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In this episode, I talk about Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s 1948 film, "The Red Shoes." It centers on Vicky Page, a young ballet dancer whose extraordinary talent brings her into a world where art demands total devotion and where love and ambition collide. I discuss "The Red Shoes" as a meditation on artistic calling, female ambition, and the desire for greatness. I’m interested in how the film portrays a woman who refuses to live a small life, and what happens when her boundless creative drive cannot be contained by the world around her. If you’d like to support my work and get access to bonus episodes and exclusive posts, you can join me on Patreon: patreon.com/herheadinfilmspodcast. You can follow me on Letterboxd. My email is [email protected]. My Sources: The Red Shoes (BFI Classics) by Pamela HutchinsonOriginal fairy tale by Hans Christian AndersonIan Christie on The Red ShoesThe Red Shoes: Dancing for Your Life by David EhrensteinLetters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke

In this episode, I talk about Dianne Jackson's beloved 1982 animated film, "The Snowman." Adapted from Raymond Briggs’s wordless book, the film follows a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life, and together they share a brief night of wonder and connection.   I reflect on how the film holds both joy and tenderness, and how its playful scenes have brought me comfort during my first Christmas without my mother. She was my last remaining parent, and watching this film has helped me think about memory, grief, and the impermanence of life. I hope this episode offers solace to anyone who is grieving during the holidays. If you’d like to support my work and get access to bonus episodes and exclusive posts, you can join me on Patreon: patreon.com/herheadinfilmspodcast. You can follow me on Letterboxd. My email is [email protected]. My Sources: https://www.bfi.org.uk/features/raymond-briggs-the-snowman-christmashttps://animationobsessive.substack.com/p/the-specialness-of-the-snowmanhttps://www.sundaypost.com/fp/snowman-who-has-spent-40-years-warming-our-heartshttps://www.thesnowman.com/about/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/dec/22/how-the-snowman-melted-david-bowies-heart-raymond-briggsThe making of The Snowman: https://youtu.be/hIrbQ_9LSLUOriginal story boards: https://youtu.be/FWOM-hIimjIThe Snowman in HD: https://youtu.be/5A3THighARU?si=L4faPi0UIkOdawZbRaymond Briggs: Snowmen, Bogeymen, and Milkmen: https://youtu.be/fR3GO6uI2TQ?si=W_qaDXoyXXu9-UTa

In this episode, I talk about Francis Ford Coppola’s 1974 film, "The Conversation." The film follows Harry Caul, a wiretapper in San Francisco who becomes obsessed with a recording he’s made of a young couple in a crowded park. As Harry pieces together fragments of their conversation, he’s drawn into a spiral of paranoia, guilt, and loneliness. I explore what makes "The Conversation" a masterpiece—not just as a film about surveillance and paranoia, but as an intimate character study. I talk about Harry’s profound loneliness, his complicity in his own alienation, and the psychic toll of a life spent surveilling others from a distance.  If you’d like to support my work and get access to bonus episodes and exclusive posts, you can join me on Patreon: patreon.com/herheadinfilmspodcast. You can follow me on Letterboxd. My email is [email protected]. My Sources: Interview between Brian De Palma and Francis Ford Coppola'The Conversation:' Francis Ford Coppola's Paranoia-Ridden Tale of Surveillance, Guilt, and Isolation 

In this special episode, I talk about why I’ve launched a new Patreon for Her Head in Films. This isn’t just about supporting a podcast—it’s about helping me stay afloat in a very difficult and uncertain time in my life. After losing my mom and becoming the sole provider for my household, I’m trying to rebuild from nothing. I work multiple jobs, and I’m doing everything I can to survive while continuing to create something meaningful. This podcast is my soul work. It’s how I stay alive. It’s the archive of my emotional life, my grief, and my love for cinema. If you’ve ever felt connected to what I do here—if my voice has meant something to you—I invite you to join me on Patreon. Your support helps me keep going. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/herheadinfilmspodcast You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is [email protected].

In this episode, I talk about Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s 1972 film, "The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant." The film tells the story of Petra, a successful fashion designer in a complicated and obsessive relationship with a younger woman named Karin. Set almost entirely in Petra’s apartment, the film unravels the entanglements of power, desire, and emotional dependency. This episode is one of my most personal. I reflect on the ways the film mirrors an experience I had with unrequited love—an experience that consumed me for over two years. I talk about the madness and chaos of desire, the pain of not being chosen, and the way obsession can distort how we see ourselves and others. Note: This episode was recorded before my mother's death. That is why I talk about her in the present tense. You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is [email protected]. My Sources: Mise en Scène as Power Struggle by Jonathan RosenbaumMelodrama and the Remake: The Cinematic Influence of Douglas Sirk on FassbinderHanna Schygulla on working with FassbinderWhat is New German Cinema?New German Cinema

In this episode, I talk about Hayao Miyazaki’s 1989 film, 'Kiki’s Delivery Service.' It’s about a 13-year-old witch who must spend a year away from home, learning to live independently and share her gifts. As Kiki opens a delivery service and begins to grow weary and uncertain, she meets women who offer her refuge, wisdom, and friendship. I talk about how this film explores what it means to lose your magic and to slowly find it again. I recorded this at a time when I’m learning to believe in myself again after great loss. All My Sources: Deborah Levy's The Cost of LivingDiscoverGhibli on YoutubeLetters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria RilkeMore about the fictional town of KorikoYou can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is [email protected].

In this episode, I talk about Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 film, "My Neighbor Totoro." It’s about two young girls who discover magical forest spirits after moving to a rural home with their father to be closer to their hospitalized mother. I recorded this episode in the wake of my own mother’s death, and I speak about how grief has shaped my experience of the film. I talk about watching the entire Studio Ghibli catalog and reflect on childhood, absence, and how nature and cinema offer solace when nothing else can. All My Sources: Hayao Miyazaki, The Auteur of Anime9 Facts About My Neighbor TotoroDefining the World of My Neighbor TotoroEverything You Need to Know About Japan's Iconic Studio GhibliStudio Ghibli: The Japanese Animation Powerhouse That Conquered The WorldHayao Miyazaki: The Life and Lasting Influence of the Studio Ghibli Auteur-AnimatorWhat is Hildegard's Viriditas?You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is [email protected].  

In this episode, I talk about Ingmar Bergman’s 1972 film, "Cries and Whispers," a haunting and intimate portrait of a woman dying and the people around her. I begin by sharing about my own mother’s death, how I was with her to the very end, and how this film has taken on a deeper resonance for me now. Though the episode was recorded before her cancer diagnosis and passing, I was already in the role of caregiver. I reflect on how "Cries and Whispers" captures the loneliness of illness, the coldness we sometimes encounter in the world, and the deep human need for tenderness, love, and presence, especially in the face of pain, death, and the deterioration of the body. Sources: Images by Ingmar BergmanIngmar Bergman websiteYou can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is [email protected].

In this episode, I talk about Frédéric Back's 1987 Academy Award-winning animated short film, "The Man Who Planted Trees." Adapted from a book by Jean Giono, it tells the story of a French shepherd who plants trees for decades and revitalizes an entire region. It's a film about how to live, how to care for the earth, and how to make the world a better place through small but meaningful acts.  This has become one of my favorite films of all time because of the way it inspires me to think about what I want to contribute and the kind of person I want to be. I can honestly say that this film changed something inside me. This episode is an attempt to describe how this one little film has made such a profound impact on my life. You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is [email protected].

In this episode, I talk about Delbert Mann's precious 1955 film, "Marty." It tells the story of Marty, a 34-year-old butcher who has struggled all his life to find love. One night, he meets Clara, a woman who can relate to his loneliness. This is a film about the pain of invisibility and the power of connection. It's about what it means to finally feel seen after a lifetime of rejection. This is a deeply personal episode for me, but it's one that I hope reaches anyone who might need to hear it and to be reminded that they are not alone. The audio quality is the best I could provide right now. Apologies if it is not up-to-par for some. I did my best. You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is [email protected].

In this episode, I talk about Franco Piavoli's luminous 1996 documentary, "Voices Through Time." It captures the daily life of the inhabitants of a small Italian village. From children playing in the woods to lovers kissing in the grass to couples rapturously dancing, Piavoli shows us the human condition in all its richness and beauty.  My episode is a tribute to this life-affirming work of art, and it is a manifesto on what it means to be fully alive and how art saves us and even heals us. This is my first episode in 3 years. I do not know if I will create more, but I was so deeply moved by this film that I felt compelled to share my thoughts about it. I appreciate all who listen. The audio quality is the best I could provide right now. Apologies if it is not up-to-par for some. I did my best. You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is [email protected].

In this episode, I talk about Robert Eggers's 2015 film, "The Witch." It looks at a New England Puritan family in the 1600s that is exiled from their community. They go to live in a remote area, and terrifying things begin to happen. The eldest daughter is blamed for these events and accused of being a witch. I talk about witch hunts, the feminist aspects of the film, my very personal reaction to the ending, and much more. There are spoilers in this episode.  Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan All My Sources The Witch blu-rayThe Burning Times (1990)Goddess Remembered (1989)Women and Spirituality TrilogyRobert Eggers interview with The A.V. ClubRobert Eggers interview with RogerEbert.comRobert Eggers Interview with BFIRobert Eggers interview with Wired.comRobert Eggers interview with The VergeRobert Eggers interview with The Atlantic 

In this episode, I talk about the 1945 film "Humoresque." Joan Crawford plays a socialite tormented by her love for a younger man--played by John Garfield--who is a passionate violinist trying to break into the music world. Her money and connections help him find success, but her hard-drinking and intense desire lead to her own self-destruction. I adore this film. I talk about the music in it, how it looks at desire, and much more. As always, there are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:  Use the code “CINEMA” to get your first month free at OVID.TVMy favorite films on OVIDKelly Loves TonyA Maid for EachMy episode on Michael Curtiz's Mildred PierceMy episode on Jane Campion's In the CutAutumn LeavesFranz WaxmanIsaac SternRebecca by Daphne du MaurierRebecca by Alfred HitchcockThe Postman Always Rings TwiceLauraDouble IndemnityLeave Her to HeavenOn the WaterfrontA Streetcar Named DesireRebel Without a CauseMy episode on Joachim Trier's Oslo August 31stMy episode on Wim Wenders's Wings of DesireMy episode on Vittorio De Sica's Umberto D."Vissi d'arte" sung by Maria Callas"China" by Tori AmosSusan Sontag's "Reborn"All My Sources Humoresque DVDYou Must Remember This episode on John GarfieldYou Must Remember This series on Joan Crawford

In this episode, I talk about Michael Curtiz's 1945 film "Mildred Pierce." Joan Crawford won an Oscar for her performance as the title character, a mother who, in the wake of the end of her marriage, starts her own restaurant business and tries to give a better life to her two daughters--Veda and Kay. But her eldest daughter Veda has an insatiable and destructive desire for material possessions and Mildred will stop at nothing to give Veda all that she wants. This is a magnificent film about motherhood and class mobility. I talk about Joan Crawford's life, why she fascinates me as an actress, and I also delve into "Mommie Dearest." As always, there are spoilers in this episode.  Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan   Full Show Notes:  Use the code “CINEMA” to get your first month free at OVID.TVMy favorite films on OVIDPainted Landscapes of the TimesFresh KillMy episode on Michael Haneke's AmourHumoresqueJoan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star (2002)Mommie DearestMy episode on Ingmar Bergman's Autumn SonataJohnny GuitarMildred Pierce by James M. CainMy episode on Michael Curtiz's CasablancaLuLaRich documentaryMy episode on Ken Loach's I, Daniel BlakeAll My Sources Criterion Collection edition of Mildred PierceKarina Longworth's six-part series about Joan Crawford on You Must Remember This

In this episode, I talk about Mike Newell's 1991 film, "Enchanted April." It's about four women in 1920s Britain who rent a castle in the Italian countryside. Their vacation in Italy will forever transform their lives. The much-needed break from ordinary life leads to spiritual rejuvenation, a deep connection to nature, and a powerful bond with each other. There are spoilers in this episode.  Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:  My episode on Audrey Wells's Under the Tuscan SunMy episode on David Lean's SummertimeAll Things Must Pass by George HarrisonAura meditation appThe Enchanted April by Elizabeth von ArnimFour Weddings and a FuneralMy episode on James Ivory's Maurice"Funeral Blues" by W.H. AudenThe HoursBridget Jones's DiaryLove ActuallyPride and PrejudiceMy episode on Girl with a Pearl EarringKatherine Mansfield"Bliss" by Katherine Mansfield"Miss Brill" by Katherine Mansfield"The Garden Party" by Katherine Mansfield"A Dill Pickle" by Katherine Mansfield"The Stranger" by Katherine Mansfield"Katherine Mansfield, Virginia Woolf, and the Benefits of Jealous Friends" (The Paris Review)The Great BeautyMy episode on L'avventuraMy episode on Umberto D.My episode on Journey to ItalyMy episode on Joanna Hogg's UnrelatedThe White Lotus