In this episode of Left of the Projector, I discuss Oliver Stone's 1994 film, Natural Born Killers, with Dr. David Hering. We explore the film's chaotic narrative, its historical context, and its provocative commentary on media and violence. Dr. Herring reflects on his first viewing experience and we critique the film’s stylistic choices, questioning whether they convey a meaningful political message or merely emphasize chaos. Our conversation also addresses the film's portrayal of societal...

In this episode of Left at the Projector, I explore the 1995 James Bond film "GoldenEye" with Griff and Chris from Bring Out Your Dead. We discuss Pierce Brosnan's debut as 007, the dynamics of Bond’s relationships with female characters, and the film's dramatic plot involving Sean Bean's villain. We reflect on the nostalgia surrounding "GoldenEye," its impact on the Bond franchise, and the cultural themes of imperialism and masculinity. Humorous highlights include the film's absurd moments...

Hello - welcome to the most important episode of our lives, er wait, election. Anyway, I'm joined by Bill and HungryRye. Literary Liberation:  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/literary-liberation https://www.instagram.com/literaryliberation https://www.instagram.com/hungryrye/ https://linktr.ee/Hungryrye Left of the Projector...

In this episode, we explore the cult classic Halloween 3: Season of the Witch with guests Jake and Ian from Podcasty for Me. We delve into the film’s unique narrative, which abandons the Michael Myers storyline in favor of a standalone horror tale. Despite its initial box office struggles, we argue for its imaginative depth, touching on themes of capitalism, technology, and corporate greed embodied by the character Conal Cochran. Jake shares his personal connection to the film, and we analyze...

Always look on the bright side of life. Joined again by Lemony Fresh Pines and Sully to discuss a 70's film that has some serious cringe but also some really relevant criticism of leftist organizations. Come back in time with us... Left of the Projector Links https://www.patreon.com/LeftoftheProjectorPod https://boxd.it/5T9O1 https://leftoftheprojector.com https://instagram.com/leftoftheprojector http://tiktok.com/@leftoftheprojectorpod https://www.threads.net/@leftoftheprojector

Evan teams up with hosts of the Literary Liberation podcast and PokePreet to analyze the 2001 movie 'Shrek' through political and cultural lenses. The conversation delves into the film’s political themes, including class struggle, consumerism, and libertarian values, and considers Shrek’s impact in a post-9/11 context, exploring ideas like imperialism and Jewish-coded interpretations. The discussions also cover Shrek's cultural relevance, examining its humor, appeal across generations, and...

Enjoy this week's bonus episode with Destiny of Closeted History, where I made a guest appearance to discuss the queer horror film Jennifer's Body. Closeted History https://www.instagram.com/closetedhistory https://beacons.ai/closetedhistory https://patreon.com/ClosetedHistory https://www.youtube.com/@closetedhistory Left of the Projector...

This week on Left of the Projector I have on friends of the show, Ashley and Alex Herbert. Alex shares with us his Peter Pan theory of the film and we dive into much more! Alex Herbert: https://alexherbert.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/punksaround/ https://www.instagram.com/lenin_in_45_volumes/ Smirk Gently: https://www.instagram.com/smirkgently/ https://linktr.ee/smirkgently https://www.threads.net/@smirkgently Left of the Projector...

In this episode, we analyze the iconic 1977 film "Smokey and the Bandit" with the hosts of Cars and Comrades. We share our personal connections to the movie, discussing how it shaped our views on truck driving and outlaw culture, particularly through Brandon's experience. The conversation revolves around the Bandit's wild quest to transport Coors beer and critiques the comedic representation of law enforcement, exemplified by Sheriff Buford T. Justice. We delve into the film's themes of...

In this episode of Left of the Projector, we explore Guillermo del Toro's impactful film The Devil's Backbone, released in 2001, with Olivia from "You Have Been Watching Films." Our conversation highlights the film's intricate narrative and its blend of childhood innocence within the harrowing context of the Spanish Civil War. We examine character dynamics in the orphanage, reflecting on the themes of unity and resistance against oppression, while discussing the symbolic role of ghosts and...

In this episode, I chat with Libby about Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" Volume 1 and Volume 2, examining the film's themes and narrative choices. We discuss the decision to split the film due to its lengthy runtime and how it impacts audience engagement. Libby shares her affinity for the film and highlights the empowering portrayal of female characters like "the Bride," O-Ren Ishii, and Vernita Green. We delve into pivotal scenes and Tarantino's unique cinematic techniques, as well as the...

In this episode, we explore the thematic elements of "The Fog" and "The Mist" with guests Kayte Terry and Brandon. Kayte is cohost of Fangs for the Memories and Tendor Subject and Brandon cohosts the podcast Cars and Comrades. Focusing on the films, we examine their atmospheres, social dynamics during crises, and the tension between individualism and community. A deep dive into "The Mist's" impactful ending reveals commentary on human nature, while we also share horror film recommendations...

In this episode of Left of the Projector, host Evan delves into 'The Substance,' a new body horror film directed by Coralie Fargette and starring Demi Moore, Dennis Quaid, and Margaret Qualley. He offers a mostly spoiler-free analysis, discussing not only the stark and gory visuals but also the deeper commentary on body image and the challenges women face in Hollywood. Evan highlights the film's extreme and visceral approach to horror, comparing it to other notable works like 'Dead Alive' and...

In this episode of Left of the Projector, I discuss the 1976 film Network with graduate film student Andre Swai. We analyze the film's biting satire on media, focusing on Howard Beale's descent into sensationalism and Faye Dunaway's obsession with ratings. Our conversation highlights the film's critique of corporate greed and its relevance in today's media landscape as we approach 2024. We also draw connections to other films that echo similar themes, reinforcing "Network's" enduring...

In this episode, we explore the film L.A. Confidential, discussing its intricate plot and standout performances alongside Dan and Jared from Concessions. We share personal reflections on our evolving interpretations, debating whether it fits into traditional noir or neo-noir. Our conversation analyzes the moral complexities of characters like Ed Exley and Bud White, while addressing themes of police brutality and Hollywood's darker undertones. We reflect on the performances of Kevin Spacey,...

In this episode, we discuss the beloved 1996 film Twister and its 2024 sequel, Twisters, with Destiny from *Closeted History* and Nathan of *Schizophrenic Reads*. We celebrate the original’s legacy, exploring its emotional depth, character dynamics, and humor. The sequel's contemporary themes, particularly regarding climate change and character backgrounds, are examined as well. Nathan calls for a revival of disaster films focused on authentic storytelling, while Destiny shares her nostalgia...

Yes, we have T.V. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, season 2 is here and so are we. I'm back with Nick, from The Intervention podcast for some LOTR content. We reflect on our impressions of the first season and discuss character arcs in the second season, particularly Galadriel and ****, exploring the moral complexities of their roles. We highlight the impressive production values and the political intrigue surrounding Numenor, while also analyzing the series' balance between...

In this episode of Left of the Projector, I chat with Tyler and Kennan from the Revolutionary Rhetoric Podcast about the cult classic *True Romance*. We explore its unique blend of romance and crime, character dynamics, and the interplay between reality and fantasy, particularly through Christian Slater’s character. Tyler expresses his deep appreciation for the film, while Kennan provides a fresh perspective as a newcomer. We discuss memorable scenes, the chemistry between Slater and Patricia...

In this mini episode of Left of the Projector, host Evan delves into a review of 'Alien Romulus,' the ninth installment in the Alien franchise. Directed by Federico Alvarez and featuring stars such as Kaylee Spaney and David Johnson, this film is set between the events of the original 'Alien' and 'Aliens.' Evan explores the film's thematic connections to hypercapitalism, its world-building elements, and its portrayal of working-class struggles. Breaking down key aspects like practical effects...

Join Breht, Amanda, and Evan as they delve into Andrei Tarkovsky's first feature film, Ivan's Childhood (1962). The episode starts with a lighthearted discussion about dream dinner guests, then moves into a detailed analysis of themes like innocence lost, war trauma, and symbolic elements such as trees and cobwebs. The hosts draw parallels between the film's depiction of war and ongoing humanitarian crises like those in Palestine. Part of their Tarkovsky series, this episode also touches on...

In our discussion, we deeply analyze the classic horror film "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" exploring its historical impact, societal reflections, and character dynamics. We dissect its themes, including family, societal norms, and survival through violence, revealing the movie's narrative complexity. Reflecting on the cast's challenges during production, we consider ethical concerns in filmmaking. Additionally, we uncover the film's authenticity and enduring legacy, celebrating its influence on...

This week, my guest Jon Greenaway (The Horror Vanguard) and I delve into the intricate layers of Bong Joon-ho's film "The Host," appreciating its masterful storytelling and character analysis of Gang-du. We explore the film's blend of comedy and seriousness, praising its tonal shifts and expert composition for a captivating cinematic experience. Drawing from filmmakers like Scorsese and Carpenter, we admire how Bong Joon-ho combines action, tone shifts, and social commentary. The discussion...

Keith and Matthew as they delve into Michael Mann's 1995 classic, 'Heat,' examining the film's detailed depiction of the cop and robber dynamic and the loneliness of Los Angeles. Are there real hit crews? Are they as good as DeNiro? The conversation includes fascinating insights about Matthew's documentary, 'Reimagining Safety,' which explores alternatives to traditional policing. With discussions ranging from character choices to the influence of movie scores, this episode offers a...

I'm not even supposed to be here today. 37. In a row?? What else is there to say. Kevin Smith's first film. We discuss how incredible it was to have been made, the politics of Gen X, gum commericials and so much more. Smirk Gently: https://www.instagram.com/smirkgently⁠ https://linktr.ee/smirkgently https://tiktok.com/@smirkgently Movies vs Capitalism: https://linktr.ee/movies_vs_capitalism https://www.instagram.com/movies_vs_capitalism The Intervention...