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Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Angad Aulakh, director of the short film "Aurora," a exploration of the loneliness and isolation felt by a man in deep space and those he left behind on Earth. Listen to hear about the musical inspiration for the film, his collaboration with the star of the film, Guy Kent, and the interesting use of sound to convey certain emotions throughout the film. Books mentioned in this episode include: Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West by Cormac McCarthyFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: “Aurora” directed by Angad Aulakh“Resurrektor” directed by Angad Aulakh"The Atomic Dream" directed by Angad AulakhThe Shining directed by Stanley KubrickVertigo directed by Alfred HitchcockThe Double Life of Veronique directed by Krzysztof KieslowskiThe Matrix directed by Lilly Wachowski and Lana WachowskiRaiders of the Lost Ark directed by Steven SpeilbergRear Window directed by Alfred HitchcockFall directed by Scott MannFall 2: Deadpoint directed by Peter and Michael SpierigOther topics mentioned in this episode include: "Planet Earth" by Duran DuranThe music of Nusrat Fateh Ali KhanFollow the film on Instagram @aurora_mov. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film Svengali. I'm joined by film and theater director Enrico Banson who writes the Director's Notes newsletter and we talk about whether this film belongs with the great Universal horror films of the era, how the film portrays bohemian artistic culture of the late 1800s, and some of the most incredible production design we have seen in Oscar nominated films to date. You can watch Svengali on Tubi, YouTube, or Amazon Prime and be sure to check out Enrico's newsletter. Other films mentioned in this episode include: King Kong directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. SchoedsackDracula directed by Tod BrowningFrankenstein directed by James WhaleThe Royal Family of Broadway directed by George Cukor and Cyril GardnerA Free Soul directed by Clarence Leon BrownSvengali (1954) directed by Noel LangleySvengali (1983) directed by Anthony HarveyThe Love Parade directed by Ernst LubitschHow Green Was My Valley directed by John FordBackrooms directed by Kane ParsonsCasablanca directed by Michael CurtizCimarron directed by Wesley RugglesTabu: A Story of the South Seas directed by F.W. MurnauMorocco directed by Josef von SternbergJaws directed by Steven SpielbergOther referenced topics: Trilby by George du MaurierThe Phantom of the Opera (novel) by Gaston LerouxRebecca by Daphne du MaurierPeter Pan by J. M. BarrieThe New York Times reviewEl Santo on 1000 Misspent Hours and CountingSupport the show

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Deborah Lee Smith and Brian Leahy, producer, star, writer, and director of the short film "Glitterbomb," which follows a woman through a harrowing situation while she tries desperately to keep her composure on a virtual job interview. Listen to hear about Deborah's real life experience that inspired the film, the incredible achievement of an extremely small crew that worked on the film on a very tight timeline, and the logistics of shooting one of the best one-shots I've seen in a long time. Books mentioned in this episode include: Midnight Library by Matt HaigAtomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James ClearFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: “Glitterbomb” directed by Brian LeahyButterfly in the Sky directed by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb"5 Stages of Grief" directed by Foster Wilson"Made Public" directed by Foster WilsonSingin' In The Rain directed by Gene KellyNorth by Northwest directed by Alfred HitchcockMiss Congeniality directed by Donald PetrieEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind directed by Michel GondryVanilla Sky directed by Cameron CroweLove Liza directed by Todd LouisoGhostbusters directed by Ivan ReitmanSideways directed by Alexander PayneMy Cousin Vinny directed by Jonathan LynnThe Big Lebowski directed by Ethan and Joel CoenLegally Blonde directed by Robert LuketicWait Until Dark directed by Terence YoungFriends (series)Breaking Bad (series)The Matrix directed by Lana and Lilly WachowskiSolar (podcast)Sell Your House directed by Eric Foss and Brandon PickeringYou can read more stories from people who have experienced a miscarriage at glitterbombfilm.com and share your own story. Follow the film on Instagram @glitterbombfilm and find Deborah @deborah_lsmith and Brian @brianpleahy. Also check out Deborah's podcast More Than You See. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film The Public Enemy. I'm joined by Gareth Bradwick from the Popped newsletter and we talk about an unexpected level of crime and violence in the film, a wide array of stories surrounding a specific piece of fruit, and rain like we have never seen before on film. You can watch The Public Enemy on Hulu and be sure to check out Gareth's newsletter. Other films mentioned in this episode include: Titanic directed by James CameronAll About Eve directed by Joseph L. MankiewiczThe Grapes of Wrath directed by John FordHow Green Was My Valley directed by John FordGoodfellas directed by Martin ScorseseCasino directed by Martin ScorseseThe Irishman directed by Martin ScorseseWings directed by William A. Wellman and Harry d'Abbadie d'ArrastA Star is Born directed by William A. WellmanHell's Angels directed by Howard HughesRed Headed Woman directed by Jack ConwayScarface directed by Howard HawksThe Blue Veil directed by Curtis BernhardtGrease directed by Randal KleiserLittle Caesar directed by Mervyn LeroySmart Money directed by Alfred E. GreenThe Doorway to Hell directed by Archie MayoThe Dawn Patrol directed by Howard HawksOther referenced topics: The Prophet by Kahlil GibranThe Sopranos (series)Variety reviewThe New York Times reviewRogerebert.com reviewSupport the show

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Kate Radcliffe and Sophie King, writer and director of the short film "Still Life," which tells the story of a couple dealing with the loss of a baby and all the daily reminders they face of that loss. Listen to hear about the ability we have to find the humor in dark situations, exploring the effects of dealing with loss and trauma while the rest of the world goes on as if nothing has changed, and the process for getting a cast ready to play characters who have dealt with such a profound loss. Books mentioned in this episode include: Yesteryear by Caro Claire BurkeThe Housemaid by Frieda McFaddenFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: “Still Life” directed by Sophie KingRomeo + Juliet directed by Baz LuhrmannMoulin Rouge! directed by Baz LuhrmannThe Virgin Suicides directed by Sofia CoppolaThe Lord of the Rings directed by Peter JacksonThe English Patient directed by Anthony MinghellaHocus Pocus directed by Kenny OrtegaDonnie Darko directed by Richard KellyClueless directed by Amy HeckerlingAmerican Psycho directed by Mary HarronThe Dark Knight Rises directed by Christopher NolanNapoleon Dynamite directed by Jared HessAnora directed by Sean BakerFollow the film on Instagram @still_life_short and find Sophie @sophiekingcr and Kate @katemradcliffe. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film Skippy. I'm joined Jonathan Hammond, film director and previous guest on the podcast and we talk about the deep trauma that resulted from watching this film, some major issues with the film's production when you look at it from today's perspective, and a long-standing legal battle over a simply name. You can watch Skippy online and be sure to check out Jonathan's films at a festival near you and give him a follow on Instagram @jonohamm. Other films mentioned in this episode include: Ferris Bueller's Day Off directed by John HughesJohn Wick directed by Chad StahelskiThe Sixth Sense directed by M. Night ShyamalanE.T. The Extraterrestrial directed by Steven SpielbergA Free Soul directed by Clarence Leon BrownCimarron directed by Wesley RugglesSuperman directed by Richard DonnerLa La Land directed by Damian ChazelleBoys Town directed by Norman TaurogCity Lights directed by Charlie ChaplinSooky directed by Norman TaurogOur Gang (shorts series)Tom Sawyer directed by John CromwellHuckleberry Finn directed by Norman TaurogThe Kid directed by Charlie ChaplinSophie's Choice directed by Alan J. PakulaThe Little Rascals directed by Penelope SpheerisDennis the Menace directed by Nick CastleA Christmas Story directed by Bob ClarkEast Lynne directed by Frank LloydThe Front Page directed by Lewis MilestoneThe Criminal Code directed by Howard HawksOther referenced topics: Skippy (comic)Calvin and Hobbs (comic)Peanuts (comic)Dennis the Menace (comic)Skippy.comThe New York Times reviewThe New Masses reviewOscarchamps.com reviewSupport the show

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Matt Kennard, director of the short film "Before You Go," which tells the story of a young man who visits a loved one in the hospital to say his final goodbyes. Listen to hear about Matt's thoughts on what seems like a rise in films set in hospitals, how he found his incredible lead actor, and the role that sound plays throughout the film. Books mentioned in this episode include: A Christmas Carol by Charles DickensThe Shadow World: Inside the Global Arms Trade by Andrew FeinsteinFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: “Before You Go” directed by Matt Kennard"Life Goes On" directed by Kat Butterfield and Daniel AudrittThe Gathering (series)"Hymn of Hate" directed by Matt KennardStar Wars: The Empire Strikes Back directed by Irvin KershnerApocalypse Now directed by Francis Ford CoppolaInside Out directed by Pete DocterStand By Me directed by Rob ReinerThe Thin Red Line directed by Terrence MalickIn Bruges directed by Martin McDonaghPetite Maman directed by Céline SciammaFerris Bueller's Day Off directed by John HughesThree Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri directed by Martin McDonaghHome Alone directed by Chris ColumbusThe Muppet Christmas Carol directed by Brian HensonFollow the film on Instagram @beforeyougofilm and Matt @kennardmatt. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film The Front Page. I'm joined by Matthew Carlson from the What Am I Making newsletter and we talk about the level of effectiveness of the film's humor, how this film paved the way for many that came after it including at least one remake of the story, and the deep rooted misogyny of the story. You can watch The Front Page on YouTube, Tubi, or Amazon Prime and be sure to check out Matthew's newsletter and check out his summer music tour this July and August. Other films mentioned in this episode include: A League of Their Own directed by Penny Marshall12 Angry Men directed by Sidney LumetHis Girl Friday directed by Howard HawksThe Philadelphia Story directed by George CukorAll Quiet on the Western Front directed by Lewis MilestoneOppenheimer directed by Christopher NolanThe Hangover directed by Todd PhillipsAce in the Hold directed by Billy WilderWhite Heat directed by Raoul WalshRain directed by Lewis MilestoneSadie Thompson directed by Raoul WalshOcean's Eleven directed by Lewis MilestoneMutiny on the Bounty (1962) directed by Lewis MilestoneMutiny on the Bounty (1962) directed by Frank LloydThe Spirit of St. Louis directed by Billy WilderGentlemen Prefer Blondes directed by Howard HawksThe Wizard of Oz directed by Victor FlemingThe Silence of the Lambs directed by Jonathan DemmeThe Front Page (1974) directed by Billy WilderSwitching Channels directed by Ted KotcheffWings directed by William A. Wellman and Harry d'Abbadie d'ArrastSunrise: A Song of Two Humans directed by F. W. Murnau7th Heaven directed by Frank BorzageMetropolis directed by Fritz LangNosferatu directed by F. W. MurnauDracula directed by Tod BrowningFrankenstein directed by James WhaleCity Lights directed by Charlie ChaplinOther referenced topics: The Front Page (play) by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthurDavid Nusair review on Reelfilm.comMad Men (series)Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Johnny Russell, director of the short film "A Scent." The film is based on a real person who claimed to have the ability to smell patients with a certain disease. Listen to hear about how Johnny came to telling this story in his film, the challenges of filming a drama set in a hospital on a short film budget and schedule, and finding the balance between melodrama and the quieter moments of reflection and discovery. Books mentioned in this episode include: Flowers for Algernon by Daniel KeyesAlchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense by Rory SutherlandThis is Why We Dream: What Your Sleeping Brain Reveals About Your Waking Life by Rahul JandialFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: “A Scent” directed by Johnny RussellBilly Liar directed by John SchlesingerHot Fuzz directed by Edgar WrightA Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence directed by Roy AnderssonThe Phantom Thread directed by Paul Thomas AndersonCamping (series)Happy-Go-Lucky directed by Mike LeighFollow the film on Instagram @a_scent_film and Johnny @__johnny_russell__. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film East Lynne. I'm joined by Lewis Beer from the Slow Movie Pictures newsletter and we talk about some drastic changes the film made from the source material, the outstanding performances from the female actors in the film, and several innovative camera techniques used to show the world from Isabel's point of view throughout the film. You can watch East Lynne on YouTube and be sure to check out Lewis's newsletter. Other films mentioned in this episode include: Vampyr directed by Carl Theodor DreyerDracula directed by Tod BrowningRebecca directed by Alfred HitchcockAll Quiet on the Western Front directed by Lewis MilestoneThelma & Louise directed by Ridley ScottThe Divine Lady directed by Frank LloydWeary River directed by Frank LloydThe Big House directed by George HillCondemned directed by Wesley RugglesHoliday directed by Edward H. GriffithUnderworld directed by Josef von SternbergShanghai Express directed by Josef von SternbergThe Divorcee directed by Clarence BrownDynamite directed by Cecil B. DeMilleThe Public Enemy directed by William A. WellmanThe Letter directed by Jean De LimurThe Vagabond King directed by Ludwig BergerThe Bride of Frankenstein directed by James WhaleEast Lynne on the Western Front directed by George PearsonCimarron directed by Wesley RugglesThe Sound of Music directed by Robert WiseDouble Indemnity directed by Billy WilderSunset Boulevard directed by Billy WilderOther referenced topics: "Mudd's Women" (Star Trek episode)Star Trek (original series)Mister Ed (series)The Fugitive (series)East Lynne (novel) by Ellen WoodRebecca (novel) by Daphne du MaurierAnn Harding - Cinema's Gallant Lady by Scott O'BrienFrank Lloyd: Master of Screen Melodrama by Anthony Slide"Bradley King" by Brian Taves on Women Film Pioneers ProjectAnna Karenina (novel) by Leo TolstoyUlysses (novel) by James JoyceThe New York Times reviewVariety reviewZoe K. on Hollywood GenesLisa Marie Bowman on Through the Shattered LensA Literature of Their Own: British Women Novelists from Bronte to Lessing by Elaine Showalter‘“Stepchildren of Nature”: East Lynne and the Spectre of Female Degeneracy, 1860-1861’ in Victorian Crime, Madness and Sensation by Andrew MaunderSupport the show

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Kat Butterfield and Daniel Audritt, directors of the short film “Life Goes On,” a darkly humorous take on a man in hospice who is forced to relive the same day over and over. Listen to hear about the story that was ten years in the making, some time loop films that inspired this film, and the challenges of keeping a time loop film straight when it comes time to edit all the footage together. Books mentioned in this episode include: The works of Simon RichSombrero Fallout by Richard BrautiganI Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman by Nora EphronThe works of Fran LebowitzYou'll Grow Out of It by Jessi KleinFour Thousand Weeks by Oliver BurkemanFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: “Life Goes On” directed by Kat Butterfield and Daniel AudrittPalm Springs directed by Max BarbakowGroundhog Day directed by Harold RamisLittle Miss Sunshine directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie FarisWhen Harry Met Sally directed by Rob ReinerAbout Time directed by Richard CurtisEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind directed by Michel GondrySchool of Rock directed by Richard LinklaterBridesmaids directed by Paul FeigChef directed by Jon FavreauThe Big Lebowski directed by Joel CoenFollow the film on Instagram @lifegoesonfilm and Kat and Daniel @audrittbutterfield. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film Tabu: A Story of the South Seas. I'm joined by James Kreul from the Moving Image Madison newsletter and we talk about how the film's pacing suffers due to trying to blend documentary filmmaking with a loose narrative structure, the film's influence on modern films set in the same region like Moana, and the sad passing of the film's director just a week before it debuted. You can watch Tabu on Amazon Prime or YouTube or purchase a copy for yourself and be sure to check out James's newsletter. Other films mentioned in this episode include: All Quiet on the Western Front directed by Lewis MilestoneDracula directed by Tod BrowningNanook of the North directed by Robert J. FlahertyMoana directed by Robert J. Flaherty and Frances Hubbard FlahertyWhite Shadows of the South Seas directed by W.S. Van DykeJaws directed by Steven SpielbergSunrise directed by F. W. MurnauNosferatu directed by F. W. MurnauCity Girl directed by F. W. MurnauWith Byrd at the South Pole directed by Julian JohnsonBlack Pearl directed by Michał WaszyńskiThe Hurricane directed by John FordMutiny on the Bounty directed by Frank LloydThe Last Laugh directed by F. W. MurnauTrader Horn directed by W.S. Van DykeMorocco directed by Josef von SternbergCimarron directed by Wesley RugglesThe Right to Love directed by Richard WallaceSvengali directed by Archie MayoOther referenced topics: B.C. (comic)Wizard of Id (comic)Zog I of Albania"The Star Spangled Banner""The Academy and the Cameramen" from Experimental Cinemalantern digital library"Reri's Real Name is Anna" from Movie ClassicMorduant Hall in The New York TimesAndréas Giannopoulos on Senses of Cinema"Photoplayfare" by Roy W. Winton in Movie MakersInformation on the San Francisco Film Preserve's new restoration of Sunrise: A Song of Two HumansSupport the show

Send us Fan Mail With today's episode, The Oscar Project has official hit a huge milestone, 250 episodes! That includes over 100 interviews with authors, filmmakers, and more as well as over 80 episodes focusing on specific Oscar nominated films from the first four years of the Academy Awards. This special episode is a bit of a history of the show, a chance to recognize everyone who has helped me turn it into what it is today, and a chance to publicly thank those closest to me without whom the show would not be possible. Here's to 250 more episodes and thank you for listening. Please share your favorite episode of the podcast with a friend and if you'd like to drop me a message to be featured on a future episode, go to www.speakpipe.com/TheOscarProject. Thank you for listening and I'll see you at the movies! Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I interview Ingrid Runde Saxegaard, director of the short film “Sandy Fannies,” a deeply personal film about the conversations we often don't have with those we love the most. Listen to hear about the challenges of filming on a remote beach on the Norwegian coast, how the story went through many iterations before landing on its final structure, and the lengthy process of finding the two actors to play the mother and daughter featured in the film. Books mentioned in this episode include: Blood Awful in Different Ways by Andrev WaldenFilms and TV shows mentioned in this episode include: “Sandy Fannies” directed by Ingrid Runde Saxegaard“A Mash Moss Story” directed by Ingrid Runde SaxegaardThe Sound of Music directed by Robert WiseMy First Love (Min første kjærlighet) directed by Mari StorsteinPippi Longstocking directed by Olle HellbomThe Florida Project directed by Sean BakerMamma Mia! directed by Phyllida LloydDreams (Sex Love) directed by Dag Johan HaugerudPride and Prejudice directed by Joe WrightOne Battle After Another directed by Paul Thomas AndersonFollow the film on Instagram @sandyfannies_short and Ingrid @ingridsaxegaard. And if you've seen the film, don't forget to log and rate it on Letterboxd. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film Cimarron. I'm joined by Kevin Pettit from the See You At the Movies newsletter and we talk about the unbelievable scale of the world created for this film, the absolute character that is Yancey Cravat, and several excellent double features that you can pair with this film. You can watch Cimarron online or purchase a copy for yourself and be sure to check out Kevin's newsletter. Other films mentioned in this episode include: Men in Black directed by Barry SonnenfeldDodgeball directed by Rawson Marshall ThurberCross Creek directed by Martin RittRebel Without a Cause directed by Nicholas RayPredator directed by John McTiernanMad Max: Fury Road directed by George MillerJackass: The Movie directed by Jeff TremaineKillers of a Flower Moon directed by Martin ScorseseThe Three Amigos directed by John LandisThere Will Be Blood directed by Paul Thomas AndersonA Few Good Men directed by Rob ReinerForrest Gump directed by Robert ZemeckisTo Kill a Mockingbird directed by Robert MulliganThe Man Who Shot Liberty Valance directed by John FordMy Darling Clementine directed by John FordThe Searchers directed by John FordHow Green is My Valley directed by John FordStagecoach directed by John FordThe Ten Commandments (1923) directed by Cecil B. DeMilleNorth by Northwest directed by Alfred HitchcockAll the President's Men directed by Alan J. PakulaThe Addams Family (1991) directed by Barry SonnenfeldThief directed by Michael MannKing Kong directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. SchoedsackThe Broadway Melody directed by Harry BeaumontThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King directed by Peter JacksonOther referenced topics: Full House (series)Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI (book) by David GrannCimarron (book) by Edna FerberLittle House on the Prairie (series)Our Gang (series)Film Daily reviewVariety reviewPauline Kael in The New YorkerChristopher Lloyd on Film YapThe Hollywood Reporter reviewSupport the show