Scene by Scene

In this episode, we discuss Robert Wise's The Haunting, including the film's many interpretations, Eleanor's self-discovery, and the film's depiction of paranormal activity.See where The Haunting is available to watch.Supplemental Material:• The Haunting Blu-ray• "The Haunting" Q&A with Robert Wise, Russ Tamblyn, & Nelson Gidding (1993)• Robert Wise on Making Classic Horror Films• Interview with Claire Bloom on "The Haunting"Additional Audio Sources:• The Haunting Trailer (from The Haunting Blu-ray)• The Haunting Blu-rayIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we discuss Satoshi Kon's Perfect Blue, including the film's connection to Japan's otaku culture, the film's depiction of celebrity, and Kon's use of cinematic techniques.See where Perfect Blue is available to watch.Supplemental Material:• Shout Factory's Perfect Blue Blu-ray• Otaku (1994)• Otaku (1994) (Internet Archive)• Lecture Series with Satoshi Kon | Perfect Blue (on YouTube)Additional Audio Sources:• Perfect Blue Trailer• Shout Factory's Perfect Blue Blu-rayIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we discuss Jim Jarmusch’s Stranger Than Paradise, including the film's visual style, how the film grammar supports the themes, and what differentiates Willie and Eva.See where Stranger Than Paradise is available to watch.Supplemental Material:• The Criterion Collection's Stranger Than Paradise Blu-ray• Stranger Than Paradise (The Criterion Channel)• Stranger Than Paradise: Enter Jarmusch by Geoff Andrew• Paradise Regained by J. HobermanAdditional Audio Sources:• Stranger Than Paradise Trailer (from The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray)• The Criterion Collection's Stranger Than Paradise Blu-rayIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we discuss Abbas Kiarostami’s Taste of Cherry, including Mr. Badii's treatment of the three supporting characters, the visual motif of dirt, and the film's self-reflexive ending.See where Taste of Cherry is available to watch.Supplemental Material:• The Criterion Collection's Taste of Cherry Blu-ray• Taste of Cherry (The Criterion Channel)• Taste of Cherry: Stay Near the Tree by A. S. Hamrah• Taste of Cherry by Godfrey Cheshire• Abbas Kiarostami | In Conversation With... (TIFF Originals)• Martin Scorsese on Abbas KiarostamiAdditional Audio Sources:• The Criterion Collection's Taste of Cherry Blu-rayIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

We wanted to let everyone know our discussion of Abbas Kiarostami's Taste of Cherry is delayed. In this brief episode, Joe gives some insight into why and when to expect the episode. Thank you for your understanding.Additional Audio Sources:• Taste of Cherry Trailer (The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray)• Taste of Cherry | Modern Trailer by CP TrailersIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we discuss Allan King’s A Married Couple, including King's approach to documentary, the film's use of crane shots, and whether Billy and Antoinette "perform" for the camera.See where A Married Couple is available to watch.Supplemental Material:• The Criterion Collection's Eclipse Series 24: The Actuality Dramas of Allan King• In Camera: Allan King• Allan King Interview• Antoinette on A Married Couple• Eclipse Series 24: The Actuality Dramas of Allan King by Michael Koresky• Michael Cera on A Married Couple (The Criterion Channel)Additional Audio Sources:• A Married Couple Trailer• A Married Couple (The Criterion Channel Transfer)• In Camera: Allan KingIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we discuss Payal Kapadia’s A Night of Knowing Nothing, including the film’s unconventional approach to documentary, the value of the film’s fictional elements, and the theme of impossible love.See where A Night of Knowing Nothing is available to watch.Supplemental Material:• A Night of Knowing Nothing (The Criterion Channel Transfer)• Meet the Filmmakers | Payal Kapadia• Payal Kapadia on A Night of Knowing Nothing | NYFF59• A Night of Knowing Nothing Q&A | DocPoint 2022• Discussing A Night of Knowing Nothing | Payal Kapadia & Ranabir Das• A Night of Knowing Nothing with Payal Kapadia | ICA• A Night of Knowing Nothing Q&A | Quinzaine des Cinéastes• Payal Kapadia on Documentary Trends & Filmmaking Tips | Film Critics Guild• Watermelon, Fish and Half Ghost (2014) (Dir. Payal Kapadia)• The Last Mango Before the Monsoon (2015) (Dir. Payal Kapadia)• Afternoon Clouds (2017) (Dir. Payal Kapadia)• And What Is the Summer Saying (2018) (Dir. Payal Kapadia)• Between Day and Night (2021) (Dir. Payal Kapadia)• What is India's caste system?• What is India’s caste system? Is it contentious in U.S.?• Cast System in India TodayAdditional Audio Sources:• A Night of Knowing Nothing (The Criterion Channel Transfer)If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we discuss Kelly Reichardt’s Old Joy, including the differences between the film and the short story, how the film effectively establishes character, and how Reichardt and Sillen create disconnect through film grammar. See where Old Joy is available to watch.Supplemental Material:• The Criterion Collection's Old Joy Blu-ray• Old Joy - Photographs by Justine Kurland & Fiction by Jonathan Raymond (Book)• Old Joy: Northwest Passages by Ed Halter• Kelly Reichardt: ‘My films are about people who don’t have a safety net’ (BFI Interview)• Yorgos Lanthimos & Kelly Reichardt (Film Independent Interview)• Kelly Reichardt: A Major Voice of Indie Cinema | The VICE Guide to Film• Old Joy - Daniel London and Kelly Reichardt Interview• Patton Oswalt Introduces OLD JOY (The Criterion Channel)• Ode (1999) (Dir. Kelly Reichardt) (PASSWORD: benjamin)• Travis (2004) (Dir. Kelly Reichardt)• It Came from the Closet: Queer Reflections on Horror (Book)Additional Audio Sources:• Old Joy Trailer• The Criterion Collection's Old Joy Blu-ray• Daniel London and Will Oldham Conversation on The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray• Kelly Reichardt Interview on The Criterion Collection's Blu-rayIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we cover two Godzilla films, Ishirô Honda's Destroy All Monsters and Kazuki Ômori's Godzilla vs. Biollante. We also discuss our experiences with the franchise, what makes a good Godzilla film, and the similarities and differences between the two films.See where Destroy All Monsters & Godzilla vs. Biollante are available to watch.Supplemental Material:• The Criterion Collection's Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films, 1954–1975• The Criterion Collection's Godzilla vs. Biollante 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray• Toho Unused Special Effects Complete CollectionAdditional Audio Sources:• The Criterion Collection's Destroy All Monsters Blu-ray• Godzilla vs. Biollante (The Criterion Channel Transfer)• Destroy All Monsters Trailer• Godzilla vs. Biollante TrailerIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we rank the 16 films discussed on the podcast in 2024. We also discuss the best and worst films we watched in 2024, lessons learned, and our 2025 film resolutions.Minor Spoiler Warnings:• Anora ~ 01:15:00 - 01:20:31• MaXXXine ~ 01:47:45 - 01:49:58• Greedy People ~ 01:51:47 - 01:53:28• Trap ~ 02:01:42 - 02:04:29Additional Audio Sources:• Cinelicious Pics' Giuseppe Makes a Movie Blu-ray• The Criterion Collection's Three Colors Blu-ray• The Criterion Collection's The Cloud-Capped Star Blu-ray• The Criterion Collection's John Cassavetes: Five Films Blu-ray• High (Acoustic) by Giuseppe AndrewsIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we discuss David Lynch’s The Straight Story, including the purpose of Alvin’s journey, the film’s attention to small details, and the perfection of the film’s ending. See where The Straight Story is available to watch.Supplemental Material:• Lynch on Lynch (Book)• Room to Dream by David Lynch and Kristine McKenna (Book)• David Lynch Interview with Bobbie Wygant• Richard Farnsworth Interview with Bobbie Wygant• David Lynch Interview with Charlie Rose• David Lynch: The Idea Dictates Everything (2006)• David Lynch on Ideas and Abstractions• David Lynch on The Straight Story• David Lynch Talks About The Straight Story• The Straight Story Press Kit• The Straight Story Premiere (10/11/99)• David Lynch's MasterClass• Room to Dream: David Lynch and the Independent FilmmakerAdditional Audio Sources:• The Straight Story Trailer• The Straight Story (Disney+ Transfer)• David Lynch Interview with Bobbie Wygant• Richard Farnsworth Interview with Bobbie Wygant• David Lynch Interview with Charlie Rose• David Lynch: The Idea Dictates Everything (2006)• David Lynch on The Straight Story• The Straight Story Press Kit• David Lynch's MasterClassIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we discuss Tsai Ming-liang’s The River, including how Tsai visualizes complex ideas, the reason for Hsiao-Kang's neck pain, and what water represents. See where The River is available to watch.Supplemental Material:• The River | City Cinematheque• City Without Tears by Jonathan Rosenbaum• Video Essay: "Days Passed" | Lee Kang-Sheng Through the Eyes of Tsai Ming-Liang• Award-Winning Director Tsai Ming-Liang Reveals The Origins of His Cinematic Dream• Filmmaker Tsai Ming-Liang on Screenwriting• NYFF58 Talk: Tsai Ming-liang• Alternative Narratives: Art as Articulated by Tsai Ming-liang I Berlinale Talents 2024Additional Audio Sources:• The River (Internet Archive Transfer)If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we discuss Sidney J. Furie’s The Entity, including how Carla is disbelieved and dismissed, the disharmony between the film’s sexual assaults and the paranormal climax, and Furie’s use of Dutch angles and the split diopter. See where The Entity is available to watch.Supplemental Material:• Scream Factory's The Entity Blu-ray• Imprint's Directed by Sidney J. Furie Blu-ray Boxset• Sidney J. Furie: Life and Films by Daniel Kremer (Book)• Portraits: Sidney J. Furie | TIFF OriginalsAdditional Audio Sources:• The Entity Trailer• Scream Factory's The Entity Blu-ray• "Inner Strength" on Scream Factory's Blu-ray• "High Dread" on Scream Factory's Blu-ray• "Seeing Is Believing" on Scream Factory's Blu-ray• "Spirits & Sprocket Holes" on Scream Factory's Blu-ray• Portraits: Sidney J. Furie | TIFF OriginalsIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we discuss Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cure, including how the film differs from traditional mysteries, how Kurosawa depicts violence, and how the filmmaking hypnotizes.See where Cure is available to watch.Supplemental Material:• The Criterion Collection's Cure Blu-ray• Eureka! Masters of Cinema's Cure Blu-ray• Cure on The Criterion Channel• (There Is No) CURE• Cure: Erasure by Chris FujiwaraAdditional Audio Sources:• Cure Trailer• Eureka! Masters of Cinema's Cure Blu-rayIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

Announcement: Scene by Scene is transitioning to one episode per month. This new release schedule is temporary. More information in the episode. In this episode, we discuss Ritwik Ghatak’s The Cloud-Capped Star, including the Indian Partition’s influence on Ghatak, Ghatak’s unbalanced compositions, and how Neeta “looking” communicates character information. See where The Cloud-Capped Star is available to watch.Supplemental Material:• The Criterion Collection's The Cloud-Capped Star Blu-ray• The Cloud-Capped Star: A Cry for Life by Ira Bhaskar• An Anguish at Arm’s Length: Supriya Choudhury in The Cloud-Capped Star by Devika Girish• Saeed Akhtar Mirza and Kumar Ashahani on The Cloud-Capped Star (The Criterion Channel)• Ritwik Ghatak and the Lost Art of Self-Destruction by Amborish Roychoudhury• “I am burning, everyone is burning, the universe is burning”: Derek Malcolm on the films of Ritwik Ghatak by Derek Malcolm• PORTRAIT OF THE DIRECTOR - Ritwik Ghatak | Doordarshan National• Derek Malcolm on Ritwik Ghatak's The Cloud-Capped Star• Subcontinental Divide: Ritwik Ghatak by Jacob Levich• Ritwik Ghatak and his ‘Partition Trilogy’ by Biswadeep Sengupta• Partition: Why was British India divided 75 years ago?• The Great Divide by William Dalrymple• The Story of the 1947 Partition as Told by the People Who Were There by Guneeta Singh BhallaAdditional Audio Sources:• The Criterion Collection's The Cloud-Capped Star Blu-rayIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we discuss Edward Yang’s That Day, on the Beach, including the theme of tradition vs modernity, the film’s structure, and the techniques used to transition into flashbacks.Supplemental Material:Nova Media's That Day, on the Beach Blu-rayThat Day, on the Beach (Internet Archive)That Day, on the Beach (rarefilmm)Edward Yang (Contemporary Film Directors Series) by John Anderson (Book)That Day, with Edward Yang | PTS FoundationA One and A Two: Edward Yang Retrospective | Taipei Fine Arts MuseumEdward Yang, a Visionary at a Crossroads (Jean Michel Frodon) | Taipei Fine Arts MuseumWerner Herzog on Edward YangOur Time, Our Story: 20 Years' New Taiwan Cinema (2002)When Cinema Reflects the Times: Hou Hsiao-Hsien and Edward Yang (1993)INTERVIEW: Reality Check: Edward Yang’s Living Creatures Do “A One and a Two” by Augusta PalmerThe Engineer of Modern Perplexity: An Interview with Edward YangGreat Directors: Edward Yang by Saul AusterlitzAdditional Audio Sources:That Day, on the Beach TrailerThat Day, on the Beach (Internet Archive Transfer)If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we discuss John Cassavetes' Shadows including how the film grew from Cassavetes’ personal experiences, Cassavetes’ use of improvisation, and techniques used to communicate information about characters and their relationship with one another. See where Shadows is available to watch.Supplemental Material:The Criterion Collection's John Cassavetes: Five Films Blu-rayCassavetes on Cassavetes (Book)Shadows: Eternal Times Square by Gary GiddinsAdditional Audio Sources:Shadows TrailerThe Criterion Collection's John Cassavetes: Five Films Blu-rayLelia Goldoni Interview on The Criterion Collection's John Cassavetes: Five Films Blu-rayCinéastes de notre temps (Cinema of Our Time) : John Cassavetes on The Criterion Collection's Faces Blu-rayIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

Trash Cinema Month is Back!In this episode, we discuss Stephen Chiodo's Killer Klowns from Outer Space, including the killing of dogs in movies, how it compares to 1950s creature features, and the lack of understandable klown motivation.See where Killer Klowns from Outer Space is available to watch.Supplemental Material:Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The GameScream Factory's Killer Klowns from Outer Space 4K Ultra HD + Blu-rayChiodo Brothers' Other WorkLand of Terror (1967) (Dir. Chiodo Brothers)Africa Danny (1970) (Dir. Chiodo Brothers)Sludge Grubs (1972) (Dir. Chiodo Brothers)Free Inside (1974) (Dir. Chiodo Brothers)Cousin Kevin (1986) (Dir. Chiodo Brothers)The Untold Story of 'Killer Klowns from Outer Space,' the Creepiest Film in Central California History by Amanda BartlettThe Chiodos Walk Among Us: Adventures in Super 8 Filmmaking (Killer Klowns Arrow Video documentary)The Creators and Cast of Killer Klowns from Outer SpaceAdditional Audio Sources:Killer Klowns from Outer Space TrailerScream Factory's Killer Klowns from Outer Space 4K Ultra HD + Blu-rayAudio Commentary on Scream Factory's 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray“The Making of Killer Klowns” on Scream Factory's 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray“Kreating Klowns” on Scream Factory's 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray“Komposing Klowns” on Scream Factory's 4K Ultra HD + Blu-rayIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

Trash Cinema Month is Back!In this episode, we discuss David DeCoteau's Nightmare Sisters, including the lack of horror elements, how the film’s short schedule affected the film grammar, and how we found inspiration through the film.See where Nightmare Sisters is available to watch.Supplemental Material:Vinegar Syndrome's Nightmare Sisters Blu-rayCinema Conversations: David DeCoteauMonster Party (Podcast) | That's Exploitation!!! With David DeCoteau & David Del Valle!Dead for Filth with Michael Varrati (Podcast) | David DeCoteauDavid DeCoteau: On Rapid Heart, Fake Names & B-Movies (Interview)The Life & SLIMES of Dukey Flyswatter and Haunted Garage (Sneak Preview)Foam Fabrication Tips with Kenneth J. HallAdditional Audio Sources:Nightmare Sisters TrailerVinegar Syndrome's Nightmare Sisters Blu-rayDavid DeCoteau & Linnea Quigley Commentary on Vinegar Syndrome's Nightmare Sisters Blu-rayKenneth J. Hall Interview on Vinegar Syndrome's Nightmare Sisters Blu-rayCinema Conversations: David DeCoteauMonster Party (Podcast) | That's Exploitation!!! With David DeCoteau & David Del Valle!If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

In this episode, we discuss Agnès Varda's Cléo from 5 to 7, including how Cléo goes from viewed to viewer, the techniques used to communicate Cléo's change, and how Varda balances fantasy and reality. See where Cléo from 5 to 7 is available to watch.Supplemental Material:The Criterion Collection's The Complete Films of Agnès Varda Blu-rayCléo from 5 to 7: RemembrancesCléo from 5 to 7 by Molly HaskellGodmotherly Love by Alexandra HidalgoA Woman’s Truth by Ginette VincendeauLa Pointe Courte: How Agnès Varda “Invented” the New Wave by Ginette VincendeauAgnès Varda Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series) (Book)Agnès Varda - Cléo from 5 to 7 | European Graduate School Video LecturesInspiration and Good Mood: THAT’S CINEMA! - Agnès Varda | TEDxVeniceBeachTo Tell the Truth - Agnes Varda on the Making of DocumentariesAdditional Audio Sources:Cléo from 5 to 7 TrailerThe Criterion Collection's Cléo from 5 to 7 Blu-rayTo Tell the Truth - Agnes Varda on the Making of DocumentariesIf you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it.If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin