Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in Cinema

In this special episode, Harry and Daniel are guests of the Seattle-based Dead Beat Film Society podcast, joining them in a discussion of Barry Levinson’s Rain Man, starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. Tune in to hear their them chat about the way the film defies genre convention to deliver a moving, but realistic and measured portrayal of the central relationship. They further talk about the portrayal of disabilities onscreen and how that might be achieved today, why this might be one of Cruise’s best performances, and much more!Listen to Dead Beat Film Society - https://deadbeatfilmsociety.libsyn.com/Follow Dead Beat Film Society on Twitter - https://twitter.com/dbfilmsociety

In this week’s episode, Daniel & Harry welcome Noah Rinsky of @oldjewishmen to the pod to discuss Robert Altman's 1973 noir classic "The Long Goodbye,” starring Elliot Gould.They cover Gould and Altman’s interpretation of novelist Raymond Chandler’s iconic detective Phillip Marlowe, coding him as Jewish in a way that distinguishes him from past onscreen portrayals. They further discuss the way the film uses the “saving the cat” device to draw sympathy to Marlowe, as well as how it investigates his inability to make sense of a morally gray Los Angeles in the early 1970s. Finally they question where Jewish gangsters go on Friday nights, and consider the utility of being a gangster and a mohel’s son.As always, they end the episode by ranking the film’s Jewishness in terms of its cast & crew, content, and themes.YouTube Trailer: https://youtu.be/fAYheZweypkIMDb Page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070334/Old Jewish Men: https://www.oldjewishmen.net/Follow OJM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldjewishmen/

In this week’s episode, Daniel and Harry welcome writer Emil Stern to discuss David Mamet’s 1991 film Homicide, starring Joe Mantegna and William H. Macy.They delve into protagonist Bobby Gold’s journey as a “wandering Jew,” struggling to fit in with both his fellow cops and the Jewish family whose murder case he’s been tasked to solve. They further discuss the harsh language of Mamet’s script, and how it’s used to victimize everyone from the film’s cops to its Jewish characters.As always, they end the episode by ranking the film’s Jewishness in terms of its cast & crew, content, and themes.Movie Trailer - https://youtu.be/P9-Q0ZRFk7gIMDb - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102048/Follow Emil Stern on Twitter - https://twitter.com/emil_stern

Join Professor Nathan Abrams, a Jewish film scholar at Bangor University, as he dissects Stanley Kubrick’s iconic 'A Clockwork Orange.' Dive into the film's exploration of power and the ethical dilemmas surrounding free choice. Abrams highlights Kubrick's Jewish heritage and nuances in the film that reflect complex cultural themes. The discussion also tackles the psychological journey of Alex DeLarge and the chilling blend of violence paired with classical music. They even ponder whether the film's themes resonate positively or negatively for Jewish audiences.

In this week's episode, Daniel & Harry are joined by PJ Grisar, Culture Writer for The Forward, to discuss the 1971 hidden gem "The Plot Against Harry," directed by Michael Roemer and starring Martin Priest as the eponymous Harry.Listen along as they chronicle Harry’s ”teshuva” journey following his time in prison, dive into the authentic representation of a ‘70s New York Jewish community, and lose track of all the movie’s weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, and other Jewish celebrations.As always, they end the episode by ranking the film’s Jewishness in terms of its cast & crew, content, and themes.IMDb PageMovie TrailerPJ Grisar on TwitterPJ’s “125 Greatest Jewish Movie Scenes” Article Series on The Forward

In this week's episode, Daniel & Harry are joined by Esther Werdiger, Art Director for Tablet Magazine, to discuss the 1972 classic comedy "The Heartbreak Kid," directed by Elaine May and starring Charles Grodin, Cybill Shepherd, and Jeannie Berlin.Tune in as they identify within the film the hallmarks of 1970s New York Jewry, consider the film’s satirical take on the threat of Jewish assimilation, and debate the repulsiveness of getting an egg salad sandwich all over your faceAs always, they end the episode by ranking the film’s Jewishness in terms of its cast & crew, content, and themes.IMDb PageMovie Trailer

In this week's episode, Daniel & Harry discuss the 2009 anxiety-inducing film "A Serious Man," directed by the Coen Brothers and starring Michael Stuhlbarg. They touch on the meaning of Larry's dreams, explore the challenges of being logical in an increasingly illogical and unpredictable world, and unpack the cryptic messages and parables offered by the film’s 3 rabbis.They wrap up the episode by serving up a 3 course meal rating of the Jewishness of the film, based on its cast & crew, content, and themes.IMDbMovie Trailer

In this week’s episode, Daniel and Harry welcome Rachel Rosenfeld, Executive Director of Mercaz Seattle to discuss the 1995 classic "Clueless," starring Alicia Silverstone as the iconic Cher. They consider the resonance of Cher’s embodiment of the Jewish American Princess (JAP), break down the California traffic one might face to go to a party all the way in the valley, the timelessness of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and more!IMDbYouTube trailerMercaz Seattle

In this week’s episode, Daniel and Harry head outdoors for a special in-person recording where they discuss Barry Levinson's 2021 film “The Survivor.” They consider the movie’s themes of assimilation and survival, its cinematic depiction of the concentration camps, and its attempts at presenting scenes of violent boxing without seeming exploitative. As always, they end the episode by rating the film’s Jewishness.Make sure to follow on instagram @jewsonfilm and TikTok @jewsonfilmpod and don't forget to rate and review the podcast!IMdBTrailerSoCalled - "(Rock The) Belz"Talia & Ensemble de Kol Aviv - Mayn Shtetele Belz

In this week's episode, Daniel and Harry are joined by the stars of the 2 Movie Jews podcast Yechiel Hoffman and Jodi Berman. Together, they discuss Quentin Tarantino's 2009 World War II epic "Inglourious Basterds," starring Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent, and Christoph Waltz.Tune in as they explore the film's theme of hiding from one's past, discuss the representation of powerful Jews on screen, and consider the film as a testament to the power of storytelling.Trailer IMDb Listen to 2 Movie Jews on SpotifyListen to 2 Movie Jews on Apple Podcasts