Shows
Cinematic Breadcrumbs#70: LOVE ISLAND USA Season 7 Part 1 (Episodes 1-18)This week since your host Elise Hernke spent all of her free time catching up on the highly bingeable dating show Love Island (USA), this weeks episode exchanges movie history for a little pop culture & we are talking about the show. In this episode, you can expect a breakdown of why this is the best dating show on television, what has happened so far, speculations and comments about all of the Islanders so far, predictions about what will happen next and general thoughts and ramblings about the show. Listen before tonights episode: ITS CASA AMOUR!!!!! Fo...2025-06-241h 12Cinematic Breadcrumbs#69: "Materialists" Takes On Modern DatingCeline Song's follow-up to her beloved "Past Lives" stars Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal in a rom-com about the commodification of modern love, "Materialists." The film had a lot of promise, especially considering who was cast, but it falls short of packing a real punch. In this weeks episode, your host Elise Hernke breaks down what didn't work, but also dissects some of interesting themes that the film presents. Follow the podcast Instagram @Ingloriousbaguettes. No show notes this week -- just my thoughts :) 2025-06-181h 16Cinematic Breadcrumbs#68: Give "Opus" (2025) A Chance!This week your host Elise Hernke makes a case for the movie "Opus" (2025) directed by former GQ editor Mark Anthony Green, starring Ayo Edibiri, John Malcovich, Murray Bartlett and Juliette Lewis. The a24 "horror musical" got buried after receiving less than stellar reviews on the festival circuit. But it's actually pretty good! In this episode, we discuss why you should give it a chance, but speculate as to why people didn't seem to like it. Also in this episode, we talk about "Overcompensating" a new show on Amazon Prime and some other media updates. Follow @in...2025-06-031h 19Cinematic Breadcrumbs#67: "Sinners" (2025): The Power of Black MusicThis week we talk all things the new Ryan Coogler masterpiece, "Sinners" (2025), starring Michael B. Jordan as both Smoke and Stack. It is a movie about vampires in the Jim Crow South, it is about the transcendent power of the blues and it is an undeniable hit. Follow the Instagram @ingloriousbaguettes. Further reading/sources:https://thesource.com/2025/04/23/fans-call-out-media-for-questionable-coverage-of-sinners-massive-box-office-success/https://www.blackenterprise.com/variety-criticized-for-sinners-coverage/ https://www.mensjournal.com/entertainment/ben-stiller-pushes-back-on-sinners-box-office-narrative-in-viral-tweet https://www.salon.com/2025/04/26/the-smash-success-of-sinners-could-shift-hollywoods-power-balance/ https://www.vulture.com/article/to-hollywood-the-scariest-part-of-sinners-is-ryan-coogler.html 2025-05-281h 20Cinematic Breadcrumbs#66: "Pride and Prejudice" (2005): 20 Years LaterHappy 20th Anniversary to Joe Wright's BEWITCHING film, "Pride and Prejudice" (2005) starring Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfayden, Rosamund Pike, Carey Mulligan, Jena Malone, and Donald Sutherland, who seamlessly take on the iconic roles as Austen wrote them. I just love this movie. Follow the Instagram @ingloriousbaguettes. 2025-05-201h 18Cinematic Breadcrumbs#65: The Perfect "Companion" (2025)"Companion" (2025) is "Barbarian" creator Drew Hancock's latest horror comedy treat. A perfect date night movie, it follows a girl who goes to a cabin weekend with her boyfriends friend group that goes horribly awry. Falling somewhere between 2011's "You're Next" and the masterful 2014 "Ex Machina," "Companion" explores gender politics, the ethics of technology and modern love. I also talk Met Gala 2025 & what I've been reading lately. Follow the Instagram @ingloriousbaguettesRelevant links:First Monday in May documentaryRihanna, Laura Harrier, Khabane Lame, Mindy Kaling, Janelle MonaeInterview with Sophie Thatcher & Ja...2025-05-1357 minCinematic Breadcrumbs#64: "Metropolis" (1927) & It's Freakish Relevance to TodayThis week it's all about the 1927 German expressionist silent film that is considered one of the first full-length science fiction films ever made: "Metropolis" directed by Fritz Lang. Lumiere Cinema and Music Hall in Beverly Hills put it on with a live performance from Vox Lumiere, which reimagines the soundtrack to the classic film and performed it along with the screening. Aside from it being an incredible experience, what struck me the most is how relevant the films themes were: a robot being used to spread misinformation, leaders exploiting their workers, an industrial revolution that overrides ethics, a...2025-05-0655 minCinematic Breadcrumbs#63: Who is Lady Macbeth? | "The Tragedy of Macbeth" (2021) & "Lady Macbeth" (2016)This week your host Elise Hernke takes a look at the legendary Lady Macbeth from three different lenses: Lady Macbeth the novel by Ana Reid, "The Tragedy of Macbeth" (2021) and "Lady Macbeth" (2016). She also imagines how she would put together a Renaissance Faire Film Festival... Hint: It would be an absolute banger of a weekend. Follow the Instagram: @IngloriousbaguettesFurther reading/sources:"A Knight’s Tale" (2001)"The Green Knight" (2021)“Donkey Skin” (1970)"The Tragedy of Macbeth" (2021)"Hamlet" (2000)"Romeo + Juliet" (1996)“The Love Witch” (2016)“Lady Macbeth” (2016) Circe by Madeline Miller"Leave Her to Heaven" (1945) "The Passi...2025-04-291h 34Cinematic Breadcrumbs#62: 4/20 Easter Double Feature | "Jesus Christ Superstar" (1973) & "Donnie Darko" (2001)This week 4/20, the national stoner holiday, fell on Easter Sunday and it won't happen again for another 62 years, so it is cause for a CELEBRATION. This for my group looked like a double feature watch party starting with the 1973 version of "Jesus Christ Superstar" and followed by 2001's indie masterpiece "Donnie Darko." In this episode, your host Elise Hernke, starts by talking about a few recent headlines and some more highly anticipated upcoming films. Then, we look at the film version of Andrew Lloyd Weber's campy Biblical m...2025-04-231h 36Cinematic Breadcrumbs#61: Most Anticipated Movies of 2025 + my Bon Iver storyThis week your host Elise Hernke just takes a pause to watch trailers and read up on the most anticipated films of 2025: what to expect from the director, the cast and why you should be excited about it. Follow @ingloriousbaguettes on Instagram.Hot Milk *** NOTE I don't think I talked about this one like I meant to but looks amazing I am AMPED ABOUT THIS CAST. Links & Sources below:Bon Iver album: SABLE, FABLESongs played: From & There's a RhythmNouvelle Vague I Don't Understand You Trailer Magic Farm Trai...2025-04-151h 01Cinematic Breadcrumbs#60: "White Lotus" Season 3 is a Classic Greek TragedyElise Hernke, your host, breaks down the third season of White Lotus, a favorite show & the top talk of the moment, thanks to it's elongated release and surprising storytelling by Mike White. The thesis of this deep-dive is to reflect on the ways that his writing style mimics themes of Greek tragedy and Shakespearean irony. Follow the pod on Instagram @ingloriousbaguettes.Sources/Further Reading:GQ: S3 Ending was Pure Mike WhiteBusiness Insider: Mike White's Stealth Move Cosmopolitan: Mike White Stans White Lotus All Stars New Yorker: Mike White profileTime Magazine: White Lotus Cas...2025-04-081h 44Cinematic Breadcrumbs#59: "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" (1982) 43 Years LaterThis week your host Elise Hernke takes a look at both the musical and the 1982 movie version of the class "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds. The bulk of the discussion is focused on comparing the two adaptations based on a TRUE STORY and how I think it holds up against todays current cultural and political landscape (It holds up tremendously well). Follow @ingloriousbaguettes on Instagram. Check out some of the clips from the movie version here: A Lil Ole Bitty Pissant Country Place (Introduction to the Chicken Ran...2025-04-031h 05Cinematic Breadcrumbs#58: "Snow White and the Evil Queen" (2025): Live Action Remake FatigueOn this weeks episode, your host Elise Hernke watches the new "Snow White and the Evil Queen" (2025), so you don't have to. Or maybe you want to and now you just want to hear my takes. Either way, we're looking at the controversies leading up to the premiere, the movie itself and remake fatigue. Follow us on Instagram: @ingloriousbaguettes. For further listening, ModernGurlz does really thorough dives into both this movie & also a ton of other Snow White adaptations here:Ranking 9 different versions of snow white by Moderngurlz Snow White by ModernGurlzSources/fur...2025-03-251h 08Cinematic Breadcrumbs#57: Beating Box Office Poison | "The Philadelphia Story" (1940)This week your host Elise Hernke breaks down one of her favorite movies, the George Cukor classic "The Philadelphia Story" starring Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart -- after getting to see it on film at the New Beverly this past week. After being declared "box office poison," Hepburn scored the rights to this story and used it to revitalize her career. Jimmy Stewart won an Oscar for his performance. This movie is full of rich characters, rich storylines and even richer history. Episode notes:Theo Von x Alexandr Wang Anora dra...2025-03-181h 20Cinematic Breadcrumbs#56: 97th Academy Awards & Our Severe Problem with Media LiteracyIn this weeks episode, your host Elise Hernke talks about the 97th Academy Awards, but mostly focuses on the "controversy" surrounding Sean Baker and what it says about media literacy, why 007 attended the Oscars, and the most notable speeches of showbiz's biggest night of the year.Show Notes:Critical Thinking CheatsheetTaylor Lorenz talking about AI SlopPop Apologist profiles Demi MooreSean Baker haters: Example 1, Example 2, Example 3, Example 4Will Ferrell & Ana Gasteyer singing Not Like UsConan entrance (feat: The Substance) James Bond TributeThe Journal podcast episode about the James Bond dramaThe Town with Matthew Belloni episode about the J...2025-03-111h 06Cinematic Breadcrumbs#55: Genetics & Technology | How 1997's "Gattaca" Feels More Relevant Than EverWe're back! On this weeks episode of Cinematic Breadcrumbs, Elise Hernke returns to the pod with hopes of more consistently releasing episodes from here on out, to talk about "Gattaca." Currently streaming on Hulu & Criterion, "Gattaca" is a 1997 sci-fi thriller starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law. It takes place in a "not so distant future" dystopian society where predetermined gene modification becomes the status quo and those who do not partake are forcibly left behind. In this episode, we discuss some current talking points like the rise of pro-natalism happening in the tech community, how A...2025-03-0440 minCinematic Breadcrumbs#54: Tender is the Flesh | "The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover" (1989)In this episode, we embark on a series called TENDER IS THE FLESH (inspired by my recent reading of the book of that title by Augustina Bazterrica) where we will explore the varied portrayals of cannibalism in film -- FUN -- starting with "The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover" a 1989 deeply disturbing cinematic masterpiece by Peter Greenaway.Other films (probably) coming this series (if you want to get ahead): "Bones and All" (2022), "Fresh" (2022), "Society of the Snow" (2023), "Silence of the Lambs" (1991). Follow @ingloriousbaguettes on Instagram for up-to-date everything related t...2024-08-271h 03Cinematic Breadcrumbs#53: Sharon Tate Double Feature: "The Fearless Vampire Killers" & "The Wrecking Crew"As part of this podcast, I will be including some episodes related to my adventures in theater-going and this week is all about Sharon Tate, after seeing a Double Feature of her films at the New Beverly Cinema this week. We look at her life, her tragic passing and deep-dive the films "The Fearless Vampire Killers" (1967) & "The Wrecking Crew" (1968). We also discuss Demon Copperhead (the book I just finished), Cher's new memoir, NYFF updates and this article by my friend Tomris Laffly: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/robin-williams-death-anniversary-memoriesSources:https://www.youtube.com...2024-08-091h 18Cinematic Breadcrumbs#52: An Investigation Into Brat | "Brats" documentary, brat summer & BratzIn this episode, your host Elise Hernke takes a look at the significance of Andrew McCarthy's new documentary "Brats" coming out in "brat summer 2024." Seeking to understand first and foremost what Charli xcx's "brat" actually means, the etymology and impact of the word overtime and the generational approach to celebrity and identity. Your host will also start the episode as usual with some industry updates and chat about her latest media consumption. Sources & further reading for this episode: https://youtu.be/31rL6M55B8o?si=kScSovKy8a9oOR6Vhttps://www.defense.g...2024-07-2639 minCinematic Breadcrumbs#51: How Has Cinema Changed The Book Industry?Discussing how the book industry has been overrun by adaptable content as a result of the film and television industry relying heavily on familiar IP. Along with today's main topic, on this episode we also discuss J-Law's new a24 project, Margot Robbie's pregnancy, Inside Out 2, Kinds of Kindness, and more. Follow the podcast Instagram @Ingloriousbaguettes. Sources / Further reading for the episode:https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/07/tv-adaptations-fiction/619442/https://www.instagram.com/p/C7jdt91MuwA/?hl=enhttps://www.amazon.com/You-Are-What-Watch-Everything/dp/1523515899https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPF121ZJ...2024-07-0949 minCinematic Breadcrumbs#50: WE'RE BACK BABY! | Why is Horror Excluded at the Oscars?After 1.5 year hiatus, your host Elise Hernke is back with more Cinematic Breadcrumbs straight from the bakery. Each week we will be discussing some topic related to the world of cinema whether that be reviewing a specific film or deep-diving some aspect of the industry. To kick it off, Elise shares what you should lookout for this summer, recaps movie news of the past year, and touches on recent pop culture updates. Then, for the meat of the episode, we take a look at the way the horror genre has been treated by the Academy Awards and...2024-06-261h 04Cinematic Breadcrumbs#49: Eat The Rich Season | If You Liked "Triangle of Sadness"Eat the Rich season is going strong & has been on the rise for the past decade. In this episode of Cinematic Breadcrumbs podcast, your host Elise Hernke speculates on what societally happened starting at the turn of the century to provoke such an interest in the suffering of the rich on film. Films mentioned in this episode: 1990s/early 2000s - The Game, Titanic, The Family Man, Scrooged2010-2019 - Knives Out, Snowpiercer, Parasite, Ready or Not, You're Next, Get Out, The Big Short, Sorry to Bother You2020 - 2023...2023-05-221h 05Cinematic Breadcrumbs#48: "Triangle of Sadness" (2022) & Full Oscars DiscussionThis month we are diving into the Oscar nominated "Triangle of Sadness" (dir. by Ruben Östlund; 2022) as well as the 2023 Academy Awards which just aired on March 12th. The part 2 of this month will be focused on films of a similar vein, which I might call "Eat The Rich" films, so be on the lookout for that coming up in a couple weeks.*If you want to jump straight to the "T of S" portion of the episode & skip the Oscars discussion, go to ~40min mark. Follow the account Instagram here.2023-03-161h 31Cinematic Breadcrumbs#47: Beyond "Babylon" | If You Liked "Babylon," You Should Check Out...On this episode of Cinematic Breadcrumbs, we dive into what you should watch if you liked "Babylon" and are looking for more. This includes the Old Hollywood references and history that inspired the story and which films to watch to get a better look at that time period, films that tackle similar themes and other of director Damien Chazelle's big hitters. The main films we look at are, but are not limited to, "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013), "Sunset Boulevard" (1950), "Boogie Nights" (1997), "La La Land" (2016), and "Singing in the Rain" (1952). For full list of references...2023-03-011h 38Cinematic Breadcrumbs#46: "BABYLON" (2022): The Unrequited Love StoryWe're back, baby!! To kick off the first episode of 2023, we are diving into "BABYLON" (2022) Damien Chazelle's latest, most controversial film, starring Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Diego Calva, as a bunch of dreamers who ride the wave of Hollywood's transition from silent film to talkies, which also marks the end of the depraved and decadent world that it once was. In this episode, we discuss many of the true historical origins of many of the "Babylon" characters, the book "Hollywood Babylon," the original "Babylon" script, and the polarizing ending. Episode notes can be found...2023-02-141h 30Cinematic Breadcrumbs#45: Angels On Earth | "Heaven Can Wait" (1978) + Underrated Sports Movies w/ Chris MotleyChris Motley joins us on this episode to help continue the angels on earth series with the 1978 Oscar winning football movie "Heaven Can Wait" starring Warren Beatty. He also brings the Cinematic Breadcrumbs listeners something that your host certainly can't - a nuanced look at the top 5 best sports movies out there, specifically the most underrated. In this episode, we talk about the various depictions of the afterlife / purgatory, the films logic, costume, set design and central love story, and the twist ending. Follow Chris on Instagram (and hire him to walk your dog if...2022-12-211h 14Cinematic Breadcrumbs#44: Angels On Earth | "City of Angels" (1998) ft. Brittany StilesOn this episode, we continue with the series on angels with "City of Angels" the very 1998 Hollywood remake of one of the greatest films of all time ("Wings of Desire") starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan. We have special guest Brittany Stiles, friend of the pod, who helps us break down the movie. Questions discussed include, but are not limited to: Should angels wear trench coats? Did this movie up the sales of Rolling Rock? Is surgeon the American version of a German trapeze artist? How on earth did this get made?Enjoy this silly episode. 2022-12-1653 minCinematic Breadcrumbs#43: Angels On Earth | "Michael" (1996) Ain't No Saint ft. Jason ShoffThis week we are sprinkling a little bit of angel dust on your holiday season with the 1996 Nora Ephron oddball rom-com fantasy movie starring John Travolta as an arch angel who comes to earth to seduce women, drink beer, make two naysayers fall in love, help a dog, see the largest ball of yarn and do some dancing. He might be an angel, but he ain't no saint! It's "Michael." We have special guest Jason Shoff of Critically Important Podcast joining us for the fun & you can follow him on Twitter @Shoffology. If you enjoyed this episode...2022-12-141h 34Cinematic Breadcrumbs#42: NYFF Minisode *Teaser* ("White Noise" "Triangle of Sadness" "Corsage" "Bones and All" "All the Beauty and the Bloodshed")Surprise Minisode!!Go support the Patreon for the full episode! Click here for the link.2022-12-0607 minCinematic Breadcrumbs#41: Mid-Century Macabre 2x | "Eyes without a Face" (1960) + "The Skin I Live In" (2011) w/ Juliet BellThis week is a double wammy to finish off the Midcentury Macabre spooky movie series (yes, it lasted through Thanksgiving, but I never want spooky season to end!!!). We talk about the 1960 Georges Franju classic horror "Eyes without a Face," the film that made seven Scots pass out, inspired Michael Myer's mask, and prompted Pedro Almodovar to create a loose adaptation. We also talk about that adaptation, a 2011 film starring Antonio Banderas called "The Skin I Live In" which also credits the novel "Tarantula" by Thierry Jonquet. We have a special guest this week, "Snake In The...2022-11-301h 39Cinematic Breadcrumbs#40: Mid-Century Macabre | "The Blob" (1958) Small Town America & The Midnight HorrorThis 1958 horror "The Blob" is known for being Steve McQueen's first on-screen leading feature, but there were so many more aspects to the film that keep it in the conversation even today. This week as part of the Mid-century Macabre series, we dive into the cultural landscape at the time that was used in the storytelling of this movie to make it that much more frightening for audiences at the time, including the space race, the cultural divide between teenagers (see: Greasers) and their parents, and small town Americas midnight horror movie. Episode notes can be found...2022-11-101h 17Cinematic Breadcrumbs#39: Mid-Century Macabre | "Cat People" (1942) The Sympathetic VillainThis week we continue with the Mid-Century Macabre series by diving into the 1942 classic "Cat People" which made Roger Ebert's "Great Movies" list, Steven Schneider's "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die," the Criterion Collection and it's way into my heart. This episode is all about the feminine villain and sympathetic monsters going all the way back to the forties. There is also a bit of bonus content in the form of a list of the top 10 best cats in film. Episode notes can be found here.Patreon can be found here.2022-10-2651 minCinematic Breadcrumbs#38: Mid-Century Macabre | "Creature from the Black Lagoon" (1954) & the Story of Milicent PatrickKicking off our next series "Mid-Century Macabre" - horror movies from the 1950s/60s is a film with a long-lasting legacy and surprising back story, "Creature from the Black Lagoon" (1954). This week is all about the creatures creator, Milicent Patrick, whose biography exists within the pages of the book "The Lady from the Black Lagoon" by Mallory O'Meara. DIVE IN with me and we will look at the culture impact of the film, its relationship to other monster movies, and how the film came to be. Episode notes can be found here.Follow...2022-10-1235 minCinematic Breadcrumbs#37: Sweaty Summer Series | "Rear Window" (1954) Pt. 2: Camera Work & Camera Cameos w/ Aaron JacobiContinued discussion about Rear Window - for the second half of the conversation we dive further in and look at more of the technical aspects of the film, comparisons to the story it was based on and its legacy.ALSO it's officially time to announce THE PATREON!! Launching October 1st, you will be able to have access to minisodes, monthly movie lists, book recommendations to pair with the episodes and more! Follow Aaron Jacobi and his photos here.Episode notes can be found here.See our Mimosa Matinee day here.2022-09-2854 minCinematic Breadcrumbs#36: Sweaty Summer Series | "Rear Window" (1954) Pt. 1 + Cinematic Voyeurism w/ Aaron JacobiMy friend who is also a photographer Aaron Jacobi (see episode on "The Batman") is back! This week we embark on the first of a two-part-er (expect nothing less for a flawless Hitchcockian summer thriller). We talk about the beloved "Rear Window" (1954) and what it says about voyeurism, how placing a photographer in the foreground informs most of the shots and how it compares to the short story it is based on. Follow Aaron Jacobi and his photos here.Episode notes can be found here.See our Mimosa Matinee day here....2022-09-141h 05