The Next Reel Film Podcast

"There’s the way it ought to be and there’s the way it is.”Oliver Stone had written his experiences as a soldier in Vietnam shortly after his return to the US but he wouldn’t get a chance to direct it for nearly 20 years. In that time, he wrote other scripts and started his directing career. When Platoon was finally made and released in 1986, it became the first film about the Vietnam War made by an actual veteran of it. The film was received well and set Stone on his career path as a director with a specific vision... and with specific messages. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with the 1986 film Platoon. We talk about how the film holds up today and why it works well, even if there are elements in some character depictions that feel very much like tropes now. We chat about Charlie Sheen as the young protagonist and how he balances with Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger as two of his sergeants with very different senses of morality. We look at the rest of the incredible cast and how well everyone did. We discuss Dale Dye and his role in this film and war films afterward. We touch on the cinematography and music and how well it all works in context of the film. And we debate some of the uses of narration and if it is too much or too on the nose.It’s a strong film that’s worth revisiting and talking about. We have a great conversation about it on this week’s show 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.Letterboxd Lists Charlie Sheen Acting On Drugs • Every Vietnam War MovieWatch 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

Hal Ashby was behind several seminal films from the 60s and 70s, but by the time the 80s rolled around, his addictions made him unreliable. For his last feature film, he tackled novelist Lawrence Block’s famous character Matthew Scudder, and initially it sounded like it could be promising. Oliver Stone adapted the novel, and he’d proven he had a gritty edge to his work as a writer through the first half of the decade. Unfortunately the producers and Ashby wanted to move the story from New York to LA. While not an obvious problem, this decision seemed to set in motion a series of creative changes that led to several writers – including Ashby – tackling the script and eventually the film getting taken away from Ashby before going into post-production. The issues show through, but that doesn’t mean the film doesn’t have its merits. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with Ashby’s 1986 film 8 Million Ways to Die.We talk about the problems we have with the script and direction, but find ourselves on two sides of liking this film – Pete didn’t like it at all and Andy really enjoyed it. We chat about Ashby’s moments of character and humanity that come through several key scenes, notably when Bridges’ character of Scudder is speaking at AA dealing with his alcoholism. We look at Rosanna Arquette and Alexandra Paul as two high-class hookers and how well they do, as well as Randy Brooks and Andy Garcia as the men Scudder comes up against. We look at the cinematography and the score. And we fawn over several of the key locations in the film, notably the one with the funicular.It’s a film that fails on many counts but also one with some compelling things going for it. We’re split on it here but still think it’s worth a watch 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

"Nobody just disappears in El Salvador.”News of the civil war in El Salvador certainly was prevalent in the early 80s when Oliver Stone returned to the director’s chair. For his return, he joined forces with photojournalist Richard Boyle to tell Boyle’s own stories of his time in El Salvador during the US’s transition from Carter to Reagan and how US aid to the military junta running the country was fueling the death squads and atrocities. The political angle seemed ripe for Stone and the types of stories he wanted to tell, but it also seemed to be an early example of his stories focusing more on the policies than the people. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with Stone’s 1986 film Salvador.We talk about the politics of El Salvador to get a sense of the dictatorship at the time and why the US was providing ‘aid,’ and how that gave Stone the angle he wanted for his film. We debate the idea of having Boyle as our protagonist, as portrayed by James Woods, because he’s such a despicable character from start to finish. We talk about the idea of photojournalists and the angle they take when looking for the perfect photo and why that idea seems to get lost for such a time in the film. We look at the other actors and talk about what they’re bringing to the table. And we discuss the technical angles and why those elements work. It’s a frustrating film that doesn’t give us what we want in a film about a Central American dictatorship and the atrocities committed, but does at least provide a window for curious Americans to start their own explorations. We have 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 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

As a writer-director, Oliver Stone can maintain a clear vision and deliver the story he wants. When he’s working as a writer for hire, it’s often difficult to clearly get his story across. This certainly was the case when he worked on Year of the Dragon with director Michael Cimino, who wanted to add a Vietnam vet element to the story that wasn’t in the original source material. Stone did that and wrote an effective script, but between the two of them (both credited writers), they seemed to lose any sense as to how to write a fully fleshed out story. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with Cimino’s 1985 film Year of the Dragon. We talk about the problems we find in this story as they relate to the characters and their relationships but find we disagree on our overall reactions to the film. Pete found the problems weighed the entire thing down and didn’t like any of it but Andy found the crime story incredibly compelling and made the film enjoyable, despite its character issues. We discuss the actors and why some of them work better than others. We look at the cinematography and why so much looks great though conversations can often be bland. And we go on about the crime story and how the research they did in this area pays off to make it feel authentic.It’s a film full of issues but it’s going to be the individual viewer’s ability to look past them or not that will determine if they enjoy it or not. We had a great time talking about it regardless, 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

When Oliver Stone was hired to write the adaptation of Howard Hawks’ 1932 film Scarface, Sidney Lumet was on board to direct the film. Lumet wanted to update the story with a modern angle using colorful Miami in the early 80s as its backdrop focusing on the Cuban refugees coming in on the Mariel boatlift, specifically the criminal element. Stone loved the idea and took the job for that reason alone. Dealing with his own cocaine issue, Stone researched heavily for the film and wrote a gritty story that Lumet didn’t like but producer Marty Bregman did. Lumet left and Brian De Palma came on board instead. And thus, the film was born. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with Brian De Palma’s 1983 film Scarface.We talk about the over-the-top nature of the film, from the performances to the violence to the swearing, and how it works for us. We look at Pacino’s excitement about the project and how his initial viewing of the original film actually spurred this film on to begin with. We chat about Stone and his development of the script including some scary trips to South America to meet with people involved in the drug trade. We discuss what De Palma is doing here and why his creative filmmaking style works well for the story. We look at the nature of the stereotypes depicted in the film and why it affected people so much. And we touch on the original X-rating and the lengths De Palma went through to get his original version in theatres.We have a great time talking about this movie, even if it’s a difficult one to watch. 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

Oliver Stone had written his draft for the script of Conan the Barbarian before John Milius was on board, but even then everyone knew it was too grand and extravagant. With an estimated $40 million budget, they knew they had to thin it down quite a bit. Milius tossed quite a bit of Stone’s work though the two men clearly had similar masculine sensibilities so Milius’ tone still feels very much like Stone’s. So does the end result feel like something that Stone had helped develop? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with Milius’ 1982 fantasy Conan the Barbarian.We talk about the nature of fantasy films and why this style with scantily clad characters didn’t take off cinematically the way Lord of the Rings did. We also chat about how Milius, Stone, and the rest of the team still do strong work creating an effective, believable, and expansive fantasy world. We look at Arnold Schwarzenegger in this iconic, career-making role and what he brings to it. We discuss James Earl Jones as Thulsa Doom, the villain of the piece, as well as what’s effective with his character and what’s ineffective. We touch on the nature of cults and conspiracy theories and how it seems Stone and Milius certainly seem to be drawing on stories relevant to them at the time but interestingly are still so relevant today. We point out the reasons this film landed on the American Humane Association’s “unacceptable” list. And we celebrate the iconic and unforgettable music by Basil Poledouris.It’s a fun fantasy film that Pete and Andy are split on but still provides for quite an expansive conversation. 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 MaterialFlickchartLetterboxdConan The Barbarian Game Evolution 1984-2019 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 already made an indie feature film in 1973 and had written the adapted screenplay for Midnight Express which garnered him an Oscar. These elements put him in the position to write and direct his first feature film, albeit one still relatively under studio control. He found the book “The Lizard’s Tail” by Marc Brandell and really enjoyed the psychological angle of the story. He decided to adapt it as The Hand and he set to work. But for Stone’s debut directing a studio feature, does the movie work? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with his 1981 film The Hand.We talk about the nature of killer hand movies and why they’re largely so hard to buy into, but how the psychological angle of this one almost gets past that. We look at Stone and what signs of his works to come we can already see in this film. We chat about Michael Caine and his turn as an overbearing man slowly going insane and how it almost feels like a villain’s origin story. We discuss the elements of the story – divorce, emasculation as represented by the protagonist’s drawing hand getting amputated in a accident, the psychological collapse of a man unable to control his world – and look at how they work in horror films... as well as in this film. We look at the effects – from the severing of the hand to the various tricks to film a hand attacking and debate how well it works. And we look at tropes in the film and 80s attitudes toward yoga and psychologists.It’s an entertaining film that doesn’t work completely but still is fun enough 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: JustWatchOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkThe Lizard's Tail by Marc BrandellFlickchartLetterboxd 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

Looking at films that explore Soviet society and culture in the 70s through 80s allows for interesting glimpses into reactions to and critiques of changes happening through communism, perestroika and glasnost. The third film in our current series was made in 1988 and explores reactions to glasnost and changes leading up to the breakdown of the USSR. It’s not really science fiction, but is an absurdist, fantastical mystery that feels very Lynchian. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we finish our Soviet Science Fiction series with Karen Shakhnazarov’s 1988 film City Zero.We look at the absurdity in this film and how it took some research for us to really grasp what the filmmakers were trying to say about society. We chat about a few specific scenes like the cake scene, the secretary scene, the museum scene, and the tree scene, and explore what Shakhnazarov and co-writer Aleksandr Borodyansky may have been wanting to say. We look at other absurdist elements that don’t really seem to be saying anything but allow for that dreamlike Lynchian vibe to spread. We discuss Leonid Filatov as our lead character and why he works so well. And we talk about the stillness of the shots and how the direction and cinematography play into the vibe of this story.We had a lot of fun with this one, even though we determine it’s not really science fiction. Check it out – it’s available on YouTube – 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: YouTubeOriginal 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

In 2001, Nikolai Viktorov restored his father’s 1981 film Per Aspera Ad Astra for its 20th anniversary. This version has new special effects and a restored soundtrack, but Viktorov also decided to excise 25 minutes of footage from the film. Apparently, this decision was to tighten everything up a bit but also to remove some of the Soviet ideologies from the story. Whichever version of the film you watch, the ideologies seem relatively light so it seems an odd choice to remove content for a restored version. Regardless, the film makes for an interesting conversation. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Soviet Science Fiction series with Richard Viktorov’s 1981 film To the Stars By Hard Ways.We talk about the ideologies present in the film and the mild changes in the new version. We look at how the film works and why largely it doesn’t. We chat about the effects and why they work in interesting ways, despite feeling very dated for the age. We discuss some of the performers like Yelena Metyolkina and Vladimir Fyodorov and why they all work so well in this film. And we hit on how this film could’ve worked better for us. It’s not a completely successful film but certainly an interesting one to watch and discuss. 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: Amazon • YouTubeOriginal 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

Science fiction stories often work well as a shell in which authors and filmmakers can provide social commentary without it being obvious. In the case of Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel, based on the book by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky who also wrote the screenplay, the film uses a detective story that ends up involving aliens and androids as a way to look at the closed-off nature of life under the Soviet regime. Is it a perfect film? No, but it’s a fascinating one. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Soviet Science Fiction series with Grigori Kromanov’s 1979 film Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel.We talk about the nature of the story and why it works well as both science fiction and social commentary. We look at the setting of the film and why the cold, oppressive mountains with the brilliant moog synth score work so well to set the tone. We chat about the surreal qualities of the film and how sometimes, it’s these elements that contribute to a confusing story, affecting our understanding and enjoyment of the film. We look at the authors/screenwriters and director, talking about what they brought to the table. we discuss the dark and cold cinematography by Jüri Sillart and why it’s so effective. And we look into Estonian folklore and how it may have influenced certain elements in the film.It’s a fascinating film and one well worth checking out. We have a great time chatting about it so give it a watch – it’s streaming for free on YouTube – 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: YouTubeOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkInspector Glebsky’s Puzzle by Arkady and Boris StrugatskyFlickchartLetterboxd 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