Adventures In Black Cinema With Desmond Thorne

Latest Episodes:

Adventures in Leadership & Legacy (Malcolm X) Dec 01, 2020

Show notes

It’s our twentieth episode!! This week, Desmond finally gets into the subject he’s been talking about all summer and fall, Malcolm X! He not only digs into the famous Spike Lee film from 1992 starring a flawless Denzel Washington, but also the seminal 1972 documentary MALCOLM X, also based on the 1965 autobiography; and talks about the legacy that this incredible man has left behind.

Adventures in Feasting & Family (Soul Food) Nov 24, 2020

Show notes

Are you hungry? This week, Desmond dives into the 90’s classic, SOUL FOOD. He praises Vanessa Williams iconic performance, reminisces on missing his extended family and eating soul food, and also clocks some of the weak sauce gender dynamics in the film. Also, there’s another “Some Gay Shit” centered around LOVECRAFT COUNTRY!

Adventures in Community & Couture (Paris is Burning) w/ Elegance Bratton & Chester Algernal Gordon Nov 17, 2020

Show notes

Yahhhs! Take a trip to the Ballroom this week as Desmond gets into the monumental documentary PARIS IS BURNING with two brilliant filmmakers and ballroom experts, Elegance Bratton and Chester Algernal Gordon! The three of them have a fun Kiki about the documentary, the ethics of white people directing black films, and also where the ballroom scene is today! And with two guests comes a DOUBLE edition of ‘Who’s Invited’!!

Adventures in Picket Lines & Production Design (Sorry to Bother You) Nov 10, 2020

Show notes

Are you ready to get weird?? This week, Desmond dives into the strange 2018 indie gem, SORRY TO BOTHER YOU! Desmond breaks down the incredible production design in the film, the aspects of protest in the film, and how both of these elements connect to the concept of Black folks assimilating to whiteness. Also, this week’s You Betta Act award goes to one of the best actors of this current generation!

Adventures in Cycles & Cautionary Tales (Menace II Society) Nov 03, 2020

Show notes

This week join Desmond as he gets into the 90’s classic MENACE II SOCIETY. Desmond talks about the legendary character O-Dog (played to perfection by Pod favorite Larenz Tate) as well as an ABC History Lesson about the racist systems put in place that led to the Watts uprising and the tragic events of this film. Also, Desmond dishes out another Decease and Desist, and this time, it’s for an industry publication calling one of our longest working young actors a “breakout”.

Adventures in Careers & Companionship w/Tessa Claire Hersh (Love & Basketball) Oct 27, 2020

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In this special Mega-sized episode, Desmond is joined by friend and actor Tessa Claire Hersh to talk about the mega important film LOVE & BASKETBALL. Desmond and Tessa break down the amazing moments, brilliant acting, and brilliant direction in this film, as well as what it means to be a Black woman working hard in a professional space. Also, they spend some quality time at the top of the episode honoring the life of Breonna Taylor. Plus, we play another round of everyone’s favorite game, WHO’S INVITED!!

Adventures in Satire & Stereotypes (White Chicks) Oct 20, 2020

Show notes

This week Desmond digs into the 2000’s comedy classic WHITE CHICKS! Desmond gets into the accuracy of the White stereotypes depicted in this Wayan's Brothers satire. He also talks about how the film can also function as a Terry Crews biopic. Also, there’s another edition of Some Gay Shit centered around LOVECRAFT COUNTRY!

Adventures in Housing & Hustling (Little Woods) Oct 13, 2020

Show notes

This week, join Desmond as he gets into the Nitty Gritty of the 2019 hidden gem LITTLE WOODS starring Tessa Thompson and Lily James. He talks about the excellent work from director Nia DaCosta (who directed the upcoming CANDYMAN), as well as the commentary that she makes on the systems of housing and healthcare in the United States in the film. Also, Desmond gives you a sneak preview of Regina King’s directorial debut, ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI!

Adventures in Art & Amour (Love Jones) Oct 06, 2020

Show notes

This week, Desmond digs into the 90’s classic LOVE JONES! Desmond discusses the electric chemistry between Larenz Tate and Nia Long, and his own discoveries about love during Quarantine. He also talks about the importance of art in the Black community, love, and how hard it can be to be an artist in a relationship. Also, Desmond puts you on to a Black hidden gem from the early 80’s called LOSING GROUND.

Adventures in Politicians & the Press (Head of State) Sep 29, 2020

Show notes

This week, Desmond gets passionate about the misuse of power in the government and the media while getting into the nitty gritty of Chris Rock’s directorial debut, HEAD OF STATE. As Desmond dives into the underrated comedy, and discusses how the film’s wit accurately presents these flawed systems. Also, there’s another hot guy to talk about on this week’s “Some Gay Shit” segment!

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