Cinema On The Spectrum

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.

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.