Shows
Speaking Cinema4.10 - A Very Merry Speaking Cinema Holiday Special - With Friends!Send us a textHo! Ho! Ho! And a metric ton of egg nog for everyone! To end the 4th Season of Speaking Cinema, we're giving the audience something special; three movies for the price of one. Its a Christmas extravaganza...with our usual blend of wit, commentary and toliet humor. First up, Anthony and his friend Cody tackle perhaps the most beloved Christmas classic of all time, Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life. Topics include Jimmy Stewart's PTSD, small town America in the 1940s and (of course) late stage capitalism! ...
2025-12-273h 08Speaking Cinema4.9 - Thief (1981)Send us a textInstitutional failure, rampant corruption and the scariest grandpa you'll ever meet...and maybe the most fun film we've covered so far. This week, the boys tackle Michael Mann's self assured directorial debut; Thief. We dive into subjects like Mann's painstaking attention to detail, James Caan's electric performance and debate the failings of the criminal justice system. We give you some ABC type information this week on Speaking Cinema. Like the episode? Leave us a comment, or send us an email at SpeakingCinemaPodcast@gmail.com and let us know what you would li...
2025-12-122h 12Speaking Cinema4.8 - Weathering With You (2019)Send us a textAnd now it's Anthony's turn to have an existential breakdown. This week on Speaking Cinema, the boys fell for it again. What was supposed to be a fun anime about two young lovers turns into a deep look into global warming, human sacrifice and whether or not mankind is capable of evolving to survive a cataclysmic event. But its ok. Why? Because Elon Musk can't make toast. This week on Speaking Cinema, Makoto Shinkai's Weathering with YouLike the episode? Leave us a comment, or send us an email at SpeakingCinemaPodcast...
2025-11-281h 47Speaking Cinema4.7 - Swiss Army Man (2016)Send us a textWell, this is nice. Just a simple comedy about a farting...OH MY GOD WHY DO WE FEEL ALL THE FEELINGS?!? This week on Speaking Cinema, we dive into The Daniels' breakthrough film 'Swiss Army Man'. What we thought was going to be a breezy film about a farting corpse, turns into a full discussion about the meaning of life and what it means to be a humanist. Come for the film, stay for the existential crisis this week on Speaking Cinema. Like the episode? Leave us a comment, or send u...
2025-11-141h 30Speaking Cinema4.6 - The Toxic Avenger (1984)Send us a textHappy Halloween everyone! We've finally reached the end of our horror series and we've decided to go out on a high note...by paying Adam's relatives a visit in beautiful Tromaville, NJ. This week, we subvert the slasher genre with the 1984 exploitation classic, The Toxic Avenger. Listen as the boys discuss the New York Grindhouse scene of the 70s and 80s, how a Yale alumni went on to become his generation's Roger Corman and the seedy politics of Regan's America (namely, Iran-Contra). Get ready to scream, laugh and question our sanity this week...
2025-10-312h 14Speaking Cinema4.5 - Scream (1996)Send us a textDo you like scary movies? The guys at Speaking Cinema do (even if one of them doesn't like this week's movie). This week, we take a hard look at Wes Craven's 1996 slasher deconstruction, Scream. Listen as Adam, Anthony and Jon discuss sensationalism in media, the performance of Matthew Lillard and why Scream was a necessary film in the arc of cinematic horror. Hope everyone enjoys part two of our Halloween Spook-tacular (we swear we're working on a better title). Like the episode? Leave us a comment, or send us an email a...
2025-10-172h 10Speaking Cinema4.4 - Halloween (1978)Send us a textSpeaking Cinema dives headfirst into the spooky season with one of the most influential films of the half century; John Carpenter's Halloween. This week, the boys talk about the slasher film master mold, horror fandom's brighter side and debate the merits of the virginal final girl trope. We've got a fun slate of films this October, so stick around for a scary good time this month on Speaking Cinema. Like the episode? Leave us a comment, or send us an email at SpeakingCinemaPodcast@gmail.com and let us know what you w...
2025-10-042h 15Speaking Cinema4.3 - Freaks (1932)Send us a textStep right up and see a film as strange as it is touching. This week on Speaking Cinema, the boys tackle Pre-Code Hollywood, the birth of Exploitation Cinema, and a final image so powerful it moves one of the co-hosts to tears. This week, Tod Browning's Freaks. Like the episode? Leave us a comment, or send us an email at SpeakingCinemaPodcast@gmail.com and let us know what you would like to see with this new iteration of Speaking Cinema! Thank you for listening!
2025-09-191h 54Speaking Cinema4.2 - The Departed (2006)Send us a textAfter a sobering experience covering V for Vendetta, the boys decide to watch something a little lighter...which turns out to be a film where everyone dies in the end. This week, Speaking Cinema tackles Martin Scorsese's Oscar winning crime drama 'The Departed'. Listen as the lace curtain motherf*ckers discuss race relations in Boston, Alec Baldwin's oddly comedic performance and the rapture. Strap in folks, we're getting existential this week on Speaking Cinema. Like the episode? Leave us a comment, or send us an email at SpeakingCinemaPodcast@g...
2025-09-051h 44Speaking Cinema4.1 - V For Vendetta (2005)Send us a textWe're back! After a few months away, Speaking Cinema officially relaunches with James McTeigue's 2005 film V for Vendetta. Listen as Adam, Anthony and Jon talk about the finer point of adaptation, wax philosophic about the state of the world... and do everything in their power to get put on a government watch list. Break out your Guy Fawkes masks, this is V for Vendetta.Like the episode? Leave us a comment, or send us an email at SpeakingCinemaPodcast@gmail.com and let us know what you would like to see with...
2025-08-222h 32Speaking CinemaA Very Important Update!Send us a textPlease listen if you are following the Speaking Cinema Podcast!Andrew's Instagram: @AndrewSchwarzMediaAndrew's New Collaborative YouTube Channel: ThePianoKingsLike the episode? Leave us a comment, or send us an email at SpeakingCinemaPodcast@gmail.com and let us know what you would like to see with this new iteration of Speaking Cinema! Thank you for listening!
2025-03-2603 min
Speaking Cinema3.3 - Past Lives (2023) with Jesse MendelsohnSend us a textIn this episode of the Speaking Cinema podcast, Andrew Schwarz and Jesse Mendelsohn delve into the emotional and thematic depths of Celine Song's 'Past Lives.' They explore the intricate relationship between romance and personal growth, the cultural identity of the characters, and the film's unique storytelling techniques. The conversation highlights the emotional impact of the film, its opening scene, and the dynamics between the characters, ultimately reflecting on the broader themes of love, identity, and the human experience. The discussion also touches on the concept of In-Yun, a cultural idea that represents...
2025-03-011h 27
Speaking Cinema3.2 - In Memoriam: David LynchSend us a text**WATCH US AND SUBSCRIBE on YouTube! (@SpeakingCinemaPodcast)This special episode features a panel of two guest filmmakers, Adam Seccafico and Jon Bewley, who join Andrew in discussing one of the most unique and seminal filmmakers in the history of cinema. David Lynch was an American surrealist and independent filmmaker who inspired multiple generations of artists and moviegoers alike with his unmistakeable and controversial style. After his recent passing on January 15, 2025, these Speaking Cinema contributors openly and honestly discuss their views on this astonishing artist's life and work.Some topics...
2025-02-151h 18
Speaking Cinema3.1 - Heathers (1988) with Adam SeccaficoSend us a textWELCOME TO SEASON 3! **WATCH US now/subscribe on YouTube! (@SpeakingCinemaPodcast)Andrew and special guest, writer and director Adam Seccafico, discuss the complex meaning of one of the the most sardonic and biting satires you've never seen: Michael Lehmann's cult classic from 1988, Heathers. This explosive film offers hilarious moments with gutsy, pitch dark thematic elements that are all simply to die for!Andrew and Adam do a deep dive into such topics as Heathers' relevance in today's society, the metaphor of croquet, the Freudian dynamics of the characters, how the...
2025-02-011h 49
Speaking Cinema2.11 - Her (2013) with Jon BewleySend us a text**WATCH US now/subscribe on YouTube! (SpeakingCinemaPodcast)SEASON 2 AI DOUBLE FEATURE FINALE, MOVIE 2 OF 2. Andrew and special guest, Jon Bewley, examine the meaning of the incredible, unique Spike Jonze love story from 2013, Her. With its dry, charming humor and piercing introspective emotional honesty, this one-of-a-kind experience will make you reflect deeply on your own relationships and what truly defines love. Andrew and Jon dive deep into such topics as the "techno-optimism" of the film, the layers of meaning within the title, what this story meant for Spike Jonze, irony...
2024-12-152h 10
Speaking Cinema2.10 - Ex Machina (2014) with Greg JolleySend us a text**WATCH US now/subscribe on YouTube! (SpeakingCinemaPodcast)SEASON 2 AI DOUBLE FEATURE FINALE, MOVIE 1 OF 2. Andrew and special guest, Greg Jolley, discuss the meaning of Alex Garland's masterful and exquisite 2014 sci-Fi drama/thriller, Ex Machina. Oscar-winning for its incredible special effects utilized for subtle yet comprehensive narrative significance, this dazzling and cerebral experience explores the territory of artificial intelligence so effectively and intensely that you may have to completely rethink what is truly "artificial" and what isn't! Andrew and Greg explore such topics as the interesting title, how the film c...
2024-12-012h 10
Speaking Cinema2.9 - Oppenheimer (2023) with Nicholas StonehouseSend us a text**WATCH US now on YouTube! (@SpeakingCinemaPodcast)Andrew and special guest, Nicholas Stonehouse, take on Christopher Nolan's incredible 2023 Best Picture winning epic, Oppenheimer. Gracing us with one of the most stacked ensemble casts of all time including multiple Oscar-winning lead and supporting performances, this magnum opus of fire, fury, and fission will educate you on what makes an extraordinary man as well as an extraordinary cinema experience!Andrew and Stonehouse find the meaning by discussing such topics as why Nolan changed the title from the book, the similarities between arts...
2024-11-152h 06
Speaking Cinema2.8 - Psycho (1960) with Adam SeccaficoSend us a textHALLOWEEN 2024 SERIES, FINAL MOVIE 3 of 3Andrew and special guest, writer and director Adam Seccafico, break down the meaning of one of the creepiest and most influential, iconic, and revered horror movies of ALL TIME -- Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 masterpiece, Psycho. This seminal classic with unforgettable performances and thrills might just frighten you so badly, you'll go running home to your MOTHER! Andrew and Adam do a deep dive into such topics as the undeniable influence of the film on filmmakers and the greater culture, what makes this experience so SCARY, t...
2024-10-312h 12
Speaking Cinema2.7 - The Ring (2002) with Jon BewleySend us a textHALLOWEEN 2024 SERIES, MOVIE 2 of 3Andrew and special guest, Jon Bewley, examine their takes on the meaning of the bone-chilling mega-hit American horror remake from 2002, The Ring. Directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean, Rango), this thrilling and ceaselessly scary modern classic will forever remind us that "what's down the well comes up the bucket."Andrew and Jon dive deep into such topics as interpretations of what the unique character Samara Morgan represents, the origin of the Japanese title "Ringu," what about the film is so scary, a debate a...
2024-10-151h 56
Speaking Cinema2.6 - Cube (1997) with Jesse MendelsohnSend us a textHALLOWEEN 2024 SERIES, MOVIE 1 of 3Andrew and special guest, writer and director Jesse Mendelsohn, navigate through the maze of the stunning and terrifying 1997 indie sci-fi horror classic, Cube. The directorial feature debut of legendary sci-fi/thriller conceptualist Vincenzo Natali, this one-of-a-kind chiller, shot with just one single set, creates multiple dimensions of terror, suspense, and enthralling character study…but there might just be no way to escape the greatest trap of all: ourselves!!Andrew and Jesse have a ball (or cube) discussing the film's concepts and meaning, covering such topics as...
2024-10-011h 54
Speaking Cinema2.5 - Requiem For A Dream (2000) with Greg JolleySend us a textAndrew and special guest, Greg Jolley, uncover the meaning in Darren Aronofsky's groundbreaking and harrowing Requiem For A Dream from 2000. With its unmistakably unique style, haunting imagery, and performances for the ages all around, this roller coaster ride of drama and intensity makes the Coney Island "Cyclone" feel like a kiddie coaster! Andrew and Greg discuss such topics as the amazingly effective performances, the complicated relationships among characters, why the film is not actually about drug addiction, a very "juicy" conversation, the significance and criticism of the harrowing final act, the...
2024-09-152h 05
Speaking Cinema2.4 - Blue Velvet (1986) with Nicholas StonehouseSend us a textAndrew and special guest, Nicholas Stonehouse, take on David Lynch's beguiling and intriguing 1986 classic, Blue Velvet. Boasting an all-star cast, a simple but meaningful story, and enough style to put all other films from its time to shame, this intense and quirky experience might just become your "blue" celluloid heaven! Andrew and Stonehouse mine for meaning with such topics as retrospective thoughts on maverick filmmaker David Lynch, takes on what the entire movie's ultimate purpose is, interpretations of the insane villain Frank Booth, sexuality and the off-putting nature of the film...
2024-09-012h 26
Speaking Cinema2.3 - We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011) with Jesse MendelsohnSend us a textAndrew and special guest, writer and director Jesse Mendelsohn, take a shot at the bullseye of the stunning and provocative thriller adaptation of We Need To Talk About Kevin from 2011. Directed and co-written by acclaimed Scottish indie filmmaker Lynne Ramsay, this dark, devious, and daring portrait of a tormented mother (Tilda Swinton) and her cantankerous child (Ezra Miller) might just be the best form of birth control ever "conceived!" Andrew and Jesse uncover the film's meaning through such topics as takes on what the movie is truly about, Ramsay's use of c...
2024-08-152h 11
Speaking Cinema2.2 - Network (1976) with Adam SeccaficoSend us a textAndrew and special guest, writer and director Adam Seccafico, deconstruct one of the most outrageous, satirical, and prophetic movies of ALL TIME -- Sidney Lumet's Network from 1976. This timeless, audacious classic will compel you to reflect on almost every aspect of the modern world, including your own sanity! Andrew and Adam do a deep dive into such topics as viewers holding the movie accountable for corrupting the media landscape, the philosophical underpinnings of the story (problem of cynicism, reality vs. perception, existence of God, etc.), the meaning behind the madness of...
2024-08-011h 57
Speaking Cinema2.1 - Lost In Translation (2003) with Jon BewleySend us a textAndrew and special guest, producer and cinematographer Jon Bewley, cover the hit indie drama, Lost In Translation, from 2003. Written and directed by Sofia Coppola (The Virgin Suicides, Marie Antoinette, Priscilla), this carefully told Oscar-winning experience is so true to life and craftily made, you can't help but feel every ounce of what the two lead characters are going through in their lives.Andrew and Jon take on such topics as common criticism of more simplistic films, the "perfect" title, Coppola's craftsmanship of the characters and moments, takes on the controversial final...
2024-07-151h 51
Speaking Cinema1.8 - The Wailing (2016) with Nicholas StonehouseSend us a textAndrew and special guest, Nicholas Stonehouse, deconstruct the mystifying and creeptastic South Korean horror/thriller, The Wailing, from 2016. Written and directed by Na Hong Jin (The Chaser), this spooky spectacle of eclectic vibes, colors, and meanings will give you something different to wail about every time you watch it!Andrew and Stonehouse dive into such topics as the nature of ”confusing” cinema, what makes The Wailing truly unique, the different interpretations of a most complicated villain, what scared Andrew and Stonehouse and why, and much more!LET’S TAKE THE BA...
2024-05-312h 19
Speaking Cinema1.7 - Moneyball (2011) with Jesse MendelsohnSend us a textAndrew and special guest, writer and director Jesse Mendelsohn, take a whack at the intriguing sports drama, Moneyball, from 2011. Directed by Bennett Miller and written by powerhouses Steven Zailian and Aaron Sorkin, this entertaining and extremely well-acted true story portrait of a man who changed everything in professional baseball is a masterclass example of a film that is much more meaningful than it appears to be!Andrew and Jesse discuss such topics as the one-of-a-kind presence and artistry of Brad Pitt in this film, how the story transcends merely the topic...
2024-05-152h 00
Speaking Cinema1.6 - Bad Lieutenant (1992) with Adam SeccaficoSend us a textAndrew and special guest, writer and director Adam Seccafico, dive deep into the ultra-controversial, gritty indie classic, Bad Lieutenant, from 1992. Written and directed by Abel Ferrara, this raw and uncompromising character study of a corrupt New York City law enforcer descending into madness might just leave you wanting to hug a teddy bear by the end!Andrew and Adam cover such topics as which scenes disturbed them the most and why, the questionable spirituality of the protagonist, whether or not the notorious scenes are even necessary, thoughts on the striking arc o...
2024-05-012h 13
Speaking Cinema1.5 - Okja (2017) with Jon BewleySend us a textAndrew and special guest, producer and cinematographer Jon Bewley, take on the spellbinding, one-of-a-kind masterful Netflix fantasy drama film, Okja, from 2017. Written and directed by Bong Joon Ho (Parasite), this incredibly creative, suspenseful, and moving experience might leave you consuming less meat and more wisdom!Andrew and Jon discuss such topics as the virtuostic direction of Bong Joon Ho, politics and ethics as delineated in the film, the astounding depth and nuance of the characters, the tragedy of the moral corruption of humanity, the love story that governs the movie, and...
2024-04-152h 25
Speaking Cinema1.4 - Ghost World (2001) with Jesse MendelsohnSend us a textAndrew and special guest, writer and director Jesse Mendelsohn, take on the iconic 2001 indie dramedy, Ghost World. Co-written and directed by Terry Zwigoff, this one-of-a-kind graphic novel adaptation will make you laugh hysterically and cringe painfully in equal measure. Boasting a cast of characters that are so true to life, this classic may leave you remembering your own teenage years in a whole new way!Andrew and Jesse touch on such topics as the multiple meanings of the fascinating title, making sense of the unique lead character, breaking down the unflinching...
2024-03-312h 06
Speaking Cinema1.3 - Saltburn (2023) with Adam SeccaficoSend us a textAndrew and special guest, writer and director Adam Seccafico, take on the 2023 hit indie film, Saltburn. Written and directed by Emerald Fennell, this clever and darkly funny fable will take you on a wild and questionable ride with a cast of characters that will leave you begging for the innocence of the Brady Bunch!Andrew and Adam tackle such topics as the mesmerizing and elusive nature of the protagonist character, the meaning of the infamous "Saltburn" estate, thoughts on aristocracy, the transgressive moments in the film, and much more as they...
2024-03-141h 52Speaking Cinema1.2 - 2024 Oscars ReflectionSend us a textAndrew ponders whether awards shows are worthy of the art they celebrate in general, and gives his quick reaction to the Academy Awards show from this past Sunday, March 10, 2024.Andrew's Website: www.AndrewSchwarzFilms.comAndrew's Instagram: AndrewSchwarzMediaPodcast Instagram: SpeakingCinemaPodcastPodcast TikTok: SpeakingCinemaPodDirect Podcast Email: SpeakingCinemaPodcast@Gmail.comLike the episode? Leave us a comment, or send us an email at SpeakingCinemaPodcast@gmail.com and let us know what you would like to see with this new iteration of Speaking Cinema! ...
2024-03-1305 minSpeaking Cinema1.0 - Podcast IntroductionSend us a textWhat is Speaking Cinema with Andrew Schwarz? How is it unique from any other podcast you will listen to? Take a listen to this brief introduction and you will find out. Thank you so much for listening, it's a pleasure to be broadcasting to you!Podcast Instagram: SpeakingCinemaPodcastPodcast TikTok: SpeakingCinemaPodDirect Podcast Email: SpeakingCinemaPodcast@Gmail.comLike the episode? Leave us a comment, or send us an email at SpeakingCinemaPodcast@gmail.com and let us know what you would like to see with this new iteration...
2024-03-0103 min
Speaking Cinema1.1 - Smile (2022) with Jon BewleySend us a textAndrew and special guest, producer and cinematographer Jon Bewley, take on the incredibly popular and mimetic horror film, Smile, from 2022. Written and directed by Parker Finn, this modern phenomenon of terror will turn your frown - and your world - upside down!Andrew and Jon dive deep into such topics as their takes on the significance of the film, the efficacy of the excellent opening, the meaning of the monster, why animals shouldn't die in (most) films, how the film delineates trauma, why the film is a covid movie, and much m...
2024-03-011h 53