Cinema On The Spectrum

Episode 21 - Maps to the Stars (2014)

Join Reed Smith and guest co-host Jeff Stewart in this episode of Cinema on the Spectrum as they delve into David Cronenberg's penultimate film, Map to the Stars. The discussion revolves around the film’s critique of Hollywood's interconnected and complex ecosystem through the perspective of various flawed characters.
Synopsis:
"A tour into the heart of a Hollywood family chasing celebrity, one another and the relentless ghosts of their pasts."

Episode 20 - Cosmopolis (2012)

In this last episode of 2024, Reed and Micheal discuss David Cronenberg's 2012 adaptation of the novel "Cosmopolis".
 
Synopsis:
"A 28-year-old billionaire senses his empire collapsing around him."

Episode 19: A Dangerous Method (2011)

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss the 2011 biopic "A Dangerous Method" directed by David Cronenberg. 
 
Synopsis: 
A look at how the intense relationship between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud gives birth to psychoanalysis.

Special: Infinity Pool ( 2023) w/ Jeff Stewart

Reed and guest co-host, Jeff Stewart ( of The Film Blerds podcast) discuss Brandon Cronenberg's third film, 2023's "Infinity Pool".
 
Synopsis:
James and Em Foster are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation in the fictional island of La Tolqa, when a fatal accident exposes the resort's perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence and surreal horrors.

Special: Possessor (2020) w/ Jeff Stewart

Reed is once again joined by Jeff Stewart, filmmaker and co-host of "The Film Blerds" podcast.  Listen in as they discuss Brandon Cronenberg's "Possessor".
 
Synopsis:
An agent works for a secretive organization that uses brain-implant technology to inhabit other people's bodies - ultimately driving them to commit assassinations for high-paying clients.
 

Episode 18 - Eastern Promises (2007)

On this week's episodes our hosts discuss 2007's crime thriller "Eastern Promises".
 
Synopsis:
A teenager who dies during childbirth leaves clues in her journal that could tie her child to a rape involving a violent Russian mob family.

Episode 17 - A History of Violence (2005)

Reed and Micheal discuss Cronenberg's 2005 adaptation of the graphic novel "A History of Violence".
 
Synopsis:
A mild-mannered man becomes a local hero through an act of violence, which sets off repercussions that will shake his family to its very core.

Special: Antiviral w/Jeff Stewart

In another special episode, Reed is once again joined by Jeff Stewart, filmmaker and co-host of "The Film Blerds" podcast.  Listen in as they discuss Brandon Cronenberg's (son of David Cronenberg) first feature film "Antiviral".
 
Synopsis:
In a blackly satirical near future, a thriving industry sells celebrity illnesses to their obsessed fans. Employee Syd March's attempts to exploit the system backfire when they involve him in a potentially deadly mystery.

Episode 16 - Spider (2002)

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss the 2002 drama "Spider".
 
Synopsis:
A mentally disturbed man takes residence in a halfway house. His mind gradually slips back into the realm created by his illness, where he replays a key part of his childhood.

Episode 15 - eXistenZ (1999)

In this episode Reed and Micheal have an in-depth conversation about the 1999 sci-fi thriller "eXistenZ".
 
Synopsis:
A game designer on the run from assassins must play her latest virtual reality creation with a marketing trainee to determine if the game has been damaged.