Cinema On The Spectrum

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.

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.

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.

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.
 

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.

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.

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.

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.
 

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.

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."