539: Eric Idle Discusses His Love Of Music

Our latest guest on Soundtracking is Kogonada, director of a wonderful film called A Big Bold Beautiful Journey. Starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, it tells the story of David and Sarah, two strangers who meet at a mutual friend's wedding and embark on a fantastical exploration of their respective pasts. A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is scored by the legend that is Joe Hisaishi - and we feature extracts from his score throughout the conversation.

It's bonus time again here on Soundtracking, as director Jay Roach and writer Tony McNamara join me to discuss their collaboration on The Roses - a reimagining of the classic 1989 black comedy, The War Of The Roses. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Coleman - with stellar support from the likes of Zoe Chao, Kate McKinnon and Ncuti Gatwa - it tells the story of a successful couple whose seemingly pitch-perfect marriage starts falling apart. It's scored by Theodore Shapiro, and also features two covers performed by Jay's wife, Susanna Hoffs from The Bangles in the company of Rufus Wainwright & Eric Johnson. We also have a wonderful little clip with The Director of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, Simon Curtis talking about working with composer John Lunn.  You can watch the whole interview with Simon and some of the cast over on our YouTube Channel, Soundtracking Extra. 

Our latest guest on Soundtracking is a true cultural legend. It's only Python Eric Idle, who joins us to promote his show Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life - Live. It kicks off on Wednesday with dates around the country, and you can find details and buy tickets at ericidle.com

It's bonus time, as we bring you an extra episode of Soundtracking with Chris Columbus, director of the adaptation of Richard Osman's bestseller, The Thursday Murder Club. With a stellar cast including Hellen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Sir Ben Kingsley & Celia Imrie, it tells the story of Four retirees who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun, only to find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands.

Our latest guest on Soundtracking is Darren Aronofsky, who returns to the podcast to discuss his comedy crime thriller, Caught Stealing. Starring Austin Butler, Regina King, Matt Smith, Zoe Kravitz and Liev Schreiber among others, it tells the story of New York bartender Hank Thompson, who finds himself in all manner of trouble with a motley crue of gangsters and lowlives when he agrees to look after his neighbours cat. The score was written by Rob Simonson and performed hy IDLES, who also wrote some original pieces for the film themselves. Darren goes into great detail about their collaboration.

Our latest guest on soundtracking is Ari Aster, writer and director of Eddington. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal and Emma Stone, it tells the story of a standoff between the mayor and sheriff of Eddington during Covid, which quickly escalates into all manner of chaos as battle lines are drawn. Eddington is scored by Daniel Pemberton and Bobby Krilic, and we'll hear plenty of their music throughout the conversation.

We promised you a bonus, so here it is, as Mark Hamill joins Edith to discuss his role in The Life Of Chuck, and reminisce about Star Wars. Enjoy!

Our latest guests on Soundtracking are Tom Hiddleston and Chiwetel Ejiofor, who join us ahead of the release of the quite wonderful The Life Of Chuck. Based on a short story by Stephen King, it tells the story of 'everyman' Chuck Krantz, charting his life in reverse order, chronicling a death that coincides with the end of the universe to his formative years.

From a waiting room at a railway station, Edith is joined by Michael Pearce. Michael is the director of the Apple TV + film, Echo Valley. Starring Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney, Echo Falls tells the story of a mother who comes to the aid of her daughter when she turns up in somewhat of an alarming state. It's scored by Jed Kurzel - soon to be a guest on this show

Our latest guest on Soundtracking is Celine Song, writer and director of romantic comedy, The Materialists. Starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal, the film follows the story of a New York City matchmaker torn between her aspiring-actor ex-boyfriend and a charming millionaire. It's scored beautifully by our old friend, Daniel Pemberton.