Kermode on Film

In this edition of the Kermode on Film podcast, Mark talks to legendary producer John Battsek, who explains why the Oscar-winning documentary WHEN WE WERE KINGS inspired him to devote his career to enthralling documentaries.about his two documentaries released simultaneously in the summer of 2023, WHAM! and THE DEEPEST BREATH.Mark also talks to Sally Phillips and director Louis Myles, alongside Olly and Charlie – two brilliant young people with Down syndrome – about their football documentary, all about their football club, THE MIGHTY PENGUINS.Opening title quotes from:Mary Poppins (Robert Stevenson, Walt Disney Productions – featuring Julie Andrews)Nope (Jordan Peele, Universal Pictures – featuring Keke Palmer)Withnail & I (Bruce Robinson, HandMade Films – featuring Richard E. Grant)The Exorcist (William Friedkin, Warner Bros. – featuring Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair)These films are essential viewing.Watch them. Love them. Share them.They are masterpieces.MK3D is a production of HLA AgencyThis episode was edited by Alex Archbold Jones Cover photo: Julie Edwards Visuals© HLA Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is the very first edition of MK3D recorded in Edinburgh, as part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Mark Kermode talks to three iconic Scottish actors: Brian Cox, whose directorial debut Glenrothan opens later this year. Kate Dickie, who is currently on Netflix in Department Q, and Michelle Gomez, BAFTA-nominated for her role as Missy in Doctor Who.Sit back and enjoy this MK3D show recorded live at McEwan Hall in Edinburgh.With thanks to Charlotte Matheson at HLA and Lilidh Kendrick and Jenny Niven and the whole, brilliant team at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.---Opening title quotes from:Mary Poppins (Robert Stevenson, Walt Disney Productions – featuring Julie Andrews)Nope (Jordan Peele, Universal Pictures – featuring Keke Palmer)Withnail & I (Bruce Robinson, HandMade Films – featuring Richard E. Grant)The Exorcist (William Friedkin, Warner Bros. – featuring Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair)These films are essential viewing.Watch them. Love them. Share them.They are masterpieces.MK3D is an HLA Agency production© HLA Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode Mark talks to director Ben Wheatley. In this archival edition recorded at the BFI Southbank back in May 2023, Ben had freshly completed The Meg 2: The Trench, starring the inimitable Jason Statham. Mark and Ben dive into making of The Meg, and into the monster-movie inspirations that informed it, which include the 1961 classic Mothra, and Godzilla. And the incredible work of the legendary Ray Harryhausen. Films mentioned in this episode:The MegThe Meg 2 - The TrenchZardozA Field in EnglandHappy New Year, Colin Burstead Mothra, (Mosura) GodzillahPeople mentioned in this episode:Jason Statham Jon TurteltaubIshiro HondaEdgar Rice-BorroughsRay HarryhausenOpening title quotes from:Mary Poppins (Robert Stevenson, Walt Disney Productions – featuring Julie Andrews)Nope (Jordan Peele, Universal Pictures – featuring Keke Palmer)Withnail & I (Bruce Robinson, HandMade Films – featuring Richard E. Grant)The Exorcist (William Friedkin, Warner Bros. – featuring Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair)These films are essential viewing.Watch them. Love them. Share them.They are masterpieces.MK3D is a production of HLA AgencyThis episode was edited by Alex Archbold Jones© HLA Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Kermode on Film, Mark is joined by three fantastic guests for a lively film conversation, recorded at the BFI Southbank on Monday 10th April 2023.This is Part 1 of Show 79, in which Mark welcomes director Andrew Legge to discuss his innovative debut feature LOLA, a genre-defying Irish-British sci-fi set during World War II. Andrew talks about the creative challenges and joys of shooting the film in a “found footage” style, and about the journey of bringing such a unique vision to the screen.Next up is director Pravesh Kumar, who speaks about his heartfelt debut feature Little English, a comedy-drama set in suburban Slough about family, tradition, and finding your voice.Mark then welcomes actor, writer and improvisational legend Josie Lawrence, who talks about her performance in A Clever Woman, a bold and intimate film created through improvisation.Films and Productions Mentioned in This Episode:LOLA (Andrew Legge)Little English (Pravesh Kumar)A Clever Woman (Jon Sanders)Pakeezah (Kamal Amrohi, 1972)Rosemary’s Baby (Roman Polanski, 1968)Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence (Nagisa Ôshima, 1983)Guests in This Episode:Andrew LeggePravesh KumarJosie LawrenceOpening title quotes from:Mary Poppins (Robert Stevenson, Walt Disney Productions – featuring Julie Andrews)Nope (Jordan Peele, Universal Pictures – featuring Keke Palmer)Withnail & I (Bruce Robinson, HandMade Films – featuring Richard E. Grant)The Exorcist (William Friedkin, Warner Bros. – featuring Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair)These films are essential viewing.Watch them. Love them. Share them.They are masterpieces.MK3D is a production of HLA AgencyThis episode was edited by Alex Archbold Jones© HLA Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Kermode on Film, Mark is joined by longtime collaborator and filmmaker Jack Howard for a live conversation recorded at Latitude Festival 2025.Mark and Jack return to the Latitude stage to explore the current state of cinema, offering their perspectives on everything from Hollywood blockbusters to indie gems. With plenty of humour, insight, and disagreement along the way, the pair debate the highs and lows of modern filmmaking, reflect on recent releases and, with the audience, hazard a guess at who will be the next Bond.Films mentioned28 Years LaterA Complete UnknownA Minecraft MovieA Real PainArrivalAvatarAvatar: The Way of WaterAvengers: EndgameAvengers: Infinity WarBabygirlBlade Runner 2049Casino RoyaleClown in a CornfieldCompanionDangerous AnimalsDuneFlowFriendshipGodzillaHappy Gilmore (1 & 2)Hard TruthsHarvestHallow RoadHeaven’s GateHot MilkHow to Train Your Dragon (2010 & 2025)I Think You Should LeaveI’m Still HereJurassic World: RebirthLast SwimLilo & Stitch (2002 & 2025)LollipopLonglegsM3GAN 2.0Memoir of a SnailMegalopolisMickey 17MonstersNe Zha 2Never Say Never AgainNickel BoysNo Time to DieNosferatuOn FallingOn Her Majesty’s Secret ServiceOne Battle After AnotherProteinRestlessSantoshThe Second Time AroundSinnersSister MidnightSuperboys of MalegaonSupermanThe Brown BunnyThe BrutalistThe Cable GuyThe CreatorThe EndThe Fall GuyThe Last ShowgirlThe Lion King (1994 & 2019)The Marching BandThe MonkeyThe Phoenician SchemeThe ReturnThe Seed of a Sacred FigThe Shawshank RedemptionThe ShroudsThe Stimming PoolThe SurferTitanicTornadoWarfareWickedWhen the Light BreaksKermode on Film is an HLA Agency productionThis episode was edited by Jack Howard© HLA Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Kermode on Film, Mark welcomes two legendary guests for a lively film conversation, recorded at the BFI Southbank on Monday 14th July 2025.This is Part 2 of that show, in which Mark is joined by Allison Anders, the director of Gas Food Lodging and Grace of My Heart, to talk about her work. She talks about her experiences of working on Paris, Texas, and about her bucket list project, Paul Is Dead.Mark is also joined by best beloved writer, actor, and broadcaster Stephen Fry, who reflects on his enduring relationship with cinema, storytelling, and satire.In the first half of the 14 July MK3D show, uploaded last week, Mark was joined by Barbara Broccoli and John Carney to discuss the stage to screen production of Sing Street, and by actor and writer Arinzé Kene to talk about Harvest.Films and Productions Mentioned in This Episode:Love and MercyGrace of My HeartGas, Food, LodgingPaul Is DeadParis, TexasThe Odyssey, Christopher NolanThe Return, Uberto Pasolini, Ralph FiennesOh Brother Where Art ThouThe HobbitThere and Back AgainGaslight, Thorold Dickinson, Anton Walbrook, Diana WynyardThe Life and Death of Colonel BlimpFury, Fritz Lang, Spencer Tracy, Sylvia SidneyDambusters, Peter JacksonGuests in This Episode:Allison AndersStephen FryOpening title quotes from:Mary Poppins (Robert Stevenson, Walt Disney Productions – featuring Julie Andrews)Nope (Jordan Peele, Universal Pictures – featuring Keke Palmer)Withnail & I (Bruce Robinson, HandMade Films – featuring Richard E. Grant)The Exorcist (William Friedkin, Warner Bros. – featuring Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair)These films are essential viewing.Watch them. Love them. Share them.They are masterpieces.MK3D is a production of HLA AgencyThis episode was edited by Alex Archbold Jones© HLA Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Kermode on Film, Mark welcomes a trio of outstanding guests for a lively evening of film and conversation, recorded at the BFI Southbank on Monday 14th July 2025.Barbara Broccoli and John Carney join Mark to talk about Sing Street, the joyous, music-filled coming-of-age story originally brought to life on screen by Carney, now reimagined for the stage. As producers of the new production opening at the Lyric Hammersmith on 18 July, they discuss the creative journey from film to musical theatre and the power of music to transcend time and appeal to a wide range of audiences.Also on the show is actor and playwright Arinzé Kene, who stars in Harvest, an adaptation of Jim Crace’s acclaimed novel, directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari. With its UK cinema release set for Friday 18 July, Arinzé shares his thoughts on the film’s exploration of rural upheaval, tradition, and transformation.This is the first half of the 14 July MK3D show. In Part 2, Mark is joined by Allison Anders, the director of Gas Food Lodging and Grace of My Heart, and beloved writer, actor, and broadcaster Stephen Fry, who reflects on his enduring relationship with cinema, storytelling, and satire.Films and Productions Mentioned in This Episode:Sing Street (Lyric Hammersmith, opens 18 July)Harvest (in cinemas 18 July)OnceBegin AgainBuena Vista Social ClubJames BondCrooklynGuests in This Episode:Barbara BroccoliJohn CarneyArinzé KeneOpening title quotes from:Mary Poppins (Robert Stevenson, Walt Disney Productions – featuring Julie Andrews)Nope (Jordan Peele, Universal Pictures – featuring Keke Palmer)Withnail & I (Bruce Robinson, HandMade Films – featuring Richard E. Grant)The Exorcist (William Friedkin, Warner Bros. – featuring Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair)These films are essential viewing.Watch them. Love them. Share them.They are masterpieces.Mark Kermode Live in 3D and Kermode on Film are HLA Agency productionsThis episode was edited by Alex Archbold Jones© HLA Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mark Kermode and Jack Howard are back to rank the eight Mission: Impossible films in order of preference, and talk about everything from Tom's tumbles to theme tunes. Films and people mentioned in the two episodes are:Mission: Impossible (1996) Mission: Impossible 2 (2000) Mission: Impossible III (2006) Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025) Limp BizkitLalo SchiffrinMike OldfieldNick HornbyJohn WuSecrets of CinemaKim NewmanNick JonesWallace & GromitOceans 11Brian de PalmaJJ AbramsPhilip Seymour HoffmanTom Cruise – action movie JesusEddie HamiltonSimon PeggDoctor WhoMichael BayBen Bailey SmithChris McQuarryBrad BirdThe Incredibles Indiana Jones Dark Knight RisesMichael GiacchinoPaddingtonJurassic Park – Lost WorldJoe KramerLorne BalfeHan ZimmerSean HarrisTurandot Nessun DormaSimon MayoAlex BaldwinStanley KubrickPunch Drunk LoveHenry CavillStone ColdBrian Bosworth Terminator 2No Time to DieEthan HawkeJulie Delpy Top Gun MaverickVanessa KirbyRebecca FergusonHayley AtwellJames BondFace-OffJohn TravoltaNic CageLea SeydouxPaula Patton Ana de ArmasStar WarsJohn BoyegaJon VoightVanessa RedgraveMichelle MonaghanTrue DetectiveDuneBuster KeatonThandiwe NewtonSean Connery Jason BourneDanny Boyle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mark Kermode and Jack Howard rank the eight Mission: Impossible films in order of preference, and talk about everything from Tom's tumbles to theme tunes. Part two of their conversation is uploaded next week.Films and people mentioned in the two episodes are:Mission: Impossible (1996) Mission: Impossible 2 (2000) Mission: Impossible III (2006) Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025) Limp BizkitLalo SchiffrinMike OldfieldNick HornbyJohn WuSecrets of CinemaKim NewmanNick JonesWallace & GromitOceans 11Brian de PalmaJJ AbramsPhilip Seymour HoffmanTom Cruise – action movie JesusEddie HamiltonSimon PeggDoctor WhoMichael BayBen Bailey SmithChris McQuarryBrad BirdThe Incredibles Indiana Jones Dark Knight RisesMichael GiacchinoPaddingtonJurassic Park – Lost WorldJoe KramerLorne BalfeHan ZimmerSean HarrisTurandot Nessun DormaSimon MayoAlex BaldwinStanley KubrickPunch Drunk LoveHenry CavillStone ColdBrian Bosworth Terminator 2No Time to DieEthan HawkeJulie Delpy Top Gun MaverickVanessa KirbyRebecca FergusonHayley AtwellJames BondFace-OffJohn TravoltaNic CageLea SeydouxPaula Patton Ana de ArmasStar WarsJohn BoyegaJon VoightVanessa RedgraveMichelle MonaghanTrue DetectiveDuneBuster KeatonThandiwe NewtonSean Connery Jason BourneDanny BoyleKermode on Film is an HLA Agency productionThis episode was edited by Jack Howard© HLA Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this edition of Kermode on Film, Mark Kermode talks to legendary actor Brian Cox about his career, from Manhunter and the controversial L.I.E., all the way through to the final season of Succession.This is part two of the Mark Kermode Live in 3D show, recorded live at the BFI Southbank in April 2023.Films mentioned in this episode:SuccessionManhunterThe Silence of the LambsL.I.E.Woman of the YearBringing Up BabyPeople mentioned in this episode:Jesse ArmstrongKatherine HepburnSpencer TracyCary GrantHoward HawksAnthony Hopkins———————The opening title sequence of Kermode on Film uses quotes from:Mary Poppins, directed by Robert Stevenson and distributed by Walt Disney Motion Pictures – quote featuring Julie Andrews.Nope, written, directed and produced by Jordan Peele, and distributed by Universal Studios – quote featuring Keke Palmer.Withnail & I, written and directed by Bruce Robinson, and distributed by HandMade Films – quote featuring Richard E Grant.The Exorcist, written by William Peter Blatty and directed by William Friedkin, distributed by Warner Brothers – quote featuring Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair.We love these films. We urge you to seek them out, and watch them, again and again.They are masterpieces!Mark Kermode Live in 3D and Kermode on Film are HLA Agency productionsThis episode was edited by Alex Archbold Jones© HLA Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark is joined by actor Simon Pegg, who talks about his role in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, and reflects on his career from Spaced and the Cornetto Trilogy all the way to Hollywood.This episode of Kermode On Film was recorded live at the BFI Southbank on 9 June 2025, and was the second half of that date's Mark Kermode Live in 3D show.Thanks for listening!Films and shows mentioned in this episode:Mission: ImpossibleSpacedHot FuzzShaun of the DeadThe World's endMeantimeSyd & NancyCity of the Living DeadDawn of the DeadStar TrekSpacedStar WarsGuest House ParadisoThe Young OnesDoctor WhoPeople mentioned in this episode:Eddie HamiltonTom CruiseMike LeighGary OldmanNick FrostLucio FulciEdgar WrightRich FulcherJessica HynesLeonard NimoyPeter MayhewJoonas Viljami SuotamoRick MayallAde EdmondsonThe opening title sequence of Kermode on Film features quotes from:Mary Poppins – Julie AndrewsNope – Keke PalmerWithnail & I – Richard E. GrantThe Exorcist – Ellen Burstyn and Linda BlairWe love these films. We urge you to seek them out and watch them—again and again. They are masterpieces.Kermode on Film is an HLA Agency production.This episode was edited by Alex Archbold Jones.Cover photo by Julie Edwards© Copyright HLA Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Kermode On Film Mark talks to actor Domhnall Gleeson and director Michael Pearce, whose gripping psychological drama Echo Valley stars Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney, and he talks to actor Posy Sterling, who takes on her first leading role as Molly in Lollipop, a bittersweet story about a mother faced with the injustices of the care system in Britain.This episode of Kermode On Film was recorded live at the BFI Southbank on 9 June 2025, and was the first half of that date's Mark Kermode Live in 3D show.Come back for Part 2, where Mark is joined by actor Simon Pegg, who talks about his role in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, and reflects on his career from Spaced and the Cornetto Trilogy all the way to Hollywood.Thanks for listening!Films mentioned in this episode:Echo ValleySicarioLollipopSeven SamuraiPunch Drunk LoveDead Man's ShoesPeople mentioned in this episode:Domhnall GleesonMichael PearcePosy SterlingSimon PeggJulianne MooreSydney Sweeney———————The opening title sequence of Kermode on Film uses quotes from:Mary Poppins, directed by Robert Stevenson and distributed by Walt Disney Motion Pictures – quote featuring Julie Andrews.Nope, written, directed and produced by Jordan Peele, and distributed by Universal Studios – quote featuring Keke Palmer.Withnail & I, written and directed by Bruce Robinson, and distributed by HandMade Films – quote featuring Richard E Grant.The Exorcist, written by William Peter Blatty and directed by William Friedkin, distributed by Warner Brothers – quote featuring Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair.We love these films. We urge you to seek them out, and watch them, again and again.They are masterpieces!Kermode on Film is an HLA Agency production.This episode was edited by Alex Archbold Jones.© Copyright HLA Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second part of Mark Kermode Live in 3D, Mark is joined by director Shannon Murphy, who discusses Dying For Sex—a powerful and provocative television series based on a true story, starring Michelle Williams.Mark also talks with filmmaker John Maclean about Tornado, a bold and genre-defying Samurai western set in 18th Century Scotland, and with acclaimed editor Eddie Hamilton, who shares behind-the-scenes insights from cutting high-octane blockbusters like the Mission: Impossible films.This episode was recorded live at BFI Southbank on 19 May 2025 as the second half of that evening’s Mark Kermode Live in 3D show.Thanks for listening!Films and shows mentioned in this episode:Dying For SexTornadoMission: Impossible seriesTop Gun: MaverickLockeSlow WestPeople featured in this episode:Shannon MurphyJohn MacleanEddie HamiltonMichelle WilliamsGeorge MillerTom CruiseSteven KnightKodi Smit-McPheeThe opening title sequence of Kermode on Film features quotes from:Mary Poppins – Julie AndrewsNope – Keke PalmerWithnail & I – Richard E. GrantThe Exorcist – Ellen Burstyn and Linda BlairWe love these films. We urge you to seek them out and watch them—again and again. They are masterpieces.Mark Kermode Live in 3D and Kermode on Film are HLA Agency productionsThis episode was edited by Alex Archbold Jones© HLA Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of  Kermode On Film Mark talks to director Babak Anvari, whose nail-biting thriller Hallow Road was released in UK cinemas on 16 May 2025, and he talks to writer-director Alberto Sciamma, whose stunningly beautiful film Cielo premieres at SXSW on 6 June 2025. This episode of Kermode On Film was recorded live at the BFI Southbank on 19 May 2025, and was the first half of that date's Mark Kermode Live in 3D show.In Part 2, Mark is joined by director Shannon Murphy, who talks about the television series Dying For Sex, based on a true story starring Michelle Williams. Mark also talks with John Maclean about Tornado, the Samurai western set in 18th Century Scotland, and with Eddie Hamilton, editor of the Mission: Impossible films, among many others.Thanks for listening!Film mentioned in this episode:Hallow RoadUnder the ShadowsUsI Came ByThe ExorcistStar WarsCieloTales of Ordinary MadnessLa Grande BouffePeople mentioned in this episode:Babak AnvariAlberto SciammaWilliam GilliesRosamund PikeMatthew RhysJohn CassavetesLorne BalfeDepeche ModePeter AdamsGeorge MackayBettina KadooriJohn Dunton-DownerAna-Maria VeraMarco FerreriBen Gazzara———————The opening title sequence of Kermode on Film uses quotes from:- Mary Poppins, directed by Robert Stevenson and distributed by Walt Disney Motion Pictures – quote featuring Julie Andrews.- Nope, written, directed and produced by Jordan Peele, and distributed by Universal Studios – quote featuring Keke Palmer.- Withnail & I, written and directed by Bruce Robinson, and distributed by HandMade Films – quote featuring Richard E Grant.- The Exorcist, written by William Peter Blatty and directed by William Friedkin, distributed by Warner Brothers – quote featuring Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair.We love these films. We urge you to seek them out, and watch them, again and again.They are masterpieces!Kermode on Film is an HLA Agency production.This episode was edited by Alex Archbold Jones.© Copyright HLA Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Kermode and Jack Howard pick up where they left off, and get together again on the Kermode On Film podcast. You won’t get any reviews of new releases here: for those, you can listen to Kermode & Mayo’s Take. Jack and Mark talk about the classics they love, about highly anticipated films that aren’t on release yet, and about screen culture in general.In this bumper episode they talk, among other things, about Jack’s recently completed short film The Second Time Around. Buckle up!Topics discussed in this episode:The Revenge of the SithThe Force AwakensThe Dark KnightTimes tablesSchool results and examsThe validity of film criticismThe demise of the Kermodean RantStar WarsSpace wizardsClive Barker’s Weave WorldChristopher Nolan's TenetJack Howard's The Second Time Around YouTube fameThe White Lotus and Jason IsaacsThe Studio Vs The PlayerMission: Impossible titlesCopyright © HLA Agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.