Someone Else's Movie - TopPodcast.com

Cameron Gibson on The Prestige Jul 27, 2021

For our 350th episode, Cameron Gibson -- one of the lead magicians at Jamie Allan's Illusionarium, which opens in Toronto this Thursday, June 29th -- tackles Christopher Nolan's 2006 drama The Prestige. Your genial host Norm Wilner has nothing up his sleeves.

Michael Sarnoski on Spider-Man Jul 20, 2021

With his remarkable Nicolas Cage drama Pig making its way into theatres across North America, we grab director and co-writer Michael Sarnoski for a few minutes to talk about his love for Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, the 2002 blockbuster that cast Tobey Maguire as everyone’s favorite wall-crawler and laid the template for comic-book movies going forward … though no one knew that at the time. Your genial host Norm Wilner thinks you should see Pig, by the way.

Gemma Files on The Borderlands Jul 13, 2021

Award-winning horror author and screenwriter Gemma Files (Experimental Film, the new collection In That Endlessness, Our End) burrows deep into the theological inquiry of Elliot Goldner’s 2013 found-footage creeper The Borderlands, which was released in North America as Final Prayer. Your genial host Norm Wilner is a little worried about the implications of all this Lovecraftian horror, but let’s see where this goes.

Katherine Cullen on Bottle Rocket Jul 06, 2021

Writer and performer Katherine Cullen — who’s spending this month with Britta Johnson remounting their 2017 play Stupidhead! as a series of live audio broadcasts from July 7th to 16th, and then as in-person performances on porches and backyards from July 20th to August 1st — is here to celebrate Bottle Rocket, the 1996 indie that brought Wes Anderson, Owen Wilson and Luke Wilson onto the film scene. Your genial host Norm Wilner is trying to process the fact that Bottle Rocket is 25 years old now.

Josh Ruben on Clive Barker’s Nightbreed Jun 29, 2021

Actor and filmmaker Josh Ruben — whose new horror-comedy Werewolves Within is in theaters now and coming to IFC Films Unlimited this Friday, July 2nd — has been haunted by Clive Barker’s Nightbreed for a very long time … too long, perhaps. But now he’s ready to unpack the effect Barker’s 1990 monster mash had on his developing imagination. Your genial host Norm Wilner is here to guide him.

Ilya Naishuller on The Way of the Gun Jun 22, 2021

Director Ilya Naishuller — who followed his 2015 breakout Hardcore Henry by turning Bob Odenkirk into an action star in the immensely satisfying Nobody, now available on disc and digital — takes a break from his next production to salute the swaggering mayhem of The Way of the Gun, the 2000 directorial debut of Oscar-winning screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie. Your genial host Norm Wilner had forgotten all about that one.

Saul Williams on Lovers Rock Jun 15, 2021

Author, actor, poet and hip-hop pioneer Saul Williams — who stars in and scores Charles Officer’s Akilla’s Escape, now available on VOD across North America — takes the mic for Lovers Rock, the second and best feature in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe film cycle. Your genial host Norm Wilner thinks you’ll enjoy this one.

Patrick White on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Jun 11, 2021

With his directorial debut Queen of Spades arriving on VOD next week, writer and producer Patrick White (Jack Brooks, Monster Slayer) is here to spread the love for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the Oscar-winning animated experience from directors Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman that brought Miles Morales to the big screen and expanded our conception of what comic-book movies can do. Your genial host Norm Wilner is still team Spider-Ham, though.

Lowell on Bong Joon-ho’s The Host Jun 08, 2021

Singer and songwriter Lowell turns screenwriter and composer with the horror movie Bloodthirsty, which earned her two Canadian Screen Awards nominations for best score and best original song; now that it’s available on VOD, she’s here to talk about another kind of monster movie: The Host, Bong Joon-ho’s delirious 2006 thriller about a dysfunctional Seoul family brought together by the rampage of an angry fish monster. Your genial host Norm Wilner knows how it feels.

Alyson Richards on The Goonies Jun 01, 2021

Toronto screenwriter and producer Alyson Richards — whose latest project, the queer survival thriller The Retreat, is freshly available on VOD — is here to celebrate Richard Donner’s beloved 1985 adventure comedy The Goonies in all of its messy, frenetic glory. Your genial host Norm Wilner has some questions.

Karine Vanasse on Never Rarely Sometimes Always May 25, 2021

Award-winning actor, producer and all-around great person Karine Vanasse — star of Emporte-Moi, Polytechnique, Cardinal and the brand-new animated adventure Felix and the Treasure of Morgaa — discusses the intimate power of Eliza Hittman’s 2020 drama Never Rarely Sometimes Always, and the sad reality that stories like this still need to be told at all. Your genial host Norm Wilner is just sorry this episode isn’t three hours long.

Jessica Ellis on The Martian May 18, 2021

Her lovely first feature What Lies West just landed on VOD in North America, so writer-director Jessica Ellis is here to stand up for Ridley Scott’s The Martian, the 2015 drama where Matt Damon gets marooned on the red planet and an all-star international cast rallies to save him … if he can keep himself alive long enough. Your genial host Norm Wilner worries that movies about space problems aren’t supposed to be this much fun.

Ryan Noth on Old Joy May 11, 2021

With his new film Drifting Snow arriving on VOD today, filmmaker Ryan Noth (No Heart Feelings, The National Parks Project, Farm Crime) is in the mood for another road-trip picture: Kelly Reichardt’s 2006 breakout Old Joy, a melancholy drama starring Daniel London and Will Oldham as old friends trying to reconnect with a drive to a hot spring. Your genial host Norm Wilner is more than happy to go along for the ride.

Scott Abramovitch on The Apartment May 07, 2021

On this special Friday bonus episode, writer-director Scott Abramovitch — whose first feature Eat Wheaties! just arrived on VOD platforms everywhere — tackles The Apartment, Billy Wilder and Itzek Diamond’s Oscar-winning 1960 masterwork where Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine and Fred MacMurray play out a timeless parable about the price of upward mobility. Your genial host Norm Wilner is really happy with this one, insight-wise.

Mary Holland on Drop Dead Gorgeous May 04, 2021

Actor and screenwriter Mary Holland (Veep, Homecoming, Happiest Season and the new-to-VOD comedy Golden Arm) steps up for the brave young women of the Sarah Rose Cosmetics Mount Rose American Teen Princess Pageant in Michael Patrick Jann’s beloved 1999 mockumentary Drop Dead Gorgeous. Your genial host Norm Wilner totally forgot Amy Adams was in this.

Dusty Mancinelli on Back to the Future Part II Apr 27, 2021

Now that Violation has arrived on Shudder Canada, filmmaker Dusty Mancinelli (who wrote and directed the film with star Madeleine Sims-Fewer) is here to talk about Back to the Future II, the 1989 sequel in which Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale and company literally revisit their 1985 blockbuster to the delight of audiences everywhere. Your genial host Norm Wilner is good to go.

Brea Grant on Gremlins 2 – The New Batch Apr 20, 2021

The multifaceted Brea Grant — who wrote and stars in Lucky, wrote and directed 12 Hour Shift and co-stars in The Stylist — is here to celebrate the anarchic glories of Gremlins 2: The New Batch, the 1990 sequel where Joe Dante deconstructed his 1984 blockbuster with a sledgehammer. Your genial host Norm Wilner has been quoting the Brain Gremlin for thirty years now. (This is not a euphemism.)

Devereux Milburn on Punch-Drunk Love Apr 13, 2021

His first feature Honeydew arrives on VOD today, so it’s the perfect time for writer-director Devereux Milburn to break down the revelation that was Paul Thomas Anderson’s Punch-Drunk Love — the knockout 2002 romance that changed the way the world saw Adam Sandler. Your genial host Norm Wilner has some fairly profound feelings of his own about this one.

Saman Kesh on Chungking Express Apr 06, 2021

Writer, director and producer Saman Kesh — whose new project Doors just landed on VOD platforms everywhere — is here to explain how the fever dream of melancholy that is Wong Kar Wai’s Chungking Express changed the way he saw cinema. Your genial host Norm Wilner just hopes all those empty pineapple cans were properly recycled.

Emma Seligman on Keeping the Faith Mar 30, 2021

Writer-director Emma Seligman — whose first feature Shiva Baby is now available to rent on digital TIFF Bell Lightbox and goes into wider VOD release across North America on Friday — tackles another directorial debut: Edward Norton’s Keeping the Faith, in which Norton and Ben Stiller play a priest and a rabbi whose lifelong friendship is rocked by the reappearance of a childhood friend (Jenna Elfman). Your genial host Norm Wilner knew those nine years of Hebrew school would come in handy eventually.

Leah Cameron on Last Night Mar 23, 2021

With her semiautobiographical web series The Communist’s Daughter newly streaming on CBC Gem, writer-director Leah Cameron is here to celebrate Don McKellar’s Last Night, the delicate 1998 drama about a handful of Torontonians — played by Sandra Oh, Sarah Polley, David Cronenberg, Tracy Wright and many more — facing the end of the world. Your genial host Norm Wilner is just happy we made it to the other side.

BenDavid Grabinski on Something Wild Mar 19, 2021

It’s our anniversary week! Have a bonus episode! Here’s writer/director BenDavid Grabinski, whose terrific first feature Happily drops on VOD today, to discuss the indie miracle that is Jonathan Demme’s Something Wild, which pairs Jeff Daniels and Melanie Griffith for a screwball comedy that proves more than worthy of its title. Your genial host Norm Wilner thinks you should see Happily, by the way.

Anthony Scott Burns on Manhunter Mar 16, 2021

It’s SEMcast’s sixth anniversary, and writer-director Anthony Scott Burns — whose eerie psychodrama Come True is now available on VOD — joins us to celebrate Michael Mann’s Manhunter, the 1986 cat-and-mouse thriller that first brought Thomas Harris’ characters to the screen. Your genial host Norm Wilner is always happy to talk about the magnificent pissiness of Brian Cox.

Phil Connell on A Bigger Splash Mar 09, 2021

With his first feature Jump, Darling arriving on VOD today, writer-director Phil Connell is here to discuss the luxurious chaos of Luca Guadagnino’s A Bigger Splash, and how much pleasure there is to be had in watching Ralph Fiennes and Dakota Johnson invade Tilda Swinton and Matthias Schoenaerts’ Italian paradise. Your genial host Norm Wilner was just happy to think about something other than winter for an hour.

Ali LeRoi on The Town Mar 02, 2021

Veteran writer/producer Ali LeRoi — whose body of work includes writing Down to Earth and Head of State, creating and producing the television series Everybody Hates Chris and Are We There Yet, and whose powerful first feature The Obituary of Tunde Johnson just dropped on VOD in North America — loves heist movies, and he especially loves Ben Affleck’s 2010 thriller The Town, accents and all. Your genial host Norm Wilner is really curious to see how these things all line up.

Shatara Michelle Ford on You’ve Got Mail Feb 23, 2021

Writer-director Shatara Michelle Ford, whose powerful first feature Test Pattern is now streaming on the Kino Marquee virtual cinema platform, has loved Nora Ephron’s 1998 rom-com You’ve Got Mail since she was a tween, and is more than happy to talk about how Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan make it awfully easy to excuse some very problematic material. Your genial host Norm Wilner is sorry he sounds like he’s stuck in a fishtank this week.

Tallboyz on Hook Feb 16, 2021

Guled Abdi, Vance Banzo, Tim Blair and Franco Nguyen — who are collectively known as Tallboyz, and whose sketch show returns for a second season tonight, Tuesday September 16th, on CBC and CBC Gem — assemble to talk about Hook, Steven Spielberg’s 1991 fantasy adventure starring Robin Williams as a grown-up Peter Pan, Dustin Hoffman as his arch-enemy Captain Hook and Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell. Your genial host Norm Wilner is a little nervous about this one.

Nicole Dorsey on Smooth Talk Feb 09, 2021

Writer-director Nicole Dorsey, whose powerful first feature Black Conflux will finally be arriving later this spring after being named to TIFF Canada’s Top Ten in 2019, breaks down the power and influence of Joyce Chopra’s unnerving 1985 drama Smooth Talk and the devastating performance of Laura Dern and Treat Williams. Your genial host Norm Wilner is awfully nostalgic for the days when he recorded this show in person.

Haley Mlotek and Adam Nayman on Showgirls Feb 02, 2021

Film critics Haley Mlotek and Adam Nayman were among a dozen experts interviewed by Jeffrey McHale for his 2019 documentary You Don’t Nomi, about the reclamation of Paul Verhoeven’s Showgirls — received on its release in 1995 as an unmitigated disaster — as both a camp classic and legitimately good movie. So of course they’re here to talk about Verhoeven’s film, and why it’s time to take it seriously. Your genial host Norm Wilner learned a whole dance routine for this.

Steven Kostanski on Mortal Kombat Jan 26, 2021

Steven Kostanski — writer-director of Manborg, The Void and the brand-new splatterfest Psycho Goreman, just released on VOD — steps up and throws down for Paul W.S. Anderson’s Mortal Kombat, the 1995 hit that turned a videogame series into a remarkably satisfying cinematic experience. Your genial host Norm Wilner is happy to battle alongside him.

Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin on Reality Jan 19, 2021

Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin, who spun their friendship into bittersweet, chaotic comedy in The Climb (debuting on VOD today) are here to discuss the allure of Matteo Garrone’s 2012 Cannes Grand Prix winner Reality, and the curious ways in which it meshes with their own festival favorite. Your genial host Norm Wilner is rooting for them.

Sugith Varughese on Galaxy Quest Jan 12, 2021

Never give up, never surrender! Actor, writer and director Sugith Varughese — whom you may know from Kim’s Convenience and Transplant, and who just turned up on The Expanse — is here to share his love for Galaxy Quest, the ingenious sci-fi comedy where Tim Allen, Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver are washed-up TV stars recruited by actual aliens to save the universe. You have no idea how long your genial host Norm Wilner has been waiting for someone to pick this movie.

Quinn Armstrong on Brief Encounter Jan 05, 2021

It’s 2021! We made it! And writer-director Quinn Armstrong, whose fascinating found-footage psychodrama Survival Skills is now available on VOD, is here to talk about the seemingly incongruent Brief Encounter, the Celia Johnson-Trevor Howard romance (written by Noel Coward, and directed by David Lean) that hasn’t lost an ounce of its power after three-quarters of a century. Your genial host Norm Wilner is eager to see how that all lines up.

John Patrick Shanley on Portrait of a Lady on Fire Dec 29, 2020

Surprise! We have an episode this week after all! John Patrick Shanley — the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Moonstruck, and most recently the writer-director of Wild Mountain Thyme, in theatres and on demand now — is here to talk about Portrait of a Lady on Fire, and how Celine Sciamma’s 2019 masterpiece clobbered him with its art and its passion. Your genial host Norm Wilner knows how he feels.

Phillip Iscove on Batman Returns Dec 22, 2020

What better way to mark the holiday season than to welcome back Phillip Iscove — creator of Sleepy Hollow, co-host of the delightful Podcast Like It’s 1999 and friend of the show — to celebrate his very favorite Christmas movie: Batman Returns. You know, the one where Tim Burton got to do literally anything he wanted after the success of 1989’s Batman, and made one of the weirdest damn things ever produced by a major studio. Your genial host Norm Wilner is here to help Phil unpack it.

Sam Bain on Joe Versus the Volcano Dec 15, 2020

With his new feature film The Stand In freshly arrived on VOD, screenwriter and producer Sam Bain (Peep Show, Ill Behaviour, Four Lions) is here to talk about Joe Versus the Volcano, the Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan fantasy comedy that marked John Patrick Shanley’s 1990 directorial debut. Your genial host Norm Wilner brought plenty of orange soda.

April Mullen on Run Lola Run Dec 08, 2020

With her new film Wander arriving on VOD, producer-director April Mullen — whose credits include episodes of Wynonna Earp and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and the features 88 and Below Her Mouth — shares her love of Run Lola Run, the high-concept 1998 thriller that made Tom Tykwer and Franka Potente international sensations. Your genial host Norm Wilner is happy to take this ride again.

Francis Lee on Now, Voyager Dec 01, 2020

Writer-director Francis Lee, whose new drama Ammonite (on VOD this Friday, December 4th) pairs Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan as 19th-century lovers, is here to talk about another tale of unexpected empowerment: Now, Voyager, the Warner Bros. melodrama where Bette Davis takes hold of her destiny after meeting the right psychiatrist. Your genial host Norm Wilner is very happy to stay in 1942 for another week. They have ice cream!

Andre Gregory on Casablanca Nov 24, 2020

To celebrate the publication of This Is Not My Memoir, legendary theater director and occasional screen actor Andre Gregory is here to talk about a film he’s loved as long as he can remember: Casablanca, the little Michael Curtiz picture where Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman talk about Paris and letters of transit. Your genial host Norm Wilner will remember this just fine, don’t you worry.

Sonia Boileau on Dirty Dancing Nov 20, 2020

It’s been a rough week, you deserve a bonus episode … so here’s filmmaker Sonia Boileau, whose new drama Rustic Oracle arrived on VOD this week, talking about her pure and radiant love for the unapologetic Swayze worship of Emile Ardolino’s Dirty Dancing. Your genial host Norm Wilner is not … not a fan.

Cavan Campbell on What’s Up, Doc? Nov 17, 2020

Filmmaker Cavan Campbell, whose new short Receiver just shared the Air Canada Best Short Film award at the Reel Asian film festival, will never tire of watching Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal destroy San Francisco in What’s Up, Doc?, Peter Bogdanovich’s 1972 salute to classic screwball comedies. Your genial host Norm Wilner can’t help but notice he has the exact same bag as Cavan.

Adam Brody on Coraline Nov 10, 2020

Actor and producer Adam Brody (The O.C,Ready Or Not, Promising Young Woman and now Evan Morgan’s The Kid Detective) embraces the hand-crafted nightmares of Henry Selick’s 2009 adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline, mostly because he really loves watching it with his daughter. Your genial host Norm Wilner thinks that’s a wonderful reason to talk about a movie.

Jake Horowitz on They Came Together Nov 03, 2020

With his holiday-movie parody Cup of Cheer arriving on digital and on demand this Friday, November 6th, writer-director Jake Horowitz goes to bat for They Came Together, David Wain’s 2014 deconstruction of prefab romantic comedies with Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler leading a murderer’s row of very funny people. Your genial host Norm Wilner can say that again. Tell him about it.

Mark Tonderai on The Straight Story Oct 27, 2020

With his new film Spell coming out on demand this Friday, director Mark Tonderai (Hush, House at the End of the Street) is here to talk about David Lynch’s radically conventional 1999 drama, the one where Richard Farnsworth drives a riding mower across the American heartland and meets a lot of really nice people. Your genial host Norm Wilner is all revved up for this one.

Wayne Wang on Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai des Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles Oct 23, 2020

With his new film Coming Home Again arriving in virtual release today, director Wayne Wang muses on the debt he owes to Chantal Akerman’s Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai des Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles — a singular experiment in location and duration built around a deliberately opaque Delphine Seyrig performance. Your genial host Norm Wilner can’t wait to peel back the layers on this one.

Jessica Reynolds on Thirteen Oct 20, 2020

Rage! Rebellion! Hormones! Actor and writer Jessica Reynolds, who stars opposite Jared Abrahamson and Don McKellar in The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw — just released on VOD — tackles the emotional storm that is Catherine Hardwicke’s 2003 Sundance breakout Thirteen. Your genial host Norm Wilner is sure this will go fine.

Jennifer Abbott on They Live Oct 13, 2020

Filmmaker Jennifer Abbott has two documentaries playing (virtually) at the Planet in Focus festival this week: The Magnitude of All Things and The New Corporation: The Unfortunately Necessary Sequel. But she still made the time to talk about They Live, the subversive John Carpenter masterwork that only grows more prescient with every election cycle. Your genial host Norm Wilner packed extra bubblegum for this.

Kodi Smit-McPhee on Mr Nobody Oct 06, 2020

Kodi Smit-McPhee — whom you may remember from The Road, Let Me In, Slow West and a few X-Men movies, and who stars in the new time-travel thriller 2067 — dials in from Australia to ponder the many lives of Jared Leto in Jaco Van Dormael’s reality-scrambling Mr. Nobody. Your genial host Norm Wilner did not see this in his future.

Neasa Hardiman on M Sep 29, 2020

BAFTA-winning filmmaker Neasa Hardiman (Happy Valley, Jessica Jones) — whose first feature Sea Fever is available on disc and digital, and unnervingly relevant to 2020 — is here to talk about Fritz Lang’s seminal 1931 thriller M and its impact on her own artistic development. Your genial host Norm Wilner apologizes in advance for that bleep, but some secrets demand to be kept.

Sarah Polley on The Thin Red Line Sep 22, 2020

Actor and filmmaker Sarah Polley credits one film with launching her on the path that led to Away from Her, Take This Waltz, Stories We Tell and Alias Grace: Terrence Malick’s 1998 war epic The Thin Red Line. Your genial host Norm Wilner has been looking forward to this conversation for years.

Michelle Latimer on Girlhood Sep 15, 2020

It’s our 300th episode (which, wow) and filmmaker Michelle Latimer — who’s premiering her new CBC series Trickster at TIFF this afternoon, and whose documentary Inconvenient Indian has its second screening this Thursday, September 17th — is here to sing the praises of Girlhood, and the complexity with which Céline Sciamma’s 2014 coming-of-age story explores female empowerment. Your genial host Norm Wilner is still trying to process this whole “300th episode” deal.

Madeleine Sims-Fewer on Possession Sep 11, 2020

Actor and filmmaker Madeleine Sims-Fewer — whose first feature Violation, which she co-wrote and co-directed with Dusty Mancinelli, premieres at TIFF Monday, September 14th — is here to discuss the extreme emotions of Possession, Andrzej Zulawski’s 1981 masterwork that finds Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill living a nightmare of obsession, betrayal and body horror. Your genial host Norm Wilner still twitches at the thought of the subway scene.

Charles Officer on Carlito’s Way Sep 08, 2020

TIFF 2020 is upon us, and writer-director Charles Officer — whose gangland drama Akilla’s Escape makes its world premiere at the festival on Saturday, September 12th, and who also narrates The New Corporation: The Unfortunately Necessary Sequel — is here to talk about Carlito’s Way, the 1993 thriller that reunited the Scarface team of producer Martin Bregman, director Brian De Palma and star Al Pacino for a rather more thoughtful take on gangster pictures. Your genial host Norm Wilner has some thoughts on Sean Penn’s hair.

Christian Sparkes on Birth Sep 01, 2020

Writer-director Christian Sparkes (Cast No Shadow, Hammer) explores the chilly, creepy questions of Jonathan Glazer’s Birth — you know, the one where Nicole Kidman meets a child who claims to be her dead husband. Your genial host Norm Wilner keeps holy water around for this very eventuality.

Ed Solomon on Monty Python and the Holy Grail Aug 25, 2020

Writer, producer and righteous dude Ed Solomon — of It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, Men in Black, Now You See Me and of course the Bill & Ted movies, the newest of which lands in theatres and on demand this Friday, August 28th — steps up for Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and discusses the profound impact of its revolutionary comedy on his own career. Your genial host Norm Wilner cannot believe there was a time when he got to do this podcast sitting right across from the guests.

Julian Richings on The Night of the Hunter Aug 18, 2020

You’ve seen actor Julian Richings in everything from Hard Core Logo and Cube to Supernatural and Man of Steel, and you’re about to see him opposite Sheila McCarthy in the Fantasia world premiere Anything For Jackson; now listen to him discuss the Gothic delights of Charles Laughton’s 1955 masterpiece The Night of the Hunter. Your genial host Norm Wilner has been thinking about getting some knuckle tattoos.

Jemaine Clement on RoboCop Aug 14, 2020

Actor and filmmaker Jemaine Clement — who co-stars with Gillian Jacobs in the new comedy I Used to Go Here — zooms in from New Zealand to talk about his love of Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 breakout action satire-slash-cultural prophecy RoboCop. Your genial host Norm Wilner guarantees this episode serves the public trust.

Sergio Navarretta on La Dolce Vita Aug 11, 2020

With his new film The Cuban making the rounds of theatres and drive-ins, director Sergio Navarretta joins us to share his love for Federico Fellini’s enduring 1960 drama La Dolce Vita — you know, the one that coined the term “paparazzi” while giving audiences a glimpse of a future defined and dominated by vapid celebrity culture. Your genial host Norm Wilner has a story about that.

Jay Baruchel on Tyrannosaur Aug 04, 2020

With his second feature Random Acts of Violence now available on digital in Canada — and coming to the US and UK later this month — actor, writer, producer and director Jay Baruchel brings Paddy Considine’s knotty, ugly, deeply personal Tyrannosaur to the podcast. It’s not an easy movie to watch, and this isn’t an easy conversation. But your genial host Norm Wilner thinks you’ll be better for the experience.

John Rhys-Davies on Tolkien Jul 31, 2020

It’s another Friday bonus episode! Beloved actor and gleeful raconteur John Rhys-Davies joins us to discuss Dome Karukoski’s literary origin story Tolkien, which stars Nicholas Hoult as the young J.R.R. and Lily Collins as his lifelong love Edith. Your genial host Norm Wilner apologizes for the lack of Elvish ballads.

Ben Blacker on Gremlins Jul 28, 2020

Brace yourself for the mega madness, because writer, producer and podcaster Ben Blacker (Supernatural, The Thrilling Adventure Hour, The Writers Panel, Dead Pilots Society) is here for a super-sized episode on Gremlins, Steven Spielberg and Joe Dante’s unclassifiable, relentlessly weird creature-feature Christmas movie. Your genial host Norm Wilner has his blender at the ready.

Kacey Rohl on All That Jazz Jul 21, 2020

With her new movie White Lie arriving on digital and on demand today, actor Kacey Rohl (Hannibal, Arrow, The Magicians) is here to discuss Bob Fosse’s autobiographical 1979 dazzler All That Jazz. Your genial host Norm Wilner did the whole “Showtime, folks!” thing before the podcast.

Athina Rachel Tsangari on Atlantics Jul 14, 2020

One of the key figures of the New Greek Cinema and now working on the charming new British series Trigonometry, Athina Rachel Tsangari (Attenberg,Chevalier) is here to share her love for Mati Diop’s first feature Atlantics, the haunting love story that beguiled festival audiences around the world. Your genial host Norm Wilner is eager to find out what it has to do with the Netflix crime show Ozark.

Sean Cisterna on Life Is Beautiful Jul 07, 2020

With his new drama From the Vine arriving on digital and on demand this Friday, July 10th, filmmaker Sean Cisterna is here to discuss his love for Life Is Beautiful, the Oscar-winning Holocaust fable that made a household name of its director-star Roberto Benigni … and makes your genial host Norm Wilner break out in hives.

Peter Sarsgaard on Nights of Cabiria Jul 03, 2020

Time for another Friday bonus episode, as actor and producer Peter Sarsgaard — currently on your screens in Agnieszka Holland’s Mr. Jones and the Netflix anthology series Homemade — discusses his lifelong fascination with Giulietta Masina’s performance in Federico Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria. Your genial host Norm Wilner is honored to lead the parade.

Semi Chellas on The Rider Jun 30, 2020

Emmy-nominated, Gemini-winning writer-producer Semi Chellas — whose directorial debut American Woman arrives on digital and on demand today — saddles up for a discussion of The Rider, Chloé Zhao’s hybrid 2017 drama about a young horseman trying to figure out his future. Your genial host Norm Wilner still isn’t sure how this led to a Marvel movie.

Agnieszka Holland on Stalker Jun 26, 2020

Hey, everybody! It’s a bonus Friday minisode featuring Oscar-nominated filmmaker Agnieszka Holland — director of Europa Europa, The Secret Garden, Washington Square and the newly released historical drama Mr. Jones — on the alluring, enduring mysteries of Andrei Tarkovsky’s 1979 odyssey Stalker. Your genial host Norm Wilner is happy to be in the Zone with her.

Li Dong on Ocean’s Eleven Jun 23, 2020

His first feature Stealing School just landed on digital and on demand, and writer-director Li Dong is here to talk about Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven, in which the recent Oscar winner and his very famous friends respun the Rat Pack caper picture into cinematic cotton candy. Your genial host Norm Wilner hopes you’ll buy in.

Aisling Chin-Yee on Do the Right Thing Jun 16, 2020

With her feature debut The Rest of Us arriving on digital and on demand today, producer-director Aisling Chin-Yee is here to explore the life-changing impact of Spike Lee’s masterpiece Do the Right Thing — a film that’s sadly just as relevant now as it was 31 years ago. Your genial host Norm Wilner is here to listen.

Nancy Kelly and Kenji Yamamoto on L’Enfant Jun 09, 2020

With the new 4K restoration of their 1991 drama Thousand Pieces of Gold finally available on disc and digital, filmmakers Nancy Kelly and Kenji Yamamoto have some free time to discuss the simplicity and intensity of L’Enfant, the 2005 drama from Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne starring Jeremie Renier as a young father trying to correct a terrible mistake. Your genial host Norm Wilner is here to help them through it.

Keir Gilchrist on Cave of Forgotten Dreams Jun 02, 2020

Actor Keir Gilchrist (United States of Tara, It Follows, Atypical, the new drama Castle in the Ground) indulges his love of archaeology with Werner Herzog’s Cave of Forgotten Dreams, a 3D look at French cave paintings that is, at its heart, still a Werner Herzog project. Your genial host Norm Wilner is happy to explore its depths.

Bruce McDonald on Quadrophenia May 26, 2020

With his new feature Dreamland premiering on digital and on demand in Canada this Friday, May 29th — and in the US on June 5th — filmmaker Bruce McDonald joins us to talk about Quadrophenia, and how The Who’s kitchen-sink midnight movie set him on a course to create his own cinema. Your genial host Norm Wilner still doesn’t understand why those scooters need so many side mirrors.

Brendan Gall on Magnolia May 19, 2020

Actor, writer and producer Brendan Gall (Blindspot, The Go-Getters, Friday’s new Netflix comedy The Lovebirds) is here to stand up for Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia, the 1999 ensemble drama that remains unmatched in its scope — and its emotional intensity. Your genial host Norm Wilner is mostly here to talk about the frogs.

Shane Belcourt on Her May 12, 2020

With his charming new film Red Rover landing on digital and on demand in the US and Canada today, director Shane Belcourt is here to talk about Spike Jonze’s Her, a movie that more or less predicted our present moment back in 2013 — and is still, somehow, ahead of its time. Your genial host Norm Wilner believes this was the performance that should have got Joaquin Phoenix his Oscar, by the way.

Jeff Barnaby on Bram Stoker’s Dracula May 05, 2020

Writer-director Jeff Barnaby — whose Mi’kmaq zombie thriller Blood Quantum is now available on demand in Canada and streaming on Shudder in the rest of the world — embraces the pulpy Victorian horror of Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 spectacle Bram Stoker’s Dracula with the pure heart of a fan. Your genial host Norm Wilner did not see this one coming.

Amy Jo Johnson on Captain Fantastic Apr 28, 2020

Actor turned filmmaker Amy Jo Johnson — whose spiky second feature Tammy’s Always Dying debuts on VOD this Friday, May 1st — joins us to discuss Matt Ross’ Captain Fantastic, the 2016 road movie-slash-family drama that earned Viggo Mortensen his second Oscar nomination, introduced American audiences to a lad named George MacKay and started Amy Jo on the path to making her own stuff. Your genial host Norm Wilner is ready to take the ride.

Barry Sonnenfeld on The Long Goodbye Apr 21, 2020

For our first isolation episode, Barry Sonnenfeld — cinematographer (Raising Arizona, When Harry Met Sally …), director (Get Shorty, Men in Black) and now author (Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother: Memoirs of a Neurotic Filmmaker) — joins us from Telluride to talk about The Long Goodbye, Robert Altman’s woozy 1973 spin on Raymond Chandler’s hard-boiled detective novel. Your genial host Norm Wilner was surprised at how well the whole remote-recording thing turned out.

Harvey Guillen on Titanic Apr 14, 2020

What We Do in the Shadows breakout star Harvey Guillen celebrates the show’s return (this Wednesday! 9 pm! On FX!) with a tribute to James Cameron’s Titanic, the monster hit that paired Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as young lovers trying to survive the greatest nautical disaster of their time. Your genial host Norm Wilner had no idea he’d be dropping this episode on the 108th anniversary of the sinking, truly.

Jessica Hinkson on Romance and Cigarettes Apr 07, 2020

Actor and filmmaker Jessica Hinkson (Another Wolfcop, Jessica Jessica) is here to celebrate one of the oddest musicals ever made: Romance and Cigarettes, John Turturro’s wild attempt at infusing a working-class love triangle with the spirit of a jukebox musical — and starring James Gandolfini as a guy named Nick Murder. Your genial host Norm Wilner never thought anyone would pick this movie … and he’s so there for it.

Andy Kindler on The Big Picture Mar 30, 2020

Feel nostalgic for cans of 35mm film and eating in restaurants as comedian and actor Andy Kindler (Raising Dad, Bob’s Burgers, the Thought Spiral podcast) steps up for The Big Picture, Christopher Guest’s 1989 comedy starring Kevin Bacon as a promising young director who discovers the last thing Hollywood wants him to do is make art. Your genial host Norm Wilner still wishes the Pez People had released an album.

Jess Salgueiro on One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Mar 24, 2020

This week, actor and writer Jess Salgueiro — of Letterkenny, Workin’ Moms, The Boys, Mouthpiece, I’ll Take Your Dead and most recently Canadian Strain, now available on digital in Canada — drops in to talk about One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the 1975 Milos Forman drama where Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher faced off in a mental institution, and everybody won Oscars for their trouble. Your genial host Norm Wilner hopes everyone is safe and sound this week, by the way.

Mae Martin on The Rocky Horror Picture Show Mar 17, 2020

Canadian-born, London-based standup Mae Martin is the co-creator and star of the terrific new Channel 4 series Feel Good, which premieres in the UK tomorrow and lands on Netflix everyhere else on Thursday. And she’s here to celebrate the weird, wonderful world of The Rocky Horror Picture Show … and to reveal a personal connection to Jim Sharman’s 1975 midnight classic. As it turns out, your genial host Norm Wilner remembers the sequel a lot more clearly.

Marie Clements on Crash 2004 Mar 10, 2020

For our fifth anniversary, we’re in London with writer-director-producer Marie Clements (The Road Forward, Looking at Edward Curtis), whose new film Red Snow opens in Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa this Friday, March 13th. And she’s there to stand up for Paul Haggis’ Crash, the 2004 ensemble drama about race and class in America that became the Oscar winner everyone loved to hate. Your genial host Norm Wilner is happy to help her correct this injustice.

Ricky Tollman on Force Majeure Mar 03, 2020

With his first feature Run This Town opening across the US and Canada this Friday, March 5th, writer-director Ricky Tollman drops in to discuss the existential questions — and unexpected belly laughs — lurking within Ruben Ostlund’s Force Majeure. Your genial host Norm Wilner is braced for the avalanche.

Albert Shin on Memories of Murder Feb 25, 2020

Writer-director Albert Shin, whose new thriller Disappearance at Clifton Hill opens in theatres this Friday in the US and Canada, would like to direct your attention to Memories of Murder, the 2003 South Korean procedural that established Bong Joon-ho as one of the most interesting and versatile filmmakers of the new millennium. Your genial host Norm Wilner is not kidding about that assessment.

Jesse Zigelstein on Sideways Feb 18, 2020

His debut feature Nose to Tail is now playing in Toronto, Winnipeg and Calgary, so writer-director Jesse Zigelstein is here to raise a glass to Sideways, Alexander Payne’s 2004 drama about two friends on a trip to wine country — and who, before it’s over, will face their own personal spit buckets. Your genial host Norm Wilner is fine with merlot, just for the record.

Lara Jean Chorostecki on Eighth Grade Feb 11, 2020

Actor and podcaster Lara Jean Chorostecki (Hannibal, X Company, Designated Survivor) co-stars with Aaron Abrams in the indie Nose to Tail, which opens in Toronto, Winnipeg and Calgary this Friday, February 14th. Which makes it the perfect time to discuss the subtle perfection of Elsie Fisher’s performance — and writer/director Bo Burnham’s piercing attention to detail — in Eighth Grade. Your genial host Norm Wilner was so sure he was ready for this.

Sami Khan on Daughters of the Dust Feb 04, 2020

With the Oscars just days away, Toronto filmmaker Sami Khan — whose St. Louis Superman is up for Best Documentary Short — takes a break from the awards circuit to talk about the landmark American drama Daughters of the Dust, and how writer-director Julie Dash’s evocative study of people dealing with a shared trauma influenced his own work (and Beyoncé’s). Your genial host Norm Wilner was delighted for the opportunity to revisit the film.

JC MacKenzie on 1917 Jan 28, 2020

Actor JC MacKenzie — currently battling monsters in October Faction and corruption in The Irishman, both of which are streaming on Netflix right now — takes a run at Sam Mendes’ 1917, the single-take WWI drama that’s muscled its way to the head of the Oscar pack. Your genial host Norm Wilner, being a big fan of editing, might need some convincing.

Sofia Banzhaf on The Canyons Jan 21, 2020

Actor and filmmaker Sofia Banzhaf — whom you may know from Closet Monster, Bitten, Carter and Black Conflux, and whose short film I Am In The World As Free And Slender As A Deer On A Plain screens at the TIFF Bell Lightbox this Sunday, January 26th, at 4 pm in the Canada’s Top Ten shorts program — is here to make sure The Canyons, Paul Schrader’s 2013 Hollywood scenester drama starring Lindsay Lohan and James Deen, gets the love it deserves. Your genial host Norm Wilner is not entirely sure he accepts this premise.

Dan Beirne on Monrovia, Indiana Jan 14, 2020

Actor Dan Beirne (Great Great Great, Workin’ Moms, White Lie) just won the Vancouver Film Critics Circle award for his performance as William Lyon Mackenzie King in Matthew Rankin’s absurdist history The Twentieth Century. He’s here to talk about Monrovia, Indiana and the observational documentary cinema of Frederick Wiseman. Your genial host Norm Wilner is keen to see how that goes.

Vladimir Jon Cubrt and Nicole Maroon on A Fish Called Wanda Jan 07, 2020

Actors Vladimir Jon Cubrt (Hannibal, Stockholm) and Nicole Maroon (Meet the Family, The Boys) are partners in both life and work, and their new film Luba — which Vlad wrote and produced, and which stars Nicole as a young mother trying to get her life on an even keel while dealing with her disintegrating ex — opens in Calgary and Toronto this Friday, January 10th. (It’ll also be available for purchase on HighballTV.com.) They wanted to talk about A Fish Called Wanda, the 1988 comedy in which John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline and Michael Palin chase each other around London over some stolen jewels. Your genial host Norm Wilner was awfully curious to see how these things are connected.

Krysty Wilson-Cairns on Shallow Grave Dec 24, 2019

Krysty Wilson-Cairns, co-writer of Edgar Wright’s upcoming Last Night in Soho and Sam Mendes’ WWI drama 1917, takes a break from a marathon press tour to share her pure and lasting love for Shallow Grave, the scrappy little thriller that put Danny Boyle, John Hodge and Andrew Macdonald on the cinematic map 25 years ago. Your genial host Norm Wilner wishes everyone a happy holiday, and really hopes Krysty pitches that sequel sometime.

Cameron Maitland on Boomerang Dec 17, 2019

On this week’s episode, Cameron Maitland — the co-host of the Royal Canadian Movie Podcast and a film and content specialist for Hollywood Suite — drops by to talk about the deep-dive retrospective series he’s written for the service, A Year in Film, and one movie in particular: Reginald Hudlin’s Boomerang, the 1992 romantic comedy that gave Eddie Murphy a chance to do something radically different with his persona … and which became a blockbuster most people remember as a failure. Your genial host Norm Wilner would like to remind you that Hollywood Suite’s free preview is on until January 5, 2020. Go watch something!

Jen Pogue on The F Word, aka What If Dec 10, 2019

Her new project Things I Do For Money just had its world premiere at Whistler, so now we can release producer (and actor, and podcaster) Jen Pogue‘s very fun episode on Michael Dowse’s The F Word — the delightful 2013 romantic comedy (released in the US as What If) where Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan try to be friends despite an obvious attraction. Your genial host Norm Wilner is just happy to be celebrating a movie where Toronto plays itself.

Audra Williams on Born Yesterday Dec 03, 2019

Writer, activist and actor Audra Williams drops by to share her love and admiration for Judy Holliday’s Oscar-winning performance in George Cukor’s Born Yesterday — and to discuss how the ethical awakening of Billie Dawn worked as an anchor in her own life. Your genial host Norm Wilner is always up for a comedy with a philosophical core.

Erin Berry on Dune Nov 26, 2019

Writer, producer and director Erin Berry — whose second feature Majic just had its Canadian premiere at the Blood in the Snow festival in Toronto — celebrates the 35th anniversary of Dune, the David Lynch epic that was supposed to be Universal’s big Christmas event picture of 1984, and decidedly was not. Your genial host Norm Wilner double-checked the correct pronunciation of “Arrakis” for this.

Matt Gallagher on Moneyball Nov 19, 2019

Filmmaker Matt Gallagher — whose award-winning documentary Prey makes its network and streaming premiere on TVOntario and TVO.org tonight, Tuesday November 19th, at 9 pm — chooses Bennett Miller’s 2011 sports drama Moneyball, the one where Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill reinvent baseball with statistics. Your genial host Norm Wilner is not a sports guy, which may explain the preceding synopsis.

Jonathan Gross on The Flamingo Kid Nov 12, 2019

Journalist turned writer (Seinfeld‘s “The Fusilli Jerry”), producer (First Round Down) and distributor (Unobstructed View) Jonathan Gross drops in to discuss his very personal connection to Garry Marshall’s 1984 dramedy The Flamingo Kid, the one where Matt Dillon is a Brooklyn kid who takes a summer job as a Long Island cabana boy. Your genial host Norm Wilner is willing to hear the spiel.

Roland Emmerich on Close Encounters of the Third Kind Nov 05, 2019

Producer and director Roland Emmerich — you know, the guy who made Stargate, Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow, and whose new WWII picture Midway opens everywhere this Friday, November 8th — takes some time out of the Midway press tour to talk about Steven Spielberg’s 1977 first-contact epic Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which literally changed the course of his life and career. Fun fact: Your genial host Norm Wilner had the same experience.

New Frequency Podcast: The Gravy Train Nov 01, 2019

Hello, listeners! You’ve heard Norm complain about politics often enough that he thought you might appreciate the new Frequency podcast The Gravy Train. It’s an eight-part series hosted by The Big Story‘s Jordan Heath-Rawlings, considering the career and legacy of Toronto mayor Rob Ford: His rise, his disastrous reign, and the proof-of-concept he provided for global populism. This is episode one, “Suburbs”, in which Jordan charts Rob’s path to political office. If you like it, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to hear the whole miserable story.

Brett and Drew Pierce on Fright Night Oct 29, 2019

It’s our 250th episode, and it’s Halloween, so what better time for sibling filmmakers Brett and Drew Pierce — in town to screen their new chiller The Wretched at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival — to celebrate Tom Holland’s delightful 1985 creature feature Fright Night, the one where poor Charley Brewster can’t get anyone to believe his suave new neighbor is a bloodsucking fiend. Your genial host Norm Wilner hopes you like the new theme song. And also horror movies.

Patrick Wang on Electra Glide in Blue Oct 22, 2019

Writer/director Patrick Wang (In the Family, The Grief of Others) is one of the best American filmmakers working today; with his brilliant two-part drama A Bread Factory newly available on digital and coming to disc next month, he’s here to praise the unique beauty of Electra Glide in Blue, James William Guercio’s 1973 procedural starring Robert Blake as a motorcycle cop with an unbending moral code. Your genial host Norm Wilner did not see this one coming.

Munro Chambers on Cast Away Oct 15, 2019

Munro Chambers has two movies out right now: Jovanka Vuckovic’s Riot Girls, which dropped on VOD earlier this month, and Rob Grant’s Harpoon, now playing at the Carlton Cinemas in Toronto and also newly on iTunes. Munro would also like to share his love for what Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks accomplished with their 2000 survival drama Cast Away. Your genial host Norm Wilner is on the same page.

Deragh Campbell on Les Rendez-vous d’Anna Oct 08, 2019

Actor and filmmaker Deragh Campbell — who is devastatingly good in Kazik Radwanski’s Anne at 13,000 Ft., and whose latest collaboration with Sofia Bohdanowicz, MS Slavic 7, opens this Thursday in Toronto at the TIFF Bell Lightbox — ponders the intimate ambiguities of Les Rendez-vous d’Anna, Chantal Akerman’s 1978 film about a Belgian director traveling around Europe with her latest picture. Your genial host Norm Wilner is eager to see where this goes.

Jovanka Vuckovic on Near Dark Oct 01, 2019

Her first feature Riot Girls just arrived on VOD in the US and Canada today, so filmmaker Jovanka Vuckovic is here to throw down for the scrappy splatterpunk brilliance of Kathryn Bigelow’s 1987 horror Western Near Dark. Your genial host Norm Wilner is more than happy to ride shotgun.

Lynn Coady on Wait Until Dark Sep 24, 2019

Her new novel Watching You Without Me is released today, so Giller Prize-winning author Lynn Coady — who’s also worked as a writer and producer on Orphan Black, Burden of Truth and Diggstown — is here to talk about the very specific pleasures of Wait Until Dark, the 1967 thriller that pits Audrey Hepburn against Alan Arkin in a battle of wits, and also acting styles. Your genial host Norm Wilner always makes sure his freezer is defrosted.

The Big Story: Norm Talks TIFF Sep 20, 2019

ICYMI: Earlier this week, your genial host Norm Wilner appeared on The Big Story to take Jordan Heath-Rawlings through the themes of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival … and, inevitably, talk about that new Joker movie. Listen and enjoy, and subscribe to The Big Story and other Frequency shows wherever you get your podcasts!

Rama Rau on Fish Tank Sep 17, 2019

With her first dramatic feature Honey Bee opening in Toronto this Friday before rolling out across Canada in the next few weeks, director Rama Rau dives into Fish Tank, Andrea Arnold’s 2009 drama starring Katie Jarvis as a rebellious English teenager looking to escape her suffocating life in Essex. Your genial host Norm Wilner was too wrung out from TIFF to do any of the dance stuff.

Kire Paputts on Sicilian Vampire Sep 10, 2019

With his second feature The Last Porno Show making its world premiere tonight at TIFF, writer-director Kire Paputts wants to talk about Sicilian Vampire, the 2015 genre mash-up from Toronto auteur Frank D’Angelo, with whom he’s worked on a few pictures — and who plays a small but crucial role in Kire’s latest. Your genial host Norm Wilner did not see this coming, that’s for sure.

Aaron Poole on Heat Sep 03, 2019

It’s TIFF time, so we brought in actor and filmmaker Aaron Poole — who’ll be at the festival this week for the world premieres of Clifton Hill on Thursday and his own short film Oracle on Sunday — to do what he does best: talk about Michael Mann’s 1995 epic cops-and-robbers drama Heat. Your genial host Norm Wilner is here to keep him sharp, on the edge, where he’s gotta be.

Meghan Heffern and Wendy Litner on To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Aug 27, 2019

To mark the launch of the second season of their charming infertility comedy How To Buy a Baby on CBC Gem, star Meghan Heffern and creator/producer Wendy Litner are here to talk about the retro pleasures and entirely contemporary consciousness of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, the Netflix charmer that took the world by storm last year. Your genial host Norm Wilner checked his mailbox twice before recording this.

Chantel Riley on Black Panther Aug 20, 2019

Chantel Riley — of Frankie Drake Mysteries, Wynonna Earp and the brand-new Suits spinoff Pearson — joins us to talk about Black Panther, Ryan Coogler’s revolutionary contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe … and the movie that made her believe she, too, can be a superhero. Your genial host Norm Wilner is more than happy to be her sidekick.

Lev Lewis, Yonah Lewis and Calvin Thomas on Kidnap Aug 13, 2019

In advance of their new film Spice It Up opens in Toronto at the TIFF Bell Lightbox this Thursday, August 15th, filmmakers Lev Lewis, Yonah Thomas and Calvin Thomas assembled to make the case for Kidnap, Luis Prieto’s 2017 thriller starring Halle Berry as a mother who’ll stop at nothing to rescue her son from the couple who’ve snatched him. (Literally; it’s a car-chase picture.) Your genial host Norm Wilner did not expect this choice, but he’s open to it. And don’t forget that Norm and friend of the show Paul Sun-Hyung Lee will be introducing a very special screening of Jaws this Thursday night, at the Revue Cinema! Details at the @semcast Twitter account.

Kalina Bertin on Mulholland Dr Aug 06, 2019

Filmmaker Kalina Bertin — whose powerful personal documentary Manic is now available for rental and purchase on Vimeo on Demand — opens the mysterious box that is Mulholland Dr. to follow Naomi Watts and Laura Elena Harring down the rabbit hole that is David Lynch’s 2001 psychodrama. Your genial host Norm Wilner apologizes for that one line he had to loop.

Shelagh McLeod on Moon Jul 30, 2019

With her first feature Astronaut in theatres in Toronto and Vancouver and available on iTunes and Google Play Movies everywhere, actor turned filmmaker Shelagh McLeod makes the case for Duncan Jones’ 2009 debut Moon, in which Sam Rockwell plays a lonely lunar engineer whose world is turned upside down by an unexpected visitor. Your genial host Norm Wilner reminds you to watch Jones’ movie before listening to this episode.

Katherine Jerkovic on L’Intrus Jul 24, 2019

With her award-winning first feature Roads in February screening in Toronto at the TIFF Bell Lightbox this week, writer-director Katherine Jerkovic sits down to talk about her admiration for, and awe of, the singular intensity of Claire Denis’ 2004 drama L’Intrus (The Intruder). Your genial host Norm Wilner apologizes for the HVAC noise.

Larry Weinstein on Amarcord Jul 17, 2019

As we make our debut on the Frequency Podcast Network, filmmaker Larry Weinstein, whose new documentary Propaganda: The Art of Selling Lies opens at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema this Friday, July 19th, in Toronto, marks the occasion by celebrating the autobiographical fantasia of Federico Fellini’s Amarcord in all of its grand, grotesque splendor. Your genial host Norm Wilner only regrets not having antipasti on hand for this conversation.

Jasmin Mozaffari on The Virgin Suicides Jul 09, 2019

Canadian Screen Award-winning director Jasmin Mozaffari, whose terrific first feature Firecrackers is streaming on Crave in Canada today in advance of its VOD debut on Friday, July 12th, stops in to talk about Sofia Coppola's The Virgin Suicides and its dreamy portrait of young women on the verge of ... something. Your genial host Norm Wilner is still reeling over the fact that it was shot in Toronto.

Mitchell Cushman on High Fidelity Jul 02, 2019

With Outside the March’s new location-specific theatrical experience The Tape Escape opening in Toronto this Thursday, July 4th, Dora-winning stage director Mitchell Cushman checks out High Fidelity, John Cusack and Stephen Frears’ 2000 adaptation of Nick Hornby’s novel about love, music and OCD. Your genial host Norm Wilner is intimately acquainted with all of those things.

Judy Wood on Vivre Sa Vie Jun 25, 2019

In a slight deviation from protocol, Los Angeles immigration lawyer Judy Wood — whose precedent-setting work is the subject of the new drama Saint Judy — discusses Jean-Luc Godard’s monumental 1962 drama Vivre Sa Vie in the context of her own experience assisting refugees and asylum seekers. Your genial host Norm Wilner is, as always, happy to get political.

Samora Smallwood on Us Jun 18, 2019

Actor, filmmaker and friend of the show Samora Smallwood (Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments, The Expanse, Star Trek: Discovery) returns for a deep dive into the symbolism, performances and nail-biting intensity of Jordan Peele’s eerie new thriller Us. Your genial host Norm Wilner made sure no one brought scissors into the studio.

Amy Nostbakken and Norah Sadava on Grey Gardens Jun 11, 2019

With their new movie Mouthpiece playing in Toronto and Los Angeles right now, co-writers and co-stars Amy Nostbakken and Norah Sadava drop in to discuss another unforgettable double act: Big Edie and Little Edie, as preserved and examined in the 1976 documentary Grey Gardens. Your genial host Norm Wilner has some thoughts about the raccoons.

Georgina Reilly on The Sound of Music Jun 04, 2019

You know her from Pontypool, The L.A. Complex and Murdoch Mysteries, and now you can hear Georgina Reilly -- whose latest movie Goalie drops on iTunes Canada this Friday, June 7th -- stand up for The Sound of Music, Robert Wise's Oscar-winning musical about a family that sang its way out of Nazi-occupied Austria. Your genial host Norm Wilner is willing to see where this is going.

Kulap Vilaysack on Attack the Block May 28, 2019

Writer, producer, actor and podcaster Kulap Vilaysack -- whose moving personal documentary Origin Story is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video -- throws down for the retro delights of Joe Cornish's Attack the Block, the 2011 SF thriller that pitted John Boyega, Jodie Whitaker, Franz Drameh and Nick Frost against an invasion of gorilla-wolf aliens. Your genial host Norm Wilner thinks you'll like the way this one turned out.

Robin McKenna on Dead Man May 21, 2019

Filmmaker Robin McKenna, whose new documentary Gift is playing at the Carlton Cinema in Toronto right now, rides for the dreamy landscapes and flowing score of Jim Jarmusch’s entrancing alt-Western Dead Man. Your genial host Norm Wilner is happy to saddle up for this one.

Ramona Barckert on Can You Ever Forgive Me May 14, 2019

Writer and producer Ramona Barckert -- whose new film Ordinary Days is now playing in Toronto, Halifax and Edmonton -- stops by on a rainy day to discuss Marielle Heller's Can You Ever Forgive Me? and the spiky pleasure to be had in watching Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant engage in petty larceny. Not that your genial host Norm Wilner would ever condone such behavior, of course.

Jocelyn Geddie on Carrie May 07, 2019

Writer, performer and future podcast prom queen Jocelyn Geddie (The Beaverton, I Hate It But I Love It) throws down for the queasy high-school horror movie that is Brian de Palma's Carrie -- the first big-screen Stephen King adaptation, and one that still packs a hell of a punch. Your genial host Norm Wilner wasn't expecting to laugh quite so hard for this one.

Charlie Lyne on The Clock Apr 30, 2019

Recorded in his London edit suite, filmmaker Charlie Lyne — director of Beyond Clueless, Fear Itself and the newly released Lasting Marks — breaks our format with The Clock, Christian Marclay’s 2010 gallery installation that uses the entirety of cinema and television to tell you the current time. Your genial host Norm Wilner wandered into it once at the Southbank Centre.

Ricardo Hoyos on Dumb and Dumber Apr 23, 2019

Actor and musician Ricardo Hoyos — most recently seen beachside in Travis Knight’s Bumblebee — tackles the Farrelly brothers’ Dumb and Dumber and the manic delight that is the young, hungry Jim Carrey. Your genial host Norm Wilner popped out the cap in his tooth for this one.

John Ross Bowie on Topsy-Turvy Apr 16, 2019

In town for the opening of Four Chords and a Gun, his new play about Phil Spector and The Ramones, actor and author John Ross Bowie finds a strange connection to his own work in Topsy-Turvy, Mike Leigh’s layered 1999 drama about Gilbert, Sullivan and The Mikado. Your genial host Norm Wilner is all ears.

Natty Zavitz on Love in the Afternoon Apr 09, 2019

Writer-director Natty Zavitz, whose new film Acquainted just opened in Toronto and Vancouver, tackles the last of Eric Rohmer's Six Moral Tales: Love in the Afternoon, the 1972 drama starring Bernard Verley as a happily married man drawn to the possibility of a new lover. Your genial host Norm Wilner dedicates this episode to the launch of the Criterion Channel.

Henry Gayden on LA Story Apr 02, 2019

Fun fact: While Shazam! was shooting in Toronto last year, screenwriter Henry Gayden dropped by the studio late one night to talk about the eccentric, romantic miracle that is Steve Martin and Mick Jackson’s 1991 comedy L.A. Story. Your genial host Norm Wilner has the complete works of John Lillison right there on the coffee table.

Arturo Perez Torres on Y Tu Mama Tambien Mar 26, 2019

With the big Canadian Screen Awards gala this Sunday night, The Drawer Boy co-director Arturo Perez Torres — who’s nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay — is here to talk about Alfonso Cuarón’s 2001 road movie Y Tu Mamá También, and how it influenced both his documentary and dramatic filmmaking. Your genial host Norm Wilner brought sunscreen and everything.

Tananarive Due on Get Out Mar 19, 2019

Author, academic and filmmaker Tananarive Due stops in to discuss a film she knows backwards and forwards: Get Out, Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning creeper about … well, you know what it’s about. With Peele’s follow-up Us opening this Friday, your genial host Norm Wilner feels it’s the perfect time to put this into your brain.

Katie Douglas on The Selfish Giant Mar 12, 2019

Katie Douglas — whom you might know from Mary Kills People and Every Day, and who stars in Danishka Esterhazy’s creepy new thriller Level 16 — bears witness to the piercing humanity of Clio Barnard’s 2013 drama The Selfish Giant. Your genial host Norm Wilner is right there with her.

Gord Rand on The Shining Mar 05, 2019

Actor, playwright and now filmmaker Gord Rand -- whose feature debut Pond Life makes its world premiere in Toronto at the Canadian Film Fest later this month, and who co-stars opposite Carolina Bartczak in the upcoming drama An Audience of Chairs -- is here to tackle The Shining, Stanley Kubrick's famously contentious 1980 adaptation of Stephen King's novel. Which is handy, because your genial host Norm Wilner just finished trimming the hedge maze.

Adriana Maggs on The Adventure of Faustus Bidgood Feb 26, 2019

Writer, producer and director Adriana Maggs -- whose new drama Goalie opens in Toronto and Vancouver this Friday, March 1st -- steps up for a lost Canadian classic: The Adventure of Faustus Bidgood, Mark and Andy Jones' 1986 satire about the fantasy life of a Newfoundland bureaucrat. Your genial host Norm Wilner is just glad to know he's not the only person who saw it.

Christy Garland on Election Feb 19, 2019

Documentary filmmaker Christy Garland -- whose new film What Walaa Wants screens in Toronto February 20th at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema before beginning a Canada's Top Ten run at the TIFF Bell Lightbox March 1st -- goes deep into Alexander Payne's distressingly prophetic high-school satire Election. (You know, it's the one where Matthew Broderick declares Reese Witherspoon his mortal enemy.) Your genial host Norm Wilner regrets not having cupcakes on hand.

Ashlee Blackwell on Ganja and Hess Feb 12, 2019

Writer, producer and critic Ashlee Blackwell, founder of GraveyardShiftSisters.com and an essential part of the new Shudder documentary Horror Noire: The History of Black Horror, tackles the allure and repulsion of Ganja & Hess, Bill Gunn's radical 1973 study starring Duane Jones and Marlene Clark as two very different people who share an infernal thirst. Your genial host Norm Wilner is all in.

Jeremy Larter on Goin’ Down the Road Feb 05, 2019

Writer, producer and director Jeremy Larter -- whose first feature Pogey Beach is now available for rental and purchase on iTunes -- settles in for a conversation about Don Shebib's Goin' Down the Road, the 1970 drama that more or less created English Canadian cinema. Your genial host Norm Wilner is trying very hard not to think about how much he hated the sequel.

Jennifer Dale on I Am Love Jan 29, 2019

Actor, producer and now screenwriter Jennifer Dale — whose new movie Into Invisible Light opens in Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver this Friday, February 1st — drops in to celebrate the vivid environments and shattering emotional arcs of Luca Guadagnino’s 2009 breakout I Am Love. Your genial host Norm Wilner tries not to bring up the Suspiria remake. (And fails.)

Linwood Barclay on Rear Window Jan 22, 2019

Author and screenwriter Linwood Barclay — who adapted his own novel Never Saw It Coming for a movie that’s newly available on iTunes — welcomes SEMcast into his home to talk about Rear Window, Alfred Hitchcock’s masterful 1954 examination of voyeurism, paranoia and gardening. Your genial host Norm Wilner is happy to pull up a chair.

Greg Sestero on Ed Wood Jan 15, 2019

Actor, author and producer Greg Sestero (The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room), whose new project Best F(r)iends reunites him with The Room's Tommy Wiseau, drops by to talk about Ed Wood ... both Tim Burton's 1994 biopic, and the actual director of Plan 9 from Outer Space and Bride of the Monster. Your genial host Norm Wilner has no idea why Greg picked a movie about a famously terrible filmmaker. No idea at all.

Charlie Tyrell on Heavy Metal Jan 08, 2019

We’re still stuck in the ’80s, as Oscar-shortlisted filmmaker Charlie Tyrell (My Dead Dad’s Porno Tapes) brings the love for Heavy Metal, the 1981 anthology feature that was supposed to bring sexy sci-fi animation into the mainstream. Your genial host Norm Wilner has some thoughts on why it didn’t.

James Hurst on Donnie Darko Jan 01, 2019

Welcome 2019 by going back to 1988, as writer and producer James Hurst (Degrassi: The Next Generation, Flashpoint, Wynonna Earp, Frankie Drake Mysteries and more) unpacks the mysteries of Richard Kelly’s Donnie Darko — both versions! — in an epic conversation. Your genial host Norm Wilner recommends listening while lying very still.

Justin McConnell on Christmas Evil Dec 25, 2018

It's Christmas Day, and writer-director Justin McConnell -- whose new movie Lifechanger opens in Toronto, Ottawa and Calgary this Friday, December 28th before coming to VOD on New Year's Day -- is here to jingle the bells for Christmas Evil (aka You Better Watch Out), Lewis Jackson's 1980 Yuletide psychodrama. Your genial host Norm Wilner knows if he's been bad or good.

Peter Kuplowsky on Don’t Let the Riverbeast Get You Dec 18, 2018

Programmer, producer and occasional actor Peter Kuplowsky has long been a champion of outsider cinema, and that's why he's flying the flag for Charles Roxburgh and Matt Farley's 2012 creature feature Don't Let the Riverbeast Get You! Also, he's presenting Dial Code Santa Claus with Justin Decloux this Thursday, December 20th, at The Royal in Toronto, so your genial host Norm Wilner thought this was a nice excuse to get him on the show.

Stuart Hughes on Days of Heaven Dec 11, 2018

Actor Stuart Hughes, whom you may have seen in Orphan Black, Murdoch Mysteries, Republic of Doyle and It, and whom you should see in The Drawer Boy, now streaming on Highball.tv, celebrates the 40th anniversary of Terrence Malick’s Days of Heaven by delving into its impressionistic depths. Your genial host Norm Wilner has been looking forward to this one for a while.

Michael Pugliese and Prem Singh on Rocky Dec 03, 2018

Prem Singh and Michael Pugliese -- who co-wrote and co-star in the true-life boxing drama Tiger, in theatres now -- throw down for Rocky, the movie that made Sylvester Stallone a star, won a few Oscars and launched a franchise that continues to this very day. Your genial host Norm Wilner, on the other hand, is famous for his glass jaw.

Ensign Broderick on The Swimmer Nov 27, 2018

This episode isn't really about The Swimmer, Frank and Eleanor Perry's 1968 drama about the death of the American dream. It's just the hook for singer-songwriter Ensign Broderick -- whose new album Bloodcrush is in stores and online, and whose song "Accidence" powers the new short by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson -- to talk about the film music he finds most meaningful. And it turns out your genial host Norm Wilner is just fine with that.

Richard Clarkin on The Pledge Nov 20, 2018

Actor Richard Clarkin of Great Great Great, Ordinary Days, Murdoch Mysteries and The Drawer Boy, which opens in Toronto this week, settles in to talk about The Pledge, Sean Penn's searing 2001 drama starring Jack Nicholson as a retired police detective obsessed with finding a killer of young girls. Your genial host Norm Wilner is always up for a wallow in the heart of darkness.

Naomi Snieckus on The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling Nov 13, 2018

It's our 200th episode, and actor, writer, funny person and insightful podcaster Naomi Snieckus is here to help us celebrate it -- which makes perfect sense, since her choice of Judd Apatow's The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling is all about self-knowledge as a conduit to comedy. Your genial host Norm Wilner apologizes in advance for all of the personal material.

Mark Little on The Monster Squad Nov 06, 2018

Actor, writer and killer stand-up Mark Little has been a superfan of Fred Dekker's 1987 horror comedy The Monster Squad for his entire goddamn life, and now that Mark's new movie Room For Rent is available on iTunes -- and still playing theatrically in Winnipeg and Ottawa! -- he has an excuse to talk about it for an hour. Your genial host Norm Wilner has some questions about nards.

Brett Simmons on Halloween II Oct 30, 2018

In town to close the Toronto After Dark Film Festival with his slasher comedy You Might Be the Killer, writer-director Brett Simmons tackles Rick Rosenthal's Halloween II ... the first sequel to John Carpenter's horror masterpiece, but by no means the last. Your genial host Norm Wilner is all in, even though he totally knows this won't be the end of Michael Myers.

Ruth Goodwin on Bend It Like Beckham Oct 23, 2018

Actor, writer and producer Ruth Goodwin -- who's finishing up a run of The Wolves at Streetcar Crowsnest in Toronto this week -- steps up for Bend It Like Beckham, Gurinder Chadha's 2002 sleeper starring Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers in a culture-clash comedy. Your genial host Norm Wilner doesn't know a striker from a winger, but whatever.

Justin Decloux on Army of Darkness Oct 16, 2018

Filmmaker and podcaster Justin Decloux -- who celebrates the Blu-ray debut of his new feature Impossible Horror next Tuesday, October 23rd, with a release party and screening at The Royal in Toronto -- steps up for Army of Darkness, Sam Raimi's goofy 1993 adventure that wrapped up his Evil Dead trilogy with a lot more comedy than people were expecting. Your genial host Norm Wilner has his boomstick at the ready.

Adam Nayman on Fargo Oct 09, 2018

Author, critic and occasional actor Adam Nayman — whose shiny new book The Coen Brothers: This Book Really Ties the Films Together is available now from Abrams — steps up for Fargo, their Oscar-winning 1996 dramedy about people making very bad decisions in Minnesota. Your genial host Norm Wilner agrees with him one hundred percent.

Anna Hopkins on ET The Extra-Terrestrial Oct 03, 2018

Actor, writer and director Anna Hopkins -- whom you'll be seeing in Bad Blood when its second season starts up on Thursday, October 11th, and who's making the festival rounds with her short film The Give & Take -- stops in to share her love for E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Steven Spielberg's 1982 classic about a boy and his alien. Your genial host Norm Wilner feels exactly the same way about it, which is nice.

Ross Sutherland on Network Sep 25, 2018

Artist and filmmaker Ross Sutherland — who’s bringing his Imaginary Advice podcast to The Fest in Chicago this Monday, October 1st — makes the case for Sidney Lumet’s Network as a movie that was both utterly of its moment and somehow ahead of its time. Your genial host Norm Wilner is constitutionally incapable of being mad as hell.

Clio Barnard on Performance Sep 18, 2018

TIFF 18 is over, so let’s flash back to TIFF 17, when writer-director Clio Barnard premiered her new drama Dark River in the Platform program … and slipped away from the press cycle to talk about Donald Cammell and Nicolas Roeg’s groundbreaking 1970 psychodrama Performance. Your genial host Norm Wilner reminds you that drugs are bad, mmkay.

Akash Sherman on the Star Wars saga Sep 10, 2018

What? An episode dropping on a Monday? That’s because writer-director Akash Sherman’s first feature Clara is making its world premiere at TIFF this very day, and we mark the occasion by talking about the Star Wars saga. Yup. All of it. Prepared for this, your genial host Norm Wilner is.

Leo Scherman on The Vanishing Sep 04, 2018

As his first feature Trench 11 arrives on iTunes in the US and Canada today, writer-director Leo Scherman finds an unexpected connection to George Sluizer’s The Vanishing, the 1988 thriller with the ending that just won’t let go. Your genial host Norm Wilner has some thoughts about that.

Grace Glowicki on Love Aug 28, 2018

Grace Glowicki -- who co-stars in Cardinals this Friday at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto, and who'll be back at TIFF in September with Roney's short film Glitter's Wild Women -- sits down to talk about Love, and how its graphic sex scenes are Gaspar Noe's gateway to honesty. Your genial host Norm Wilner would like you to know that this episode features explicit discussions of sexual content, but we're all adults here.

Barry Stevens on 2001: A Space Odyssey Aug 21, 2018

Documentary filmmaker Barry Stevens is in the studio to mark the 50th anniversary of 2001: A Space Odyssey just as Stanley Kubrick’s visionary masterwork about humanity’s place in the universe makes its IMAX 70mm debut. Your genial host Norm Wilner has a theory about the monolith he’s been sitting on for quite some time.

Tamara Podemski on The Band’s Visit Aug 14, 2018

Tamara Podemski, currently starring in the new thriller Never Saw It Coming, is here to confess her love for The Band’s Visit, Eran Kolirin’s 2007 charmer that somehow became a Broadway smash. Your genial host Norm Wilner has to be honest: He loves it too.

Corey Mintz on Big Night Aug 10, 2018

Now that friend of the show Corey Mintz is a podcaster himself -- check out his new series Taste Buds on the Canadaland network! -- he makes a triumphant return to celebrate Big Night, Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott's wonderful 1996 movie about brothers, business, art, food and Louis Prima. Your genial host Norm Wilner bought a red-and-white checkered tablecloth just for the occasion.

Randall Okita on Kids Aug 07, 2018

Filmmaker Randall Okita — whose first feature The Lockpicker arrives on iTunes later this month following screenings across Canada — is in the studio to talk about Kids, Larry Clark’s 1995 indie about oversexed youth that Harvey Weinstein turned into an artistic cause celebre. Your genial host Norm Wilner has some thoughts about this.

Neville Pierce on Seven Jul 31, 2018

The show returns to London so journalist and filmmaker Neville Pierce — whose latest short, Promise, just arrived on Vimeo — can discuss the life-changing impact and technical virtuosity of David Fincher’s Seven. Your genial host Norm Wilner believes in the second part.

Brent Hodge on Superbad Jul 24, 2018

It's construction season, but that won't stop Brent Hodge, director of I Am Chris Farley, The Pistol Shrimps and the brand-new Freaks and Geeks: The Documentary, from discussing Superbad, the 2007 comedy that legitimized writer-producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg as a creative force all their own. Your genial host Norm Wilner identifies more with McLovin, much as it pains him to admit this.

Megan Abbott on Double Indemnity Jul 17, 2018

With her new novel Give Me Your Hand arriving this week, author and television writer Megan Abbott celebrates on the 1944 noir masterpiece that is Billy Wilder's Double Indemnity. Fred MacMurray as kind of a heel! Barbara Stanwyck as a seductress in a bad wig! Edward G. Robinson as the world's saddest detective! Your genial host Norm Wilner even included authentic Manhattan traffic noises for atmosphere.

Geoff Redknap on No Country for Old Men Jul 10, 2018

With his remarkable drama The Unseen newly available on iTunes, Geoff Redknap settles in for a conversation about Joel and Ethan Coen’s Oscar-winning No Country for Old Men, the film that made bowl cuts scary again. Your genial host Norm Wilner just wants to point out he’s never won a coin toss in his life.

Olunike Adeliyi on Boyz N the Hood Jul 03, 2018

You’ve seen her in Saw 3D, Flashpoint and Workin’ Moms, and she currently plays the ferocious Kali in the new feature film Darken. Now listen to actress Olunike Adeliyi discuss Boyz N the Hood, and how John Singleton’s Oscar-nominated breakout changed her life. Your genial host Norm Wilner had the Criterion laserdisc at the ready.

Rebecca Addelman on The Graduate Jun 26, 2018

With her first feature Paper Year playing theatrically in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver (and available across Canada on iTunes and Google Play), writer-director Rebecca Addelman drops in to talk about The Graduate, Mike Nichols' indelible 1967 satire of American upper class and lower morals. Your genial host Norm Wilner has never sat at the bottom of a swimming pool, because he's allergic to chlorine.

Sook-Yin Lee on Ali – Fear Eats the Soul Jun 19, 2018

Her second feature Octavio Is Dead! opens in Toronto and Regina this Friday, so broadcaster and filmmaker Sook-Yin Lee is here to dive into the simple, stark power -- and, regrettably, the present-day relevance -- of Rainer Werner Fassbinder's 1973 drama Ali: Fear Eats the Soul. Your genial host Norm Wilner is pretty sure he didn't confuse Munich for Berlin again.

Emily Gagne and Danita Steinberg on Scream Jun 12, 2018

Do you like scary movies? Emily Gagne and Danita Steinberg, hosts of the new podcast We Really Like Her!, bring the love for Wes Craven's Scream, the 1996 movie that taught us all to be afraid of crank calls and department-store ghost costumes. Your genial host Norm Wilner made sure to record this during the day in a room with plenty of windows. It's just safer for everybody.

Antoine Bourges on La Captive Jun 05, 2018

Before writer-director Antoine Bourges brings his first feature Fail to Appear to Toronto's TIFF Bell Lightbox this week, he stops into the studio to discuss the austere allure of Chantal Akerman's 2000 Proust adaptation La Captive -- a choice that lines up very nicely with his own aesthetic. Your genial host Norm Wilner exerts only the smallest amount of control on the conversation.

John Hodgman on Murder on the Orient Express May 29, 2018

For our 175th episode, we welcome author, actor and fake Internet judge John Hodgman — whose lovely book Vacationland is out in paperback today! — to the studio to talk about Murder on the Orient Express, Kenneth Branagh’s opulent Agatha Christie adaptation starring all those actors you like. Your genial host Norm Wilner is delighted to play conductor.

Kyle Rideout on Amelie May 22, 2018

With his new film Adventures in Public School is on iTunes and Amazon Video in the US, and available for pre-order on iTunes in Canada, Kyle Rideout drops in to talk about the lush, digitally enhanced beauty of Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Amelie. Which explains why your genial host Norm Wilner has been receiving photos of a gnome for the last few weeks.

Michael Melski on The Changeling May 15, 2018

As his new film The Child Remains expands across Canada, writer-director Michael Melski turns his thoughts to Peter Medak’s 1980 chiller The Changeling, and how effective a horror film can be with one great actor and a few carefully calibrated scares. Your genial host Norm Wilner still prefers not to think about the wheelchair.

Peter Lynch on The Conversation May 08, 2018

Birdland director Peter Lynch digs deep into The Conversation, Francis Ford Coppola’s note-perfect 1974 thriller about surveillance, paranoia and the strange watchability of Gene Hackman in an ugly plastic raincoat. Your genial host Norm Wilner strongly recommends you watch the movie before listening to this episode. Like, really strongly.

Frederic Bohbot on JFK May 01, 2018

Oscar-winning documentary producer Frederic Bohbot — whose first dramatic film Boost is now available on iTunes — does his best to unpack the tangled conspiracies and complex filmmaking of Oliver Stone’s JFK. Your genial host Norm Wilner resists the urge to say “back and to the left” every six seconds.

Sophy Romvari on Cameraperson Apr 24, 2018

Her new short Pumpkin Movie has its Canadian premiere at Hot Docs this Thursday, April 26th, so filmmaker Sophy Romvari is here to discuss Kirsten Johnson’s masterful 2016 essay film Cameraperson. Never seen it? Your genial host Norm Wilner thinks you should rectify that as soon as possible.

Mark Raso on The Talented Mr Ripley Apr 17, 2018

With his new film Kodachrome arriving on Netflix this Friday — and opening theatrically in major U.S. cities — filmmaker Mark Raso digs deep into the mysteries of The Talented Mr. Ripley, Anthony Minghella’s 1999 adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s seductive chiller. Your genial host Norm Wilner is totally not getting into that rowboat.

Ajuawak Kapashesit on GoodFellas Apr 10, 2018

As far back as he can remember, actor Ajuawak Kapashesit has always loved GoodFellas. And with his new movie Indian Horse opening across Canada this Friday, it seemed like the perfect time for him to tell us about that. Your genial host Norm Wilner brought his shinebox and everything.

Saul Dibb on A Prophet Apr 03, 2018

This week, the podcast goes to London so director Saul Dibb -- whose striking WWI drama Journey's End expands across Canada this Friday -- can share his love for A Prophet, Jacques Audiard's knockout drama starring Tahar Rahim as a young man trying to survive six years in a French prison. Your genial host Norm Wilner wouldn't make it six hours.

Andy King on Airplane! Mar 27, 2018

With The Amazing Gayl Pile launching its fourth season on CBC Digital this Thursday, co-star Andy King -- actor of Fargo, director of Filth City -- stops in to talk about the seminal comedic experience that was Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker's Airplane! Your genial host Norm Wilner just wants to say good luck; we're all counting on you.

Zak Tatham on Sorcerer Mar 20, 2018

Peter Kuplowsky's What The Film Festival returns to Toronto this weekend, and alumnus Zak Tatham -- who screened Space Breakers there back in 2016 -- drops by to talk about his love for William Friedkin's Sorcerer, the gripping, intense remake of Clouzot's The Wages of Fear that had the misfortune to arrive in the summer of Star Wars. Your genial host Norm Wilner has seen it in theatres! Twice!

Andrew Phung on Best of the Best and everything else Mar 13, 2018

The podcast is three years old today, and to celebrate here's actor and improv god Andrew Phung -- now a two-time Canadian Screen Award winner for Kim's Convenience -- to talk about the 1989 martial-arts movie Best of the Best, as well as pretty much every action franchise over the last few decades. Your genial host Norm Wilner wants to see where this goes.

J. Miles Dale on The Big Lebowski Mar 06, 2018

He just shared a Best Picture Oscar win with Guillermo Del Toro, and now you can hear veteran Toronto producer J. Miles Dale celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Big Lebowski, the beloved Coen Brothers comedy that reimagines classic film-noir tropes through a very hazy filter. Your genial host Norm Wilner just wants to know about the stranger in the Alps.

Samora Smallwood on Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Feb 27, 2018

The Academy Awards are upon us, which works out nicely because Samora Smallwood — whom you may know from Amazon’s The Shelter, and who’ll you’ll be seeing in the new seasons of The Expanse and Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments — wants to discuss Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Your genial host Norm Wilner is up for that.

Charlie Kerr on Boy Feb 20, 2018

Actor, playwright and musician Charlie Kerr (Lost Solace, After Wrestling) comes by the studio to celebrate the bittersweet charms of Boy, the 2010 breakout of some weirdo from New Zealand called Taika Waititi. Your genial host Norm Wilner just wants to see how this leads to Thor fighting the Hulk.

Adam Garnet Jones on The Piano Feb 13, 2018

With his second feature Great Great Great newly available on iTunes, director Adam Garnet Jones digs into the lasting impact of Jane Campion’s The Piano, which made a massive impression on him when he needed it most. Your genial host Norm Wilner is happy to hear him out.

Eric Johnson on Children of Men Feb 06, 2018

Actor Eric Johnson takes a break from menacing Dakota Johnson in Fifty Shades Freed (in theaters Friday!) for a deep dive into the ever-more-relevant dystopian masterpiece that is Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men. Your genial host Norm Wilner is fully on board.

Avi Federgreen on Some Kind of Wonderful Jan 30, 2018

Producer and distributor Avi Federgreen -- whose Indiecan Entertainment just released its 100th feature, Monolith -- settles in for a conversation about an unlikely inspiration: Some Kind of Wonderful, the John Hughes-scripted reversal of his own Pretty in Pink that locked Eric Stoltz, Lea Thompson and Mary Stuart Masterson in a classically '80s love triangle. Your genial host Norm Wilner regrets recording this on such a rainy day.

Stephen McHattie on The Searchers Jan 23, 2018

Stephen McHattie has appeared in everything from Hill Street Blues to Pontypool to Watchmen to Orphan Black; his latest picture is Peter Lynch’s Birdland, available Friday on VOD in the US and Canada. He wanted to talk about John Ford’s landmark Western The Searchers. Your genial host Norm Wilner was delighted to ride along.

Carsten Knox on Truly Madly Deeply Jan 16, 2018

Carsten Knox — critic, screenwriter and host of the Flaw in the Iris and Lens Me Your Ears podcasts — pops by to talk about the emotional wallop of Anthony Minghella’s Truly Madly Deeply, and the complex magic of Juliet Stevenson and Alan Rickman’s emotional duet. Your genial host Norm Wilner promised himself he wouldn’t cry.

Catherine Reitman on Mean Girls Jan 09, 2018

As Workin' Moms returns for a second season Tuesdays at 9:30 pm on CBC, creator and star Catherine Reitman brings some love for Lindsay Lohan, Tina Fey, Mark Waters and everyone else associated with the hit 2004 comedy Mean Girls. Your genial host Norm Wilner was not wearing pink, because we recorded this on a Monday and pink is for Wednesdays, duh.

Marvin Kaye on Breaker Morant Jan 02, 2018

He created Less Than Kind and Hit On Me, he plays the Burly Russian in Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water and now actor-writer-producer Marvin Kaye rings in the new year with a conversation about Bruce Beresford’s devastating 1980 war drama Breaker Morant. Your genial host Norm Wilner read up on the Boer War for this.

Alexandra Hooper on Brazil Dec 19, 2017

Happy dystopian holidays! Your genial host Norm Wilner welcomes old friend and top set decoration buyer Alexandra Hooper -- whose work is showcased this month in Guillermo Del Toro's The Shape of Water and Alexander Payne's Downsizing -- to talk about Brazil, and how Terry Gilliam's 1985 masterpiece set her on the path to becoming the artist she is.

Jeffrey P. Nesker on Alien 3 Dec 12, 2017

You didn’t think we were going to miss the opportunity to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Alien 3, did you? Elsewhere, NY director Jeffrey P. Nesker is looking to rehabilitate David Fincher’s moody monster movie, and your genial host Norm Wilner is willing to hear him out.

Claire Armstrong on Never Let Me Go Dec 05, 2017

Dim the Fluorescents is finally opening in Toronto, so here’s co-star Claire Armstrong on the subtle, potent notes of Never Let Me Go, Mark Romanek’s eerily calm adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s disquieting novel about lifelong friends with a very specific destiny. Your genial host Norm Wilner is glad to bring this one back into circulation.

Paul Scheer on Bowfinger Nov 28, 2017

It's the 150th episode of the show, and this week's guest is very special indeed: it's Paul Scheer, of Human Giant and The League and How Did This Get Made and James Franco's instant cult movie The Disaster Artist! And he's here to talk about his love of another cult object: Bowfinger, the 1999 satire that brought Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy and Frank Oz together and set them loose on Hollywood hangers-on. Your genial host Norm Wilner renewed his MindHead membership for this.

Jamie M Dagg on Baraka Nov 21, 2017

His new movie Sweet Virginia is in theatres and on VOD in the U.S., and coming to Canada on December 1st, so it’s the perfect time for director Jamie M. Dagg to discuss the way Ron Fricke’s large-format documentary Baraka changed his understanding of cinema. Your genial host Norm Wilner has many questions.

Jennifer Baichwal on The Dead Zone Nov 14, 2017

Documentarian Jennifer Baichwal, whose new documentary Long Time Running captures the Tragically Hip on their heart-rending final tour, dives into The Dead Zone to unpack the philosophy and psychology of David Cronenberg’s terrific Stephen King adaptation. Your genial host Norm Wilner shows great restraint in only busting out his Christopher Walken impression once.

Brendan Prost on Nights and Weekends Nov 07, 2017

Filmmaker Brendan Prost (Spaces and Reservations, Sensitive Parts) brings the love for Nights and Weekends, the 2008 collaboration between Greta Gerwig and Joe Swanberg that really ought to be better remembered. Your genial host Norm Wilner gets all personal on this one. (Also, see Gerwig’s solo directorial debut Lady Bird in theatres this month! It’s good too!)

Lauren Lee Smith on Requiem for a Dream Nov 03, 2017

It’s a special Friday bonus episode with Lauren Lee Smith, whose new series Frankie Drake Mysteries premieres Monday November 6th on CBC! And she wants to talk about Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream! And we only have 20 minutes! Your genial host Norm Wilner is in no way intimidated by any of this.

Michael Dowse on Heaven’s Gate Oct 31, 2017

In anticipation of FUBAR: Age of Computer‘s premiere on Viceland this Friday, November 3rd, director Michael Dowse (It’s All Gone Pete Tong, Goon, The F Word) celebrates Michael Cimino’s magnum opus Heaven’s Gate. Your genial host Norm Wilner apologizes for the abbreviated running time.

Paula Brancati on The Godfather Oct 24, 2017

Actor and producer Paula Brancati — currently running for her life in Slasher: Guilty Party — embraces her Sicilian heritage by settling in with Francis Ford Coppola’s genre-defining blockbuster The Godfather. Your genial host Norm Wilner is happy to serve as consigliere.

Florian Francois on Intouchables Oct 17, 2017

French-born, Toronto-based actor, writer and producer Florian François -- whose new series Rencontres is available now on Bell Fibe TV1 -- drops in to discuss Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano's 2011 smash Intouchables, which paired François Cluzet and Omar Sy for a crowd-pleasing buddy comedy. (Sort of.) Your genial host Norm Wilner tries his best to get the accent right.

Vincenzo Natali on Blade Runner Oct 10, 2017

With Denis Villeneuve's sequel bringing it all back up again, writer-director Vincenzo Natali (Cube, Splice, the best episodes of Hannibal) settles in with Blade Runner, the 1982 thriller that redefined science-fiction cinema for a generation -- and started Ridley Scott on decades of obsessive re-editing. Your genial host Norm Wilner would like you to know there was a fan spinning for the entirety of the episode.

Sarah Kolasky on Morvern Callar Oct 03, 2017

Sarah Kolasky, star of the new drama Great Great Great -- which she co-wrote and co-produced with director Adam Garnet Jones, and which opens this Friday after Wednesday night screenings at Landmark theaters across Canada -- digs into the emotional puzzle box that is Lynne Ramsay's Morvern Callar. Your genial host Norm Wilner has his Walkman at the ready.

Rick Roberts on Eraserhead Sep 26, 2017

Actor Rick Roberts snuck away from rehearsals for the Soulpepper production of Waiting For Godot — playing at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto through Saturday October 7th — to dig deep into the industrial and philosophical muck of David Lynch’s Eraserhead. Your genial host Norm Wilner has been looking forward to this one.

Alex Larsen on Princess Mononoke Sep 19, 2017

Just days after Joseph Kahn's Bodied won the Grolsch Midnight Madness People's Choice Award at TIFF, here's screenwriter Alex Larsen -- who based the script on his own life as battle rapper Kid Twist -- to celebrate the wonders of Hayao Miyazaki's luxurious mythical adventure Princess Mononoke. Your genial host Norm Wilner can't believe it's taken this long for someone to pick a Studio Ghibli movie.

Ronnie Rowe Jr on La Haine Sep 12, 2017

He's the star of the new film Black Cop, which has its world premiere at TIFF tonight (Tuesday September 12th) and screens twice more over the course of the week, and Ronnie Rowe, Jr. is on the podcast to talk about Mathieu Kassovitz' 1995 breakout La Haine, a thriller whose themes have only grown more relevant in the decades since it arrived. Your genial host Norm Wilner lives a life without hate; just don't mention the Transformers movies.

Molly McGlynn on American Beauty Sep 08, 2017

Her first feature Mary Goes Round premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival tomorrow -- that's Saturday, September 9th -- so there's no better time for writer-director Molly McGlynn to drop in and talk about her love for American Beauty, which put Sam Mendes and Alan Ball on the map when it bowed at TIFF in 1999. Your genial host Norm Wilner is willing to look closer.

Ron Hawkins on The Third Man Sep 05, 2017

In advance of The Lowest of the Low's new album Do The Right Now dropping this Friday, September 8th -- and the Low launching said album with a concert at the Danforth Music Hall on Saturday September 9th -- occasional soundtrack composer and full-time musician Ron Hawkins stops in to talk about The Third Man, that all-time great Carol Reed thriller where Orson Welles rides a Ferris wheel. Your genial host Norm Wilner brought his cuckoo clock.

Jason Deline on Batman ’66 Aug 29, 2017

There’s no better guest to take us into Fan Expo than actor Jason Deline, who brings his profound love for Batman: The Movie — and its star, the late Adam West — into the studio. Your genial host Norm Wilner has Bat-Shark-Repellent standing by, because he’s considerate like that.

Luke Lalonde on Adaptation Aug 22, 2017

Musician Luke Lalonde makes his acting debut in Pavan Moondi's Sundowners (opening in Toronto this Friday, August 25th, at TIFF Bell Lightbox), so he drops in to discuss Spike Jonze's amazing Adaptation., the one where Charlie Kaufman writes himself into a movie about Charlie Kaufman writing himself into a movie. Your genial host Norm Wilner was pretty psyched about this one.

Alexander Carson on Distant Voices, Still Lives Aug 15, 2017

With his first feature O, Brazen Age! arriving on iTunes today, writer-director Alexander Carson stops in to discuss Terence Davies’ autobiographical 1988 drama Distant Voices, Still Lives and its profound impact on his own artistic development. Your genial host Norm Wilner made sure to put the kettle on.

Kelly McCormack on Phantom of the Paradise Aug 08, 2017

Actor, writer and producer Kelly McCormack — currently killing it as Zeph on Killjoys and Eloida on The Neddeaus of Duquesne Island — brings big love for Brian de Palma’s Phantom of the Paradise, the 1974 cult classic that reimagines Faust for the club age. Your genial host Norm Wilner spends the episode wondering if they’ve both been dosed.

William Oldroyd on Cache Aug 01, 2017

With his first feature Lady Macbeth in theaters in the U.S. and Canada, it's the perfect time for director William Oldroyd to drop in and talk about his fascination with Michael Haneke's Cache, the 2005 thriller in which Daniel Auteuil and Juliette Binoche are tormented by an unknown stalker with a very patient camcorder. Your genial host Norm Wilner has never owned a video camera, honest.

Dave McKean on Street of Crocodiles Jul 25, 2017

Filmmaker, illustrator, author and performer Dave McKean shines a light on Street of Crocodiles, a stop-motion short by the Brothers Quay that he counts as a key discovery on his own artistic evolution. Your genial host Norm Wilner is delighted that someone’s finally brought an animated work to the show.

Kat Angus on John Carpenter’s The Thing Jul 18, 2017

Buzzfeed Canada senior staff writer and co-host of the I Hate It But I Love It podcast Kat Angus throws down for John Carpenter’s The Thing — the 1982 remake-cum-reinvention that stands as one of the genre’s greatest, and features Kurt Russell with a really big beard. Your genial host Norm Wilner is only eating out of cans for this one.

Jon Ronson on Let the Right One In Jul 11, 2017

Author, documentarian and occasional screenwriter Jon Ronson — co-writer of the brilliant Okja, now streaming everywhere on Netflix — steps up for Tomas Alfredson’s masterful 2008 drama Let the Right One In, in which a bullied little boy is befriended by a little girl who is much more complicated than she seems. Your genial host Norm Wilner doesn’t understand why there were quite so many cats outside.

Brendan Canning on Melancholia Jul 04, 2017

With Broken Social Scene’s new album Hug of Thunder coming out on Friday, it seemed like the perfect time to bring Brendan Canning on for a chat about Melancholia, Lars Von Trier’s 2011 allegory about clinical depression and the end of the world. Your genial host Norm Wilner would like to point out that he planned his own wedding, and it went just fine.

Matt Braunger on The Exorcist III Jun 30, 2017

Following up on Adam Barken’s look at The Ninth Configuration earlier this week, actor and comedian Matt Braunger sneaks away from a set at Comedy Bar to talk about William Peter Blatty’s other directorial effort, 1990’s The Exorcist III. Following George C. Scott’s Lt. Kinderman on a murder case that turns into an inquiry into the nature of good and evil, it’s the least scary Exorcist movie ever made … right up until it pounces. Your genial host Norm Wilner did his best to keep the noise down.

Adam Barken on The Ninth Configuration Jun 27, 2017

As Killjoys returns for its third season this Friday on Syfy and Space, writer-producer Adam Barken takes a deep dive into the murky depths of The Ninth Configuration, the first directorial effort from William Peter Blatty, creator of The Exorcist. Your genial host Norm Wilner advises you that this is but one of two Blatty-centric episodes this week, and asks that you come back Friday to see who he got for The Exorcist III.

Jonny Sun on the Cornetto Trilogy Jun 20, 2017

This week, Jonny Sun — playwright, Twitter cult leader and author of the new book Everyone’s A Aliebn When Ur An Aliebn Too, available June 27th — drops by in advance of his North American tour to chat about Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg’s Shaun Of The Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World’s End, the majestic genre mash-ups collectively known as The Cornetto Trilogy. Never heard of them? Your genial host Norm Wilner is very disappointed. (Find Jonny in your town this summer! Check http://jomnysun.com/events for his schedule!)

Allana Harkin on When Harry Met Sally … Jun 13, 2017

How does Allana Harkin, correspondent and producer on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, unwind? She immerses herself in the pleasures of When Harry Met Sally …, the 1989 comedy in which Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Nora Ephron and Rob Reiner came together to create one of the greatest romantic comedies ever made. Your genial host Norm Wilner can see the appeal, though he’s really more of a Bruno Kirby type.

Varun Saranga on The Royal Tenenbaums Jun 06, 2017

Actor Varun Saranga — who joins the Western weirdoes of Wynonna Earp when that show starts its second season this Friday on Space and SyFy — spends a rainy day discussing his love for The Royal Tenenbaums, the 2001 family drama that cemented Wes Anderson’s distinctive style after Rushmore. Your genial host Norm Wilner regrets never having been a child prodigy.

Michael O’Shea on Heavenly Creatures May 30, 2017

As his unsettling first feature The Transfiguration rolls through theatres in the U.S. and Canada, writer-director Michael O’Shea drops by to discuss Peter Jackson’s piercing Heavenly Creatures, the unforgettable 1994 psychodrama that put Jackson and Fran Walsh on the world-cinema map and introduced audiences to Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey. Your genial host Norm Wilner is awfully happy about this choice, even if he knows it won’t end well.

Ryan Dillon on Up May 23, 2017

Is Up the perfect Pixar movie? Comedian and actor Ryan Dillon thinks so, and he’s here this week to make his case for Pete Docter’s spectacular tale of unlikely adventure. Your genial host Norm Wilner finds it hard to argue against any movie with a talking dog.

Tom Bennett on Predator May 16, 2017

As the world prepares to mark the 30th anniversary of Predator next month, actor Tom Bennett — who delighted audiences as Sir James Martin in Whit Stillman’s Love & Friendship — gets to the chopper to celebrate John McTiernan’s first perfect action movie. Your genial host Norm Wilner recorded this one high above London, which may explain the echo.

Jason Connery on The Room May 09, 2017

With his latest feature Tommy’s Honour set to open in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal on Friday, actor-turned-filmmaker Jason Connery girds himself to explore the mystery of

Lewis Bennett on Stand By for Tape Back-Up May 05, 2017

It’s a special Friday bonus episode! Director Lewis Bennett — whose documentary The Sandwich Nazi opens today in Toronto — stops by to share his love for Ross Sutherland’s remarkable Stand By for Tape Back-Up, which you can stream for free at standbyfortapebackup.com . Your genial host Norm Wilner encourages you to do this.

Rachel Wilson on Terms of Endearment May 02, 2017

Rachel Wilson, who stars opposite Dylan Bruce and Kristian Bruun in First Round Down (opening theatrically in Toronto this Friday), shares her love for James L. Brooks’ Oscar-winning 1983 dramedy Terms of Endearment. You know the one. Your genial host Norm Wilner promises to keep it together.

Tammy Gillis on Bridesmaids Apr 25, 2017

Tammy Gillis, who stars in the new drama Menorca — now playing theatrically in Toronto and Winnipeg, and coming to iTunes May 9th — takes some time to celebrate the chaotic joy of Bridesmaids, the 2011 comedy that vaulted Kristen Wiig from scene-stealer to A-lister (and Oscar-nominated screenwriter), gave director Paul Feig his first commercial hit and made Melissa McCarthy a household name. Your genial host Norm Wilner is all in.

Mike Carey on LA Confidential Apr 18, 2017

With The Girl With All the Gifts now available on demand and coming to disc next week — and his new novel The Boy on the Bridge in stores next month — screenwriter and author Mike Carey digs into the muck of Curtis Hanson’s L.A. Confidential, which marks its 20th anniversary this year. Your genial host Norm Wilner recorded this episode in London, surrounded by crisps.

Nick de Pencier on Donald Brittain’s Volcano Apr 11, 2017

With his new documentary Black Code opening in Toronto and Vancouver on Friday, Nick de Pencier shines a light on another non-fiction narrative, Donald Brittain’s Oscar-nominated Volcano: An Inquiry Into the Life and Death of Malcolm Lowry. Your genial host Norm Wilner is feeling extra philosophical this week.

Reece Shearsmith on Theatre of Blood Apr 04, 2017

Recorded in a very high flat in London, actor, writer and producer Reece Shearsmith takes a break from shooting series four of Inside No. 9 to celebrate the delicious cruelties of Theatre of Blood, Douglas Hickox’ 1973 revenge picture starring Vincent Price as an actor who finds an ingenious way to strike back at his critics. Your genial host Norm Wilner assures you he’s never written an ill word about Reece Shearsmith.

Pat Thornton on A Serious Man Mar 28, 2017

He just dropped his comedy special Different Times and plays Mayor Tom Hogg in Filth City, so it’s the perfect time for Pat Thornton to sit down and discuss the existential and literal chaos of Joel and Ethan Coen’s 2009 comedy masterpiece A Serious Man. That’s right, your genial host Norm Wilner calls it a masterpiece. What, you’re going to argue?

Sofia Bohdanowicz on Dancer in the Dark Mar 21, 2017

With her first feature Never Eat Alone making its Toronto premiere at the TIFF Bell Lightbox this Saturday, March 25th, writer-director Sofia Bohdanowicz discusses the undeniable pull of Lars Von Trier’s 2000 misery musical Dancer in the Dark — yes, the one where Bjork goes to prison. Your genial host Norm Wilner is … conflicted.

Kevan Funk on Safe Mar 14, 2017

Writer-director Kevan Funk, whose first feature Hello Destroyer is now playing in Toronto and Ottawa before rolling out across Canada in the coming weeks, digs into the context and commentary of Todd Haynes’ devastating 1995 drama Safe. Your genial host Norm Wilner had an immunity suit on hand in the studio.

Tatiana Maslany and Tom Cullen on There Will Be Blood Mar 07, 2017

With their powerhouse drama The Other Half arriving on VOD in Canada today and in American theatrical release this Friday, March 10th, co-stars Tatiana Maslany and Tom Cullen discuss a mutual favorite, Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2007 American epic There Will Be Blood. Your genial host Norm Wilner is the first to do the Daniel Plainview voice … but don’t worry, everyone gets a turn.

Guy Maddin on Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia Feb 28, 2017

Revered Canadian filmmaker Guy Maddin (Brand Upon the Brain!, My Winnipeg and most recently The Forbidden Room) dives into the muck and grime of Sam Peckinpah’s Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia, the 1974 movie where Warren Oates drives around Mexico with a head in a sack and a thirst for bloody vengeance. Your genial host Norm Wilner is as surprised by this choice as you are.

Daniela Saioni on Grosse Pointe Blank Feb 21, 2017

Veteran stand-up comic and script supervisor (and nascent screenwriter) Daniela Saioni takes up the cause for Grosse Pointe Blank, the perpetually underrated 1997 action-comedy that may actually be John Cusack’s finest hour. Your genial host Norm Wilner will take any opportunity to put George Armitage’s name back into circulation, so that works out nicely.

Natalie Brown on Strictly Ballroom Feb 14, 2017

You’ve seen her in everything from Sophie to The Strain, and now Natalie Brown — starring in The Box, Jovanka Vuckovic’s contribution to the horror anthology XX — puts on her dancing shoes for a spin through Baz Lurhmann’s 1992 debut Strictly Ballroom. Your genial host Norm Wilner just wants to learn the Bogo Pogo.

Mark O’Brien on The Game Feb 10, 2017

As Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival rolls onto Blu-ray and DVD — and rolls towards the Oscars later this month — actor Mark O’Brien drops in to talk about another tale of seductive, impenetrable mystery: David Fincher’s 1997 thriller The Game. Your genial host Norm Wilner may or may not be in on this.

Adrianna DiLonardo and Sarah Rotella on The Lord of the Rings trilogy Feb 07, 2017

As their charming comedy Almost Adults goes live on VOD platforms worldwide, writer Adrianna DiLonardo and director Sarah Rotella settle in to talk about Peter Jackson’s gargantuan adaptation of The Lord of the Rings and the whole Middle-Earth thing. Your genial host Norm Wilner recorded this between second breakfast and elevenses.

Grace Lynn Kung on Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Jan 31, 2017

She’s in theaters in Miss Sloane and on TV screen in Mary Kills People, and now Grace Lynn Kung is in your ears to talk about Steven Spielberg’s 1989 blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, which turns out to be awfully relevant to the current political moment. Or maybe it’s just one of those movies that will always be relevant. Your genial host Norm Wilner is open to either interpretation.

Naomi Skwarna on Margaret Jan 24, 2017

As Dim the Fluorescents has its second screening at Slamdance, co-star Naomi Skwarna stands up for the complex, messy humanity of Kenneth Lonergan’s Margaret — and all of Lonergan’s work, really, which is why this episode includes sweves into You Can Count on Me and Manchester By the Sea. Your genial host Norm Wilner is up for it.

Daniel Warth on Love Streams Jan 20, 2017

You’ve been good and you deserve a special Friday episode, so here’s Dim the Fluorescents director Daniel Warth — who’ll be in Park City for its Slamdance world premiere tomorrow night — on John Cassavetes’ 1984 swan song Love Streams. Your genial host Norm Wilner can’t believe this is the show’s 100th episode. Where did the time go?

Jamie Kastner on The Producers Jan 17, 2017

His new documentary The Skyjacker’s Tale opens in Toronto on Friday, January 20th, so what better excuse for filmmaker Jamie Kastner to spend an hour talking about Mel Brooks’ 1968 bad-taste masterpiece The Producers? That’s right! None better! Your genial host Norm Wilner promises not to sing “Prisoners of Love”, even though he knows the whole song by heart.

Matt Watts on The Heartbreak Kid Jan 10, 2017

With Michael: Every Day returning to CBC this Sunday, January 15th, actor and writer Matt Watts sits down to talk about his love for — and fascination with — Elaine May’s excruciating 1972 comedy The Heartbreak Kid. Your genial host Norm Wilner still has the scars from the Farrelly Brothers remake.

Phillip Iscove on Wonder Boys Jan 03, 2017

As Sleepy Hollow starts up its fourth season this Friday on Fox, co-creator and executive producer Phillip Iscove drops in to burnish the reputation of Curtis Hanson’s underrated character comedy Wonder Boys. Your genial host Norm Wilner wishes you all a happy 2017.

Aaron Costa Ganis on The Fisher King Dec 27, 2016

It’s the last episode of 2016, and actor Aaron Costa Ganis — who co-stars in the new drama Lazy Eye — sees this grim year out with Terry Gilliam’s The Fisher King, which remains distressingly relevant a quarter-century after its release. Your genial host Norm Wilner is always up for a Gilliam picture.

Kevin Seccia on The Magnificent Seven Dec 20, 2016

As Antoine Fuqua’s remake arrives on disc, writer and CaseFiles of Columbo co-host Kevin Seccia reminds us why John Sturges’ first run at The Magnificent Seven remains so satisfying — and it’s not just because Steve McQueen is so damn magnetic. Your genial host Norm Wilner apologizes for telling the “Gus Van Sant’s Psycho” story again.

Whit Stillman on The Gay Divorcee and Wagon Master Dec 13, 2016

Oscar-nominated screenwriter and director Whit Stillman reaches across the decades to program an RKO Studios double feature: Mark Sandrich’s 1934 Astaire-Rogers musical The Gay Divorcee and John Ford’s 1950 Western Wagon Master. Your genial host Norm Wilner went all the way to the Upper East Side to secure this holiday treat.

Raoul Bhaneja on Lawrence of Arabia Dec 06, 2016

He shares the screen in Miss Sloane with Jessica Chastain, Michael Stuhlbarg and Sam Waterston, but right now Raoul Bhaneja just wants to gaze at the majesty of David Lean’s essential 1962 epic Lawrence of Arabia. Your genial host Norm Wilner cannot blame him.

Joey Klein on James White Nov 29, 2016

Before his new drama The Other Half opens in Toronto and Vancouver this Friday, writer-director Joey Klein drops in to talk about his admiration for James White, Josh Mond’s harrowing 2015 character study starring Christopher Abbott as a disintegrating New Yorker doing his best to care for his dying mother. Your genial host Norm Wilner is ready to go deep on this one.

Becky Johnson on Badlands Nov 22, 2016

Actor and improviser Becky Johnson, currently onstage in Toronto’s Second City revue Come What Mayhem, celebrates the seductive pull of Terrence Malick’s Badlands in an episode that winds through philosophy, grace and the human fascination of violence. Your genial host Norm Wilner couldn’t be happier with that.

Douglas Trumbull on How the West Was Won Nov 18, 2016

What’s this? A special Friday bonus episode? And it features living legend Douglas Trumbull on how the experience of seeing How the West Was Won in glorious Cinerama led him to dedicate his life to expanding our conception of cinema? Your genial host Norm Wilner hopes you don’t mind.

Torri Higginson on Wings of Desire Nov 15, 2016

She stars in CBC’s family drama This Life and can be seen this Friday in the theatrical release The History of Love, but right now actor Torri Higginson wants to share her love for Wim Wenders’ compassionate masterwork Wings of Desire. And you should listen to her, because your genial host Norm Wilner is feeling like love and compassion are in pretty short supply these days.

Dan Payne on Seven Psychopaths Nov 08, 2016

You saw him under several pounds of makeup in Star Trek Beyond as Enterprise security guard Wadjet, but this week actor Dan Payne is just his ordinary, enthusiastic self as he discusses Martin McDonagh’s 2012 caper comedy Seven Psychopaths. Your genial host Norm Wilner really hopes there’s an America left to enjoy this episode.

Lucas Neff on All the President’s Men Nov 01, 2016

The U.S. election is just a week away, so it’s the ideal time for actor Lucas Neff (Fear, Inc., I Love You Both, ABC’s upcoming Downward Dog) to discuss the still sadly relevant All the President’s Men. And if you’re in Toronto on Thursday November 3rd, come see your genial host Norm Wilner introduce a screening of Alan J. Pakula’s perfect political procedural at the Revue Cinema with Brendan Canning!

Mark Gagliardi on Center Stage Oct 25, 2016

Recorded live in New York City, actor Mark Gagliardi — whom you may know as Croach the Tracker on The Thrilling Adventure Hour, or as himself on Drunk History and We Got This With Mark and Hal — shares his entirely genuine love for Nicholas Hytner’s 2000 theater-kid melodrama Center Stage. Your genial host Norm Wilner can see the appeal.

Jean Grae on Fight Club Oct 18, 2016

In the first of two episodes recorded earlier this month in New York City, Jean Grae drops by the show to discuss Fight Club, and how she finds inspiration from David Fincher’s rebellious counterculture comedy, which really puts the “cult” in “cult cinema”. Your genial host Norm Wilner is Jack’s intense curiosity.

Paul Sun-Hyung Lee on Jaws Oct 11, 2016

Somebody finally picked Jaws! And it’s actor Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, who stars in the new CBC comedy Kim’s Convenience! The result is a journey through Steven Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster — you know, the one with the shark — with a full appreciation for its thrilling energy, thoughtful character work and timeless power. This is the episode your genial host Norm Wilner has been waiting for.

Hugh Gibson on Star Trek VI The Undiscovered Country Oct 04, 2016

His excellent new documentary The Stairs opens this Friday at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto, and Hugh Gibson marks the occasion by talking about Nicholas Meyer’s Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, the last big-screen adventure of the original series cast. No, Generations doesn’t count. Your genial host Norm Wilner will explain why.

Noel Clarke on Pulp Fiction Sep 27, 2016

At TIFF for the North American premiere of his new film BrOTHERHOOD, actor, screenwriter and director Noel Clarke goes deep on Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 indie blockbuster Pulp Fiction – the film that changed the face of American cinema, made Samuel L. Jackson a movie star and made John Travolta great again. Your genial host Norm Wilner has no complaints about this.

Kristin Wallace on Thelma and Louise Sep 20, 2016

Actor-writer-producer Kristin Wallace — whose new film Moments of Clarity opens theatrically in Toronto this Friday — takes advantage of the post-TIFF lull to revisit Ridley Scott’s 1991 buddy movie Thelma & Louise. Your genial host Norm Wilner is riding shotgun.

Alice Lowe on Labyrinth Sep 12, 2016

She’s bringing her directorial debut Prevenge from Venice to TIFF, but Alice Lowe will always have a special place in her heart for Jim Henson’s Labyrinth — and for David Bowie’s weirdly sexy Goblin King. In an episode recorded earlier this year in London, she discusses all of that and more as your genial host Norm Wilner tries to distract a cranky baby.

Daniel MacIvor on Sunday Bloody Sunday Sep 06, 2016

As he prepares for the world premiere of his new movie Weirdos at TIFF this Friday, screenwriter (and actor, and director, and playwright, and living legend) Daniel MacIvor stops in to talk about Sunday Bloody Sunday, John Schlesinger’s quietly searing 1971 drama starring Peter Finch, Glenda Jackson and Murray Head as a man, a woman and the lover they share. Your genial host Norm Wilner actually made tea for this one.

Sam Maggs on Serenity Aug 30, 2016

Fan Expo is coming to Toronto, so author Sam Maggs — who’ll be there Friday through Sunday, signing copies of The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy and promoting her new book Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors and Trailblazers Who Changed History — brings some true Browncoat love for Serenity, Joss Whedon’s 2005 big-screen sequel to his beloved space western Firefly. Your genial host Norm Wilner aims to misbehave.

John Magary on Wolf Aug 23, 2016

Writer-director John Magary, whose film The Mend was one of the best pictures you didn’t see last year, celebrates the curious hybrid of horror and social satire that is Mike Nichols’ 1994 Wolf — you know, the one where Jack Nicholson and James Spader have a literal pissing contest over Michelle Pfeiffer. Your genial host Norm Wilner cannot help but encourage him.

Rob Connolly on Who Framed Roger Rabbit Aug 16, 2016

As his new film Edge of Winter makes its way into North American theatres, director Rob Connolly takes the podcast to Toontown for a conversation about Robert Zemeckis’ delightful 1988 blockbuster Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Your genial host Norm Wilner doesn’t see a single weasel in the room, no sir.

Kazik Radwanski on Stroszek Aug 09, 2016

With his new feature How Heavy This Hammer opening in Toronto and Vancouver this week, filmmaker Kazik Radwanski drops by the studio to talk about Stroszek, Werner Herzog’s singular 1977 tale of alienation, despair and dancing chickens. Your genial host Norm Wilner keeps the impression to a respectful minimum.

Andrew Carmellini on The Blues Brothers Aug 02, 2016

New York chef Andrew Carmellini — who designed the dishes in Simply Irresistible before setting off on the path that led to Locanda Verde, The Dutch, Lafayette, Bar Primi, Little Park and the soon-to-be-opening Leuca — celebrates The Blues Brothers the only way he can: Through the music, man. Your genial host Norm Wilner regrets not wearing sunglasses.

Enrico Colantoni on Midnight Run Jul 26, 2016

Beloved actor Enrico Colantoni — of Galaxy Quest, Veronica Mars, Flashpoint, Remedy and the new psychological thriller The Dark Stranger, available today on DVD and on demand — brings the love for Martin Brest’s 1988 action comedy Midnight Run and the perfection of a still-youthful Robert De Niro. Your genial host Norm Wilner wants to know where he gets his sunglasses.

Trevor Juras on Grizzly Man Jul 19, 2016

With his wilderness thriller The Interior newly available on demand and on disc, filmmaker Trevor Juras sits down to discuss another study of creeping dread in the great outdoors: Werner Herzog’s 2005 documentary Grizzly Man. Honestly, your genial host Norm Wilner would have just stayed home.

Connor Jessup on Still Walking Jul 12, 2016

Actor-filmmaker Connor Jessup, who stars in Blackbird, American Crime and the upcoming Closet Monster, stands up for Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Still Walking, a 2008 drama about a very specific day in the lives of a Japanese family. Your genial host Norm Wilner is really happy about this, because more people should know about this movie.

Ian MacIntyre on Ghostbusters Jul 05, 2016

Writer and comedian Ian MacIntyre (Degrassi: Next Class, Inspector Gadget, George of the Jungle) has been a fan of Ghostbusters almost all of his life, so what better time to bring him into the basement for an appreciation of Ivan Reitman’s 1984 comedy? Incidentally, you’ll be happy to hear your genial host Norm Wilner has mostly recovered from his cold.

Michelle Lovretta on Aliens Jun 28, 2016

With her awesome space adventure series Killjoys kicking off its second season on Syfy and Space this Friday, writer-producer Michelle Lovretta pulls herself away from the edit bay to talk about another space adventure: James Cameron’s Aliens, the 1986 sequel that rewrote the rules for an entire franchise. Your genial host Norm Wilner apologizes for his terrible cold.

Dana Gould on Dr Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb Jun 21, 2016

This episode is a goodie for a couple of reasons: First, the guest is comedian and writer Dana Gould, who’s worked on two of the greatest sitcoms ever produced, The Simpsons and Parks and Recreation. Second, the movie is Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, which remains as vital a cinematic satire now as it was five decades ago. Your genial host Norm Wilner just tries not to get in the way.

Allan Ungar on The Rock Jun 14, 2016

His retro action thriller Gridlocked arrives on Blu-ray, DVD and VOD today, but director Allan Ungar is taking a moment to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Michael Bay’s The Rock — the movie where Nicolas Cage yells at Sean Connery and lives to tell the tale. Your genial host Norm Wilner was surprised to realize there’s a Michael Bay movie he can discuss non-sarcastically.

Maureen Judge on the Before Trilogy Jun 07, 2016

The Before Trilogy. Sure, Richard Linklater’s decades-spanning walk-and-talk cycle is an ambitious pick, but filmmaker Maureen Judge is up to the challenge; with her new documentary My Millennial Life streaming on TVO.org, she tackles the love story of Jesse and Celine from a number of interesting angles. Your genial host Norm Wilner implores you not to listen to this episode if you haven’t seen the movies.

Jonas Chernick on Swingers May 31, 2016

With his new movie Borealis opening the Brooklyn Film Festival this Friday (and newly available for rental and purchase on iTunes Canada), actor-screenwriter-producer Jonas Chernick takes a moment to savor the joys of Swingers, the movie that made Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn indie idols and launched Doug Liman’s mostly magnificent directorial career. Your genial host Norm Wilner thinks this choice is so money.

Carolina Bartczak on Volver May 24, 2016

Actor-producer Carolina Bartczak, whom you’re about to see opposite Michael Fassbender in X-Men Apocalypse, brings Pedro Almodovar’s Volver into the basement to feast upon its swooning visuals, its complex script and Penelope Cruz’ unforgettable performance. Your genial host Norm Wilner has been there.

Jackie Kashian on Holiday Inn May 17, 2016

You’ve seen her on stage, you’ve heard her on The Dork Forest and The Jackie and Laurie Show and you’ll catch her on Netflix in Lady Dynamite this Friday, May 20th; now, Jackie Kashian sits down to celebrate Holiday Inn, Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby’s run through the calendar to the songs of Irving Berlin. Your genial host Norm Wilner has to be the one to bring up the blackface sequence.

Nadia Litz on Klute May 10, 2016

As her new film The People Garden opens for a limited run at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, actor and filmmaker Nadia Litz sinks deep into the world of Klute, Alan J. Pakula’s singular New York thriller starring Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland as two very different people united by an inexplicable disappearance. Your genial host Norm Wilner can’t get over the footage of New York in the early 70s.

David Bezmozgis on Holy Motors May 03, 2016

His new movie Natasha opens the Toronto JewishFilm Festival on Thursday and goes into theatrical release inToronto and Vancouver on Friday, so this seemed like the perfecttime to get author and filmmaker DavidBezmozgis into the basement to talk about the cinematicjoyride that is Leos Carax’ Holy Motors. Fun fact:Your genial host Norm Wilner did this entire episode ina leotard covered with dots.

Jay Cheel on Superman III Apr 26, 2016

With his new documentary How to Build a Time Machineabout to make its world premiere at Hot Docs on May 2nd, filmmaker Jay Cheel distracts himself by talking about Richard Lester’s Superman III, which broke from the cosmic seriousness of its predecessors to let Christopher Reeve’s Man of Steel have a little fun. Your genial host Norm Wilner really needed this after Batman V Superman: Death of Joy.

Kristine Cofsky on Rachel Getting Married Apr 22, 2016

In a special Friday bonus episode, actor and photographer Kristine Cofsky — whose new film No Men Beyond This Point opens in Toronto tomorrow, and drops on iTunes next week — brings big love for Jonathan Demme’s 2008 drama Rachel Getting Married. Your genial host Norm Wilner always cries at fake weddings.

Ferdia Walsh-Peelo on The Revenant Apr 19, 2016

Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, star of John Carney’s new period musical Sing Street, crafts a love song to The Revenant, Alejandro G. Inarritu’s Oscar-winning tale of a fur trapper on an epic quest for vengeance against them what done him wrong. Your genial host Norm Wilner chokes it down like bison liver.

The Blaine Brothers on Trainspotting Apr 12, 2016

Filmmaker siblings Chris and Ben Blaine, creators of the remarkable new film Nina Forever, dive deep into Danny Boyle’s 1996 breakout Trainspotting in an extra-long, extra-great episode recorded on location in London, England. Your genial host Norm Wilner is delighted that you can hear birds chirping through the studio window.

Sean Garrity on Naked Lunch Apr 05, 2016

With his new film Borealis opening in Toronto on Friday, and rolling out across Canada in the weeks to come, director Sean Garrity brings us our first David Cronenberg joint, and it’s a good one: Naked Lunch, the surrealistic 1991 William S. Burroughs adaptation that launched the second act of Cronenberg’s career — and showed us Peter Weller had a damn fine deadpan. Your genial host Norm Wilner went easy on the bug powder for this episode.

Matt Hansen on Field of Dreams Mar 29, 2016

With the 2016 baseball season starting up, screenwriter Matt Hansen (Zoom) brings Phil Alden Robinson’s Field of Dreams into the basement for a conversation about magic realism, mysterious voices and emotional honesty. Your genial host Norm Wilner might have teared up a little.

Aaron Hillis on Ishtar Mar 22, 2016

Journalist and filmmaker Aaron Hillis — who also runs Video Free Brooklyn, one of New York’s last surviving video stores — sits down to discuss the singular genius of Elaine May’s underrated 1987 comedy Ishtar, starring Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman as hack singer-songwriters who become embroiled in an elaborate Middle Eastern spy caper. Be warned that your genial host Norm Wilner sings a few bars of “Dangerous Business”.

Jeremy LaLonde on Annie Hall Mar 15, 2016

SEMcast is a year old! Holy crap, right? And to help us celebrate the occasion, filmmaker Jeremy LaLonde — whosenew comedy How to Plan an Orgy in a Small Town opens the Canadian Film Festival in Toronto March 30th — comes to the basement with a stone classic: Woody Allen’s Annie Hall, the 1977 comedy that captured a culture and defined a genre. Your genial host Norm Wilner has Marshall McLuhan waiting in the wings.

Robert Budreau on Raging Bull Mar 08, 2016

With his new Chet Baker biopic Born to Be Blue opening in Toronto this Friday and rolling out in the US later this month, writer-director Robert Budreau picks a hell of a bruiser: Raging Bull, Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro’s 1980 study of self-destructive boxer Jake La Motta. Your genial host Norm Wilner keeps the ice bucket handy.

Christopher Warre Smets on Out of Sight Mar 01, 2016

With his short film This Is Not What You Had Planned just added to the National Screen Institute’s Online Short Film Festival, writer-director Christopher Warre Smets tackles Steven Soderbergh’s Out of Sight — the movie that saved George Clooney’s career, made people take Jennifer Lopez seriously and set a bar for cinematic Elmore Leonard adaptations that stands to this day. Your genial host Norm Wilner can’t believe neither of us could remember the film was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film Editing.

Adam Benzine on Primer Feb 23, 2016

Before he takes his documentary Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah to the Academy Awards later this week, journalist and filmmaker Adam Benzine steals a moment to celebrate Shane Carruth's singular 2004 time-travel drama Primer. Your genial host Norm Wilner does his best not to meddle with the integrity of the conversational timeline.

Jennifer Liao on Scott Pilgrim vs the World Feb 16, 2016

With her new movie End of Days, Inc. opening in Toronto on Friday, director Jennifer Liao brings Edgar Wright's 2010 Scott Pilgrim vs. the World into the basement to celebrate its giddy spirit, its goofy romantic heart and its authentic Toronto locations. Your genial host Norm Wilner has garlic bread at the ready.

Sarah Gadon on Cléo from 5 to 7 Feb 09, 2016

Fresh from the set of 11/22/63, actor and filmmaker Sarah Gadon brings some serious theory— and no small amount of personal perspective—to Agnès Varda's breakthrough 1962 drama Cléo from 5 to 7. Your genial host Norm Wilner is totally on board.

Ben Lewis on Tootsie Feb 02, 2016

Actor, writer and director Ben Lewis (Zero Recognition) tackles the farce structure and thorny gender politics of Sydney Pollack's 1982 Tootsie, the comedy that put Dustin Hoffman in a dress to make him a better man. Your genial host Norm Wilner refrains from Michael Dorsey impressions.

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