You Must Remember This

Nate DeMeo, creator of 'The Memory Palace' and author of the book of the same name, dives into the fascinating tale of Jackie the lion, MGM's iconic symbol. He reveals how a wild cub became a cinematic star, sharing the impact of Hollywood during the Golden Age. Listeners learn about Jackie’s transition from freedom to fame and the poignant tension between his natural instincts and the expectations of stardom. The exploration of his memorable roar entwines with a dramatic publicity stunt that solidified his legacy as Leo the Lucky.

In a delightful conversation, legendary comedian Carol Burnett shares her enduring love for movies and the significant influence they had on her remarkable career. She recounts childhood days spent in Hollywood theaters and discusses the actor who jump-started her journey into showbiz. The chat highlights her groundbreaking variety show, with memorable parodies that challenged gender norms. Carol and host Ben Mankiewicz also trade laughs over their Wordle scores, showcasing her signature wit even at 91!

Kim Novak, a top box office draw in the late 1950s and the iconic star of Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, shares her journey through the painful constraints of Hollywood. She dives into her struggles with beauty standards, societal pressures, and her personal life, including a secret romance with Sammy Davis Jr. Novak reflects on the impact of fame, and her emotional reappearance at the Oscars, revealing the intricate balance between desire and defiance in her pursuit of identity amid the relentless scrutiny of celebrity culture.

Nancy Meyers, famous for hits like Something’s Gotta Give, talks about casting Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, script advice from Billy Wilder, becoming known for her interiors, and her terrifying film experience. Bonus insights into her personal movie preferences and upcoming guest appearances on the podcast.

Explore the aftermath and controversy surrounding the release of Eyes Wide Shut, Richard Gere's career and the impact of his roles on Hollywood's portrayal of sex, the co-opting of indie films by the mainstream industry, the influence of the production code on movies in the 90s, and the shift towards a sexless portrayal of adult characters in Hollywood.

Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman collaborate with Stanley Kubrick on the erotic drama 'Eyes Wide Shut'. The film explores themes of morality and the power of the rich, marking the end of the sexual revolution. The podcast also discusses Stanley Kubrick's fascination with sexual fantasy, his filmmaking process, and the challenges faced during the filming of 'Eyes Wide Shut'. Additionally, it touches on the lack of sex and nudity in the released version of the film.

Exploring the sexual themes and controversies of the 90s in Hollywood, the podcast discusses the portrayal of teenage sexuality in 'Cruel Intentions', the controversial depiction of teenagers in 'Wild Things', and the emergence of Britney Spears as a teen pop star and the implied racism in the music industry.

Adrian Lyne, director known for making successful movies, discusses the challenges in adapting the controversial novel Lolita into a film in the late 90s. He talks about the struggles to find publishers and gain commercial success. The podcast also explores the cultural climate surrounding the topic of eroticizing children and the controversy and reception of the film.

Jennifer Lynch, director of Boxing Helena and daughter of David Lynch, discusses the misbegotten passion project and its reception, as well as the themes of sex and male fragility in Lost Highway. The podcast also explores David Lynch's career as a provocateur, his controversial films, and the controversies surrounding his work. It touches upon the legal troubles and negative reception of Boxing Helena, the portrayal of fragile masculinity in both films, and the mysterious aspects of Lost Highway. The podcast also delves into the life and struggles of actor Robert Blake.

Explore the controversial film 'Crash' and its place in David Cronenberg's filmography. Discover its impact on the UK general election and its warning against charismatic billionaires. Learn how it embodies a post-Prozac, pre-Viagra moment and its connection to J.G. Ballard's novel. Delve into the reactions and controversies it faced at the Cannes Film Festival and its commentary on the diminishing significance of politics in the late 90s and early 2000s.