Joe watches too many movies. He grew up in central Washington, earned his B.A. in Education and Fine Art, an M.A. in Theology and currently works in the printing industry. During school, he fit in a few film classes. He is interested in writing, theology and hopes to one day compose the ultimate Joe Versus the Volcano commentary track.
Melissa has a B.A. in History and an M.A. in English with an emphasis on Film Studies. She has taken classes on everything from silent to romance to post-colonial films and much in between. Her research and interests lie mainly in feminist film theory, women in film, Hitchcock and the studio era. At the end of the day, however, she just loves films; from Notorious to Die Hard!
Tue, 8 July 2008  After 60 podcasts, 52 directors and too many films to count, Watching The Directors is bowing out. On this, our second anniversary show and series finale, we try to go out with a frenzy of lists, listener mail, reviews and discussion. Join us as we follow last year's anniversary with our Season 2 10 lists of essential films and insider films.We also add a couple final reviews with a look at the most requested films of the year: The Coen Brothers' No Country For Old Men and P.T. Anderson's There Will Be Blood. Plus, just to show we won't be completely gone forever, we talk a bit about upcoming episodes of our lingering podcast Watching Theology. (Next Watching Theology: Lars and the Real Girl, July 11) Music by Sufjan Stevens from The Avalanche Courtesy of Asthmatic Kitty Records Comments[824] |
Tue, 24 June 2008  Category: Coming Soon -- posted at: 1:29 AM Comments[544] |
Tue, 24 June 2008  Now, after great confusion, comes the single-most requested episode of WTD: the elusive Part 1 (of 3) in Hitchcock's filmography. Beginning with prototypical mistaken identity/murder suspense thriller of Blackmail, and moving through landmarks like The Lady Vanishes, we look over the formative years of one of the most iconic directors of the twentieth century. On this episode we explore the British era of Hitch's work, culminating in the bizarre, romantic thriller, Rebecca.And, we also make an important announcement about the future (a short future) of the show. (Next WTD: Anniversary Show, July 8) (Next Watching Theology: Lars and the Real Girl) Music by My Brightest Diamond from A Thousand Shark's Teeth Courtesy of Asthmatic Kitty Records Comments[587] |
Tue, 24 June 2008  In the collective genius that is the Ten Quiz, we take a gander at the second-most forgotten era of a great director's work. Along with the hosts' own insights, listeners have provided true insight into Sir Alfred's films, from the first murder with sound in Blackmail to the last British film (or first American), Rebecca.Comments[512] |
Tue, 3 June 2008  Category: Coming Soon -- posted at: 8:00 AM Comments[589] |
Tue, 3 June 2008  It's not hard to list directors from the studio era that are considered greats: Welles, Hawks, Wilder, Capra and Ford. But if you ask modern giant Martin Scorsese, he might remind you about a British director named Michael Powell. Together with long-time partner Emerich Pressburger, Powell formed the production company "The Archers." That team produced remarkable films that are generally underwatched and underappreciated in the United States. Whether it's the epic The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, the dance masterpiece The Red Shoes or the mystic psychological tale of nuns in the Himalayas (Black Narcissus), The Archers have created an impressive body of work that deserves greater attention.On this episode, we look at the work of Powell & Pressburger and are joined by John Damer, host of the podcast For Lack of a Better Word. Together, we try to get a handle on a large and substantial body of work. (Next WTD: Alfred Hitchcock Part 1: The British Talkies, June 24) (Next Watching Theology: Lars and the Real Girl, June 13) Music by DM SMITH from an upcoming work Courtesy of Asthmatic Kitty Records Comments[924] |
Tue, 3 June 2008 This is a mono edition of the lengthy and large Powell episode (35 MB vs. 71 MB). Comments[556] |
Tue, 13 May 2008  The Powell & Pressburger show presents a challenge for viewers in Region 1 North America. Several of the films in the official "Archers" catalog are unavailable through normal channels here in the states. So if you have a multi-region DVD player and a few contacts in the UK, you may want to call in some favors. If not, consider a few available Michael Powell, non-Archers projects like The Thief of Bagdad (1940), 49th Parallel or Peeping Tom. We will be joined on this episode by John Damer (For Lack of a Better Word podcast). Also, special thanks to Steve Crook from The Powell and Pressburger Appreciation Society for his assistance in defining The Archers filmography. Category: Coming Soon -- posted at: 11:18 AM Comments[340] |
Tue, 13 May 2008  There aren't many directors who get to be called "cool" as often as Mr. Steven Soderbergh. But the de facto chronicler of the new Rat Pack didn't start that way. Before Ocean's 11 (12 and 13), he was best known for a little indie film called Sex, Lies, and Videotape. That movie's frank dialogue and personal filmmaking style helped secure the power of Sundance and the rise of independent filmmakers everywhere. But Soderbergh also has some interest in how films are made, including the cameras and actors he uses - or if he should even use traditional cameras or actors.In the nearly twenty years since he burst onto the scene, Soderbergh has become a new icon of American filmmaking. (Note: The Ten Quiz program is slightly delayed. It will post soon.) (Next WTD: The Archers–Powell and Pressburger, June 2) (Next Watching Theology: Raiders of the Lost Ark, May 27) Music by SHAPES & SIZES from the album Split Lips, Winning Hips, A Shiner Courtesy of Asthmatic Kitty Records Comments[1409] |
Tue, 22 April 2008  Category: Coming Soon -- posted at: 8:21 PM Comments[314] |
Tue, 22 April 2008  If you spend a little time with Woody Allen, you start to see things in a different way. New York is a city of romance, music, farce and love. And behind every relationship is a disfunction waiting to happen. On this episode, we look through Mr. Allen's eyes and come away shaped by a Freudian perspective. With comedies like Bananas and Sleeper, Allen demonstrated his appreciation for the old comics. With Manhattan, Annie Hall and The Purple Rose of Cairo, he showed he had his own ideas. On this episode we look through the formative years into the glory age of Oscar nominations and Diane Keaton. (Next WTD: Steven Soderbergh, May 15) (Next Watching Theology: A Scanner Darkly, April 29) Music by RAFTER from the album Sex Death Cassette Courtesy of Asthmatic Kitty Records Comments[257] |
Mon, 21 April 2008  Judging by a few listener submitted lists, Woody Allen - in the period between 1966 and 1985 - is either one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, or a hack that should be resigned to direction late-night infommercials. We do all that we can to get to the truth through a stack of Ten Quizes and our own little insights.Comments[136] |
Mon, 14 April 2008  No offense against Mr. Demme (who has directed THE essential concert film), but we have tabled his show. While reading an excellent overview of the three Spalding Gray films on notcoming.com, I was reminded that Mr. Steven Soderbergh also directed one of those monologues. And, as way led onto way, we couldn't get Soderbergh out of our head. So May 13's episode 41 is now devoted to his work, and not only so we can justify getting around to watching Ocean's Thirteen... really. Category: general -- posted at: 11:08 AM Comments[237] |
Wed, 2 April 2008  Category: Coming Soon -- posted at: 11:06 AM Comments[72] |
Wed, 2 April 2008  We all have a list of movies we keep meaning to watch: Citizen Kane, Birth of a Nation, anything from Fellini. But maybe there's some room on that list for Salaam Bombay!, Monsoon Wedding or The Namesake. In this episode we talk about the director of those films, Mira Nair, and her contribution to cinema. Nair's feature work over the last twenty years has been momentarily noticed and then neglected. But does it deserve more attention? Join us as we talk about the immigrant experience, literary filmmaking and perhaps suggest that Denzel Washington made a movie worse.(Next WTD: Woody Allen 1966-1985, April 22) (Next Watching Theology: The Wicker Man 1973, April 15) Music by LIZ JANES from her album Poison & Snakes Courtesy of Asthmatic Kitty Records Comments[218] |
Wed, 12 March 2008  Category: Coming Soon -- posted at: 2:58 PM Comments[250] |
Wed, 12 March 2008 Due to the emensity of our Gilliam podcast, we are offering a smaller mp3 for download. The only difference (aside from about 40MB) is that this version is in glorious mono. Of course the stereo version is still available. Comments[266] |
Wed, 12 March 2008  In this immense, action-packed edition of WTD, we take a long look at one of our most exciting and eloquent directors (or perhaps you would prefer another "e" adjective, like "egomaniacal"). Terry Gilliam has an identifiable aesthetic and a constant thematic affection that floats through all his movies - films like Brazil, 12 Monkeys and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. To discuss such a weighty filmmaker, we are joined by Duke Senter from the Degree of Separation podcast and veteran of the Tarantino and Kubrick episodes. So sit back and enjoy the mammoth episode with an extra 30 minutes of discussion that the studio wanted to cut and mangle, just like they did with Baron Munchausen.(Next WTD: Mira Nair, April 1) Music by CRYPTACIZE from their album Dig That Treasure Courtesy of Asthmatic Kitty Records (Note: due to the size of this edition, an alternative "mono" edition is also available) Comments[225] |
Wed, 12 March 2008  Perhaps "sw" may be on to something - maybe there is a "Gilliam curse" - but for whatever reason, the original posting of the Gilliam Ten Quiz show left some listeners with a 9-second show. So here is another attempt at posting that, this time in classic mono.Comments[235] |
Tue, 11 March 2008  It's been quite a few years since Terry Gilliam was an animator. In fact, since then he's directed a small, but notably significant, group of films that use real actors in real(ish) situations. On this Ten Quiz program, we look at the mind and work of Mr. Gilliam as we read listener submitted comments and add our own limited insights on Brazil and Tideland.Comments[363] |
Tue, 19 February 2008  Category: Coming Soon -- posted at: 3:08 PM Comments[268] |
Tue, 19 February 2008  Known as a champion of independent film to many, Richard Linklater has a keen interest in making movies about... nothing. Instead, he follows conversations with a camera, moving from Austin to Vienna to Paris (that French one) and back to Texas, viewers are treated to people talking more often than plots. On this episode we look at the work of Linklater who has given us iconic characters in Dazed and Confused, the essential couple-talk film with Before Sunrise and a mix of experiments and mainstream movies (i.e. Waking Life and School of Rock).
(Next WTD: Terry Gilliam, Mar 11) Music by RAFTER from their album Sex Death Cassette Courtesy of Ashtmatic Kitty Records Comments[254] |
Tue, 19 February 2008  Join us as we look through our stack of listener-submitted Ten Quizes, hoping to capture something of the enigma that is Richard Linklater. On this episode, we talk about a few surprises from Austin's favorite son. Of course, we do give a bit of time - perhaps too much time - to some of the failures of meat packing, little league baseball and Texas bank robbers.Comments[258] |
Sat, 2 February 2008  Category: Coming Soon -- posted at: 12:18 PM Comments[264] |
Sat, 2 February 2008  On this episode, we come dangerously close to starting a fan club. Akira Kurosawa is generally recognized as one of an elite class of filmmakers, a group whose names include Fellini, Hitchcock and Eisenstein. But knowing the legend and actually seeing the films produces a different, and surprising impression. Join us as we discuss an eleven year period of filmmaking that could easily be considered one of the most productive and influential ever compiled. Kurosawa may be known for The Seven Samurai and Rashomon, but there's more... a lot more.(Next WTD: Richard Linklater, Feb. 19) 
Download "Happiness Machine" (mp3) from "Pax Futura" by Oliver Future Fireproof Recordings  More On This AlbumComments[306] |
Wed, 30 January 2008  Roger Ebert, in his review of The Seven Samurai, sneaks in a little comment with a lot of power: "this greatest of filmmakers." The "this" in that comment is none other than Akira Kurosawa, the subject of this episode's Ten Quiz. Join us as we talk about one of film's most vital and influential directors, breaking down such impossible questions, like, "How do you choose a worst film?"Comments[245] |
Tue, 15 January 2008  Category: Coming Soon -- posted at: 2:53 PM Comments[254] |
Tue, 8 January 2008  Ol' Jack Burton will tell you, this is the episode you need to listen to. In the hour that follows, we'll look at Jack, Snake, the Shape and other icons you would never have heard of without the peculiar mind and work of John Carpenter. Looking through twenty years of one of our most distinct and independent filmmakers we find a few gems and a few disasters. We start with an homage to Rio Bravo, hints of George Romero, references to Howard Hawks and Don Siegel - all blended with a premiere USC education and a lot of synthesizer work to create a true American institution.
(Next WTD: Akira Kurosawa 1948-58, Jan.29)  Tokyo Police Club "Nature Of The Experiment" (mp3) from "A Lesson In Crime" (Paper Bag Records)  More On This AlbumComments[99] |
Tue, 8 January 2008  It's all about Kurt Russel... or is it? On our John Carpenter Ten Quiz edition, we break down the film, style, music and technique of Mr. Carpenter while trying to find something nice to say about Village of the Damned. Plus, on this very special edition, we are joined by Chris and Kathy Vander Kaay from the film podcast "The Studio Upstairs." (Note: this is longer than our usual Ten Quiz show - but that's just extra value.)Comments[207] |
Tue, 25 December 2007  On this special edition of WTD, we spend some time with a guy who we've heard a lot about, but seen little from. Terrence Malick is one of the most withdrawn but celbrated actors in American filmmaking despite having created only four feature films over the last 34 years (a fifth, Tree of Life, is currently in pre-production and slated for 2008).Join us as we review Malick's work, aesthetic and affections. (Note: Malick was selected as the winner of a recent listener poll. To qualify for a Special Edition, a director must have fewer than the five-film minimum required for a regular edition). Comments[223] |
Tue, 18 December 2007  Category: Coming Soon -- posted at: 11:48 AM Comments[373] |
Tue, 18 December 2007  Category: Coming Soon -- posted at: 11:46 AM Comments[151] |
Tue, 18 December 2007  Jane Campion was something of a mystery in the 1990s. Her breakthrough film, The Piano, seemed to signal the emergence of an important new voice amidst a number of new and exciting voices (i.e. Fincher, Tarantino). Yet anticipation for her films has not followed those of her peers. Instead, much of Campion's work remains unseen by popular audiences. However, that hasn't kept critical voices from pointing to her as an important director capable of capturing elements of the human experience with unique style and insight. Join us on this episode as we look at the work of a director who might deserve a bit more attention than she gets.Note: due to a lack of submissions, there is no 10 Quiz show attached to this episode (Next WTD: Terrence Malick Special Edition)  Mobius Band "Hallie" (mp3) from "Heaven" (Misra) More On This AlbumComments[215] |
Tue, 11 December 2007 We are working on the upcoming Campion show, but may hold off a couple days due to a few factors: First, our Region 2 copy of Portrait of a Lady still hasn't arrived from the UK and, second, Melissa is still finishing her grading work for the end of the University quarter. So, those two or three of you that were anticipating Campion will have to wait a couple more days. In the meantime... we noted that we would announce the winner of the upcoming Special Edition today. There may have been some slight voter fraud to make sure that Mr. Edgar Wright won, but - to give the benefit of the doubt - we watched Hot Fuzz last night and will be doing a special Watching Theology podcast on Shaun of the Dead. Instead, the Special Edition will go to Terrence Malick, due to publish on Christmas Day. And John Carpenter isn't too far away. Thanks for your votes and your patience. Category: general -- posted at: 1:21 PM Comments[237] |
