Cinema On The Spectrum

Episode 30 - Her (2013)

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Spike Jonez's 2013 sci-fi romance, "Her".
 
Synopsis:
" In the near future, a lonely writer develops an unlikely relationship with an operating system designed to meet his every need."

Episode 29 - Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Spike Jonze's 2009 adaptation of the beloved children's book "Where the Wild Things Are."
Synopsis:
Yearning for escape and adventure, a young boy runs away from home and sails to an island filled with creatures that take him in as their king.

Episode 28 - Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak (2009)

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Spike Jonze's documentary about the beloved childrens author Maurice Sendak. 
Synopsis:
A loving look at one of the most cherished and controversial figures in children's literature, Maurice Sendak. In this deeply moving tribute, spend time with the man who spoke to children through his stories and illustrations in a way no one else could.

Episode 27 - Adaptation (2002)

In this episode, Reed and Micheal discuss Spike Jonze's second film, 2002's "Adaptation".
Synopsis:
A lovelorn screenwriter becomes desperate as he tries and fails to adapt 'The Orchid Thief' by Susan Orlean for the screen.

Episode 26 - Being John Malkovich (1999)

Reed and Micheal discuss Spike Jonze's first feature film, the high concept comedy "Being John Malcovich".
Synopsis:
A puppeteer discovers a portal that leads literally into the head of movie star John Malkovich.
 

Episode 25 - NOPE (2022)

Listen in as Reed and Micheal discuss Jordan Peele's third film "Nope".
Synopsis:
The residents of a lonely gulch in inland California bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery.

Episode 24 - Us (2019)

In this episode Reed and Micheal do a deep dive into Jordan Peele's second feature film, "Us".
Synopsis:
In order to get away from their busy lives, the Wilson family takes a vacation to Santa Cruz, California. At night, four strangers break into Adelaide's childhood home. The family is shocked to find out that the intruders look like them.

Episode 23 - Get Out (2017)

Reed and Micheal discuss Jordan Peele's directorial debut "Get Out" (2017)
Synopsis:
Chris and his girlfriend Rose go upstate to visit her parents for the weekend. At first, Chris reads the family's overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter's interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he never could have imagined.

Episode 22 - Crimes of the Future (2022)

In this conversation, Reed and Michael delve into the film 'Crimes of the Future' by David Cronenberg. They explore various aspects of the film, including its themes of body horror, the evolution of human experience, and the unconventional narrative structure. The discussion also touches on the film's pacing, sound design, and character development, particularly focusing on the protagonist's journey and the ambiguous nature of the story's conclusion.
 
Synopsis:
Humans adapt to a synthetic environment, with new transformations and mutations. With his partner Caprice, Saul Tenser, celebrity performance artist, publicly showcases the metamorphosis of his organs in avant-garde performances.
 

Unraveling Cronenberg: Body Horror and Beyond

Join Reid Smith and special guest Jeff Stewart, as they take a deep dive into the enthralling world of David Cronenberg, the renowned director known for his association with body horror. In this episode, Reid and Jeff discuss Cronenberg's impact on the horror genre and explore how his work compares to other filmmakers such as John Carpenter. They delve into the nuanced definitions of body horror and reflect on Cronenberg's influence, all while considering the elements that categorize movies like Shivers, Rabid, and The Fly. They further engage in a lively discussion about the balance of science and narrative in films and how these elements impact storytelling.
Reid and Jeff also look at the portrayal of science in Cronenberg's films and how it serves the narrative without overwhelming it, particularly in titles like Videodrome. As they draw parallels to newer filmmakers and the evolving depiction of horror, they provide insights into how the genre continues to change. Whether you're a long-time Cronenberg fan or new to his work, this episode offers a detailed exploration of his contributions to cinema.