On this special episode, Mike talks with actor/musician Dash Mihok a little bit about his career including his latest film, Armor (2024). The film will be in Theaters, On Digital and On Demand November 22, 2024.Learn more at https://dashmihok.net/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
We continue Noirvember 2024 with a look at Jean Renoir’s The Woman on the Beach. Released in 1947, the film tells the tale of veteran Scott Burnett played by Robert Ryan. He’s plagued with nightmares caused by his PTSD and is assigned to the mounted division of the Coast Guard where he patrols the beach on his horse, meeting the comely Peggy Butler played by Joan Bennett. She’s married to blind painter Tod Butler played by Charles Bickford. Otto Bruno and Robert Bellissimo join Mike to discuss this compromised film and what could have been.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
Mike welcomes filmmaker Eugenio Mira to discuss his 2004 darkly comic thriller The Birthday. Starring Corey Feldman, the film unfolds at an eerie party in a mysterious hotel, revealing a strange world where horror, surrealism, and cult menace meet. Mira dives into the film’s influences, its unique stylistic choices, and how it developed its cult status. This conversation offers an intriguing look into a forgotten gem of early 2000s genre cinema.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
Mike welcomes Bill Burke, former TCM executive and founder of The Optimism Institute, for a deep dive into cinema’s power to inspire and uplift. Drawing from Burke’s mission to champion optimism and celebrate humanity, the discussion explores his views on the role of movies in encouraging positivity and resilience. Burke shares his thoughts on TCM’s influence on film lovers and how the Institute fosters a brighter outlook in challenging times.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
Mike talks with creature and makeup effects artist Steve Newburn to explore his transformative work on Sasquatch Sunset (2024). Known for turning actors like Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough into life-like cryptids, Newburn shares insights into the prosthetic design and the challenges of outdoor filming in rugged settings. Newburn’s craftsmanship, honed over 30 years, takes center stage as he discusses the delicate balance of realism, comfort, and storytelling in creature design.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
Mike sits down with Mark Edlitz to dive into Movies Go Fourth, Edlitz’s latest exploration of film history that focuses on fourth installments in beloved movie franchises. Together, they explore the unique quirks, challenges, and unexpected triumphs of fourth films, from reinventions to revivals. Alongside a conversation about the power of nostalgia and innovation in filmmaking, this episode promises insights for fans of sequels, classics, and the less-charted cinematic territories of beloved series.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
On this special episode, we’re diving into the curious 1953 fantasy The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. Produced by Stanley Kramer, directed by Roy Rowland, and uniquely penned by Dr. Seuss, the film stars Hans Conreid as Dr. Terwilliker, a sinister piano teacher who’s devised the “Terwilliker Method” for the obedient fingers of child pianists. Tommy Rettig plays Bartholomew Collins, an imaginative boy determined to derail Dr. T's grand plans. Join Mike, playwright David MacGregor, and critic John Monaghan as they delve into the film's quirky charms, elaborate set pieces, and iconic status.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
Mike welcomes Samm Deighan and Andrew Nette, co-editors of Revolution in 35mm: Political Violence and Resistance in Cinema from the Arthouse to the Grindhouse, 1960–1990, from PM Press. The book explores revolutionary cinema across the globe. They discuss the themes and politics of the films covered in the book, highlighting how cinema has been used to challenge authority, incite change, and reflect social struggles. It’s a deep dive into cinema as a tool for revolution, with insights from two of the leading voices in the field of film criticism.Order your copy from PM Press at https://bit.ly/3Ai6y8x Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
We to kick off Noirvember 2024 with a delve into Pitfall (1948), a classic film noir directed by André De Toth, starring Dick Powell as an insurance man caught in a web of deception and danger. When Powell's character falls for Lizabeth Scott’s femme fatale, his seemingly mundane life spirals into chaos, bringing betrayal, blackmail, and murder.Ian Brownell and Philip Marinello join Mike to explore the film’s themes of moral ambiguity, post-war disillusionment, and the pitfalls of desire in this rich discussion of this noir gem.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
Set against the sun-drenched landscapes of Baja California, this film explores a cursed tale where the desert heat and shadows of folklore merge into an atmospheric terror. Mike speaks with writer/director Jeff Daniel Phillips about his latest feature film on this special episode.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
In this episode of The Projection Booth, Mike interviews Tim Hautekiet, the director behind Me, Myself & the Void (2024). Hautekiet shares insights into crafting this surreal, introspective journey that follows a stand-up comedian as he confronts himself in a mysterious "void." Exploring themes of self-discovery, friendship, and vulnerability, Mike and Hautekiet discuss the film's influences, the creative process, and its unique balance of comedy and introspection that aims to resonate with audiences on a personal level.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
In this exciting crossover episode, Mike is joined by Chris Stachiw of The Kulturecast, Father Malone of Midnight Viewing, and filmmaker Antonio Llapur for a lively discussion of Venom: The Last Dance (2024). While Chris and Mike found a lot to admire, Father Malone and Antonio weren’t as enthusiastic, leading to a spirited exchange on what works and what misses in this unique entry in the Venom franchise.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
In this episode Mike talks with Barry Keating, the co-screenwriter of Invoking Yell (2024), the latest horror from Chilean director Patricio Valladares. Set in the isolated landscapes of Southern Chile, this atmospheric found-footage film follows a group of young women trying to record a black metal demo amidst strange, paranormal occurrences in the forest. What starts as a raw music venture quickly descends into a terrifying ordeal as eerie forces begin to lurk around every corner.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
The Spirit of Halloweentown (2024) celebrates the unique Halloween festival of St. Helens, Oregon—a town that annually transforms itself in tribute to Disney’s cult-classic film Halloweentown, which was filmed there in 1998. Directed by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb, known for their nostalgic lens in Jasper Mall, the film dives into the lives of the locals who are the heart of this Halloween tradition.As part of our Fantastic Fest coverage, Mike talks with Thomason and Whitcomb about their latest documentary film.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
#Shocktober2024 wraps up with a double dose of horror and weird science, diving into The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant, a pick from Patreon donor James Brummel. No, it’s not the two-headed flick with Rosie Greer or the one from Japan—this is Bruce Dern’s wild ride as a mad scientist, melding the body of a manchild with the head of a deranged killer in the ultimate “transplant gone wrong.”Tim and Agatha Luz of CinemaSpection join Mike to break down this two-headed cult classic and explore the world of other split-brained cinema (The Manster, The Thing with Two Heads).Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
Mike, Dr. Nicholas Schlegel, and Heather Drain bring the eerie vibe of Shocktober 2024 to new heights with a Patreon request from Kyler Fey: Bell from Hell. This sinister 1973 gem by Claudio Guerín, written by Santiago Moncada, follows John (Renaud Verley), fresh from the asylum after a stay orchestrated by his aunt, Marta (Viveca Lindfors), and her three daughters. Now he’s back—and his intentions? Is he a prankster with a wicked sense of humor, or is he dead-set on revenge?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
Get ready for a wild deep dive into the world of cult cinema preservation! Mike sits down with Jackson Cooper to uncover the incredible work of the American Genre Film Archive (AGFA). From rescuing the rarest of grindhouse gems to giving life to lost horror, sci-fi, and action films, AGFA is on a mission to save the strange and spectacular corners of film history. Together, they explore how this non-profit powerhouse preserves, restores, and redistributes the films that defy genre and have captivated die-hard fans for decades.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
Our #Shocktober coverage heats up with a Patreon pick from Ellis Kish: Turkey Shoot. This 1982 cult classic from writer-director Brian Trenchard-Smith throws us into a dystopian nightmare set in the “futuristic” year of 1995. Steve Railsback and Olivia Hussey star as prisoners caught in a ruthless government’s clutches, where torture is just the beginning—the real terror lies in the deadly “Turkey Shoot.”Heather Drain, Andrew Nette, and Mike dive into this savage satire with insights from Trenchard-Smith and actor Roger Ward, who share the gritty details behind this shocking tale of authoritarianism.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
Shocktober continues with a Patreon request as we discuss the 2022 horror film Rucker which follows Leif Rucker, a seemingly ordinary long-haul trucker who has been serially killing women resembling his ex-wife for 30 years. The narrative takes a turn when Maggie, a young filmmaker making a documentary about truckers, becomes privy to Rucker's deadly secret and chooses to document his crimes.Father Malone and Chris Stachiw join Mike to discuss the film, alongside an interview with director Amy Hesketh.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
Our coverage of the Fantastic Fest continues with a look at Heads or Fails via a discussion with film making brothers Harpo and Lenny Guit alongside composer Simon Hanes.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
Erik B. Anderson
are they serious with the ad breaks?
robinkavanagh@yahoo.com
This is a fantastic walk through of the film Wolfen, and some of those involved in the production. I remember when the film was released, and how it was promoted that gave the feeling of it being more of a urban horror film. When it was finally released on VHS I was able to convince my parents to rent it i was able to finally see it. At the time I was not able to follow the story and only found interest in the character played by Albert Finney. His strange presence on the screen throughout, eating cookies in the morgue, his accent and stone faced facade was the one thing I found disturbing. I recall liking the film, but not knowing why. After listening to your episode my appreciation for the film has grown immensely. Excellent handling of this film in your podcast.
Sean Smith
I love this film, but it's ruined when a bunch of useless worthless leftists are whining about how easy it is to get guns in America. I used to like all the research that went into PB episodes. Clearly, you are part of the problem. Brace yourself. It's going to a whole lot worse for you leftists.