Her Head in Films

In this episode, I talk about Francis Ford Coppola’s 1974 film, "The Conversation." The film follows Harry Caul, a wiretapper in San Francisco who becomes obsessed with a recording he’s made of a young couple in a crowded park. As Harry pieces together fragments of their conversation, he’s drawn into a spiral of paranoia, guilt, and loneliness.I explore what makes "The Conversation" a masterpiece—not just as a film about surveillance and paranoia, but as an intimate character study. I talk about Harry’s profound loneliness, his complicity in his own alienation, and the psychic toll of a life spent surveilling others from a distance. If you’d like to support my work and get access to bonus episodes and exclusive posts, you can join me on Patreon: patreon.com/herheadinfilmspodcast.You can follow me on Letterboxd. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com.My Sources:Interview between Brian De Palma and Francis Ford Coppola'The Conversation:' Francis Ford Coppola's Paranoia-Ridden Tale of Surveillance, Guilt, and Isolation 

In this special episode, I talk about why I’ve launched a new Patreon for Her Head in Films. This isn’t just about supporting a podcast—it’s about helping me stay afloat in a very difficult and uncertain time in my life. After losing my mom and becoming the sole provider for my household, I’m trying to rebuild from nothing. I work multiple jobs, and I’m doing everything I can to survive while continuing to create something meaningful.This podcast is my soul work. It’s how I stay alive. It’s the archive of my emotional life, my grief, and my love for cinema. If you’ve ever felt connected to what I do here—if my voice has meant something to you—I invite you to join me on Patreon. Your support helps me keep going.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/herheadinfilmspodcastYou can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com.

In this episode, I talk about Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s 1972 film, "The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant." The film tells the story of Petra, a successful fashion designer in a complicated and obsessive relationship with a younger woman named Karin. Set almost entirely in Petra’s apartment, the film unravels the entanglements of power, desire, and emotional dependency.This episode is one of my most personal. I reflect on the ways the film mirrors an experience I had with unrequited love—an experience that consumed me for over two years. I talk about the madness and chaos of desire, the pain of not being chosen, and the way obsession can distort how we see ourselves and others.Note: This episode was recorded before my mother's death. That is why I talk about her in the present tense.You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com.My Sources:Mise en Scène as Power Struggle by Jonathan RosenbaumMelodrama and the Remake: The Cinematic Influence of Douglas Sirk on FassbinderHanna Schygulla on working with FassbinderWhat is New German Cinema?New German Cinema

In this episode, I talk about Hayao Miyazaki’s 1989 film, 'Kiki’s Delivery Service.' It’s about a 13-year-old witch who must spend a year away from home, learning to live independently and share her gifts. As Kiki opens a delivery service and begins to grow weary and uncertain, she meets women who offer her refuge, wisdom, and friendship. I talk about how this film explores what it means to lose your magic and to slowly find it again. I recorded this at a time when I’m learning to believe in myself again after great loss.All My Sources:Deborah Levy's The Cost of LivingDiscoverGhibli on YoutubeLetters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria RilkeMore about the fictional town of KorikoYou can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com.

In this episode, I talk about Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 film, "My Neighbor Totoro." It’s about two young girls who discover magical forest spirits after moving to a rural home with their father to be closer to their hospitalized mother. I recorded this episode in the wake of my own mother’s death, and I speak about how grief has shaped my experience of the film. I talk about watching the entire Studio Ghibli catalog and reflect on childhood, absence, and how nature and cinema offer solace when nothing else can.All My Sources:Hayao Miyazaki, The Auteur of Anime9 Facts About My Neighbor TotoroDefining the World of My Neighbor TotoroEverything You Need to Know About Japan's Iconic Studio GhibliStudio Ghibli: The Japanese Animation Powerhouse That Conquered The WorldHayao Miyazaki: The Life and Lasting Influence of the Studio Ghibli Auteur-AnimatorWhat is Hildegard's Viriditas?You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com. 

In this episode, I talk about Ingmar Bergman’s 1972 film, "Cries and Whispers," a haunting and intimate portrait of a woman dying and the people around her. I begin by sharing about my own mother’s death, how I was with her to the very end, and how this film has taken on a deeper resonance for me now.Though the episode was recorded before her cancer diagnosis and passing, I was already in the role of caregiver. I reflect on how "Cries and Whispers" captures the loneliness of illness, the coldness we sometimes encounter in the world, and the deep human need for tenderness, love, and presence, especially in the face of pain, death, and the deterioration of the body.Sources:Images by Ingmar BergmanIngmar Bergman websiteYou can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com.

In this episode, I talk about Frédéric Back's 1987 Academy Award-winning animated short film, "The Man Who Planted Trees." Adapted from a book by Jean Giono, it tells the story of a French shepherd who plants trees for decades and revitalizes an entire region. It's a film about how to live, how to care for the earth, and how to make the world a better place through small but meaningful acts. This has become one of my favorite films of all time because of the way it inspires me to think about what I want to contribute and the kind of person I want to be. I can honestly say that this film changed something inside me. This episode is an attempt to describe how this one little film has made such a profound impact on my life.You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com.

In this episode, I talk about Delbert Mann's precious 1955 film, "Marty." It tells the story of Marty, a 34-year-old butcher who has struggled all his life to find love. One night, he meets Clara, a woman who can relate to his loneliness. This is a film about the pain of invisibility and the power of connection. It's about what it means to finally feel seen after a lifetime of rejection.This is a deeply personal episode for me, but it's one that I hope reaches anyone who might need to hear it and to be reminded that they are not alone.The audio quality is the best I could provide right now. Apologies if it is not up-to-par for some. I did my best.Note: I am not doing regular or consistent episodes, but I will release an episode when I feel I have something of value to say about a film.You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com.

In this episode, I talk about Franco Piavoli's luminous 1996 documentary, "Voices Through Time." It captures the daily life of the inhabitants of a small Italian village. From children playing in the woods to lovers kissing in the grass to couples rapturously dancing, Piavoli shows us the human condition in all its richness and beauty. My episode is a tribute to this life-affirming work of art, and it is a manifesto on what it means to be fully alive and how art saves us and even heals us.This is my first episode in 3 years. I do not know if I will create more, but I was so deeply moved by this film that I felt compelled to share my thoughts about it. I appreciate all who listen.The audio quality is the best I could provide right now. Apologies if it is not up-to-par for some. I did my best.You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com.

In this episode, I talk about Robert Eggers's 2015 film, "The Witch." It looks at a New England Puritan family in the 1600s that is exiled from their community. They go to live in a remote area, and terrifying things begin to happen. The eldest daughter is blamed for these events and accused of being a witch. I talk about witch hunts, the feminist aspects of the film, my very personal reaction to the ending, and much more. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanAll My SourcesThe Witch blu-rayThe Burning Times (1990)Goddess Remembered (1989)Women and Spirituality TrilogyRobert Eggers interview with The A.V. ClubRobert Eggers interview with RogerEbert.comRobert Eggers Interview with BFIRobert Eggers interview with Wired.comRobert Eggers interview with The VergeRobert Eggers interview with The Atlantic 

In this episode, I talk about the 1945 film "Humoresque." Joan Crawford plays a socialite tormented by her love for a younger man--played by John Garfield--who is a passionate violinist trying to break into the music world. Her money and connections help him find success, but her hard-drinking and intense desire lead to her own self-destruction. I adore this film. I talk about the music in it, how it looks at desire, and much more. As always, there are spoilers in this episode.Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanFull Show Notes: Use the code “CINEMA” to get your first month free at OVID.TVMy favorite films on OVIDKelly Loves TonyA Maid for EachMy episode on Michael Curtiz's Mildred PierceMy episode on Jane Campion's In the CutAutumn LeavesFranz WaxmanIsaac SternRebecca by Daphne du MaurierRebecca by Alfred HitchcockThe Postman Always Rings TwiceLauraDouble IndemnityLeave Her to HeavenOn the WaterfrontA Streetcar Named DesireRebel Without a CauseMy episode on Joachim Trier's Oslo August 31stMy episode on Wim Wenders's Wings of DesireMy episode on Vittorio De Sica's Umberto D."Vissi d'arte" sung by Maria Callas"China" by Tori AmosSusan Sontag's "Reborn"All My SourcesHumoresque DVDYou Must Remember This episode on John GarfieldYou Must Remember This series on Joan Crawford

In this episode, I talk about Michael Curtiz's 1945 film "Mildred Pierce." Joan Crawford won an Oscar for her performance as the title character, a mother who, in the wake of the end of her marriage, starts her own restaurant business and tries to give a better life to her two daughters--Veda and Kay. But her eldest daughter Veda has an insatiable and destructive desire for material possessions and Mildred will stop at nothing to give Veda all that she wants. This is a magnificent film about motherhood and class mobility. I talk about Joan Crawford's life, why she fascinates me as an actress, and I also delve into "Mommie Dearest." As always, there are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes: Use the code “CINEMA” to get your first month free at OVID.TVMy favorite films on OVIDPainted Landscapes of the TimesFresh KillMy episode on Michael Haneke's AmourHumoresqueJoan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star (2002)Mommie DearestMy episode on Ingmar Bergman's Autumn SonataJohnny GuitarMildred Pierce by James M. CainMy episode on Michael Curtiz's CasablancaLuLaRich documentaryMy episode on Ken Loach's I, Daniel BlakeAll My SourcesCriterion Collection edition of Mildred PierceKarina Longworth's six-part series about Joan Crawford on You Must Remember This

In this episode, I talk about Mike Newell's 1991 film, "Enchanted April." It's about four women in 1920s Britain who rent a castle in the Italian countryside. Their vacation in Italy will forever transform their lives. The much-needed break from ordinary life leads to spiritual rejuvenation, a deep connection to nature, and a powerful bond with each other. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanFull Show Notes: My episode on Audrey Wells's Under the Tuscan SunMy episode on David Lean's SummertimeAll Things Must Pass by George HarrisonAura meditation appThe Enchanted April by Elizabeth von ArnimFour Weddings and a FuneralMy episode on James Ivory's Maurice"Funeral Blues" by W.H. AudenThe HoursBridget Jones's DiaryLove ActuallyPride and PrejudiceMy episode on Girl with a Pearl EarringKatherine Mansfield"Bliss" by Katherine Mansfield"Miss Brill" by Katherine Mansfield"The Garden Party" by Katherine Mansfield"A Dill Pickle" by Katherine Mansfield"The Stranger" by Katherine Mansfield"Katherine Mansfield, Virginia Woolf, and the Benefits of Jealous Friends" (The Paris Review)The Great BeautyMy episode on L'avventuraMy episode on Umberto D.My episode on Journey to ItalyMy episode on Joanna Hogg's UnrelatedThe White Lotus 

In this episode, I talk about Audrey Wells's 2003 film, "Under the Tuscan Sun." I've loved this film since I was a teenager. It stars Diane Lane as a woman who goes through a devastating divorce and goes to Italy and renovates a house. In the process of this home renovation, she reconnects with life and experiences emotional renewal. For me, this film is really about a woman who survives heartbreak and creates a new life for herself. This episode contains spoilers. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanFull Show Notes:Belinda Carlisle - Heaven is a Place on EarthBlack Mirror: San JuniperoMy episode on Brokeback MountainThe Great BeautyMy episode on James Ivory's MauriceMy episode on David Lean's SummertimeMy episode on Joanna Hogg's UnrelatedMy episode on Michelangelo Antonioni's L'avventuraUnfaithfulSidewaysAll My Sources:Under the Tuscan Sun DVDDiane Lane Answers Every Question We Have About Under the Tuscan Sun (Vulture.com) 

In this episode, I talk about Michael Haneke's controversial and thought-provoking 1997 film, "Funny Games." It's a thriller that breaks all the rules and raises questions about the representation of violence in mass media. A family is terrorized in their vacation home by two young men who take enjoyment in brutality and degradation. Haneke uses surprising and unexpected techniques to confront the audience of his film and to make us think deeper and more critically about the violence and suffering we see in movies and television. This episode contains spoilers. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanFull Show Notes:My episode on Michael Haneke's The Piano TeacherMy episode on Bong Joon-ho's Memories of MurderMy episode on Three Colors: BlueMy episode on Big NightMy episode on Elem Klimov's Come and SeeMy episode on Michael Haneke's AmourLoeb and LeopoldMulholland DriveMy episode on The Lives of OthersThe Cheshire MurdersThe Murder of Joan, Michelle, and Christe RogersAll My SourcesCriterion Collection edition of Funny GamesMichael Haneke: InterviewsFunny Games: Don't You Want to See How it Ends? (Criterion.com)

In this episode, I talk about Michael Haneke's 2012 film, "Amour." It's about Georges and Anne, an elderly Parisian couple who have their lives turned upside down after Anne suffers a stroke. This is a deeply devastating film that resonated with me. For over a year now, my mom has been struggling with her health and I've become a caregiver for her. I talk about the difficult experience of caring for someone and watching them suffer. I hope that, by sharing my experience, I can help others or just make them feel less alone.  This episode contains major spoilers. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanFull Show Notes:My episode on Fish TankMy episode on Oslo August 31stMy episode on Two Days, One NightMy episode on Wendy and LucyFunny GamesCacheMy episode on The Piano TeacherMy episode on Come and SeeShameHungerCries and WhispersHiroshima Mon AmourAll My SourcesAmour blu-rayMichael Haneke: Interviews "INTERIORS: An Analysis of Space in the Oscar-Nominated Film Amour" (Arch Daily)Indiewire Interview with Michael HanekeHollywood Reporter review of Amour 

In this episode, I'm talking about Jane Campion's 2009 film, "Bright Star." It's about the brief but beautiful love story between the poet John Keats and a young woman named Fanny Brawne. John Keats is considered one of the greatest poets who ever lived but he died young, before he and Fanny could create a life together. Their romance was marked by distance and the ever-present shadow of death but his passionate letters to her--which are featured throughout the film--reveal how deeply he was in love with Fanny and how much she meant to him. I talk about the relationship between Keats and Fanny, how the film shows the precarious life of a writer and explores the importance of poetry in our lives, and much more.Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:My episode on Jane Campion's The PianoMy episode on Jane Campion's In the CutBright Star bookLove Letters: Vita and VirginiaViolet to Vita : The Letters of Violet Trefusis to Vita Sackville-West, 1910-1921Open Me Carefully: Emily Dickinson's Intimate Letters to Susan Huntington Gilbert DickinsonKate Zambreno interview with The MillionsAll My SourcesBright Star DVDJohn Keats biography (Poetry Foundation) 

In this episode, I talk about Jane Campion's 2003 film, "In the Cut." Meg Ryan plays, Frannie, an English teacher who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation after parts of a woman's body are found in her garden. She may have even seen the murder victim shortly before the crime. After the lead detective on the case interviews her, the two of them become involved in a dark, torturous relationship. "In the Cut" is a deeply erotic and feminist film that centers female sexuality and female pleasure. It also explores the dark side of desire and the complicated relationships between men and women. There are spoilers in this episode. I also talk explicitly and openly about sex.  Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:My episode on Jane Campion's The PianoMy episode on Lynne Ramsay's Morvern CallarMy episode on The Double Life of VeroniqueTo the Lighthouse by Virginia WoolfMy episode on Michael Haneke's The Piano TeacherIn the Cut book by Susanna MooreOut of the PastMy episode on Singin' in the Rain"The Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power" by Audre LordeThe SilenceBlack SwanMy episode on Francois Ozon's Under the SandMy episode on Blue is the Warmest ColorBlue ValentineMy Sources:Charlie Rose interview with Jane Campion, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Meg RyanBBC interview with Jane Campion 

In this episode, I talk about Wim Wenders's 1988 film, "Wings of Desire." It's about an angel who falls in love with a trapeze artist and is willing to give up eternity and become human in order to be with her. I think this is such a powerful and poetic film about love, connection, and what it means to be human. It's a life-affirming film that always reminds me of the beauty of being alive. There are spoilers in this episode.Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:My episode on John Cassavetes's A Woman Under the InfluenceMy episode on John Cassavetes's Opening NightMy episode on Terrence Malick's Tree of Life"Too Much" by Carl Rae JepsenMy episode on George Sluizer's The Vanishing"Bad Magic" by Weyes Blood"Movies" by Weyes BloodSkeleton Tree by Nick CaveOne More Time With FeelingNick Cave's newsletter, The Red Hand FilesAnita LaneLetters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke"This Must be the Place (Naive Melody)" by Talking HeadsAll My Sources:Criterion Collection edition of Wings of DesireMichael Atkinson - "Wings of Desire: Watch the Skies" (Criterion.com)BOMB Magazine interview with Wim WendersWim Wenders on Wings of Desire (Criterion.com)

In this episode, I talk about Joachim Trier's 2011 film "Oslo August 31st." It follows Anders, a young man just out of rehab for heroin addiction, as he walks around the city of Oslo, meeting old friends and trying to decide if life is worth living. I think this is a powerful and unforgettable film that reminds us of the beauty of being alive. It's one of my favorite films from the 2010s, and I urge you to watch it if you haven't seen it yet. There are major spoilers in this episode. I also talk about suicide and mental illness.Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:If I Were a Carpenter (tribute album)The CranberriesSonic Youth - "Superstar"The Cranberries - "They Long to Be (Close to You)"The Cranberries - "Dying in the Sun"Ruth L. SchwartzThe Fire Within (1963)Jeanne MoreauAnna KarinaMonica Vitti2011 Norway Attacks22 July (2018)Message in a Bottle (1999)Desire - "Under Your Spell"David HockneyIn the Aeroplane Over the Sea by Neutral Milk HotelNeutral Milk Hotel - "Three Peaches"My episode on Three Colors: BlueTaste of Cherry (1997) All My SourcesJoachim Trier interview with Filmmaker MagazineEveryday Magic: Joachim Trier on Reimagining Louis Malle (Criterion.com)Joachim Trier interview with A Bittersweet LifeJoachim Trier interview with Film Comment magazine