The Next Reel Film Podcast

### "Either the blindness spread the panic or the panic spread the blindness." When Fernando Meirelles showed his 2008 film _Blindness_ to José Saramago, the author of the original book upon which it was based, Saramago loved it. Unfortunately for them, neither critics nor audiences connected with the allegorical film. It’s a tough watch with questionable character motivations and a fairly depressing world view. But some people still really love it, creating quite a variety of reactions to the film well worth talking about. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we discuss the penultimate film in our Disease Films series, Meirelles’ _Blindness_. We talk about why the film worked for Andy but didn’t work for Pete and how, for both, there are still gaping problems that should’ve been worked out. We discuss the cinematography and production design and how they work together to really create an interesting world on film, even if there are elements one could call on the nose. We dig into the technical side of the VistaVision camera and why the production team likely used it for filming. We look at the actors – from Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo to Danny Glover and Gael García Bernal – and what they’re all bringing to the table. And we look at the variety of locations they filmed at including Brazil, Canada and Uruguay. It’s a problematic film that some people may like while others may hate, but it is an interesting allegory all the same and certainly fun to talk about. So check it out and tune in! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/blindness/id432489109?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Blindness-Julianne-Moore/dp/B00AQ96VSU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1471316843&sr=8-2&keywords=blindness) - [Script Transcript](http://www.script-o-rama.com/movie_scripts/a1/blindness-script-transcript.html) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj8iSZKEgAs) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2008/blindness.html) - [_Blindness_ by José Saramago](https://www.amazon.com/Blindness-Harvest-Book-Jos-Saramago-ebook/dp/B003T0GBOM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1471316808&sr=8-1) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/682039C3D5) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/blindness/) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [Allied](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22PY59GHQgU) — "It’s just a teaser, but I’ll see anything Robert Zemeckis does. The fact that it’s a WWII story written by Steven Knight with Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard starring is just icing on the cake.” - Pete's Trailer: [The Good Neighbor](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhhGR3nDofA) — "James Caan is incredibly scary. Just, as a person. He’s a scary person. In fact, there were moments that I actually thought Kathy Bates was the victim that one time. Remember that? He’s that scary of a guy. And now he’s playing the role of the scary guy in a SUPER-Rear-Window-vibed film. I’ll see this, and probably regret it for so many reasons."

### "Very odd what happens in a world without children’s voices." It’s unfortunate that Alfonso Cuarón’s film _Children of Men_ never found the audience it deserved, at least theatrically. Sure, it has been hailed as one of the best films of the year it was released, is often cited as one of the best science fiction films of the 21st century and was critically praised but for whatever reason, the audiences didn’t show up. The film lost money on its theatrical release. But Cuarón’s film is brilliant. It’s powerful. And it leaves you with a sense of hope for humanity. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Disease Films series with Cuarón’s 2006 film _Children of Men_. We talk about the theme of hope and the religious overtones within the film, looking at why they work here and how they differ from the original novel written by P.D. James. We chat about Cuarón and his penchant for long shots, noting how there are over 30 minutes of shots in this movie that run 45 seconds or longer in single takes. We look at what it takes for Cuarón and his team to pull off these incredibly complicated shots. We discuss the performances, including Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Caine and Clare-Hope Ashitey, and why Owen should’ve been nominated for an Oscar. And we deliberate on why this film was critically received so well but never quite found its footing. It’s a marvelous film well worth watching and discussing. We enjoy talking about it here, so what are you waiting for? Tune in! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/children-of-men/id299968409?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Children-Men-Clive-Owen/dp/B000QGAU4E/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=children+of+men&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1470878637) - [Script](http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/children_of_men-script.pdf) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VT2apoX90o) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2006/children_of_men.html) - [_Children of Men_ by P.D. James](https://www.amazon.com/Children-Men-P-D-James/dp/0307275434/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=children+of+men+pd+james&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1470879006) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/225633919A) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/children-of-men/) - [_Children of Men_ One-ers](http://cinetropolis.net/children-of-men-every-shot-45-seconds-or-longer/) - [Pink Floyd’s Animals cover](http://www.feelnumb.com/2009/09/23/pink-floyd-animals-cover-at-battersea-power-station/) - [DonutCake](https://www.instagram.com/p/BI_ehnig5wC/?taken-by=sodacreekfilm) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [The Edge of Seventeen — Official Red Band Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB6Gecy6IP8) — "This is the perfect movie for me to watch before my daughter gets to this age. I have a feeling by that point, I won’t be able to handle it. But seriously, it looks hilarious. And sad. And honest. And touching. No surprise to see James L. Brooks producing it." - Pete's Trailer: [Complete Unknown](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhR74Y1uDr8) — "I loved _Maria Full of Grace_. While I never saw his other features, when this showed as writer/director Joshua Marston’s next film I jumped at it. Not only does it feel like a return to form for him, it stars one of my very favorite actors in Rachel Weisz. Starts this month if you can find it!"

### "How’d you like to wake up in the morning and be him?" The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is an ongoing series of ours in which we invite an industry guest to join us and bring along one of their favorite movies to talk about. In this month’s episode, cinematographer Sam Levy joins us to talk about one of his favorite films, John Huston’s 1972 boxing film _Fat City_. We talk about the depressing story presented here as these characters try to reach the good life and why some of us can connect easier to it than others. We look at the incredible (and incredibly dark) cinematography by Conrad L. Hall and discuss the importance of a cinematographer getting to time their own film. We chat about the brilliant cast, from the actors like Stacy Keach, Jeff Bridges, Susan Tyrrell and Nicholas Colasanto; to the real-life boxers like Curtis Cokes and Sixto Rodriguez. We discuss Kris Kristofferson’s song “Help Me Make It Through the Night” and why it works so well in this movie. And we touch on what critics thought of the movie compared with how it did at the box office. John Huston was at a period in his career where he’d been making some duds so it’s great to see him return to top form with _Fat City_. It’s a master class in cinematic realism and a boxing film well worth watching and discussing. Check it out then tune in! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/fat-city/id571414136?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Fat-City-Stacy-Keach/dp/B004GIZWNW/ref=sr_1_4?sr=8-4&ie=UTF8&keywords=fat+city&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1469390102) - [Screenplay](http://www.cinephiliabeyond.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Fat-city.pdf?be83b8) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVXhoiS0BPA) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1972/fat_city.html) - [_Fat City_ by Leonard Gardner](https://www.amazon.com/City-York-Review-Books-Classics/dp/1590178920/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=fat+city&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1469390053) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/DF29406FBD) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/fat-city/) - [Sam Levy on Instagram](http://instagram.com/country_club)

### "You can’t stop the signal." Most people involved in making Joss Whedon’s 2005 film _Serenity_ acknowledge that it was a near miracle that they got to make it. The TV show upon which it was based, “Firefly,” was canceled before its 14 episodes all aired and it seemed dead. Luckily, the rabid fanbase clamored loud enough and Universal saw that there may be an audience for a continuation of the story after all. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Disease Films series with Whedon’s conclusion of his “Firefly” story, 2005’s _Serenity_. We talk about why the film works and what Whedon brings to the table, notably his sharp story construction and snappy dialogue. We chat about the cast, looking primarily at Serenity’s crew members and their antagonist played by Chiwetel Ejiofor. We look at the look of the film and why Jack Green’s cinematography works so well for us. We marvel at the stuntwork done by the cast, notably Summer Glau and Nathan Fillion as they handled most of their stunts to brilliant effect. We talk about the release of the film and why we think it didn’t do that well at the box office. And we take note of a fascinating milestone this film represents in the advancing world of digital film projection. It’s an amazing science fiction western noir film and is one of our faves. Definitely check it out, then tune in to this week’s show! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/serenity/id292625148?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Serenity-Nathan-Fillion/dp/B002M7A79S/ref=tmm_aiv_swatch_1?qid=1470100437&sr=8-4&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&_encoding=UTF8) - [Script Transcript](http://www.mserenity.ru/files/scripts/Serenity-190-initial-version.pdf) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY3u7bB7dZk) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2005/serenity.html) - [Art of the Title](http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/serenity/) - [_Firefly_ on Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/70202753?noredirect=true) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/AAC9629795) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/serenity/) - [_The Great Wall of China_ by Franz Kafka, translation by Ian Johnston](http://www.kafka-online.info/the-great-wall-of-china.html) ## Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [The Hollars](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDm-hMnvB44) — "Family comedy drama films can sometimes work for me and sometimes not. This looks like it will fall in the ‘yes’ category and I really hope so because I’d love to see John Krasinski bring more to the table as a director." - Pete's Trailer: [The Great Wall](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4koBll__TcU) — "This looks like quite a spectacle. The problem is, on some level, I think I’m actually offended by it, but I can’t figure out why. I guarantee my opinion is based in some part on the dumpster fire that was Jason Bourne."

### "Use SQL to corrupt the databases." The Film Board Gathers! This month, we’ve got thugs being thugs as the Bourne Quilogy moves into its latest chapter. Our secret super soldiers surface to talk about Matt Damon’s return and the latest techniques in brainwashing, performance enhancing drugs and any other tricky tactics to transform Ludlum’s legends to screen. All alliteration aside, we’re going to spoil this movie and the rest of the franchise. So catch up to Jason Bourne with Pete Wright, Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, Tommy Handsome, and Justin JJ Jaeger - it’s in theaters now. ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/jason-bourne/id1135595430?at=11lrTo) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4gJsKZvqE4) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2016/jason_bourne.html) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/C3991A3458) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/jason-bourne/) - [The Jason Bourne Flixtape](https://flixtape.netflix.com/p/bERPeaFt9Nz7Ez3d8n7v89)

### "You have to love its simplicity. It’s one billionth our size and it’s beating us." After making _Das Boot_, Wolfgang Peterson came to Hollywood and began a new period in his life making big spectacle films, often action thrillers. Unfortunately, that meant when it came time to make his 1995 film _Outbreak_ – stemmed from the world’s curiosity in the Ebola outbreak in Africa paired with the release of Richard Preston’s article “Crisis in the Hot Zone” and subsequent book – the powers that be felt that it _too_ needed to be an action thriller. True, compared to something like _The Andromeda Strain_, a little more action could really help a story out, but they really seemed to go the wrong direction with this film, adding in an infuriating military conspiracy subplot to really kick things up a notch. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Disease Films series with Peterson’s ‘95 film _Outbreak_. We talk about why the film fell short on this recent watch, even though it seemed to hold up relatively well when we first saw it in ‘95. We chat about how the project came to be and why the film version of Preston’s article and book never got made. We look at all the wonderful actors in this movie and debate whose characters are the weakest. We chat about the nature of Ebola and the various outbreaks the world has seen with it (including a recent record-breaking outbreak starting in ‘13). And we ponder Peterson’s Hollywood directing, wondering if he’s still got another _Das Boot_ in him. It’s a flawed film, albeit an entertaining one with a great cast. It’s fun to watch but also infuriating. And it’s really fun to talk about, so check it out then tune in this week! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/outbreak/id298418281?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Outbreak-Dustin-Hoffman/dp/B000N5W5NC/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=outbreak&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1469655105) - [Script Transcript](http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/Outbreak.pdf) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgZ5goJibn0) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1995/outbreak.html) - [Art of the Title](http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/outbreak/) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/FFDBEE89DA) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/outbreak/) - [_Stranger Things_ Props](http://www.wired.com/2016/07/stories-behind-stranger-things-retro-80s-props/?mbid=nl_72716_p4) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [Wonder Woman](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lGoQhFb4NM) — "If DC came out with this before BvS:DoJ, it’s possible they’d be giving Marvel a real run for their money. Everything about this looks like they’re making the right choices. I can’t wait to see Gal Gadot bring it to the big screen!" - Pete's Trailer: [Sky Sharks](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIduXS3KOGY) — "Yeah. This is Sky Sharks. We talked about it last week on the show. It’s in contention for entry into the WolfCop/Kung Fury Hall of Fame. See this trailer."

### "Tell me a story where everything works out in the end for the evil witch." Steve and JJ are going to have their pain killer laden cake and spoil it for you too. This was Pete’s trailer pick from January 2, 2015. Pete talked about the cast and said Jennifer Aniston stood a chance for an Oscar for this film. Andy agreed that she looked amazing in this trailer and agreed that this looked like an opportunity for her to show that she is capable of powerful performances. ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/cake/id957588976?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Cake-Sam-Worthington/dp/B00TY6CM7U/tag=rashpixel_mwl-20?tag=rashpixel_mwl-20) • [Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/80017263) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3IsUOSHlnU) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2014/cake.html) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/EB7A890F2C) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/cake-2014/)

### "We’re not dealing with the flu virus here." George A. Romero made _The Crazies_ just a few years after making his breakout film _Night of the Living Dead_ in ‘68, but with the popularity of Romero’s zombie film and the others in his ‘Dead’ trilogy still to be determined, he was still a struggling indie filmmaker. So it was with a very meager sum that he set out to make _The Crazies_ and delivered a very interesting piece of work, even if it often fails in its storytelling. Join us – Andy Nelson and Pete Wright as we continue our Disease Films series with Romero’s 1973 film _The Crazies_. We talk about the independent feel of the film, what works about it and what doesn’t. We chat about Romero and some of his tropes that were evident early on, shining strongly in this movie. We discuss the actors, the relatively short careers for many of them and the particularly lengthy (and schlocky) career of Lynn Lowry, still busy making films like _Skysharks_. We look at the various elements of production on display here, from cinematography and locations to makeup and effects to the canned music and the editing. And we talk about the distribution of the film and why it largely failed to find an audience. It’s a fun film to watch and clearly helmed by someone who knew how to put a taut film together, even if it’s a bit of a mess with some bad performances. But we like it anyway, even if it didn’t end up ranking very high on our Flickchart. So check it out and then tune in! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-crazies/id482751431?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Crazies-Blu-ray-Lane-Carroll/dp/B002VRNJQ2/ref=sr_1_4?sr=8-4&ie=UTF8&keywords=the+crazies&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1468895545) • [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rg3RP5omxYA) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyHyp7hmmsA) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1973/crazies.html) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/1D7A8B8764) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/the-crazies/) ## Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [Rules Don’t Apply](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1JrMOiG5hc) — "I enjoy Warren Beatty and it’s great to see him back in action, both in front of and behind the camera. It seems smart that he’s also putting Alden Ehrenreich in there as a co-star to ride some of that Han Solo buzz." - Pete's Trailer: [The Magnificent 7](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-RBA0xoaWU) — "We’ve talked about this movie already, but you know what? I love this new trailer something awful so screw it… I’m talking about it again."

It was a dark and stormy . . . actually, it was a sunny June Sunday evening when Andy and Steve decided to celebrate the joys of fatherhood with John Carpenter, the Master of Horror. On Father’s Day 2016, these two bold men decided to forego the company of their wives and children and settled in for an evening of sonic chills. Carpenter is in the middle of a worldwide tour, performing selections from the scores of his films and themes from his recent albums, Lost Themes and Lost Themes II. Listen in as Andy and Steve describe their experience and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Carpenter’s compositions.

### "It should’ve been left up to the scientists! It’s a colossal mistake! Tell the President I said so!" Michael Crichton’s space disease thriller hit the public at the perfect time – when everyone was afraid of the astronauts accidentally bringing back space viruses upon returning to Earth. Crichton wrote the book in a very pseudo-scientific way that made it feel like more of a scientific documentation of a real happening, and it worked gangbusters for his readers. When Robert Wise decided to adapt it, he opted to treat it the same and make it feel like a documentary. For some, it works better than for others. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our disease series with Wise’s 1971 thriller _The Andromeda Strain_. We discuss Crichton, Wise and the adaptation by Nelson Gidding, looking at what works and what doesn’t for us. We chat about the non-stars Wise cast in the film, talking about each of their careers then wondering why their careers weren’t as strong as Gregory Peck’s. We look at the production design and the special effects, enjoying everything they brought to the table, even if they weren’t used to their full potentials or, in many cases, often overused. And we chat about the non-score score by Gil Mellé, sharing opposing views as to what a score like this brings to the table to a film like this. It’s an interesting film that is burdened by Wise’s penchant for including too much of the processes these scientists have to go through, but still one worth talking about. Check the movie out then tune in! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-andromeda-strain/id316121015?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Andromeda-Strain-Arthur-Hill/dp/B002DJTMRS/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2&ie=UTF8&keywords=the+andromeda+strain&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1468275072) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMbSpnlOOtE) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1971/andromeda_strain.html) - [Art of the Title](http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/the-andromeda-strain/) - [_The Andromeda Strain_ by Michael Crichton](https://www.amazon.com/Andromeda-Strain-Michael-Crichton/dp/006170315X/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=the+andromeda+strain&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1468274838) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/E7BF2AA5C2) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/the-andromeda-strain/) - [Andy Gump — Monument Valley](https://www.instagram.com/p/BHWC7wFDJFD/?taken-by=sodacreekfilm) - [First and Final Frames by Jacob T. Swinney](https://vimeo.com/122378469) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [Inferno](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6uW7Jb-PU4) — "Okay, it’s Tom Hanks so it’s really a no-brainer for me, and I really enjoyed _The Da Vinci Code_. I think the character of Langdon is an interesting one and love seeing Hanks portray him." - Pete's Trailer: [Edge of Winter](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuosKp2J69Y) — "I’m mostly into this for Tom Holland. I’m deeply curious about his portrayal of the upcoming _Spider-man_, and seeing him in something darker and less… you know… _heroey_before that hits is probably just what we need to feel his establishment on screen."

Whether you’re a creative person, or someone who cringes at the thought of art, you’re going to find something to enjoy about this month’s three of a kind. The creative process gets dissected to look at the heart of Bob Fosse’s All That Jazz, and the passion that goes into creativity. Then we bloody our knuckles against the brutally percussive story of Whiplash. Finally, we loose our heads on a journey to make an album with Frank as we look at how these three films explore the risks and rewards that are part of the creative process. ### Film Sundries - All That Jazz — [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/All-That-Jazz-Blu-ray-DVD/dp/B00KE3B6NI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&sr=1-1&s=movies-tv&keywords=all%2Bthat%2Bjazz&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1468368869) - Whiplash — [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/whiplash/id935216672?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Whiplash-Blu-ray-J-K-Simmons/dp/B00PT3AUYO?tag=rashpixel_mwl-20) - [Original Whiplash Short](https://vimeo.com/123482554) - Frank — [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/frank/id906937657?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Frank-Domhnall-Gleeson/dp/B00ND0DCMW?tag=rashpixel_mwl-20) • [Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/search/frank?jbv=70299856&jbp=1&jbr=0)

### "You are discarded. You are the refuse of the past." Richard Matheson’s 1954 vampire horror novel “I Am Legend” helped influence the zombie genre (it was the inspiration for the ‘68 George Romero film “Night of the Living Dead”) and popularized the concept of a worldwide apocalypse due to disease. Yet for some reason, filmmakers haven’t been able to crack the story. It’s been made into three different films, and it doesn’t seem like any of them have gotten it right. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our disease series with the second of these adaptations, Boris Sagal’s 1971 film, “The Omega Man.” We talk about why this movie doesn’t work for us and try to figure out what the movie has that gives it that ‘guilty pleasure’ feel. We discuss the actors, notably Charlton Heston, Anthony Zerbe and Rosalind Cash, as they all work together and deliver some terribly written lines. Speaking of lines, we discuss the script written by John William Corrington and Joyce Hooper Corrington, our problems with it and why it feels a bit like a soap opera. We also talk about Sagal’s direction and why the whole film really feels like a TV production. And we have to bring up the crazy amount of 70s zooms in the movie – definitely a sign of the times. It’s not a film that we love, even if Andy could see some of the guilty pleasure enjoyment with it. Regardless, it’s an interesting film worth discussing and opening up our disease films series. So check it out then tune in to this week’s show! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-omega-man/id277154628?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Omega-Man-Charlton-Heston/dp/B0017XETMO/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=the+omega+man&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1466479356) - [Script Transcript](http://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/movie_script.php?movie=omega-man-the) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUkU18MrBzU) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1971/omega_man.html) - [_I Am Legend_ by Richard Matheson](https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Legend-Richard-Matheson/dp/0765357151/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2&ie=UTF8&keywords=i+am+legend&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1466479222) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/15E8845DF8) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/the-omega-man/) - [Heston Kisses Goldberg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyb3nwc6Kfs) - [What’s Happening Theme Song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apv9Kgkf-z8) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [Storks](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZENmkJk9fBM) — "This sounded really dumb. But then I watched the trailer and really can’t stop laughing. I don’t know if the movie will actually hold up, but I already feel like I’m going to give it the benefit of the doubt." - Pete's Trailer: [War on Everyone](file:///var/folders/5x/dxnxzgls43l57nln6qxrq1y80000gn/T/com.soulmen.ulysses3/0a208ad117cc4cd6b4fcfd69f53c57f9/The%20Omega%20Man/%20https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5v8E3f13VM) — "Worst cops ever. Skarsgård and James are blackmailing criminals with subversive joy. This is an id movie just waiting to satisfy me."

### "You have to know who you are and what you are. It’s the only way you’ll lead decent lives." The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is an ongoing series of ours in which we invite an industry guest to join us and bring along one of their favorite movies to talk about. In this month’s episode, costume designer Alana Morshead joins us to talk about one of her favorite films, Mark Romanek’s 2010 film “Never Let Me Go” based on the book by Kazuo Ishiguro. We talk about the science fiction nature of this story and how it really operates more as a minor element of the world building, allowing the viewers to focus so much more on the three main characters in the film and their relationships. We discuss the choices made by Romanek in the look of the film, the way the camera moved, and the nature of the love story. We look at what Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield and Keira Knightley bring to the table as the three principal characters, and how they compare with their youthful counterparts. And we struggle with the fact that this film didn’t connect with its audience, leaving it in the red by the time it left theatres, which really is a disappointment considering how much we really enjoyed it. It’s a touching film and a fascinating glimpse at what strong writers can do with their science fiction. It’s something we enjoyed then found we connected to it more and more as time wore on. And it’s a thrill to have had it introduced to us finally as we’d both clearly missed it when it was released. So hopefully you’ll check it out, then tune in to the show! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/never-let-me-go/id396867268?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Never-Let-Me-Andrew-Garfield/dp/B004LQI0HE/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2&ie=UTF8&keywords=never+let+me+go&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1466293811) - [Screenplay](http://moviecultists.com/wp-content/uploads/screenplays/never-let-me-go.pdf) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXiRZhDEo8A) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2010/never_let_me_go.html) - [_Never Let Me Go_ by Kazuo Ishiguro](https://www.amazon.com/Never-Let-Me-Kazuo-Ishiguro/dp/1400078776/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=never+let+me+go&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1466293811) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/4341B7AC50) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/never-let-me-go-2010/) - [Alana Morshead](http://www.alanamorshead.com/)

### "Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the war room!" Stanley Kubrick didn’t do comedy often which is a shame because “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” is arguably one of the funniest films ever made. What’s interesting is that Kubrick intended on making a serious film about one of his greatest fears at the time: the threat of nuclear war. But after several attempts at finding the right way to tell the story seriously (including one involving aliens watching us from above, discussing our penchant for destruction), he hit on the idea of making it funny. And his dark comedy classic was born. Join us – Andy Nelson and Pete Wright – as we wrap up our brief vacation challenge with Andy’s choice of his favorite end-of-the-world comedy, Kubrick’s 1964 film “Dr. Strangelove.” We talk about how we were introduced to this film and why it may not be a film that one connects to immediately but a film that one has to find the humor over time. We discuss the actors – Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Slim Pickens, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn, even James Earl Jones in his first screen role – and the level of comedy brilliance they all achieve individually and how it ties to the overall film. We single out Sellers, of course, as we discuss the three roles he played in the film and what makes them all so unique. We touch on the look of the film, shot by Gilbert Taylor with impeccable production design by Ken Adam, pointing out just what it took to make the war room one of the most iconic sets ever made. We mention the sequel that Kubrick wanted to make with the help of Terry Gilliam. And we argue about its placement on our Flickchart, as we inevitably do every week. It’s one of the best films out there and well worth a discussion. Haven’t seen it? Give it a try. Just be aware that you may not connect on the first viewing. This is one of those movies that may need a few shots. But it’ll be well worth it. We promise you. ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/dr.-strangelove-or-how-i-learned/id263616854?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Strangelove-Learned-Stop-Worrying/dp/B008GJV2OA/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2&ie=UTF8&keywords=dr.+strangelove&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1466122982) - [Script Transcript](http://scifiscripts.com/scripts/strangelove.txt) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98NaJ8ss4sY) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1964/dr_strangelove.html) - [Art of the Title](http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/dr-strangelove-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying/) - [_Red Alert_ by Peter George](https://www.amazon.com/Red-Alert-RosettaBooks-into-Film-ebook/dp/B003XVYLA8/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=red+alert+peter+george&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1466122813) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/E02A84753A) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/dr-strangelove-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-bomb/) - [Dr. Strangelove — Internet Movie Firearm Database](http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Dr.Strangelove) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [Anthropoid](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7hMaOXUdVU) — "Maybe it’s because we just discussed several WWII films, or maybe it’s that I’ve never heard of this particular true story, but it looks intense and like a bit of history I’m excited to learn more about." - Pete's Trailer: [Outlaws and Angels](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ektQAmICLBk) — "I may have a woefully skewed view of this film — judging by Andy’s reaction, I’m way off base. But something about Eastwood’s turn in this trailer hooked me so I’m hoping for redemption!"

### "Would’ve been a quiet night, too, if it hadn’t been for those meddling kids!" Stop-motion animation has been a part of film since nearly the beginning, starting with a toy circus coming to life in 1898’s “The Humpty Dumpty Circus.” Since then, it’s undergone many critical changes and improvements as filmmakers have experimented with what they could do with it, and in 2012, Laika released the first stop-motion animated feature film to use a 3D color printer to create the character faces. The movie, “ParaNorman,” was a comedy horror for kids and certainly seemed to find its audience while also creating quite a bit of controversy. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we start off our brief vacation challenge series with Chris Butler’s and Sam Bell’s horror comedy for the kids, “ParaNorman.” We talk about why Pete picked this movie and what he loves about not just this film but stop-motion animation in general. We chat about the directors behind this animated film and what sort of the criticism the film received upon its release (and still to this day!) due to the violence it depicted, the sexual situations and the fact that it has an openly gay character. We discuss not just the actors that voiced the characters – from Kodi Smit-McPhee and Tucker Albrizzi to Anna Kendrick and Casey Affleck – but also Heidi Smith who designed the characters and the animators who brought them to life. We look at Butler’s screenplay and chat about why it’s such a strong script. And we marvel at the cinematography, production design, rigging, effects and everything else that goes into making a stop-motion animated film, thrilled with how well this team did at focusing and working together to create a wholly realized world. It’s an absolute blast to watch and certainly one well worth talking about. Is it safe for the kids? We think so and argue the point but some people aren’t so sure so perhaps look into it a bit before watching with your own children. Regardless, tune in after you’ve seen it to hear our thoughts! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/paranorman/id565898510?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Paranorman-Kodi-Smit-McPhee/dp/B009SQOGZ2/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=paranorman&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1465869881) - [Script Transcript](http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ParaNorman.pdf) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgwSpajMw3s) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2012/paranorman.html) - [Art of the Title](http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/paranorman/) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/A903273984) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/paranorman/) ## Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [Deepwater Horizon](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_PzWohHz30) — "I don’t know if I’m really that excited about this one. The trailer gives me a good sense of the story without completely ruining the story for someone who missed the news coverage, but it still feels like so many other heroic real-life stories out there. Looks like a good renter though." - Pete's Trailer: [Assassin’s Creed](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfJVoF5ko1Y) — "I’m a big fan of the game. But I’ve been a fan of games gone movies before. Seriously though, Fassbender? Cotillard? Irons? Brendan Gleeson? Michael Kenneth Williams? Is it possible that all these people have spontaneously decided to sell out at once? Or might this be a fair adaptation?"