Shows
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Jim & Patrick Watch The Entire Nightmare In Elm Street Series In One Day!No description necessary! The title says it all. Well it was tempting to record all 12 hours of us talking through the entire franchise for the ultimate commentary track and podcast for 7 films, we thought it was best to record quick reactions after each film as we binged them all in one entire day. Happy Halloween, bitch!BE SURE TO STAY TO THE VERY END. There’s a surprise special cameo that really was a real treat for both of us to say the least. Now here are a lot of photos if you're seeing this on Substack th...
2025-11-0159 min
Director's ClubEpisode 238: Michael Bay (feat. guest hosts Chloe Waryan and Luther Moss)Do you like explosions?! Well you're in for a summer treat. Thank you so much to guest hosts Chloe Waryan and Luther Moss for covering a director on Director's Club I never would want to cover without losing my mind. What a delightful discussion and it’s an honor to put this out for all to hear! You "don't want to miss" this episode! You also don't want to close your eyes, you don't want to fall asleep. Animal crackers optional. 00:00 - 05:40 - Show Changes / Intro from Jim!05:41 - 07:15 - Introduction from Chloe07:16...
2025-07-072h 46
Director's ClubEpisode 234: Nick Digilio (Celebrating 40 Years As A Film Critic)This is a celebration, not just another Director’s Club episode for a reason. Back in 1990, I became an avid fan and follower of today’s guest and he’s been on this show a couple of times in the past, most recently for the Paul Thomas Anderson Part II episode. I’m talking of course about Nick Digilio.40 years ago, he began his career as a professional film critic, reviewing movies on Roy Leonard’s radio show. It’s also amazing to think that 40 years ago, I first fell in love with movies after seeing Back to the Futur...
2025-02-242h 10
Director's ClubEpisode 233: Elaine May (feat. Sharon Gissy)Let’s forget all about inauguration day (since this comes out on January 20th, 2025) by focusing on someone who truly matters, the legendary comedic mind of Elaine May, pioneer of improv sketch comedy and so much more! We focus on all four of her directorial films and sing the praises of nearly all of them. Yes, that MAY include her last feature from 1987 that does not deserve the reputation or the critical bashing that it received upon its release.Thank you so much to Sharon for being a delightful returning guest and nerding out with me for tw...
2025-01-202h 03
Director's ClubEpisode 232: Favorite Films of 2024 (feat. Bill Ackerman)Nearly five hours of conversation and recommendations all about the year 2024 in cinema! Bill Ackerman (host of Supporting Characters and guest host of this show) and I reveal 25 favorite films, talk about the year in general and have a lot to say as usual. In addition, you’ll get to hear thoughts from previous guest Chloe Waryan as well as a traditional song from yours truly where I sing the titles of Bill’s 40 favorites.00:00 - 15:40 - Intro / Thoughts15:41 - 02:50:09 - Numbers 25-11.02:50:10 - 02:54:04 - Chloe’s Top Ten02:54:05 - 03:45:57 - Number...
2025-01-064h 55
Director's ClubEpisode 228: Jeremy Saulnier (feat. Mitchell Beaupre)It's been six weeks since a new episode of the show but this will be worth the wait, given not only the director we're covering but the guest is one of the best film critics working today. Letterboxd's very own Mitchell Beaupre returns after their debut a couple years ago for a nail-biting discussion on one of our premiere action-thriller directors working today. Jeremy Saulnier has a terrific new movie out on Netflix called Rebel Ridge which we review at length in addition to the rest of his filmography. For the first half hour though after the...
2024-09-302h 18
Director's ClubBonus Episode: 1994 Review - The Year In MusicFor this excursion into something besides movies, in case you didn't know, I once hosted Voices & Visions and I would recruit friend and Austin-based journalist Dan Solomon to go back 20 years to talk about a year in music - an art form that I love every bit much as film.For this summer tradition, my guests and I curate a new list of ten favorite records from a favorite year, playing snippets of certain songs and discussing our feelings about music in general. As of 2021, I decided to include my friend Jason Simpson, also a writer, to...
2024-07-032h 06
Director's ClubEpisode 225: Another 50 Favorites (feat. Bill Ackerman)Do you remember when Bill Ackerman and I revealed our 50 favorite movies episode for the 10-year anniversary of this show? That was Part One in what eventually has become a trilogy! Little did you know, when I briefly had a Patreon, we did a sequel that was exclusive for subscribers. I no longer have Patreon so not only do you get Part Two (50 More Favorites) but also the newly recorded Part Three (Another 50 Favorites), both available the same day as a birthday bonus treat. All in all, not only do you get 150 favorite films from the two...
2024-05-047h 32
Director's ClubEpisode 224: 50 More Favorites (feat. Bill Ackerman)Do you remember when Bill Ackerman and I revealed our 50 favorite movies episode for the 10-year anniversary of this show? That was Part One in what eventually has become a trilogy! Little did you know, when I briefly had a Patreon, we did a sequel that was exclusive for subscribers. I no longer have Patreon so not only do you get Part Two (50 More Favorites) but also the newly recorded Part Three (Another 50 Favorites), both available the same day as a birthday bonus treat. All in all, not only do you get 150 favorite films from the two...
2024-05-046h 23
Director's ClubEpisode 220: Favorite Films Of 2023 (feat. Bill Ackerman & Patrick Ripoll)The title of this episode says it all. Over four hours of nerdy movie conversations and recommendations all about the year 2023. Two Director's Club mainstays return. Bill Ackerman (host of Supporting Characters and guest host of this show) along with Patrick Ripoll (co-host of 96 Greers) join me as well all share their favorite films of 2023.No categories this year (like Best Actor, etc.) but plenty of reflection, surprising disagreement and even a wild story about what happened when Patrick tried to see one of Jim's favorites. Thank you so much for the support this past year, listeners...
2024-01-084h 29
Director's ClubEpisode 219: Charlie Kaufman (feat. Sharon Gissy)Happy New Year! This is a podcast. The Director’s Club Podcast. Maybe you should get a coffee first before listening. A coffee and a muffin might help. Gosh I’m so tired. But what a way to start the new year. Podcasting with a wonderful person like Sharon. Then editing it. Then writing these show notes. The thing that you’re reading right now. Or maybe you’re not reading this, you’re listening to the podcast. Wouldn’t it be weird if suddenly you were on the podcast? You the listener? Sometimes it all blurs and blends together. An...
2024-01-022h 21
Director's ClubEpisode 218: Frank Oz (feat. Ross Bratin & Tripp Burton)Just in time for turkey day, in which we have a lot to be thankful for, comes this delightful discussion with plenty of fixins. Fresh from their excellent new podcast, A Tripp Through Comedy, two new guests join me but I've been following them ever since we all met during Triviaspotting. Ross Bratin and Tripp Burton join me to talk all about the filmography of Frank Oz, someone each of us love and grew up with - whether as a Muppet or as a director, his achievements and talent are immeasurable. We start with his very first...
2023-11-213h 07
Director's ClubEpisode 217: James Wan (feat. Chloe Waryan)This episode is about the same running time as The Conjuring 2! Why does a horror movie need to be well over two hours? One might inquire to breakthrough horror filmmaker James Wan and that's exactly what I set out to do for this Halloween spooktacular! This is my favorite month of the year for a reason!Well, actually we have another delightful episode due in large part to a very special guest making her Director's Club debut. Joining me is librarian and Instagram sensation Chloe Waryan to talk all about the current state of horror while reviewing...
2023-10-242h 21
Director's ClubEpisode 216: Don Bluth (feat. Billy Ray Brewton & Ryan Verrill)The new episode arrives a few days later than planned (since it was scheduled to be our September episode) but nevertheless, we have a delightfully animated episode on tap here featuring another two of my favorite podcasters. The talented, prolific Billy Ray Brewton (of The Incinerator Podcast & Movie Mixtapes) joins me alongside his good friend and co-host Ryan Verrill, who also has own podcast that I highly recommend called The Disc-Connected. We learn about their passion projects and their origin stories at the start since this is their first time on!Together we three have delved into...
2023-10-022h 20
Director's ClubEpisode 214: Carl Franklin (feat. Jack & Clay of Exiting Through The 2010s)Delightful guests Jack Draper and Clay Williams of a new favorite show of mine, Exiting Through The 2010s, make their debut to talk about a mutual favorite directors of theirs: Mr. Carl Franklin (ONE FALSE MOVE, DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS).We focus on the five films he made all in a row, most of which are highly acclaimed and one of them should be far more acclaimed than it seems to be. Wondering which one that is? You'll have to listen! Before we launch into the filmography, Clay and Jack talk about their humble beginnings and...
2023-07-102h 40
Director's ClubBonus Episode: 1993 Review - The Year In MusicSoon enough Bill Ackerman will be bringing us an official director-centric episode soon and I will be discussing another in early July. For this excursion into something besides movies, in case you didn't know, I once hosted called Voices & Visions and I would recruit friend and Austin-based journalist Dan Solomon to go back 20 years to talk about a year in music - an art form that I love every bit much as film. For this retrospective, my guests and I curate a new list of ten favorite records from a favorite year, playing snippets of certain songs and discussing...
2023-06-142h 35
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Jim's 45th Birthday Special Request (feat. Patrick Ripoll)Every year I ask my friend Patrick to provide me with something special in the form of a podcast gift. His friendship of course is the real gift but his presence for this episode is also a present. Not only does it celebrate my 45th birthday (May the 4th be with me) but we also decided to celebrate this here podcast!I asked Patrick this time to revisit the first two films we actively disagreed on going all the way back to Episode 2. What happens 12 years later when both him and I decide to re-watch The Devil's...
2023-05-042h 11
Director's ClubEpisode 211: Paul Thomas Anderson Part II (feat. Nick Digilio & Steve Prokopy)Way back in 2012 before THE MASTER had come out, for Episode 35, my former co-host Patrick and I enlisted Steve Prokopy to talk about my favorite director of all time. There were some disagreements here and there but it was a memorable discussion back then. Now that PTA has released four fascinating movies since the last time we recorded, it’s about time I recruit one of the people responsible for turning me into a movie freak: Mr. Nick Digilio of The Nick D Podcast.We catch up with Nick, talk very briefly about the Oscars and then we...
2023-03-212h 13
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Alex Heller (THE YEAR BETWEEN)One of my favorite films of the year so far is Alex Heller's THE YEAR BETWEEN, now available on VOD. The reason for that is detailed further in my review during the first ten minutes but after that, stay tuned for guest correspondent (and Mental Filmness film festival founder) Sharon Gissy as she speaks with the writer/director and star of this excellent, insightful look at Bipolar disorder and so much more. It'll be playing on March 30th at the Music Box Theatre so I encourage you to come that night if you live in and around the Chicagoland...
2023-03-2037 min
Director's ClubEpisode 210: 1993 - The Year In ReviewWe found… a way. You may be wondering why there hasn’t been an official new episode for a while? Well, I’ve been spending the past six weeks binging on movies from 1993 for an annual tradition that has taken place for the past 8 years! Yes it’s that time folks. The yearly retrospectives continue as we travel back 30 years to rewatch, reconsider and share favorites along with many memories too! Join me on this 6-hour plus journey alongside Chicago critics Erik Childress and Collin Souter.Stay tuned for the next official episode in late March when two othe...
2023-02-286h 38
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Lukas Dhont (CLOSE) + Mia Hansen-Løve (ONE FINE MORNING)Hosts Bill Ackerman and Jim Laczkowski were asked to talk with two filmmakers about their latest work - both of which has received awards consideration and acclaim. First up, Jim speaks with Lukas Dhont about his coming-of-age tale CLOSE which is opening on February 3rd here in Chicago. Then, Bill had the opportunity to interview Mia Hansen-Løve about her latest drama ONE FINE MORNING. Incredibly grateful to both directors for taking the time to talk with us.00:00 - 02:39 - Intro 02:40 - 16:45 - Jim's Interview With Lukas Dhont (CLOSE) 16:46 - 43:43 - Bill's Interview W...
2023-01-2743 min
Director's ClubEpisode 209: Favorite Films Of 2022 (feat. Bill Ackerman + Brad Strauss)It's the most wonderful time of the beginning of the year! The title of this episode says it all and I'm so grateful to my two guests for joining me for this epic reflection on the film year that was 2022! Now I'll be going back to 1993 for February's retrospective episode so until then enjoy 6 hours of nerding out. Also please be sure to check out the two new podcasts soon to be added to the Now Playing Network! Thank you so much for listening to a yearly tradition that is always a complete joy!00:00 - 22:50 - Intro...
2023-01-046h 03
Director's ClubEpisode 206: Sergio Mims' Song Of The South CommentaryNormally something like this would be a bonus episode, but this is a special exception. As Erik wrote: Sergio Mims, our noted film scholar and friend, was well on his way to becoming “King Commentary” with all his official contributions to Blu-rays for Kino, Vinegar Syndrome and others. During the pandemic at the peak of lockdown, Collin Souter of Christmas Movies Actually, suggested that our good friend record one for Disney’s controversial 1940 film, Song of the South. Sergio did not hesitate and delivered something for his friends. Some of them are here to again pay brief tribute to the ma...
2022-11-031h 53
Director's ClubEpisode 202: James Gray (feat. Mitchell Beaupre)One of my favorite cinephiles on the planet joins me today to talk about a director they were thrilled to discuss. Film writer and podcaster extraordinare Mitchell Beaupre is a regular at Filmspotting Trivia which is where our paths first crossed and I have been following their work ever since.We get to know a little more about Mitchell during the intro but mainly sing the praises of most (if not all) of the work of James Gray starting with his debut leading all the way up to AD ASTRA. For the what we watched recently segment...
2022-07-182h 33
Director's ClubEpisode 197: Jane Campion Redux (feat. Marya Gates & Ryan McNeil)Most of my new episodes this year are all about revising, rethinking and revisiting directors covered here in the past. Yes, I guess you can call these sequels but "reboots are in." Joining me to talk about one of my favorite filmmakers this time are two wonderful podcasters and writers of the highest caliber. Returning guest Ryan McNeil of The Matinee.Ca is back alongside the one and only Marya Gates making her Director's Club debut that I could not be more excited about since it turns out, Jane Campion is her favorite director. We run down...
2022-02-012h 18
Director's ClubEpisode 196: Favorite Films Of 2021Another year in cinema has come and gone. 2021 was certainly one of the more difficult and challenging years for me personally (we all needed lots of hugs) but it's ended on a high note particularly with the films discussed here. As always, I needed to invite special guests to celebrate the year in cinema, two familiar voices you know and love join me to discuss our favorite films of 2021. Returning to the show is my dear friend Patrick Ripoll, current host of Tracks of the Damned and former co-host of this here show. Another great returning champion and former...
2022-01-034h 58
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Zeros And Ones (feat. Bill Ackerman, Chris O'Neill and Abel Ferrara)Director's Club is proud to present a special episode hosted by regular contributor Bill Ackerman of the Supporting Characters podcast. He is joined by filmmaker and film programmer Chris O'Neill to talk about the latest film, Zeros and Ones from the last director we covered on the show, Abel Ferrara. In addition, there is an interview with the director himself which is a true honor. I can't thank Bill enough for doing this which I would've loved to have been a part of but my final semester in grad school is starting to wrap up so I've...
2021-11-171h 18
Director's ClubEpisode 191: John Sturges (feat. Sergio Mims) Jim here! I'm back as your monthly host! And since this era of filmmaking isn't necessarily my area of expertise, of course I had to recruit a "magnificent" returning guest by the name of Sergio Mims who of course adores the Western genre and even came up with the roster of underseen titles by the great John Sturges. You may know him as the director of such beloved classics like THE GREAT ESCAPE, but we mainly focus on lesser-known works that you should try to seek out. We avoid spoilers through most of the films and mention how you...
2021-08-162h 09
Director's ClubEpisode 190: Wong Kar-Wai Redux (feat. Patrick Ripoll & Bill Ackerman)Nearly ten years ago, Jim and Patrick tried doing an episode on this beloved Hong Kong filmmaker but technology wasn't entirely cooperative back then. It was still released, but incomplete. Now many episodes later, Patrick returns sans Jim to try again with some great help as always from reliable, returning guest and podcaster extraordinare Bill Ackerman (Supporting Characters). This time, they each go through the entire filmography of Wong Kar-wai starting from the very beginning. Five hours later, they reach the end! So grateful to both Bill and Patrick for their incredible hard work and stamina for what's yet...
2021-07-295h 16
Director's ClubEpisode 188: Louis Malle (feat. Patrick Ripoll, Regina Linn & Robert Reineke)Jim is taking the summer off but Patrick is back as your host for the next three official episodes of the show! First up is the renowned French director Louis Malle who has had a lot of varied work throughout his career, several of which are brought up during the episode but the main focus is on Elevator To The Gallows along with Vanya On 42nd Street. Returning guests Robert Reineke (Still Watching The Skies) along with Regina Linn (Consistent Panda Bear Shape) join in on the conversation and have lots to say about the majority of this filmmaker's...
2021-06-013h 04
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Birthday 43I’ve done a lot of podcasts in my time but this one might be the craziest I’ve ever been a part of. Thanks to my dear friend Patrick Ripoll, this is one of those birthday gifts that I’ll cherish forever. What Patrick did was invent 43 movie and music-related games for my 43rd birthday and we turned them into 43 segments. Not to mention the 10 hours of editing Patrick did to put this madness together. For about the first 90 minutes, the volume levels fluctuate a bit due to recording online but don’t fret. Then for the next 90 minutes...
2021-05-293h 28
Director's ClubEpisode 183: Fifty Favorite Films (10th Anniversary Special)For the first 10th anniversary special of Director’s Club, you get 6 hours and 45 minutes of me and Bill Ackerman talking about our 50 favorite films of all time. Granted, we did end up spending a little time before that revealing our favorites from 2020 as well, but for the most part you get to learn about what each of us think are all-timers when it comes to movies we love. Some have changed for me including my #1. Towards the end of the month, you’ll get a second anniversary special featuring Patrick Ripoll, original co-host for a surprise edit...
2021-01-046h 47
Director's ClubEpisode 181: Celine Sciamma (feat. Ryan McNeil & Kate Blair)In contrast to the last episode, this time we cover the work of someone more recent and with a much smaller filmography. Since all four films touch upon similar themes, culminating in what's now considered a masterpiece, we chronologically cover the work of French filmmaker Celine Sciamma starting with Water Lillies and ending with Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Joining me on the journey are returning guests Ryan McNeil of the Matinee Cast as well as friend and film writer Kate Blair. In addition, the what we watched segment covers a lot of ground as well ranging from...
2020-11-102h 33
Director's ClubEpisode 179: Bob Clark (feat. Bill Ackerman) Returning guest Bill Ackerman of Supporting Characters joins me to discuss the fascinating career of Bob Clark, best known for his work on two very different Christmas classics. However, we went a different route focusing mainly on his Vietnam horror gem, Deathdream as well as the film that kick-started an entire genre of sex comedies. No, not Loose Cannons, it’s the original Porky’s. In addition for the what we watched segment, Bill reviews one of several of new films this year from Abel Ferrera with Tommaso. Jim catches up with the latest from Christopher Nolan (not...
2020-09-162h 52
Director's ClubEpisode 178: Steven Spielberg Part III (feat. Collin Souter & Erik Childress)Ever heard of a director named Steven Spielberg? Didn't think so. But maybe you did hear us talk about him about five years ago when we did a two-parter on the beloved blockbuster filmmaker. First we had Collin on to talk about films pre-Jurassic Park. Then we had Erik on to talk about films leading all the way to Munich. This time I recruited both of my friends and former guests to talk about the third act of Spielberg's career, anything post-Munich. We wanted to mainly review two films that represent him at this time so we...
2020-07-212h 15
Director's ClubEpisode 177: Peter Weir Part II (feat. David J. Fowlie)It has been about nine years since this director was discussed on the podcast so when Keeping It Reel’s very own David J. Fowlie expressed interest in coming on the show and brought up the name Peter Weir, how could I resist being such a fan of this Australian director's work as you’ll probably recall from way back. Doing this recording certainly has sparked an interest in returning to other directors of the past for next year since a lot of new insights and observations come up this time. We also focus on two different titles this time...
2020-06-292h 23
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Holy Quantum Donuts! Jim Turns 42WHY DID THEY MAKE HIM HAVE A WIFE?!! So I had a birthday this week and all I asked as a present from Patrick is to endure my weird sounds and movie talk for 75 minutes. Thankfully he obliged. Before we record our next official episode on Billy Wilder in a couple weeks, it was time to do a quarantine-cast free-form Popcorn Supper-style. We discuss our new and exciting side projects that help raise funds for food banks + charities. Then we go into an in-depth discussion on the weird, wild ride that is Quantum Leap and briefly review...
2020-05-081h 14
Director's ClubEpisode 175: Mike Leigh (feat. Patrick Ripoll & Regina Linn)Our first remote cast in quite awhile but we had an incredible time talking over Skype about one of the all-time greatest British filmmakers, Mike Leigh. We are joined by returning guest Regina Linn who is also a very talented theater actor in their own right. The main reviews are Life is Sweet and Another Year but we also dive deep into his most acclaimed work, Naked. For What We Watched, there are discussions about Cameron Crowe, Six Feet Under, Tales From The Loop and Alex Garland’s DEVS. We all truly hope you are staying safe, strong and sh...
2020-04-133h 25
Director's ClubEpisode 174: Guy Maddin (feat. Dave Canfield & Patrick Ripoll)This month, we are joined by the one and only Dave Canfield of ScreenAnarchy & Mindframes Podcast to discuss a truly fascinating filmmaker, Canada’s very own Guy Maddin. We try to get to the bottom of his visual aesthetics, discuss the nature of autobiographical filmmaking and praise several of his short films along the way. The focus this time is on the critically acclaimed The Saddest Music of the World as well as his award-winning docu-fantasia My Winnipeg, which Roger Ebert named one of the best films of the decade. In addition, we talk a lot for the what we...
2020-03-132h 13
Director's ClubEpisode 173: Anthony Mann (feat. Sergio Mims & Patrick Ripoll)Do not attempt to adjust your sets or turn the dial. Those voices you hear don't belong to neither Brad or Al, but original founders and returning hosts Jim and Patrick are back! Yes, after long debates, sleepless nights and several board meetings and PowerPoint presentations, your fearful leaders return to hosting duties. And they've returned with one of their favorite guests, Sergio Mims. Together they run through the many genres of classic Hollywood filmmaker Anthony Mann. Both Raw Deal and The Furies are the titles focused on initially but several more come up throughout the course o...
2020-02-172h 31
Director's ClubEpisode 170: Favorite Films Of 2019 (Part Two)It's that time! Jim and Patrick return to Director's Club for the year-end spectacular. Alongside current co-host Brad Strauss, we three run down a long list of awards, discuss our 25 favorite films of the year, and read several listener-submitted lists all while reflecting on the movie year that was. Part One is all about handing out our awards and running down numbers 25-11 on our list. Part Two is the much lengthier top ten discussion with some real surprises in store along the way. Thank you all so much for listening to this pinata of an episode and happy 2020...
2020-01-063h 21
Director's ClubEpisode 170: Favorite Films Of 2019 (Part One)It's that time! For the 9th time, Jim and Patrick return to Director's Club for the year-end spectacular. Alongside co-host Brad Strauss, we three run down a long list of awards, discuss our 25 favorite films of the year, and read several listener-submitted lists all while reflecting on the movie year that was. Part One is all about handing out our awards and running down numbers 25-11 on our list. Part Two is the much lengthier top ten discussion with some real surprises in store along the way. Thank you all so much for listening to this pinata of an...
2020-01-061h 43
Director's ClubEpisode 169: Brian De Palma ReduxIt's time for a new take on a director previously covered by the Director's Club. We won't keep you in suspense - It's Brian De Palma Redux! Former DC host, Jim Laczkowski reprises his role in the spirited debate on the career of one of our more controversial subjects. We'll cover such horror staples as "Carrie" and "Dressed to Kill" as well as contrast him to another director who may have influenced him just a bit. We won't forget early favorites like "Phantom of the Paradise" or mainstream hits like "The Untouchables" and "Mission Impossible". Love him or hate him...
2019-12-313h 33
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood (feat. Jim + Patrick) What happens when old-school Director’s Club meets the new? Join Brad, Al, alongside former hosts Jim + Patrick as they dive head first into the world of Tarantino, focusing on his latest creation, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. A film that no one else seems to talking about so we figured we should. Does everyone agree it’s one of his best? Only way to find out. Put down the needle on your vinyl, turn up the radio dial, throw on an old TV Western, and tune in. We talk about the film at length, including spoilers, so it’s...
2019-08-051h 29
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Jim Turns 41 Cross-posted with Voices + Visions Just like last year, my dear friend and fellow podcaster Patrick Ripoll returns for a very special episode of this show. Around the month of May, I ask Patrick to return to a microphone to talk a variety of topics. We play catch up on our lives, talk about our latest projects, and review two movies that we've assigned to one another. The two movies for this year were the Hong Kong late 80s action flick IN THE LINE OF DUTY IV as well as the gorgeous Anime coming-of-age tale, 5 C...
2019-05-112h 56
Director's ClubBonus Episode: 1989 - The Year In Review Part Two https://tinyurl.com/1989retro PART TWO: Cross-posted with Voices & Visions as well. You can follow the list from 1989 that we cover linked above. Ladies and gentlemen, let's go back thirty years to when three film critics were first falling in love with movies. The mid-80s informed a lot of our taste, and much like previous years' retrospectives, it's always a blast to go back and see what holds up and what we each consider to be favorites and least favorites from a particular year. Joined once again by Erik Childress and Collin Souter we r...
2019-03-072h 51
Director's ClubBonus Episode: 1989 - The Year In Review Part Onehttps://tinyurl.com/1989retro PART ONE (OF TWO): Cross-posted with Voices & Visions as well. You can follow the list from 1989 that we cover linked above. Ladies and gentlemen, let's go back thirty years to when three film critics were first falling in love with movies. The mid-80s informed a lot of our taste, and much like previous years' retrospectives, it's always a blast to go back and see what holds up and what we each consider to be favorites and least favorites from a particular year. Joined once again by Erik Childress and Collin Souter we r...
2019-03-063h 10
Director's ClubEpisode 160: Favorite Films Of 2018 (Part Two)It's the most wonderful time of the year. Our annual favorite films of 2018 tradition continues for the 8th year in a row, this time including former hosts Jim and Patrick, joined by current host Brad Strauss as we reveal our Top 25 favorites as well as picking our favorites for actor, score, reading listener e-mails and more! 00:00 - 58:00 - #7, #6 Favorites 58:01 - 01:00:52 - Jim Sings Bill's List Of 40 Favorites 01:00:53 - 03:05:25 - #5 - #1 Favorites 03:05:26 - 03:08:28 - Outro / Jim's Favorite Song Of 2018 Patrick's List: https://letterboxd.com/patrickripoll/list/2018-films/ Brad's List: h...
2019-01-043h 08
Director's ClubEpisode 160: Favorite Films Of 2018 (Part One)It's the most wonderful time of the year. Our annual favorite films of 2018 tradition continues for the 8th year in a row, this time including former hosts Jim and Patrick, joined by current host Brad Strauss as we reveal our Top 25 favorites as well as picking our favorites for actor, score, reading listener e-mails and more! 00:00 - 03:52 - Introduction / Brad's Favorite Song of 2018 03:53 - 01:11:55 - Sub-Categories / Awards 01:11:56 - 01:49:36 - #25 - #11 Favorites 01:49:37 - 02:44:33 - #10 - #08 Favorites Patrick's List: https://letterboxd.com/patrickripoll/list/2018-films/ Brad's List: https://letterboxd.com...
2019-01-042h 44
Director's ClubEpisode 159: Frederick WisemanIn this episode, the Director's Club goes the verite route as we look at the films of legendary documentarian Frederick Wiseman. Joined by Chicago Film Discussion Group co-organizer Peter Richards, we go over the vastswath of a remarkably consistent body of work that delves into extensive looks at towns, schools, strip clubs, boxing gyms, and social organizations of all kinds, and explore how their deliberately removed perspectives and extended scopes allow for a contemplative insightful look at these subjects unique to the documentary form. (0:00) Intro to Wiseman (18:52) "Titicut Follies" (37:31) "High School" (48:12) "Juvenile Court" / "...
2018-12-273h 29
Director's ClubEpisode 158: Francis Ford CoppolaIn this episode, the Director's Club takes the cannoli and runs with it as we look at the films of Francis Ford Coppola. With Uberfounder of the Director's Club (and Now Playing Network head) Jim Laczkowski, in Part I we dive into his four masterpiece films, and explo re where in his early history was hints of such an amazing run of movies. Come eavesdrop on our conversation about the "Godfather" films, "Apocalypse Now", and, er, "The Conversation"! (8:46) "Dementia 13" ("Psychotic Reaction", The Count Five) (15:28) "The Rain People" / "Patton" ("Runaway", Del Shannon) (28:47) "The Godfather" ("Godfather Theme"...
2018-11-242h 45
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Jim & Patrick Review Suspiria & Halloween (2018)Cross-posted over at Voices + Visions too! Jim here! I've been in a horrible funk so I put out the call (or the "Pat" signal) to my dear old friend Patrick Ripoll to stop by for pizza, cannoli and some good old fashioned conversation. First we dealt with our dark thoughts surrounding jobs and then turned on the mics to do what we do best (or not): ramble on about movies. This time we focus on two recent horror releases in particular. David Gordon Green's 2018 sequel HALLOWEEN and Luca Guadagnino's remake of SUSPIRIA. Fair warning, we spoil both...
2018-11-082h 20
Director's ClubEpisode 154: John SaylesIn this episode, the Director's Club takes a journey through the many amazing works of legendary independent filmmaker John Sayles. Joined sporadically by Now Playing Network uber-guru (and Director's Club founder!) Jim Laczkowski, we explore a career filled with complex characters and stories illuminating many kinds of cultures, communities, and social concerns, all while providing a level of quality, honesty, and deep humanism to films ranging from science fiction to children's fable to sports movie, to maybe the ultimate Western mystery about the country's borders and its pasts. (11:06) "Return of the Secaucus Seven" ("Reelin In the Years", S...
2018-08-303h 36
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Keith Gordon + Underrated Films Of The 1990sJim here, returning for a special conversation with a remarkably talented actor turned director. This is our third time talking and likely not to be our last. Keith Gordon who you might remember from such films as CHRISTINE, DRESSED TO KILL, BACK TO SCHOOL and many more, decided to focus primarily on directing in the late 80s / early 90s. I wanted to have him back on to discuss the experience of directing one of my favorite shows on TV, LEGION, since I couldn't have been more excited about his work on the recent (and divisive) season 2 finale. We...
2018-07-271h 20
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Ryan Oestreich (Manager Of The Music Box Theatre) Jim here again, sneaking in with a short bonus episode cross-posted with V+V. One of the greatest joys to experience in the fine city of Chicago is sitting down to watch a screening of a classic film at The Music Box Theatre. It has been my favorite movie theater for quite some time and when the opportunity came to talk to the general manager of this theater, I could not have been more thrilled. Ryan Oestreich has a long history with the film industry, particularly film festival programming and theater management. He is now able to combine both of h...
2018-05-2644 min
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Take Shelter! Jim Turns 40Jim here again! Well, I can't believe, This is 40? One day in and I can already say that it's nothing like that overlong Judd Apatow movie. While waiting for my midlife crisis to commence, I invited my old compadre over to the recording studio for a conversation in the tradition of our old-school bonus episodes! This time, we even play a round of Score Bits, inspired by the one and only Film Junk Podcast. At the top, you'll hear me introduce this joyful birthday present, bookended by songs from my favorite band, The New Pornographers. First up, we cat...
2018-05-062h 25
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Melanie Lynskey & Vincent GrashawHello there everyone! Jim here. Former co-host of this here show. More is explained in the intro(s) but I decided to offer up a special bonus treat here for both Director's Club + Voices and Visions alike. I had the pleasure of seeing a very good new film called AND THEN I GO, directed by my first guest Vincent Grashaw. We had a great talk about the inspiration behind the film and his process. Then, I was absolutely honored and thrilled to talk to one of my all-time favorite actresses, Melanie Lynskey (HEAVENLY CREATURES, SHATTERED GLASS, THE INFOR...
2018-04-2940 min
Director's ClubEpisode 144: Andrew DavisIt's an action-packed episode of the Director's Club as we look at the works of Andrew Davis. Most well-known as director of "The Fugitive", one of the greatest action movies ever made, we explore his ability to enhance a wide range of films (from those of Samuel Z. Arkoff and Chuck Norris to even Alfred Hitchcock) and how he infuses them with great energy, character and Chicago flavor from his very first movie! 5:53 "Stony Island" ("The Stony Island Band", The Stony Island Band) 17:54 "The Final Terror" ("He's Back: The Man Behind the Mask", Alice Cooper) 25:26 "Co...
2018-03-042h 36
Director's ClubBonus Episode: 1988 - The Year In Review Part TwoWelcome to the exciting conclusion! The Director's Club / Voices & Visions crossover continues once again! Last year around this time, it was so warm outside, we opened the windows. This time, it was cold & snowy (hence the sound of the heater throughout). But have no fear! Your loyal Chicago film critics are here to carry on the tradition of going back 30 years to cover a year in film that they all grew up with. Starting from about 1985, our hosts became film fanatics with different tastes, but similiar memories of videostores, working at movie theaters, and watching many R-rated titles at a yo...
2018-02-192h 16
Director's ClubBonus Episode: 1988 - The Year In Review Part OneThe Director's Club / Voices & Visions crossover continues once again! Last year around this time, it was so warm outside, we opened the windows. This time, it was cold & snowy (hence the sound of the heater throughout). But have no fear! Your loyal Chicago film critics are here to carry on the tradition of going back 30 years to cover a year in film that they all grew up with. Starting from about 1985, our hosts became film fanatics with different tastes, but similiar memories of videostores, working at movie theaters, and watching many R-rated titles at a young age. This...
2018-02-192h 16
Director's ClubEpisode 142: 2017 Year In Review Part Two Together again. Gee, it's good to be together again. Jim and Patrick return for their yearly tradition of running down favorites and highlights from the past twelve months. In addition, they answer some emails, read many listener contributions/lists, and discuss the future. They hand out some awards, gifts, and throw paper at one another. Surprisingly, there isn't nearly as many puns and weird voices this time but since it became a 5-hour recording, they dependably get loopy as the show goes on. It's a show so big, it had to be split into two parts. Part One is here...
2018-01-053h 00
Director's ClubEpisode 142: 2017 Year In Review Part OneTogether again. Gee, it's good to be together again. Jim and Patrick return for their yearly tradition of running down favorites and highlights from the past twelve months. In addition, they answer some emails, read many listener contributions/lists, and discuss the future. They hand out some awards, gifts, and throw paper at one another. Surprisingly, there isn't nearly as many puns and weird voices this time but since it became a 5-hour recording, they dependably get loopy as the show goes on. It's a show so big, it had to be split into two parts. Part Two Is Here!
2018-01-052h 03
Director's ClubEpisode 140: Denis VilleneuveNow Playing Network Master of Ceremonies (and Director's Club founder) Jim Laczkowski joins us for this episode which has us looking at the films of French Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve! With Jim's help, we look at how Villeneuve brings his unique combination of thoughtfulness, pathos, family focus, and strangeness to dramas, genre thrillers, and films across the sci-fi spectrum. Includes lots of spiders and one talking fish. 14:23 "August 32nd on Earth" / "Maelstrom" ("Fish Heads", Barnes & Barnes) 24:26 "Polytechnique" ("Straws Pulled At Random", Meshuggah) 37:06 "Incendies" ("You And Whose Army?", Radiohead) 1:00:14 "Prisoners" ("The Prisoner", Iron Maiden)
2017-12-182h 43
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Jonathan Milott & Katherine CraftJim here everyone! It's been awhile since I took the crossover approach for an episode, allowing it to exist for both Director's Club & Voices and Visions. Since my guests today are both tremendously talented filmmakers with a lot of insights, stories and new projects to promote, I decided to include this in both feeds. After my introduction to the proceedings, I first speak with writer/director Jonathan Milott who alongside collaborator Cary Murnion have recently made a film called BUSHWICK that couldn't be more timely. We delve into exactly why that is as well as the history between this team...
2017-08-251h 19
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Keith Gordon Returns! Cross-posted from Voices & Visions. Jim here with a special bonus interview episode especially since the following interview is with a great director! My podcast Voices and Visions has talked with a variety of guests, and this one has a special place in my heart so I wanted to share it with the podcast I helped to create. Last year, I had the immense pleasure of talking with one of my favorite character actors and directors, Keith Gordon. You know him from his work with directors like DePalma, Carpenter, and films such as BACK TO SCHOOL among many oth...
2017-06-051h 19
Director's ClubBonus Episode: 1987 - The Year In Review Part Two PART TWO OF TWO: Nothing's gonna stop us now! Ladies and gentlemen, let's go back thirty years to when three film critics fell in love with going to the movies. The mid-80s informed a lot of my taste, and much like previous years' retrospectives, it's always a blast to go back and see what holds up and what we each consider to be personal favorites from a particular year. RogerEbert.com's very own Erik Childress and Collin Souter return for what is officially a yearly tradition that started thanks to original podcast creator Jim Laczkowski (that's me). We start...
2017-02-212h 30
Director's ClubBonus Episode: 1987 - The Year In Review Part OneThe 1987 List Of Movies! PART ONE (OF TWO): You can follow the list from 1987 that we cover linked above. Nothing's gonna stop us now! Ladies and gentlemen, let's go back thirty years to when three film critics fell in love with going to the movies. The mid-80s informed a lot of my taste, and much like previous years' retrospectives, it's always a blast to go back and see what holds up and what we each consider to be personal favorites from a particular year. RogerEbert.com's very own Erik Childress and Collin Souter return for what is of...
2017-02-202h 00
Director's ClubEpisode 123: Danny Boyle It is my esteemed pleasure and honor to introduce the all-new Director's Club! This is the first official episode hosted by your two new hosts. The great Brad and Al have been handed the keys to the kingdom and inherited a chocolate factory. Please give them your support, kind words, and feedback for their stay here on the podcast. It will continue to be bi-weekly, sometimes featuring guests, sometimes not. The format is very similar so don't fret. For their first episode as hosts, Brad and Al have recruited a familiar voice from past episodes both here and ov...
2017-01-313h 44
Director's ClubEpisode 122: Favorite Films Of 2016This is the end! (Don't worry, I didn't play The Doors in this episode). Well, no of course it isn't actually the end. But this is the last episode where I officially host. Fear not, there will be bonus episodes and I’ll be guesting from time to time throughout the year. Give all your support to Al & Brad when they begin in three weeks on the Danny Boyle episode. Of course, this is the year-end spectacular for 2016 and it should come as no surprise that it’s 4 hours long. I enlisted the help of two great friends of...
2017-01-104h 09
Director's ClubEpisode 120: Jonathan GlazerHappy Thanksgiving to all. And I want to say thank you for all the very kind words and messages in regards to my introduction from the last episode in which I announced the show will be hosted by two different voices next year. For this episode, it is my pleasure to welcome back two special guests from the past that have meant a great deal to me and for their friendship, I am grateful. The first is the co-host of RowThree.com’s Cinecast, and has been a frequent contributor to the show here going all the way back to...
2016-11-232h 31
Director's ClubBonus Episode: The Thing (1982) Commentary feat. Patrick RipollI tied my dear friend Patrick Ripoll to a f*****g couch! Former co-host and podcaster extraordinaire, is back for this special bonus episode. We are hoping that this bonus offering for October will encourage you to donate any amount to the network to help keep our shows running, but again, no obligation, just a request: http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/donation/ Patrick is a movie commentary savant at this point, thanks to his terrific show Tracks of the Damned. So I invited him down to my place for an in-depth analysis on John Carpenter's THE THING. Many l...
2016-10-102h 02
Director's ClubEpisode 112: Alex CoxThis episode is brought to you by Crystal Meth Papsi, enjoy a refreshing new Papsi. Papsi. Drink. Drink it now. Film blogger, editor and all-around nice guy Filip ONell joins me for an incredibly fun discussion on cult British filmmaker Alex Cox. Of course we sing the praises of REPO MAN, but we dig even deeper into his other work including the acclaimed SID & NANCY as well as the underappreciated WALKER, HIGHWAY PATROLMAN & THREE BUSINESSMEN. I had a blast watching some of these for the first time, even if they are all far from perfect films. I briefly get to kno...
2016-08-022h 01
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Favorite Music Videos (w/ Heather Drain)From "Video Killed The Radio Star" to Beyonce's "Lemonade," I have been intoxicated and dazzled by the artistry behind music videos. Of course, I'm not alone, and my guest today could probably teach a class on the subject and hopefully will get to program a music video festival event someday. Writer extraordinare Heather Drain joins me to discuss favorite music videos, our first experiences, growing up with MTV, and of course, the fact that many acclaimed directors got their start making videos early on. Big names like David Fincher, William Friedkin, Spike Jonze, Jonathan Glazer, Michel Gondry, and my pe...
2016-06-112h 27
Director's ClubEpisode 107: Martin Scorsese (w/guest Nick Digilio)At last. He is not only my favorite talk show radio host, but one of the main reasons I became passionate about film in the first place. WGN's own Nick Digilio, who has been reviewing movies since 1985, came into my life in December of 1989 alongside the legendary Roy Leonard. I haven't stopped listening to Nick review movies on a weekly basis since then. He's been incredibly supportive, so it was only a matter of time he comes on to the podcast since he's one of the smartest guys I know. We chose to tackle the filmography of one of our...
2016-05-101h 57
Director's ClubEpisode 105: Atom Egoyan (feat. Al Kwiatkowski & Bill Ackerman)Hey guys! Jim here. Well, I'm nowhere to be found in this episode other than the ad and parody song. I had to take a couple weeks off, so I enlisted the help of two of my favorite previous guests to take the helm for an epic examination of a favorite Canadian filmmaker of theirs. Bill Ackerman and Al Kwiatkowski took it upon themselves to discuss the entire filmography of one Atom Egoyan, whose two films EXOTICA and THE SWEET HEREAFTER were highly acclaimed in the late 90s and well worth your time. But what about the films prior to t...
2016-04-043h 23
Director's ClubEpisode 100: Favorite Films Of 2015 (Part 1)This is it. Episode 100. Best Of 2015. We went so long, it had to be divided into three, yes, three parts. Part One is a general conversation about 2015, including our awards, honorable mentions and more! Part Two is our Top Ten Films Of 2015. Part Three is an intimate retrospective interview / conversation about the past five years. The first eight minutes is me rambling about how much I love and appreciate you for continuing to listen and support Director's Club. It means the world to me. Hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed discussing the year 2015 with two w...
2016-01-092h 14
Director's ClubEpisode 99: Michael CurtizNo bah hum-buggin around Director's Club this time of year. I managed to enlist two of my favorite people to listen to -- of course, former co-host and podcast emeritus Patrick Ripoll is back not only for Episode 99, but for Episode 100 in January! Also recruited this time is the great Sergio Mims of WHPK, who always comes on this time of year to talk about a classic director. This time, we're focusing on the anti-auteur Michael Curtiz. Yes, he did CASABLANCA, one of the greatest films ever made, but we touch on a myriad of other titles including THE PRIV...
2015-12-232h 07
Director's ClubPop Culture Club: Favorite Records of 2015It's been awhile since I've podcasted but there's a slew of episodes coming your way for the next month or so. First up, I welcome to the show, live in-studio, music enthusiast and vinyl expert Jim Hanke, who will soon become a part of The Now Playing Network family next month! I asked him to stop on by so we could talk music for 2 hours, including his podcast plans, our Nick Digilio connection, and other pop culture tidbits. The bulk of the conversation revolves around our favorite records of 2015, starting with some honorable mentions, then at about the 46 minute mark...
2015-12-191h 55
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Patrick Rewatches & Reconsiders 5 MoviesPatrick fulfills yet another promise to a Kickstarter contributor, and a familar one at that. Mr. Bill Ackerman asked Patrick to reconsider some movies from past episodes that he claims to have disliked in the past. Will a rewatch help in any way? Patrick embarks on a very long conversation about such films as CRASH, PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, HENRY FOOL, TWIN PEAKS: FIREWALK WITH ME, and more! It's great to hear his voice again and thanks again to Bill Ackerman for contributing to Patrick's request! We will return in about ten days or so with another official episode, as...
2015-08-042h 39
Director's ClubEpisode 92: Alex Ross PerryIt wasn't easy filling an entire episode with a filmmaker whom we've only gotten to see two movies from thus far. But that didn't stop my enthusiasm to talk about Alex Ross Perry with someone that is light years smarter than I was at his age. 18-year-old filmmaker Ben Medina joins me to talk Perry. We also delve into the many films and directors that have inspired Ben, what movies mean to him, as well as discuss some recent entries into the contemporary indie film genre such WHILE WE'RE YOUNG (very appropriate), THE OVERNIGHT, IT FOLLOWS, and a...
2015-07-202h 08
Director's ClubBonus Episode: 1985 Review & Back To The Future1985 celebrates my 30th anniversary as a movie freak. BACK TO THE FUTURE was the movie I saw when I was seven years old that pretty much changed my life forever. It got me hooked on going to the movies and seeing as many movies as I could. In honor of its release in July of 1985, I enlisted the help of two Chicago critics and friends Erik Childress and Collin Souter to not only talk about their earliest memories of seeing BACK TO THE FUTURE, but to look back at the year 1985 since it was pretty significant for all of us...
2015-07-111h 41
Director's ClubBonus Episode: The Master, Joe Vs. The Volcano, Why We Watch & Rewatch MoviesMe and Patrick tackle the big questions regarding why we bother to talk about movies at all and slip into a little processing of our own about the nature of movie-viewing and the importance of the "rewatch." But for the majority of the episode, we parse the idea of movies that can potentially grow on you over time. My choices for discussion were THE MASTER and JOE VS. THE VOLCANO, two oddities that couldn't be more different from one another, that I didn't love until I saw them a second time. After our reviews of both films (one...
2015-06-222h 29
Director's ClubPop Culture Club: Weird Al, Torres, Tu Dors Nicole & more!I'm sure you are very confused right about now, but don't fret. Director's Club isn't going away, just becoming sporadic. Patrick will be back with another bonus episode soon enough too. As for me, I'm occassionally going to put out shorter episodes akin to the one you're about to hear, that will go under the moniker "Pop Culture Club." This is a trial run (or episode 1 if you prefer) in which I interview my friend Marissa about UHF, talk with an aspiring documentarian named Clay, play some music from my favorite record of the year, briefly review TU DORS NICO...
2015-05-311h 09
Director's ClubEpisode 90: Jim & Patrick's Greatest HitsHello friends, Jim here. Welcome to Clip Show Redux. Well yes, this was technically supposed to be a part of episode 100 -- much like the last episode we did on favorite movies -- but that's okay since numbers don't really matter, right? Besides we've surpassed episode 100 if we counted the bonus episodes, remember? Basically, a couple of emailers suggested another crack at this, and I was up to the task at hand despite it consuming up an entire day. It was worth it. Thanks to Caleb and a caller that left a voicemail -- you are both featured in the in...
2015-04-271h 49
Director's ClubA Very Special Episode - 50 Favorite Movies Part 2Is this it? Is this the end of Director’s Club? That’s the question on everybody’s mind, and we sorta answer it right at the top. The show could be going away for awhile, but maybe not. Or maybe it’ll change into something else. Maybe Jim invented a time machine and is going back to 1985 to go see Back To The Future with him and his dad again! Regardless, Patrick is taking a well-deserved break from the Internet and podcasting. He may return in the future, and Jim may continue to keep this going. More should be set-in-stone...
2015-04-103h 01
Director's ClubA Very Special Episode - 50 Favorite Movies Part 1Is this it? Is this the end of Director's Club? That's the question on everybody's mind, and we sorta answer it right at the top. The show could be going away for awhile, but maybe not. Or maybe it'll change into something else. Maybe Jim invented a time machine and is going back to 1985 to go see Back To The Future with him and his dad again! Regardless, Patrick is taking a well-deserved break from the Internet and podcasting. He may return in the future, and Jim may continue to keep this going. More should be set-in-stone in about a month...
2015-04-101h 15
Director's ClubEpisode 88: John HustonThe great Nat Almirall joins us to talk about a true legend, director of such classics as THE MALTESE FALCON and THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE. The one and only John Huston is discussed at length touching upon many films throughout his lengthy career. Other titles that come up include FAT CITY, LET THERE BE LIGHT, THE MISFITS, and more! In addition, Jim and Patrick gush over two new indie films, IT FOLLOWS and THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY, while Nat revisits AMADEUS. 00:00 - 10:10 - Intro10:11 - 11:49 - What We Watched Song11:50 - 54:06 - What We...
2015-03-302h 16
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Laura Dern & Top 5 Favorite ActressesOur first edition of Actor's Club! For this bonus episode, I enlisted the help of returning guest and friend to the show, Bill Ackerman. Together we focus on our favorite actresses for the first half, then for the second half, we examine the versatile career of Laura Dern. Movies mentioned include SMOOTH TALK, RAMBLING ROSE, CITIZEN RUTH, INLAND EMPIRE, and a whole lot more! We also touch upon her incredible work in the HBO show ENLIGHTENED. Stay tuned for another episode like this come summertime, featuring Patrick talking about a favorite actor of his. Thank you so much for liste...
2015-03-222h 03
Director's ClubBonus Episode: The Big Bad Music ShowBy popular demand, Jim and Patrick are back with a bonus episode full of music talk. Jim just released a new album, Patrick's working on one, and they both relate their stories of growing as songwriters, learning to sing, the recording process, their taste in music, and much much more. In this case, much much more mostly just means "they talk about a shitload of music from the 90's". But if you were ever curious about what Jim and Patrick's music sounded like, look no further. If you definitely don't care about Jim and Patrick's music, maybe s...
2015-02-261h 51
Director's ClubEpisode 85: Stanley DonenThough not in the same room, the show must go on! Returning guest and WHPK DJ Sergio Mims to talk about the extraordinary Stanley Donen, one of Hollywood's living (!) legends. The conversation dances around some classics such as SINGIN IN THE RAIN, CHARADE, TWO FOR THE ROAD, FUNNY FACE and a whole lot more! Earlier in the show, Jim talks about WAKE IN FRIGHT, Sergio reviews BLACKHAT, and Patrick does the lightning round!00:00 - 25:00 - Intro / News / Business25:01 - 26:33 - What We Watched Song26:34 - 01:15:07 - What We Watched01:15:08 - 01:15:47 - Director Song01:15:48 - 02...
2015-01-282h 33
Director's ClubEpisode 84: The Best Of 2014The episode you have all been waiting for is now here! Our three and a half hour epic covering the year in review and much much more. Patrick deconstructing NIGHTCRAWLER and WHIPLASH in a way that left Jim’s head spinning! Jim annoying Patrick with weird sounds and movie title puns! Resolutions for 2015 and lots of laughter over beer and jelly beans! We talk about our favorite movies of 2014 of course, but in addition, we listen to two voicemails, read some top ten lists via listener emails, and reveal sub-category awards which lead to some wonderful digressions as always. We...
2015-01-093h 22
Director's ClubBonus Episode: The Songs That Changed Your LifeHello folks! Jim here, with a special episode for the new year. I called several previous guests and friends of the show with one simple question: "What is the song that changed your life?" Inspired by the film that changed your life book as well as my own love of all-things music, I decided to talk with several folks about what music means to them and which specific songs have a story behind them. This might happen with different guests twice a year. Included are choices from myself and Patrick as well obviously. This episode will forever hold a...
2015-01-062h 05
Director's ClubEpisode 83: Robert AltmanWell I'm back everyone and I couldn't be more ecstatic about this episode, in which we discuss Patrick's favorite filmmaker, the great Robert Altman! In addition, I (kind of) review my favorite director's latest film entitled INHERENT VICE. Maybe you've heard of it? We also talk a couple of other recent releases such as WILLOW CREEK and I proclaim my love for NBC's gorgeous and disturbing show HANNIBAL. But the bulk of the conversation consists of us raving about all-things Altman including THREE WOMEN, THE LONG GOODBYE, MCCABE AND MRS MILLER, THE PLAYER, NASHVILLE and more! Stay tuned...
2015-01-042h 39
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Interstellar, Birdman, Nightcrawler and more!So many new releases that will be talked about more and more until awards time have arrived. And yes, that's right! Another bonus episode has arrived but this one is a little bit shorter since there's only one voice you'll be hearing for the majority of its running time. I fly solo and return to talk about what I've been through lately, both the good and the bad including the reasons for my absence. There's a lengthy introdution (Marc Maron-style) regarding my health, a decision to move back home and then we get to a whole lotta movie talk ar...
2014-11-091h 27
Director's ClubEpisode 79: Wes AndersonFriend and favorite to the show Regina Barry returns for a monumental discussion on the beloved auteur Wes Anderson. In addition to talking about all his films, we discuss RESOLUTION, CONCUSSION, THE ONE I LOVE and more. Included at the very end of the episode is a brief discussion on The Beatles of all things. Also, I give a special announcement at the beginning which details how the rest of the year will be for me and I couldn't be more grateful and appreciative for my co-host and dear friend Patrick. Thank you to all for listening and for your...
2014-09-293h 03
Director's ClubEpisode 78: Nicolas RoegA departure for us -- as edited by Patrick this time 'round -- in which the great Bill Ackerman and Patrick talk about controversial British filmmaker Nicolas Roeg. They delve into the majority of his filmography, bypassing the "What we watched" segment, but nevertheless, this is an episode you won't want to miss and won't soon forget! Thanks as always for listening and stay tuned for the Wes Anderson episode in about a week! - Jim This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, v...
2014-09-222h 33
Director's ClubBonus Episode: TIFF 2014Festival correspondent and friend to the show Erik Childress joins us to talk about this year's Toronto International Film Festival, giving reviews of around ten films that stood out this year, that we have to look forward to either later this year or the next. Titles include NIGHTCRAWLER, SPRING, MOMMY, WILD, THE VOICES, IT FOLLOWS and more!Our Nicholas Roeg episode is coming within the week, and Wes Anderson will be recorded in a matter of days! Included at the end of this episode is a cover song of "Angel in the Snow" by Elliott Smith by yo...
2014-09-221h 36
Director's ClubBonus Episode: Jim Loves Turtles & Pod PeopleJim and Patrick are back, diving deep into each other's personal lives, snatching each other's bodies, finding each other's footage. It's not as gay as it sounds, sadly. FILMS DISCUSSED Lake MungoComputer Chess (again)The Dirties Cannibal HolocaustFargo (TV Show)Invasion of the Body Snatchers (all of 'em)Night of the Living Dead (all of 'em)Cheap ThrillsQuick ChangeMonkeyboneEnemyMeet The SpartansWinter LightWalk HardThe Blair Witch Projectand more?!?!!?!? ...
2014-04-231h 29
Director's ClubEpisode 61: Mario Bava Part IIApologies in advance for the poorer than usual sound quality, but it is being rectified as we speak in time for the next episode. For our last horror-themed episode of the season, the great Gabe Powers of DVDActive.com (and guest contributor to our site) returns once again to talk about the incredibly influential horror director Mario Bava. This is our 2nd episode on Bava, as there is still so much to cover. We focus on his take on the anthology film BLACK SABBATH as well as what is considered the first Giallo film, BLOOD AND BLACK LACE. We...
2013-11-072h 14
Director's ClubEpisode 38: Lars Von TrierKurt Halfyard returns once again, alongside film blogger Matt Marko as they join Jim (sans Patrick this week) to talk about the controversial provocateur Lars Von Trier. Despite touching upon a few of his films throughout the conversation, we mainly focus on the stylistic film noir EUROPA as well as the highly acclaimed BREAKING THE WAVES. In addition, Kurt revisits E.T, Jim reviews Oliver Stone's latest film SAVAGES, and Matt touches on Aaron Sorkin's THE NEWSROOM.In about a week, Patrick will be talking with Greg David and possibly another surprise guest to talk about the g...
2012-07-182h 56