stone and co-writer Stanley Weiser did is attack the Reagan era growth of greed and used the insider trader scandals of the era to paint a portrait of this high stakes world. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with his 1987 film Wall Street.We talk about the tone of the film and why elements of it work and why some don’t. We look at the nature of the film’s portrait of the city of New York and why Stone might have deliberately painted the film as an intrinsic part of the city. We chat about Charlie Sheen and why he doesn’t work as well as he did in Platoon and about Michael Douglas any why he largely steals the show in every scene he’s in. We touch on Martin Sheen working in this film with his son playing his son, as well as many of the other cast members. We look at Robert Richardson’s beautiful look he’s created for this world. And we touch on Stewart Copeland’s music and why we can’t really remember it (and wonder if Jerry Goldsmith’s lost score might’ve been better).It’s an interesting film about an interesting world we know nothing of but one which is endlessly fascinating, with a powerful performance by Douglas at its core. We have a great time chatting about it so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible