Requiem for a Dream (2000) ft. Heather Stewart

Dana and Tom with returning guest, Heather Stewart (The Revisionist Almanac's Senior European Correspondent) discuss Requiem for a Dream (2000) celebrating its 25th Anniversary: written and directed by Darren Aronofsky with Hubert Selby, Jr., cinematography by Matthew Libatique, music by Clint Mansell, editing by Jay Rabinowitz, starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans.Plot Summary: In Requiem for a Dream, four residents of Coney Island chase transformative dreams at any cost. Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn), a lonely widow, becomes obsessed with appearing on her favorite TV game show and resorts to prescription diet pills. Her son Harry (Jared Leto), his girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly), and best friend Tyrone (Marlon Wayans) envision striking it rich as drug dealers, fueling their ambitions with heroin and amphetamines. As each character’s dependency deepens, their utopian visions shatter, plunging them into a harrowing spiral of addiction and despair.Guest:Heather StewartThe Revisionist Almanac's Senior European Correspondent@heatherjstewart on IG, X, LetterboxdPreviously on Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)Chapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for Requiem for a Dream03:13 Welcome Back, Heather Stewart04:29 Heather's New Role06:37 A CLP Thank You to Heather and General Discussion16:25 The Quintessential Bottoming Out Movie20:11 First Impressions of Requiem29:27 Plot Summary for Requiem for a Dream30:22 What is Requiem for a Dream About?42:35 Did You Know?46:34 First Break48:34 What's Up with Heather Stewart?54:32 CLP Rankings - #50-4101:09:29 Best Performance(s)01:22:40 Best Scene(s)01:32:55 Second Break01:33:33 In Memoriam01:34:33 Best Lines01:37:26 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:45:49 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:50:18 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:56:43 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness02:01:20 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:07:44 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:11:50 Remaining Questions for Requiem02:19:59 Thank You to Heather and Remaining Thoughts02:21:49 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/requiem-for-a-dream-2000-ft-heather-stewartFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: <a href="https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Dana and Tom with Jaylan Salah Salman (film critic, author and poet, podcaster) discuss All About Eve (1950): written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, cinematography by Milton Krasner, music by Alfred Newman, starring Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders, Celeste Holm, Hugh Marlowe, and Thelma Ritter.Plot Summary: All About Eve is a classic drama about ambition, fame, and betrayal in the world of theater. The film stars Bette Davis as Margo Channing, a talented but aging Broadway star who begins to feel threatened by a young admirer named Eve Harrington, played by Anne Baxter.Eve appears at first to be a devoted fan, eager to help Margo with her career. Margo takes pity on her and hires her as an assistant. But over time, Margo and her friends—including her playwright friend Lloyd Richards (Hugh Marlowe), his wife Karen (Celeste Holm), and theater critic Addison DeWitt (George Sanders)—realize that Eve has bigger ambitions. She wants Margo’s fame, her friends, and even her roles on stage.As Eve schemes her way to the top, Margo must face her own insecurities about aging and love, especially with her younger boyfriend Bill Sampson (Gary Merrill). The story becomes a battle of wits and emotions, showing how ruthless ambition can destroy friendships and reputations.Guest:Jaylan Salah SalmanFilm CriticAuthor and Poet on Amazon@jaylansalman on IG,&nbsp;Letterboxd, @jaylan_salah on TwitterPodcaster - The Jay Days (@jaylansalahsalman) on YouTubePreviously on Joker (2019), Saw (2004)Chapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for All About Eve05:31 Welcome Back Jaylan Salman07:20 Why All About Eve?09:27 The Year 1950 at the Oscars13:29 Plot Summary for All About Eve14:56 What is All About Eve About?21:11 Baxter, Davis, or Swanson?29:37 Did You Know?35:44 First Break36:26 What's Up with Jaylan Salman37:16 The Cinema Legacy Poll Rankings - #59-5153:49 New Listeners in New Countries54:43 Best Performance(s)01:10:29 Best Scene(s)01:18:25 Second Break01:19:04 In Memoriam01:27:20 Best/Funniest Lines01:31:09 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:37:38 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Signficance01:42:50 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:45:58 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:49:29 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:53:00 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:54:45 Remaining Questions for All About Eve01:58:00 Thank You to Jaylan and Remaining Thoughts02:05:26 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, <a href="https://youtube.com/@gmoatpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer"

Dana and Tom with 5x Club Member, Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight&nbsp;podcast) discuss Rebel Without a Cause (1955) celebrating its 70th anniversary: directed by Nicholas Ray, written by Stewart Stern and Irving Shulman, cinematography by Ernest Haller, music by Leonard Rosenman, starring James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo, and Jim Backus.Plot Summary: Rebel Without a Cause explores teenage rebellion and emotional confusion in 1950s America. The movie stars James Dean as Jim Stark, a troubled teenager who struggles to fit in after moving to a new town. His parents, played by Jim Backus and Ann Doran, constantly argue, leaving Jim feeling misunderstood and angry.At his new high school, Jim quickly gets into trouble with a local gang led by Buzz Gunderson (played by Corey Allen). When a “chickie run” ends in tragedy with Buzz's death, Jim quickly becomes the enemy of the gang. Afterward, Jim finds himself drawn to Judy (Natalie Wood), Buzz’s girlfriend, who also feels neglected by her parents. The two bond over their shared loneliness and confusion about adulthood. They are joined by Plato (Sal Mineo), a shy and troubled boy who looks up to Jim as a father figure.The three teens briefly imagine forming their own “family,” away from the chaos of their parents’ lives. But when the police close in on them, tragedy strikes again, showing how fragile and misunderstood young people can be when they have nowhere to turn.Guest:Peterson W. Hill&nbsp;- Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight&nbsp;podcast@petersonwhill on IG, Letterboxd, and TwitterPrevious Guest on Gone Girl (2014), Parasite (2019), Fight Club (1999), Ben-Hur (1959), Up in the Air (2009), The Shop Around the Corner (1940), La Dolce Vita (1960), The Social Network (2010) Revisit, Pather Panchali (1955), Se7en (1995), <a...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club member, Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight&nbsp;podcast) discuss Spartacus (1960) for its 65th Anniversary: directed by Stanley Kubrick, written by Dalton Trumbo, Cinematography by Russell Metty, Music by Alex North, starring Kirk Douglas, Jean Simmons, Tony Curtis, Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, and Peter Ustinov.Plot Summary: Spartacus tells the story of a slave in ancient Rome who refuses to accept a life of cruelty and injustice. Born into slavery, Spartacus is forced to fight as a gladiator for the entertainment of wealthy Romans. However, his strength, courage, and sense of dignity inspire other slaves to follow him when he leads a massive revolt, freeing thousands of men, women, and children. Spartacus dreams of escaping Rome’s control and living freely. However, the Roman army is powerful and relentless. Despite many victories, Spartacus and his followers cannot escape Rome’s reach. In the end, Spartacus is captured and crucified, but his spirit of resistance lives on. The film shows how his fight for freedom challenged the might of an empire and became a symbol of courage against oppression.Chapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for Sparatacus03:24 Relationship(s) to Spartacus09:00 Kirk Douglas' Crowning Achievement?15:59 Plot Summary for Spartacus17:04 What is Spartacus About?21:54 Where is Spartacus in the Kubrick Rankings?26:16 Did You Know?31:39 First Break32:28 What's Happening with Peterson?38:19 The Cinema Legacy Poll - #79-7150:50 Best Performance(s)01:05:45 Best Scene(s)01:14:59 Second Break01:15:45 Best/Funniest Lines01:18:07 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:25:43 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:32:12 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:37:53 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:42:10 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:45:11 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:47:20 Remaining Questions for Spartacus01:52:21 Thank You Peterson and Final Thoughts02:01:53 CreditsGuest:Peterson W. Hill&nbsp;- Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight&nbsp;podcast@petersonwhill on IG, Letterboxd, and TwitterPrevious Guest on Gone Girl (2014), Parasite (2019), Fight Club (1999), Ben-Hur (1959), Up in the Air (2009), The Shop Around the Corner (1940), <a...

Dana and Tom with colleague, Braden Ganter, discuss The Martian (2015): directed by Ridley Scott, written by Drew Goddard, cinematography by Dariusz Wolski, music by Harry Gregson-Williams, starring Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Pena, Sean Bean, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, and Donald Glover.Plot Summary: The Martian is a science fiction drama about astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon), who is stranded on Mars after his crew believes he died in a storm. Alone on the hostile planet, he must use his skills as a botanist and engineer to grow food, create water, and survive until rescue is possible. Back on Earth, NASA and its crew race against time to bring him home. The film showcases human resilience, ingenuity, and the power of teamwork in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.Guest:Braden GanterAttorney at Duncan Disability LawPreviously on Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Godfather - Part IIChapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for The Martian03:16 Welcome Back Braden Ganter05:15 Relationship(s) with The Martian and Dana's First Impression13:44 Plot Summary for The Martian14:27 What is The Martian About?17:16 Ridley Scott's Best Film Since Gladiator?23:43 Did You Know?27:16 First Break28:02 The Cinema Legacy Poll Reveal - #88-8138:20 Best Performance(s)44:54 Best Scene(s)50:46 Second Break51:25 In Memoriam52:56 Best/Funniest Lines55:33 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:00:35 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:06:48 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:11:59 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:17:45 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:20:06 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:21:55 Remaining Questions for The Martian01:26:00 Thank You to Braden and Final Thoughts01:29:34 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/the-martian-2015-ft-braden-ganterFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:The Martian, Ridley Scott, Matt Damon, science fiction, film analysis, movie review, Oscar nominations, character development, perseverance, cultural impact, Jeff Daniels, soundtrack, best scenes, legacy, humor, originality, classicness, rewatchability, Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Donald Glover, Sean Bean, Sebastian Stan, Benedict Wong, Kristen Wiig, Nick Mohammed, Michael PenaRonny Duncan Studios

Dana and Tom with 5x Club Member, Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight&nbsp;podcast) discuss the crime noir thriller, Se7en (1995) for its 30th anniversary: directed by David Fincher, written by Andrew Kevin Walker, cinematography by Darius Khondji, music by Howard Shore, starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, R. Lee Ermey, John C. McGinley, and Kevin Spacey.Plot Summary: Se7en, directed by David Fincher, is a dark crime thriller about two detectives trying to stop a serial killer. Detective Somerset (Morgan Freeman), an older cop close to retirement, is partnered with Detective Mills (Brad Pitt), a younger officer new to the city. They begin investigating a series of murders where each crime represents one of the seven deadly sins: gluttony, greed, sloth, lust, pride, envy, and wrath.The killer, John Doe, carefully plans each murder as a twisted lesson about human corruption. Somerset and Mills struggle to keep up as the crimes grow more shocking and disturbing. The case takes a personal turn when Doe finally surrenders, leading the detectives to a final trap that tests their morals.The movie explores themes of justice, morality, and the darkness of human nature. Its bleak atmosphere and shocking ending leave a lasting impact, making Seven one of the most powerful crime films of the 1990s.Guest:Peterson W. Hill&nbsp;- Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight&nbsp;podcast@petersonwhill on IG, Letterboxd, and TwitterPrevious Guest on Gone Girl (2014), Parasite (2019), Fight Club (1999), Ben-Hur (1959), Up in the Air (2009), The Shop Around the Corner (1940), La Dolce Vita (1960), The Social Network (2010) Revisit, Pather Panchali (1955)Chapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast and Background for Se7en04:57 Welcome Back Peterson09:11 The Impact of Se7en on the Crime and Horror Genres17:09 Relationship(s) with Se7en21:52 Plot Summary for Se7en23:10 What is Se7en About?29:41 All-Time Film Twist...

Dana and Tom with returning guest, Frank Mandosa (Host of Reels of Cinema&nbsp;podcast, co-host of Movies across the Pod), discuss the Best Picture winner of 1980 - Ordinary People: directed by Robert Redford, written by Alvin Sargent, cinematography by John Bailey, music by Marvin Hamlisch, starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, and Timothy Hutton.Plot Summary: Ordinary People is a powerful drama about a family torn apart by loss. The Jarretts seem like a perfect upper-class family, but the death of their oldest son, Buck, leaves deep scars. Conrad, the younger son (Timothy Hutton), struggles with guilt and depression, leading to a suicide attempt. With the help of psychiatrist Dr. Berger (Judd Hirsch), he slowly begins to face his painful emotions and heal.Conrad’s father, Calvin (Donald Sutherland), wants to connect and support him, but his mother, Beth (Mary Tyler Moore), cannot show her feelings and insists on keeping up appearances. This emotional distance pushes Conrad away, creating tension in her and Calvin's marriage. Ultimately, the family must confront the truth that love and healing require honesty, not denial.Guest:Frank MandosaHost of Reels of Cinema&nbsp;podcast, co-host of Movies across the Podhttps://linktr.ee/reelsofcinema; www.frankmandosa.weebly.comPreviously on The Sixth Sense, Sunset Boulevard (1950) RevisitChapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for Ordinary People04:02 Welcome Back Frank Mandosa06:43 Being Compared to Raging Bull and Mental Health in the 1980s19:35 Relationships with Ordinary People25:25 Are We in a Better Place with Mental Health Today?30:52 What is Ordinary People About?38:08 Plot Summary for Ordinary People39:17 Did You Know?46:15 First Break47:18 What's Up with Frank Mandosa48:18 The Cinema Legacy Poll Release #258:33 Best Performance(s)01:21:14 Best Scene(s)01:35:56 Second Break01:36:34 In Memoriam01:41:00 Best/Funniest Lines01:44:46 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:51:59 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:59:52 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty02:02:27 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness02:08:53 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:14:16 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:16:00 Remaining Questions for Ordinary People02:21:24 Listener Questions02:33:12 Thank You to Frank and Remaining Thoughts02:37:19 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: <a...

Dana had to call in sick this week, so Tom and the newest 5x Club member, Jesse Sertle (CineMadison) discuss Almost Famous (2000) for its 25th anniversary: written and directed by Cameron Crowe, cinematography by John Toll, music by Nancy Wilson, starring Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand, Jason Lee, and Patrick Fugit.Plot Summary: Almost Famous is a coming-of-age story about music, identity, and growing up in the 1970s. The film follows William Miller, a 15-year-old aspiring music journalist, who gets the chance of a lifetime when Rolling Stone magazine hires him to cover an up-and-coming rock band called Stillwater.William joins the band on tour, where he experiences the excitement and chaos of life on the road. Along the way, he befriends Penny Lane, a free-spirited groupie who hides her own heartbreak behind her love for the music. As William tries to balance his journalistic duties with his feelings of friendship and loyalty, he struggles with the blurred lines between truth and storytelling.At its core, Almost Famous is about the power of music to shape lives, the messy process of growing up, and learning who you are when surrounded by fame, love, and disappointment.Guest:Jesse Sertle (5x Club Member)fellow group member of CineMadisonpreviously on Rounders (1998), Easy Rider (1969), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Star Wars (1977)@jsertle&nbsp;on IGChapters00:00 Introduction, Cast of Almost Famous, and Welcome Back Jesse03:34 Almost Famous - Tom's First Impressions09:00 Background for Almost Famous10:11 Why Does America Love Rockstars?16:12 Plot Summary for Almost Famous17:08 What is Almost Famous About?26:27 Did You Know?30:18 First Break31:01 Best Performance(s)42:13 Best Scene(s)51:36 Second Break52:14 In Memoriam54:39 Best/Funniest Lines57:57 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:07:39 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:12:53 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:16:42 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:23:07 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:26:24 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:27:30 Remaining Questions for Almost Famous01:33:30 Thank You to Jesse and Final Thoughts01:36:52 Credits01:37:57 Introduction to the Cinema Legacy Poll01:38:43 Thank You to All of Our Participants01:43:25 The Cinema Legacy Poll - Rankings 120-11101:45:21 Initial Reactions to the First List Drop01:52:36 Final Thoughts for the Weekly DropYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: <a...

Dana and Tom with Frank Mandosa (host of Reels of Cinema, co-host of Movie Across the Pod) revisit Sunset Boulevard (1950): written and directed by Billy Wilder with Charles Brackett and DM Marshman Jr, cinematography by John F. Seitz, music by Franz Waxman, starring William Holden, Gloria Swanson, and Erich Von Stroheim.Plot Summary: Sunset Boulevard is a dark Hollywood drama directed by Billy Wilder. The story follows Joe Gillis (William Holden), a struggling screenwriter who can’t sell his scripts. By chance, he meets Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), a once-famous silent film actress who now lives in isolation in her decaying mansion on Sunset Boulevard. Norma dreams of making a comeback and convinces Joe to help rewrite a script she believes will return her to stardom.As Joe becomes financially dependent on Norma, he finds himself trapped in her world of fading glory and denial. Their relationship grows tense and unhealthy, especially as Joe develops feelings for another young writer. Norma’s desperation and inability to accept reality lead to a shocking and tragic ending. The film is a powerful look at obsession, fame, and the dark side of Hollywood.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Frank04:39 Why is Sunset Boulevard So Critically Revered?14:11 Background for Sunset Boulevard16:51 Relationship(s) to Sunset Boulevard24:37 Plot Summary for Sunset Boulevard25:45 What is Sunset Boulevard About?29:35 Is Sunset Boulevard Billy Wilder's Best Film?33:48 Did You Know?35:52 First Break36:34 What's Happening with Frank40:38 Big Announcement - The Cinema Legacy Poll51:32 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy57:15 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:03:16 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:06:12 Second Break01:06:49 In Memoriam01:08:04 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:14:31 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:19:52 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:22:13 Remaining Questions for Sunset Boulevard01:23:36 Thank You to Frank and Final Thoughts01:26:14 CreditsGuest:Frank MandosaHost of Reels of Cinema podcast, co-host of Movies across the Podhttps://linktr.ee/reelsofcinema; www.frankmandosa.weebly.comPreviously on The Sixth SenseYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/sunset-boulevard-1950For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/sunset-boulevard-1950-revisit-ft-frank-mandosaFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: <a href="https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club Member, Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight&nbsp;podcast), discuss the Indian cinema classic, Pather Panchali (1955) celebrating its 70th anniversary: written and directed by Satyajit Ray, cinematography by Subrata Mitra, music by Ravi Shankar, starring Kanu Banerjee, Karuna Banerjee, Subir Banerjee, Runki Banerjee, Uma Dasgupta, and Chunibala Devi.Plot Summary: Pather Panchali (meaning Song of the Little Road) is a 1955 film by Satyajit Ray. It tells the story of Apu, a young boy in a poor village in Bengal. His father, Harihar, is a priest who dreams of a better life, while his mother, Sarbajaya, struggles to care for the family. Apu is very close to his older sister, Durga, who finds happiness in small things even though they are very poor.The film shows daily village life—both its beauty and hardships—through the children’s eyes. As the family faces loss and change, Apu begins a journey that reflects the joys and sorrows of growing up.Guest:Peterson W. Hill&nbsp;- Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight&nbsp;podcast@petersonwhill on IG, Letterboxd, and TwitterPrevious Guest on Gone Girl (2014), Parasite (2019), Fight Club (1999), Ben-Hur (1959), Up in the Air (2009), The Shop Around the Corner (1940), La Dolce Vita (1960), The Social Network (2010) RevisitChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Peterson05:04 First Impressions for Dana and Tom11:30 Peterson's Relationship to Pather Panchali14:21 Background for Pather Panchali16:33 What is Pather Panchali About?20:32 Does Pather Panchali Deserve to Be Mentioned Among the Greatest Films?32:11 Plot Summary for Pather Panchali33:55 Did You Know?36:18 First Break36:59 What's Happening with Peterson W. Hill?37:43 Best Performance(s)52:15 Best Scene(s)01:02:36 Second Break01:03:17 In Memoriam01:11:16 Best/Funniest Lines01:12:52 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:18:35 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:24:14 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:30:45 The Stanley Rubric -...